Electrophoresis system, electrophoresis apparatus and electrophoretic analysis method

Abstract

This invention provides an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, and an electrophoresis analysis method. The electrophoresis system includes an electrophoresis apparatus, an analysis device, and a display unit. Furthermore, the analysis device is configured such that, in the event that at least one of a device error (an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus) or an analysis error (an abnormality in the analysis of the component being measured) is detected, the display unit displays an abnormality detection display capable of identifying the type of the detected abnormality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, and an electrophoresis analysis method. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, an electrophoresis system for performing electrophoresis was known. Such a system is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2018 / 181432.

[0003] The electrophoresis system described in International Publication No. 2018 / 181432 includes an electrophoresis apparatus and an electrophoresis analysis apparatus. In the electrophoresis apparatus of this system, a direct current voltage is applied to electrodes inserted into electrode slots located at both ends of a capillary tube, which serves as a flow path for the sample to flow and undergo electrophoresis. When electrophoresis begins with the application of the direct current voltage to the electrodes, the sample moves due to electrophoresis. The capillary tube is then monitored through a detection window, and actual waveform data representing the time-varying brightness of the fluorescence emitted from the moving sample is generated and output to the electrophoresis analysis apparatus. The electrophoresis analysis apparatus analyzes the actual waveform data output from the electrophoresis apparatus. Specifically, the electrophoresis analysis apparatus calculates the amount of DNA based on the peak waveforms detected by the actual waveform data.

[0004] While not described in International Publication No. 2018 / 181432, abnormalities sometimes occur in the operation of the electrophoresis apparatus during the determination of analytes based on electrophoresis. Furthermore, even when the electrophoresis apparatus is functioning correctly, abnormalities sometimes occur in the analysis of the components (DNA quantity) of the analytes based on the measurements obtained using the electrophoresis apparatus. Moreover, in the event of abnormalities in the electrophoresis apparatus or in the analysis process, the analysis results of the analyte components will be abnormal. However, even if the analysis results are confirmed, it is impossible to determine what kind of abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to easily identify the type of abnormality when abnormalities occur in the analysis results obtained from analyzing the analytes separated in electrophoresis. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention was made to solve the problems described above. One object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoresis system, electrophoresis apparatus, and electrophoresis analysis method that can easily identify the type of abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results obtained from the analysis of the test object separated in electrophoresis.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the electrophoresis system according to the first aspect of the present invention comprises: an electrophoresis apparatus including a measuring unit that measures a test object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the test object; an analysis unit that analyzes the components of the test object separated by electrophoresis based on the measured values ​​of the test object measured by the measuring unit; and a display unit that displays the analysis results of the analysis unit on the test object, wherein the analysis unit is configured to display an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly when at least one of an apparatus error as an anomaly of the electrophoresis apparatus and an analysis error as an anomaly in the analysis of the components of the test object is detected.

[0007] The electrophoresis apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures a sample separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the sample. The electrophoresis apparatus is configured such that, if at least one of a device error (a device malfunction) or an analysis error (an malfunction in the analysis of the components of the sample separated by electrophoresis) is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly. The analysis is based on the measurement value of the sample measured by the measurement unit.

[0008] The electrophoretic analysis method in the third aspect of the present invention includes the following steps: analyzing the components of the separated test objects based on the measured values ​​obtained by measuring the test objects separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the test objects; and, if at least one of a device error as an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus for measuring the separated test objects by electrophoresis and an analysis error as an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the test objects is detected, causing the display unit to display an abnormality detection display that can identify the type of the detected abnormality.

[0009] In the electrophoresis system of the first aspect, the electrophoresis apparatus of the second aspect, and the electrophoresis analysis method of the third aspect, when at least one of a device error (an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus) or an analysis error (an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the analyte) is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly. Therefore, when an anomaly including at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected anomaly can be easily identified by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display shown on the display unit. Consequently, when an anomaly occurs in the analysis results obtained from analyzing the analyte separated in electrophoresis, the type of the anomaly can be easily identified. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the overall structure of the electrophoresis system of this embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of the electrophoresis apparatus of this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a chip with flow paths for electrophoresis.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing an example of a measurement value obtained through measurement by the measuring unit.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of a display in the display section.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the location of the sample holes.

[0016] Figure 7 It is a graph used to illustrate the calibration curve.

[0017] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the display of the gel image.

[0018] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the change in the order of the resolution results displayed in a gel image.

[0019] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the selection of multiple measurement objects in the sample well position display.

[0020] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an electrophoretic analysis method for one implementation. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following describes one embodiment of the invention based on the accompanying drawings.

[0022] (Overall structure of the electrophoresis system)

[0023] Reference Figures 1-10 An electrophoresis system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, in Figure 5 , Figure 6 as well as Figures 8-10 In this context, differences in shading lines are used to represent differences in color.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrophoresis system 100 of this embodiment includes an electrophoresis apparatus 101 and an analytical apparatus 102.

[0025] The electrophoresis apparatus 101 separates the analyte by electrophoresis using three chips 60a, 60b, and 60c, thereby determining the components contained in the analyte. Specifically, in the electrophoresis apparatus 101, a sample preparation section 71 (see reference 60a) is pre-positioned on the plate 70 and the sample preparation section 71. Figure 2 The measurement targets are located in flow paths 61 (refer to) respectively set in chips 60a to 60c. Figure 3 The components are separated by electrophoresis. Then, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 measures the degree of separation (the extent of distribution of each component) of the test objects separated by electrophoresis.

[0026] <Structure of the electrophoresis apparatus>

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 includes a supply unit 10, a voltage application unit 20, a measurement unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0028] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the analyte and separation buffer are supplied to the respective flow paths 61 of chips 60a, 60b and 60c by the operation of the supply unit 10 for electrophoresis-based measurement.

[0029] The analyte may include, for example, DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid), or protein. The analyte includes the analyte sample (sample) for which the separation degree of each component obtained by electrophoresis is to be determined, and a reference sample (size standard) that serves as a benchmark for the electrophoresis-based determination of the analyte sample. The analyte sample is the measured value 111 (refer to) measured using the measuring unit 30. Figure 4The target sample (subject to electrophoresis) is the analyte for which the separation degree is unknown. Conversely, the reference sample is the analyte containing nucleic acids or proteins whose separation characteristics, such as molecular weight (chain length), are already known. In other words, the target sample is the analyte with unknown composition, while the reference sample is the analyte with known composition.

[0030] Furthermore, the test objects are arranged on the plate 70 and the sample placement section 71. The plate 70 has multiple wells 70a serving as multiple placement positions for the test objects. For example, the plate 70 has 96 wells 70a arranged in an 8×12 grid pattern. The plate 70 is arranged by the operator in the plate placement position inside the electrophoresis apparatus 101 with all or part of each of the multiple wells 70a containing multiple types of test objects. Then, the test objects are placed in the sample placement section 71 independently of the plate 70. The sample placement section 71 also has wells 71a serving as multiple placement positions for the test objects. The wells 71a are arranged in a 3×12 grid pattern.

[0031] The separation buffer is filled into the flow path 61 of chips 60a, 60b and 60c respectively (see reference) before being supplied to the analyte. Figure 3 The separation medium includes, for example, a pH buffer material and at least one of a water-soluble polymer (such as a cellulose-based polymer). The separation buffer is filled into a buffer container (not shown). Alternatively, the separation buffer may be placed in the plate 70 or the sample preparation section 71. In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the analyte is supplied with the separation buffer pre-filled inside the flow path 61 for electrophoresis.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the supply unit 10 includes a probe 11 and a pump 12. The supply unit 10 supplies the separation buffer and the test objects (test object sample and reference sample) disposed on the plate 70 or the sample placement unit 71 to the chips 60a to 60c by moving the probe 11. The pump 12 adjusts the pressure of the probe 11 for drawing and ejecting the separation buffer and the test objects.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, each of chips 60a to 60c has a flow path 61 inside. Chips 60a, 60b, and 60c have identical structures. In the following description, details of chip 60a are illustrated and explained, while descriptions of chips 60b and 60c are omitted as they are identical to those of chip 60a.

[0034] Chip 60a is an electrophoresis microchip with a flow path 61 for electrophoresis disposed inside a pair of combined flat plate-shaped components. Flow path 61 includes a separation flow path 62 and a preparation flow path 63. The separation flow path 62 and the preparation flow path 63 are arranged to intersect each other. The separation flow path 62 is provided for separating the analyte by electrophoresis. In addition, the preparation flow path 63 is provided for guiding the analyte to the separation flow path 62.

[0035] Furthermore, reservoirs 64a and 64b are provided at both ends of the preparation flow path 63, serving as spaces for supplying and aspirating the separation buffer and the analyte. Similarly, reservoirs 64c and 64d are provided at both ends of the separation flow path 62. Electrodes 65a and 65b are respectively disposed on the reservoirs 64a and 64b at both ends of the preparation flow path 63. Electrodes 65c and 65d are respectively disposed on the reservoirs 64c and 64d at both ends of the separation flow path 62.

[0036] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, electrophoresis is performed by applying voltage from the voltage application unit 20 to a plurality of electrodes 65a to 65d disposed in the flow path 61. Furthermore, the magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes 65a to 65d is controlled by the control unit 40. In addition, three voltage application units 20 are provided, each corresponding to a chip 60a to 60c (see reference). Figure 2 The voltage application unit 20 applies a current voltage to the current path 61 of each of the chips 60a to 60c. That is, for chips 60b and 60c, a DC voltage is applied to the current path 61 using the voltage application unit 20 in the same way as for chip 60a.

[0037] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, when performing electrophoresis-based measurements on the chip 60a, firstly, the supply unit 10 fills the entire interior of the flow path 61 (separation flow path 62 and preparation flow path 63) with separation buffer. Then, for example, the supply unit 10 supplies the sample material drawn from the designated well 70a of the plate 70 to the reservoir 64a of the preparation flow path 63. Next, by applying a predetermined voltage to the electrodes 65a to 65d using the voltage application unit 20, the sample material moves within the preparation flow path 63 until it intersects with the separation flow path 62. Then, by varying the voltage applied from the voltage application unit 20 to each of the electrodes 65a to 65d, the sample material moves towards the electrode 65d (reservoir 64d) within the separation flow path 62 while being separated by electrophoresis.

[0038] At this time, in the electrophoretic separation measurement, the analyte moves within the separation flow path 62 at different speeds depending on the molecular weight (chain length) and other separation characteristics of its constituent components. In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the separation characteristics of each component of the analyte are measured by sequentially measuring the components arriving at the measurement positions 66 within the separation flow path 62. Thus, in the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the components contained in the analyte are measured according to the degree of separation (migratory power).

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the measurement unit 30 measures the test objects that have been separated by electrophoresis in the flow paths 61 of each of the multiple (3) chips 60a to 60c. For example, the measurement unit 30 performs fluorescence detection on the components of the test objects separated by electrophoresis. The measurement unit 30 has a measurement position 66 (see reference) in the separation flow path 62. Figure 3 An LED 31 (light-emitting diode) is used to irradiate the sample with excitation light. Furthermore, the excitation light from the LED 31 is irradiated onto each component of the sample as it moves through the separation flow path 62 while being separated by electrophoresis, thereby exciting each component of the sample to emit fluorescence. The measurement unit 30 measures this fluorescence using a photomultiplier tube 32, for example, via an optical fiber and a filter component, thereby measuring the components of the sample that have been separated by electrophoresis.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the photomultiplier tube 32 outputs a measurement signal representing the measurement value 111 to the control unit 40 based on the detected fluorescence intensity. In the measurement value 111 measured by the measurement unit 30, the measurement object, which moves while being separated by electrophoresis, passes the measurement position 66 (see reference). Figure 3 The time of peaks indicates the largest values ​​(peaks). Therefore, based on the size and position (time) of the peaks of each component contained in the analyte, the degree of distribution of each component contained in the analyte is used to analyze the components (concentration) and composition (size).

[0041] Furthermore, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is equipped with a cleaning mechanism (not shown). The electrophoresis apparatus 101 is cleaned each time a measurement of a analyte is performed in each part, including chips 60a-60c and the supply unit 10. Moreover, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to use the cleaning mechanism to clean residual analytes and separation buffer in the flow path 61, thereby repeatedly performing measurements on each chip in chips 60a-60c. In this way, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 sequentially performs measurements on each of the multiple analytes arranged in multiple sample wells 70a and 71a.

[0042] The control unit 40 controls the operation of each part of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The control unit 40 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) equipped with a processing unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as flash memory. Furthermore, the control unit 40 includes a communication module, configured to communicate with the analysis device 102. Moreover, based on drive signals from the analysis device 102, the control unit 40 controls the operation of each part of the electrophoresis apparatus 101 in a manner that sequentially performs electrophoretic measurements on multiple test objects arranged on the plate 70 and the sample placement unit 71.

[0043] Specifically, the control unit 40 operates the supply unit 10 based on a drive signal from the analysis device 102, thereby sequentially supplying the test objects arranged in the sample wells 70a of the plate 70 in a manner that, for example, one type of measurement is performed for each of the chips 60a to 60c. Then, the control unit 40 separates (moves) the test objects by applying voltage to the flow paths 61 of each of the chips 60a to 60c using the voltage application unit 20. Furthermore, the control unit 40 acquires the measurement values ​​111 measured by the measurement unit 30, which is arranged to correspond to each of the chips 60a to 60c. Then, the control unit 40 acquires the measurement values ​​111 for each of the sample wells 70a of the plate 70 and for each of the sample wells 71a of the sample placement unit 71. Finally, the control unit 40 outputs the measurement values ​​111 of the test objects measured by the measurement unit 30 to the analysis device 102 in real time for each of the chips 60a to 60c.

[0044] <Detection of Device Errors>

[0045] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 includes an anomaly detection unit 80. The anomaly detection unit 80 is configured to detect anomalies in the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Specifically, the anomaly detection unit 80 includes a voltage detection unit 81, a current detection unit 82, and a temperature detection unit 83. The voltage detection unit 81 detects the voltage output from each of the plurality of (3) voltage application units 20. The current detection unit 82 detects the current flowing through the current path 61 of each of the chips 60a to 60c due to the voltage applied by the voltage application units 20. Furthermore, the temperature detection unit 83 detects the internal temperature of the housing containing the chips 60a to 60c and the test object (plate 70 and sample placement unit 71). Then, the voltage detection unit 81, the current detection unit 82, and the temperature detection unit 83 respectively output detection signals representing the detected voltage value, current value, and internal temperature to the control unit 40.

[0046] Then, the control unit 40 detects device errors that are abnormalities in the electrophoresis apparatus 101 based on the detection signals from the abnormality detection unit 80 (voltage detection unit 81, current detection unit 82, and temperature detection unit 83). In addition, the control unit 40 is configured to detect two types of device errors of different importance: major errors and warning errors.

[0047] Specifically, the control unit 40 stores preset anomaly detection thresholds and stable operating range values ​​in a storage device such as flash memory. Furthermore, based on detection signals acquired sequentially according to device operation, the control unit 40 detects a major error, considered a significant device fault, when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the anomaly detection unit 80 exceeds the predetermined anomaly detection threshold. Upon detecting a major error, the control unit 40 stops the measurement and halts the operation of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Additionally, based on detection signals acquired sequentially according to device operation, the control unit 40 detects a warning error, considered a minor device fault, when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the anomaly detection unit 80 is not fixed (unstable). For example, if the detected voltage, current, and internal temperature change beyond a predetermined stable operating range within a specified period, the control unit 40 detects a warning error. However, the control unit 40 does not stop the measurement upon detecting a warning error.

[0048] Furthermore, the control unit 40 is configured to output a device error signal indicating the detection of a device error to the analysis unit 102 when a device error, whether a major error or a warning error, is detected. The device error signal contains information indicating whether a major error or a warning error has been detected.

[0049] <Structure of the analytical apparatus>

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the analysis device 102 includes an operation unit 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a control unit 54. The analysis device 102 is a computer used to analyze the components of a test object separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement value 111 of the test object measured by the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The analysis device 102 is configured to communicate with the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and to acquire the measurement value 111 acquired by the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and apparatus error signals.

[0051] The operation unit 51 accepts input operations from the operator. Furthermore, the operation unit 51 outputs an operation signal based on the accepted input operation to the control unit 54. The operation unit 51 may be a pointing device such as a keyboard or mouse.

[0052] The display unit 52 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, the display unit 52 displays the input information under the control of the control unit 54. Additionally, the display unit 52 displays the analysis results of the measurement object by the control unit 54 of the analysis device 102. Details of the display on the display unit 52 will be described later.

[0053] The storage unit 53 is composed of a storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). The storage unit 53 stores the measurement values ​​111 obtained using the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Additionally, the storage unit 53 stores an electrophoresis analysis program 53a for operating the control unit 54. Furthermore, the storage unit 53 stores various parameters, including preset settings or settings (measurement conditions) input by the operator.

[0054] The control unit 54 is a computer including a CPU, RAM (Random Access Memory), and ROM (Read Only Memory). The control unit 54 executes the program (electrophoresis analysis program 53a) stored in the storage unit 53 to control each part of the analysis device 102. Furthermore, the control unit 54 is configured to communicate with the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101 via a communication module (not shown).

[0055] (Details of the control measures performed by the analytical device)

[0056] The control unit 54 sends a drive signal to the control unit 40 to operate the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Specifically, based on the input operation received by the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 acquires various parameters for performing electrophoresis. For example, based on the input operation to the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 acquires sample well information indicating the sample wells 70a and 71a on which the test objects (reference sample and test object sample) to be measured are arranged, measurement condition information including information on the magnitude and time of the applied voltage, and arrangement table information indicating the measurement order of the test objects arranged in the multiple sample wells 70a and 71a. In addition, the sample well information, measurement condition information, and arrangement table information can also be selected from a database pre-stored in the storage unit 53. Then, the control unit 54 sends a drive signal containing the acquired sample well information, measurement condition information, and arrangement table information to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Then, as the measurement progresses, the control unit 54 acquires the measurement value 111 obtained by the control unit 40 based on the control of the control unit 40 using the sent drive signal in real time.

[0057] Then, as Figure 5As shown, the control unit 54 analyzes the analyte separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement value 111. Then, the control unit 54 displays the analysis results of the analyte on the display unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 54 analyzes the size (separation index value) of each component of the analyte separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement value 111. For example, in the case of DNA, the analyzed size is represented by the DNA strand length (number of base pairs). Furthermore, the control unit 54 is configured to display the sample well position display 52a, the measurement waveform display 52b, the peak table 52c, and the gel image display 52d on the display unit 52.

[0058] The well position display 52a shows the position of each well among the multiple wells 70a and 71a configured for each of the multiple test objects. In the well position display 52a, the positions of each well among the multiple wells 70a and 71a are shown in a grid pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the wells 70a and 71a in a grid pattern. For example, the positions of 96 wells 70a of 8×12 are displayed as a grid-like quadrilateral (rectangle) arranged in 8 columns (A to H) and 1 to 12 columns (X1 to X3). Similarly, the positions of wells 71a of 3×12 are displayed as a grid-like quadrilateral (rectangle) arranged in 8 columns (A to H) and 3 columns (X1 to X3).

[0059] Moreover, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the sample well position display 52a, the sample wells 70a or 71a containing the measurement object are indicated by circles displayed inside a grid-like quadrilateral. Furthermore, the overlapping display of two circles indicates that multiple measurements have been performed on the same sample well 70a or 71a. For example, in... Figure 6 In the example of the sample hole position display 52a, it indicates that: the test objects to be measured multiple times are arranged at positions shown by X1A and X2A of the sample holes 71a, and the test objects to be measured only once are arranged at positions shown by X1B to X3B, X1C to X3C, and X1D to X3D of the sample holes 71a. Furthermore, how the test objects (reference samples and test object samples) are arranged in the multiple sample holes 70a and 71a is set based on the input operation of the operation unit 51 or the data stored in the storage unit 53. For example, test objects of different types of reference samples are arranged at positions shown by X1A and X2A of the sample holes 71a. Moreover, test objects of unknown size are arranged at positions X1B to X3B, X1C to X3C, and X1D to X3D of the sample holes 71a.

[0060] In addition, such as Figure 5As shown, the measurement waveform display 52b is a waveform (electrophoresis diagram) showing the time series values ​​of the acquired measurement value 111. Specifically, the measurement waveform display 52b is represented by the signal intensity (measurement value 111) of the measurement unit 30, with the horizontal axis as the dimension and the vertical axis as the measurement value of the time series values ​​of the acquired measurement value 111. The measurement waveform display 52b also displays numerical values ​​representing the dimensions of the separated components of the measurement object.

[0061] Here, an internal standard marker, which serves as a reference for analyzing the composition of the analytes, is mixed into the analytes separated by electrophoresis. That is, in electrophoresis-based measurements, the internal standard marker, which serves as a reference for the minimum and maximum values ​​of the size (chain length) measured by electrophoresis, is supplied to the flow path 61 along with the analytes. Specifically, the internal standard marker is disposed in each of the sample wells 70a and 71a in a mixed state with each analyte. The internal standard marker has a lower limit marker (hereinafter referred to as LM) and an upper limit marker (hereinafter referred to as UM). LM is measured in the measurement unit 30 with a size sufficiently small compared to the analytes. Furthermore, UM is measured in the measurement unit 30 with a size sufficiently large compared to the analytes. In other words, LM is a size sufficiently small compared to both the reference sample and the analyte sample, and UM is a size sufficiently large compared to both the reference sample and the analyte sample.

[0062] In the electrophoresis-based measurement, the LM and UM of both the reference sample and the test sample are mixed. Then, based on the LM and UM measured when the reference sample was measured and the LM and UM measured when the test sample was measured, the time when the measured value 111 of the reference sample and the measured value 111 of the test sample were measured are compared, thereby resolving the size of the test sample. Furthermore, which of the multiple test samples arranged in the sample wells 70a and 71a is the reference sample is predetermined. In addition, when multiple reference samples are arranged in the sample wells 70a or 71a, the reference sample on which the test sample is analyzed is predetermined for each test sample.

[0063] In detail, such as Figure 7As shown, when analyzing the measurement of the object to be measured based on electrophoresis, a calibration curve 112 is generated based on the measured value 111 obtained by measuring the reference sample. Specifically, first, an electrophoretic measurement of the reference sample, which serves as the reference for the object to be measured, is performed. Then, the analysis device 102 detects peaks from the waveform of the measured value 111 of the measured reference sample. Then, based on the detected peaks of LM, UM, and each component, the size of LM is set to 0, the size of UM is set to a predetermined value, and the ratio of the time (moment) at which the measuring unit 30 detects the lower limit marker (LM) and the upper limit marker (UM) to the time (moment) at which the measuring unit 30 detects each component contained in the reference sample of a predetermined size is obtained. The horizontal axis is set to "movement time index", and the vertical axis is set to "size" to generate the calibration curve 112. The moving time index is, for example, an index in which the time (moment) for measuring LM is set to 0 and the time (moment) for measuring UM is set to 100 during the measurement of the object by the measuring unit 30, and the time (moment) for measuring each component of the object is expressed as a proportion.

[0064] Then, as Figure 5 As shown, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) analyzes the size of the test sample based on the measured value 111 obtained by electrophoresis in a state where the test sample, which is a test object with unknown size, is mixed with LM and UM, and the generated calibration curve 112. Specifically, the analysis device 102 detects peaks from the waveform generated based on the measured value 111 obtained by measuring the test sample with unknown size. Then, the analysis device 102 detects LM and UM from the detected peaks, and analyzes the size corresponding to the peaks based on the relative time ratio (movement time index) of the peaks contained between LM and UM, according to the calibration curve 112 of the reference sample. Then, the analysis device 102 displays the size corresponding to each detected peak in the measured waveform display 52b. In addition, the analysis device 102 displays the specific values ​​of the size corresponding to the detected peak and the movement time index in the peak table 52c.

[0065] The gel image display 52d shows the resolution results (sizes) of each of the multiple test objects. Specifically, in the gel image display 52d, for each measurement of the test objects using chips 60a to 60c, a display (image) showing the distribution of the components (sizes) of each of the multiple test objects resolved by the resolution device 102 is arranged as multiple resolution results. In the resolution results in the gel image display 52d, the size of each resolved component of the test object is represented by multiple horizontal lines (band patterns, trapezoids). In addition, in the resolution results in the gel image display 52d, LM is set as the lower end and UM is set as the upper end, and multiple horizontal lines are arranged at positions corresponding to the peaks of the waveform of the measured value 111 according to the size. Furthermore, in the gel image display 52d, it is shown that in the multiple resolution results arranged in the array, the positions showing LM and the positions showing UM are both common positions. For example, in the analysis results of the gel image display 52d, the pixel value is set according to the magnitude of the measured value 111 (signal intensity), and the magnitude of the measured value 111 is represented by the depth of color.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the gel image display 52d displays well numbers 93a indicating wells 70a or 71a containing the test objects corresponding to each analysis result, and analysis sequence numbers 93b indicating the analysis order. Well numbers 93a and analysis sequence numbers 93b are displayed for each electrophoresis-based analysis (each analysis result). Well numbers 93a are indicated by a common marker shared with the positions of wells 70a and 71a in the well position display 52a. Analysis sequence numbers 93b indicate the order of analyses performed by the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The analysis apparatus 102 displays, for example, multiple analysis results arranged in ascending order of analysis sequence numbers 93b in the gel image display 52d in a left-right direction.

[0067] Furthermore, the analysis device 102 acquires measurement values ​​111 from the electrophoresis device 101 in real time according to the progress of the measurement, and analyzes each measured object after the measurement is completed. Then, the analysis device 102 sequentially displays images showing the analysis results on the gel image display 52d, starting from the measured objects that have completed the measurement. In addition, if multiple measurements are performed on the same measured object arranged in the same well 70a or 71a, the analysis results produced for each measurement are displayed in sequence.

[0068] Furthermore, the analysis device 102 is configured to display chip number 93c in the gel image display 52d. Chip number 93c is a display indicating the number 1 to 3 of each chip in chips 60a to 60c. Moreover, in the analysis of the measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring each chip in chips 60a to 60c in the gel image display 52d, chip number 93c is displayed only for the analysis results of the reference sample, which serves as the reference for generating the calibration curve 112.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) is configured to display a measurement waveform display 52b and a peak table 52c corresponding to one of the multiple analysis results selected from the gel image display 52d on the display unit 52. Specifically, the operation unit 51 receives a selection operation from the images showing multiple analysis results arranged in the gel image display 52d, and selects one analysis result. The analysis device 102 is configured to display the measurement waveform display 52b and peak table 52c corresponding to the selected analysis result on the display unit 52 based on the selection operation received by the operation unit 51. In addition, textual information such as the position of the sample wells 70a and 71a corresponding to the selected analysis result, the type of the test object (reference sample or test object sample), and the number of the chips 60a to 60c used for the measurement can also be displayed on the display unit 52.

[0070] In addition, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the analysis device 102 displays a selection display 91 showing the selected analysis result on the display unit 52. In the gel image display 52d, the selection display 91 is displayed as a blue frame surrounding the selected analysis result. Additionally, in the sample well position display 52a, the selection display 91 is displayed as a quadrilateral showing the position corresponding to the sample well 70a or 71a containing the measurement object corresponding to the selected analysis result. The selection display 91 in the sample well position display 52a is displayed similarly to that in the gel image display 52d, as a blue frame surrounding the displayed quadrilateral.

[0071] <Waiting to display>

[0072] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the analysis device 102 is configured to display a waiting display 94 on the display unit 52, showing the subjects awaiting analysis among a plurality of test subjects. Specifically, the analysis device 102 displays the waiting display 94 in such a way that the predetermined test subjects that have not yet been measured but will be measured later are shown in the gel image display 52d. The waiting display 94 is displayed in the same order as the images showing the analysis results of the test subjects that have completed analysis, arranged along the measurement sequence. The waiting display 94 includes, for example, an hourglass icon image. In addition, in the sample well position display 52a, the analysis device 102 colors the quadrilaterals corresponding to the positions of the sample wells 70a or 71a where the test subjects that have completed analysis are located with a gray background color, and colors the quadrilaterals corresponding to the positions of the sample wells 70a or 71a where the test subjects awaiting analysis are located with a blue background color. In addition, in the gel image display 52d, the analysis device 102 colors the waiting display 94 showing the test subjects awaiting analysis with the same blue background color as the sample well position display 52a. Furthermore, in the sample hole position display 52a, the analysis device 102 causes the inner circle of the quadrilateral at the position corresponding to the sample hole 70a or 71a where the measurement object is configured during the measurement process currently being performed using chips 60a to 60c to flash, so as to show the sample hole 70a or 71a.

[0073] <Anomaly Detection Display>

[0074] Furthermore, the control unit 54 is configured to detect analysis errors when an anomaly occurs during the analysis of the object being measured. For example, in the analysis of a reference sample, the control unit 54 detects an analysis error when a calibration curve 112 cannot be generated due to reasons such as the inability to detect peaks or LM or UM from the acquired measurement value 111 (measurement waveform display 52b). Similarly, in the analysis of the object sample, the control unit 54 detects an analysis error when a calibration curve 112 for the set reference sample is not generated or when the size cannot be calculated based on the acquired measurement value 111. In other words, the analysis error is independent of the aforementioned device error of the electrophoresis apparatus 101, and analysis errors can be detected even when the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is operating normally.

[0075] Moreover, such as Figure 6 and Figure 8As shown, in this embodiment, the analysis device 102 (control unit 54) is configured such that, when at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected in any of the plurality of test objects, the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly. The anomaly detection display includes at least one of an analysis error display 92a, a major error display 92b, and a warning error display 92c. Specifically, the analysis device 102 is configured such that, in at least one of the case where a device error signal is obtained from the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and a analysis error is detected during the analysis of the test object, the anomaly detection display is displayed on the sample well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d displayed on the display unit 52 in a manner that can identify the test object with the detected anomaly. The anomaly detection display in the sample well position display 52a displays each of the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern. Furthermore, the anomaly detection display in the gel image display 52d displays each of the plurality of analysis results arranged in a grid.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the anomaly detection display is performed in a manner that varies depending on the type of anomaly detected. Specifically, the display method differs depending on whether a parsing error or a device error is detected. Additionally, the display method differs based on the severity of the detected device error (critical errors and warning errors). Moreover, the anomaly detection display is designed to identify the type of anomaly through color differentiation and icon display corresponding to the type of anomaly detected.

[0077] Specifically, the parsing error display 92a is an icon image display indicating that a parsing error was detected in the parsing of the test object. The parsing error display 92a is an icon image displayed in the lower right portion of a quadrilateral (rectangle) in the sample well position display 52a, showing the position of the sample well 70a or 71a where the test object with the detected parsing error is located. The parsing error display 92a has a roughly triangular shape with an exclamation mark (“!”) displayed on the inside. Additionally, the background of the roughly triangular portion has a yellow background color. Similarly, in the gel image display 52d, the parsing error display 92a is also displayed in the lower right portion among the multiple parsing results arranged in the sequence, showing the parsing result of the test object with the detected parsing error.

[0078] Additionally, the critical error display 92b shows a device error signal indicating a critical error detected in the electrophoresis apparatus 101 during the measurement of the test subject. Similarly, the warning error display 92c shows a device error signal indicating a warning error detected in the electrophoresis apparatus 101 during the measurement of the test subject. In the sample well position display 52a, the critical error display 92b and the warning error display 92c are displayed in colored frames within the quadrilateral (rectangle) showing the position of the sample well 70a or 71a of the test subject where the device error was detected. For example, in the case of a critical error, the critical error display 92b is displayed as a red frame. And in the case of a warning error, the warning error display 92c is displayed as a yellow frame. Similarly, in the gel image display 52d, a major error is displayed as a red box in the inner part of the analysis result of the test object where a major error was detected 92b, and a warning error is displayed as a yellow box in the inner part of the analysis result of the test object where a warning error was detected 92c.

[0079] Furthermore, when both a major error and a warning error are detected in the measurement of the same object, only the major error display 92b is shown in the sample well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d, and the warning error display 92c is not displayed. Alternatively, when both an analysis error and an instrument error are detected in the measurement and analysis of the same object, both analysis error display 92a and major error display 92b, or both analysis error display 92a and warning error display 92c, are displayed simultaneously.

[0080] Furthermore, in the gel image display 52d, if the analysis result is selected while an anomaly detection display, including at least one of the analysis error display 92a, major error display 92b, or warning error display 92c, is displayed, the analysis result selected in the selection display 91 is displayed simultaneously with the anomaly detection display. Similarly, in the sample well position display 52a, in the display showing the position of sample well 70a or 71a, the anomaly detection display and the selection display 91 are displayed simultaneously.

[0081] <Order of gel images>

[0082] Moreover, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the control unit 54 is configured to change the arrangement order of multiple analytical results displayed in the gel image display 52d based on the operation received by the operation unit 51. For example, the arrangement order of the gel image display 52d can be changed by dragging the pointer device such as a mouse on the operation unit 51. At this time, as the arrangement order of the gel image display 52d changes, the display of the anomaly detection display, the well number 93a, the measurement sequence number 93b, and the chip number 93c also moves in the same way as the corresponding analytical results.

[0083] <Selection of Multiple Sample Holes>

[0084] Furthermore, in the analysis apparatus 102, the control unit 54 is configured to selectively output the analysis results of multiple measurement objects disposed in the sample wells 70a and 71a. For example, based on the input operation received by the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 outputs the analysis results of the measurement objects selected from the multiple measurement objects disposed in the sample wells 70a and 71a to a storage device (not shown) provided independently of the analysis apparatus 102.

[0085] like Figure 10 As shown, the analysis device 102 is configured to: select the analysis results of each of the multiple measurement objects arranged in the multiple sample holes 70a and 71a within the predetermined region 95 based on a selection operation received by the operation unit 51, in which a selection is performed from multiple sample holes 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the sample hole position display 52a to surround a predetermined region 95. For example, the predetermined region 95 is selected by a range selection operation using a pointing device such as a mouse on the operation unit 51.

[0086] (Regarding electrophoretic analysis methods)

[0087] Next, refer to Figure 11 The electrophoretic analysis method using the electrophoresis system 100 in this embodiment will be explained. Furthermore, the control processing in steps 201 to 207 is performed by the control unit 54 (analysis device 102) executing the electrophoretic analysis program 53a stored in the storage unit 53.

[0088] First, in step 201, measurement condition information for performing the measurement is acquired. Specifically, information such as the sample well information indicating the sample wells 70a and 71a on which the test objects to be measured are arranged, the arrangement table information indicating the measurement order, and the information indicating the type of test objects (reference sample and test object) arranged in the sample wells 70a and 71a, along with measurement condition information including information indicating the magnitude and duration of the voltage applied by the voltage application unit 20, is acquired (set). Furthermore, this information can be acquired either based on input operations to the operation unit 51 or from information pre-stored in the storage unit 53, etc.

[0089] Next, in step 202, a drive signal containing the acquired measurement condition information is sent to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. In addition to the measurement condition information, the drive signal also includes the acquired sample well information and arrangement table information. Based on this drive signal, in the electrophoresis apparatus 101, each measurement object in the specified sample wells 70a and 71a is subjected to electrophoresis-based measurements using chips 60a to 60c in a predetermined sequence.

[0090] Next, in step 203, a measurement value 111 is obtained based on the measurement performed by the measurement unit 30 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The measurement value 111 is obtained sequentially in real time as the measurement progresses.

[0091] Next, in step 204, analysis is performed based on the obtained measurement value 111. Specifically, based on the obtained measurement value 111, the components of the analyte separated by electrophoresis are analyzed.

[0092] Next, in step 205, based on the analysis of the components of the measured object, a gel image display 52d is displayed on the display unit 52. Furthermore, the gel image display 52d, along with the sample well position display 52a, the measurement waveform display 52b, and the peak table 52c, are displayed on the display unit 52.

[0093] Next, in step 206, it is determined whether at least one of a device error and a parsing error has been detected. If at least one of a device error and a parsing error has been detected, the process proceeds to step 207. If at least one of a device error and a parsing error has not been detected, the control process ends.

[0094] In step 207, if at least one of a device error and a parsing error is detected, an error detection display is displayed on the display unit 52 as a display capable of identifying the type of the detected abnormality. Specifically, if a parsing error is detected, a parsing error display 92a is displayed as an icon image indicating a parsing error at the corresponding parsing result in the gel image display 52d and at the position of the sample well 70a or 71a in the sample well position display 52a, showing the sample well 70a or 71a with the corresponding measurement object. Furthermore, if a device error is detected, depending on the severity of the device error, a major error display 92b or a warning error display 92c is displayed at the corresponding parsing result in the gel image display 52d and at the position of the sample well 70a or 71a in the sample well position display 52a, showing the sample well 70a or 71a with the corresponding measurement object, respectively.

[0095] Furthermore, whenever a measurement object disposed in sample well 70a or 71a is measured in one chip 60a (60b or 60c), the control processing in steps 203 to 207 is executed. That is, after the measurement and analysis of the measurement object disposed in the specified sample well 70a or 71a have been completed, the measurement and analysis of the new measurement object disposed in the next sample well 70a or 71a are performed. In addition, the measurements in each chip of chips 60a to 60c are performed simultaneously.

[0096] (Effects of this implementation method)

[0097] In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0098] In the electrophoresis system 100 and electrophoresis apparatus 101 of this embodiment, as described above, when at least one of a device error (an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus 101) or an analysis error (an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the test object) is detected, the display unit 52 displays an abnormality detection display that allows identification of the type of the detected abnormality. Therefore, when an abnormality including at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected abnormality can be easily identified by visually recognizing the abnormality detection display shown on the display unit 52. Consequently, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results obtained from analyzing the test objects separated in electrophoresis, the type of abnormality can be easily identified.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, further effects can be obtained by configuring it as follows.

[0100] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to output a device error signal indicating that a device error has been detected to the analysis apparatus 102. The analysis apparatus 102 is configured to display an anomaly detection display on the display unit 52 in at least one of the following situations: receiving a device error signal from the electrophoresis apparatus 101 or detecting an analysis error during the analysis of the components of the test object. With this configuration, the operator performing the test can easily identify, by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display displayed on the display unit 52 by the analysis apparatus 102, whether a device error has been detected by the electrophoresis apparatus 101 or an analysis error has been detected during the analysis by the analysis apparatus 102. As a result, the operator can easily identify whether a device error or an analysis error has been detected by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display displayed on the display unit 52.

[0101] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured such that, in the event that at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display in a manner that differs depending on the type of the detected anomaly. With this configuration, since the anomaly detection display is displayed in a manner that differs depending on the type of the detected anomaly, the operator can visually identify the difference in the display method within the anomaly detection display, thus intuitively and easily identifying the type of the detected anomaly.

[0102] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured such that, when a device error is detected, the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display, with the display mode varying according to the severity of the detected device error. With this configuration, since the anomaly detection display is displayed in a manner that varies according to the severity of the device error, the operator can easily identify the type of device error detected when an anomaly occurs in the electrophoresis apparatus 101 by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display, and can intuitively and easily identify the severity of the device error.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured such that, when at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display that allows the type of anomaly to be identified through color differentiation and icon image display corresponding to the type of the detected anomaly. With this configuration, since the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display that allows the type of anomaly to be identified through color differentiation and icon image display corresponding to the type of the detected anomaly when at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the operator can visually identify the type of the detected anomaly more intuitively and easily by visually recognizing at least one of the color differentiation and icon image display in the anomaly detection display.

[0104] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to measure multiple test objects, and the analysis apparatus 102 is configured to display an anomaly detection display in a manner capable of identifying the test object with the detected anomaly when at least one of a device error or an analysis error is detected in any of the multiple test objects. With this configuration, when an anomaly is detected in any of the multiple test objects, the operator can easily identify which test object the anomaly was detected in and the type of the detected anomaly by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display shown on the display unit 52.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to sequentially measure multiple test objects, and the analysis apparatus 102 is configured to cause the display unit 52 to display a waiting display 94 showing the test objects waiting to be measured among the multiple test objects. With this structure, it is possible to easily identify test objects that have completed measurement and those to be measured later from among the multiple test objects. As a result, it is possible to easily identify test objects that have been detected as abnormal from among the multiple test objects while distinguishing test objects that have not yet been measured.

[0106] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis apparatus 102 is configured such that the display unit 52 displays a sample well position display 52a showing the position of each of the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a disposed for each of the plurality of test objects, and a gel image display 52d showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of test objects. In addition, an anomaly detection display is shown in both the sample well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d, in a manner that allows identification of the test object in which an anomaly was detected. With this configuration, it is easy to identify, between the sample well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d, which shows which type of anomaly was detected in which test object. Therefore, it is easy to compare the position of the sample wells 70a and 71a disposed for the test object in which an anomaly was detected with the analysis results in the gel image display 52d.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis device 102 is configured to display an anomaly detection display in a gel image display 52d, which includes a well number 93a showing the wells 70a and 71a where the measured objects were disposed and a measurement sequence number 93b showing the measurement sequence. With this configuration, the well number 93a and the measurement sequence number 93b are displayed together with the anomaly detection display in the gel image display 52d. Therefore, if an anomaly is detected during the measurement and analysis of any of the multiple measured objects, the position and measurement sequence of the well 70a or 71a where the measured object with the detected anomaly can be easily identified by visually recognizing the gel image display 52d.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analysis apparatus 102 is configured such that the display unit 52 displays a gel image display 52d that arranges the analysis results of each of the multiple measurement objects, and among the multiple analysis results arranged in the gel image display 52d, an anomaly detection display is displayed, and the arrangement order of the multiple analysis results in the gel image display 52d can be changed. With this structure, since the arrangement order of the multiple analysis results arranged in the gel image display 52d can be changed, the analysis results can be sorted according to the type of detected anomaly. Therefore, it is easy to compare the multiple analysis results according to the type of detected anomaly. Furthermore, since the arrangement order of the multiple analysis results can be changed in the gel image display 52d, analysis results that only did not detect anomalies can be arranged and displayed together. Therefore, it is easy to compare normal analysis results that did not detect anomalies.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the electrophoresis system 100 includes an operation unit 51 that accepts input operations, and the analysis device 102 is configured to: display a sample well position display 52a on the display unit 52, which shows the position of each sample well in the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in a grid pattern, corresponding to the position of each sample well in the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the sample well position display 52a, and display an abnormality detection display if an abnormality is detected for each sample well in the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the sample well position display 52a; and the analysis device 102 is configured to: select the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement objects arranged in the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the sample well position display 52a, which are included in the predetermined region 95, based on the selection operation received by the operation unit 51 that selects from the plurality of sample wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the sample well position display 52a in a manner that surrounds a predetermined region 95. With this structure, by using the operation unit 51 to select in a manner that surrounds the designated area 95 in the sample hole position display 52a, multiple sample holes 70a and 71a can be easily selected simultaneously. Therefore, compared to selecting multiple sample holes 70a and 71a one by one in sequence, it is much easier to select multiple sample holes 70a and 71a.

[0110] (Effects of the electrophoretic analysis method and procedure in this embodiment)

[0111] In the electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis procedure 53a of this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0112] In the electrophoretic analysis method and procedure 53a of this embodiment, by the configuration described above, when at least one of a device error (an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus 101) or an analysis error (an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the analyte) is detected, the display unit 52 displays an anomaly detection display that allows identification of the type of the detected anomaly. Therefore, when an anomaly including at least one of a device error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected anomaly can be easily identified by visually recognizing the anomaly detection display shown on the display unit 52. As a result, an electrophoretic analysis method and procedure 53a can be provided that allows easy identification of the type of anomaly when an anomaly occurs in the analysis results obtained from analyzing the analyte separated in electrophoresis.

[0113] [Variation Example]

[0114] Furthermore, it should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is shown by the claims rather than by the description of the foregoing embodiments, and includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is shown where the analysis device 102 acquires measurement values ​​111 in real time as the electrophoresis apparatus 101 performs measurements on the test object, and sequentially analyzes the acquired measurement values ​​111; however, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, it may also be configured such that the measurement values ​​111 acquired by the measurement unit 30 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101 are stored in a storage unit 53 or the like, and analysis is performed based on the stored measurement values ​​111. That is, the analysis performed by the analysis device 102 may be performed at a time different from the time when the electrophoresis apparatus 101 performs measurements on the test object. In this case, the measurement values ​​111 acquired each time the test object is measured are stored in the storage unit 53 or the like in association with the detected anomalies (device error or analysis error).

[0116] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where an analysis device 102 for analyzing the components of the target object is provided independently of the electrophoresis apparatus 101, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and the analysis device 102 may also be formed as one unit. Similarly, it is also possible that only the display unit 52 is formed as one unit with the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Alternatively, the display unit 52 may be configured separately from both the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and the analysis device 102.

[0117] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the parsing error display 92a, indicating a parsing error was detected, was displayed as an icon image, and the critical error display 92b and warning error display 92c, indicating a device error, were displayed using color differentiation based on importance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all of the parsing error display 92a, critical error display 92b, and warning error display 92c can be displayed either as icon images in a mutually recognizable manner or using color differentiation in a mutually recognizable manner. Alternatively, the critical error display 92b and warning error display 92c can be set to a common format. Additionally, the anomaly detection display can be set to textual information that can identify the type of anomaly.

[0118] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example was shown where an anomaly detection display was shown in either the sample well location display 52a or the gel image display 52d when at least one of a device error and a parsing error was detected; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that an anomaly detection display is shown only in one of the sample well location display 52a and the gel image display 52d.

[0119] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of displaying a waiting display 94 in the gel image display 52d is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible that the waiting display 94 is not displayed in the gel image display 52d, but only in the sample well position display 52a to indicate that it is waiting to be measured.

[0120] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, examples were shown where a major error, considered a serious device fault, was detected when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the anomaly detection unit 80 was greater than a predetermined anomaly determination threshold; and a warning error, considered a minor device fault, was detected when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the anomaly detection unit 80 was not fixed (unstable). However, the present invention is not limited to these examples. For instance, major errors can also be detected when communication errors, liquid leak detection, or insufficient liquid levels are detected.

[0121] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, an example is shown where chips 60a-60c are provided with a preparation flow path 63 for guiding the measurement object to the separation flow path 62, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, chips 60a-60c may be configured to have only the separation flow path 62 and not include the preparation flow path 63. Alternatively, the preparation flow path 63 may be configured to intersect the separation flow path 62 in a T-shape, rather than intersecting the separation flow path 62 in a through-flow shape (cross-shaped).

[0122] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown where the electrophoresis apparatus 101 was configured to measure each of the multiple (3) chips 60a to 60c, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, one or two chips can be used to measure the object, or four or more chips can be used. In addition, even when the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to measure each of the three chips 60a to 60c, it can also be configured to select only one or two chips for measurement.

[0123] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of configuring the electrophoresis apparatus 101 to perform microchip electrophoresis has been shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, it may also be configured to perform capillary electrophoresis without using a microchip.

[0124] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example of obtaining the measurement value 111 of the analyte through fluorescence detection was shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the separated components of the analyte can also be detected by using a reagent for staining.

[0125] [Way]

[0126] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following approaches.

[0127] (Project 1)

[0128] An electrophoresis system comprising:

[0129] An electrophoresis apparatus, comprising a measuring unit that measures the test objects that have been separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the test objects;

[0130] An analytical apparatus that analyzes the components of a analyte, which have been separated by electrophoresis, based on the measured values ​​of the analyte determined by the measuring unit; and

[0131] The display unit shows the analysis results of the analysis device on the measured object.

[0132] The analysis device is configured such that, when at least one of an apparatus error as an anomaly of the electrophoresis apparatus and an analysis error as an anomaly in the analysis of the components of the object to be measured is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display that is capable of identifying the type of the detected anomaly.

[0133] (Project 2)

[0134] According to the electrophoresis system described in Project 1, among which,

[0135] The electrophoresis apparatus is configured to output a device error signal, indicating that a device error has been detected, to the analysis device.

[0136] The analysis device is configured to display the anomaly detection display on the display unit in at least one of the following situations: when an error signal from the electrophoresis apparatus is received, or when an analysis error is detected during the analysis of the components of the measured object.

[0137] (Project 3)

[0138] According to the electrophoresis system described in Project 1 or 2, among which,

[0139] The analysis device is configured such that, in the event that at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, the display unit displays the anomaly detection display, the display mode of which differs depending on the type of anomaly detected.

[0140] (Project 4)

[0141] Based on the electrophoresis system described in any of items 1 to 3, among which,

[0142] The analysis device is configured such that, when a device error is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display, the display mode of which varies according to the importance of the detected device error.

[0143] (Project 5)

[0144] According to the electrophoresis system described in item 3 or 4, among which,

[0145] The analysis device is configured such that, in the event that at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, the display unit displays the anomaly detection display, which identifies the type of anomaly by at least one of color differentiation corresponding to the type of the detected anomaly and icon image display.

[0146] (Project 6)

[0147] According to the electrophoresis system described in any one of items 1 to 5, among which,

[0148] The electrophoresis apparatus is configured to perform measurements on multiple of the aforementioned test objects.

[0149] The analysis device is configured to display the anomaly detection display in a manner that enables the identification of the detected anomaly when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected in any of the plurality of measurement objects.

[0150] (Project 7)

[0151] According to the electrophoresis system described in Project 6, among which,

[0152] The electrophoresis apparatus is configured to sequentially measure multiple of the measured objects.

[0153] The analysis device is configured to display a waiting display for showing the waiting measurement object among the plurality of measurement objects.

[0154] (Project 8)

[0155] According to the electrophoresis system described in item 6 or 7, among which,

[0156] The analytical device is configured as follows:

[0157] The display unit displays a well position display showing the position of each well among the plurality of wells configured for each of the plurality of test objects, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of test objects.

[0158] Furthermore, in the display of the sample well location and the gel image displayed on the display unit, the anomaly detection display is displayed in a manner that enables the identification of the measured object that has been detected as abnormal.

[0159] (Project 9)

[0160] According to the electrophoresis system described in Project 8, among which,

[0161] The analytical apparatus is configured to display the anomaly detection display in a gel image display that includes well numbers showing the wells containing the measured objects and measurement sequence numbers showing the measurement sequence.

[0162] (Project 10)

[0163] According to the electrophoresis system described in item 8 or 9, among which,

[0164] The analytical device is configured as follows:

[0165] The display unit displays the gel image, which arranges the analysis results of each of the plurality of measured objects.

[0166] Furthermore, the anomaly detection display is shown in each of the multiple analysis results arranged in the gel image display, and the arrangement order of the multiple analysis results in the gel image display can be changed.

[0167] (Project 11)

[0168] According to the electrophoresis system described in any of items 8-10, among which,

[0169] It also has an operation department for accepting input operations.

[0170] The analytical device is configured as follows:

[0171] The display unit displays the sample hole positions in a grid pattern, corresponding to the positions of each sample hole among the plurality of sample holes arranged in a grid pattern.

[0172] Furthermore, for each of the plurality of sample wells configured in a grid pattern in the sample well position display, an anomaly detection display is shown when an anomaly is detected.

[0173] The analytical apparatus is configured to: based on a selection operation received by the operation unit, in which a selection is performed from a plurality of sample wells arranged in a grid pattern in the sample well position display to surround a predetermined area, select the analytical result of each of the plurality of measurement objects arranged in the plurality of sample wells contained in the predetermined area.

[0174] (Project 12)

[0175] An electrophoresis apparatus includes a measuring unit that measures the test objects, which have been separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the test objects.

[0176] The electrophoresis apparatus is configured such that, in the event that at least one of a device error as an malfunction of the apparatus or an analysis error as an malfunction in the analysis of the components of the test object separated by electrophoresis is detected, the display unit displays an malfunction detection display that can identify the type of the detected malfunction, wherein the analysis is based on the measurement value of the test object measured by the measurement unit.

[0177] (Project 13)

[0178] An electrophoretic analysis method includes the following steps:

[0179] Based on the measured values ​​obtained by measuring the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte, the components of the analyte separated by electrophoresis are analyzed; and

[0180] If at least one of an apparatus error as a defect in the electrophoresis apparatus used to measure the object separated by electrophoresis and an analysis error as a defect in the analysis of the components of the object is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly.

[0181] (Project 14)

[0182] An electrophoretic analysis program that causes a computer to perform the following steps:

[0183] Based on the measured values ​​obtained by measuring the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte, the components of the analyte separated by electrophoresis are analyzed; and

[0184] If at least one of an apparatus error as a defect in the electrophoresis apparatus used to measure the object separated by electrophoresis and an analysis error as a defect in the analysis of the components of the object is detected, the display unit displays an anomaly detection display that can identify the type of the detected anomaly.

Claims

1. An electrophoresis system, comprising: an electrophoresis device including a measurement section that performs measurement on a measurement object that has been separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object; an analysis device that analyzes a component of the measurement object that has been separated by electrophoresis, based on a measurement value of the measurement object measured by the measurement section; and a display section that displays a result of the analysis of the measurement object by the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display an abnormality detection display that is a display capable of identifying a kind of an abnormality detected, in a case where at least one of a device error that is an abnormality of the electrophoresis device and an analysis error that is an abnormality in the analysis of the component of the measurement object is detected, the electrophoresis device is configured to perform measurement of a plurality of the measurement objects, the analysis device is configured to display, in at least one of a well position display that the display section displays to show a position of each well of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of the measurement objects is disposed, and a gel image display that the display section displays to show the result of the analysis of each of the plurality of the measurement objects, the abnormality detection display in a manner capable of identifying the measurement object in which the abnormality is detected.

2. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the electrophoresis device is configured to output a device error signal indicating that the device error is detected, to the analysis device, the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display the abnormality detection display, in at least one of a case where the device error signal from the electrophoresis device is acquired, and a case where the analysis error is detected in the analysis of the component of the measurement object.

3. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display the abnormality detection display that differs in display manner according to a kind of the abnormality detected, in a case where at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected.

4. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display the abnormality detection display that differs in display manner according to an importance degree of the device error detected, in a case where the device error is detected.

5. The electrophoresis system according to claim 3, wherein the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display the abnormality detection display that enables identification of a kind of an abnormality by at least one of a color distinction and an icon image display corresponding to the kind of the abnormality detected, in a case where at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected.

6. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the electrophoresis device is configured to sequentially perform measurement of a plurality of the measurement objects, the analysis device is configured to cause the display section to display a waiting display that shows a measurement object of the plurality of the measurement objects that is waiting for measurement. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ 7. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to: cause the display section to display the well position display showing the position of each well of a plurality of wells in which each of a plurality of the measurement targets is disposed, and the gel image display showing the analysis result of each of the plurality of the measurement targets, and, in the well position display and the gel image display displayed by the display section, the abnormality detection display is displayed in a manner in which the measurement target in which an abnormality is detected can be identified.

8. The electrophoresis system according to claim 7, wherein the analysis device is configured to display the abnormality detection display in the gel image display including a well number showing the well in which the measurement target that has been subjected to measurement is disposed and a measurement order number showing a measurement order.

9. The electrophoresis system according to claim 7, wherein the analysis device is configured to: cause the display section to display the gel image display in which the analysis result of each of the plurality of the measurement targets is arranged, and, in each of the plurality of the analysis results arranged in the gel image display, the abnormality detection display is displayed, and the arrangement order of the plurality of the analysis results in the gel image display can be changed.

10. The electrophoresis system according to claim 7, wherein an operation section that receives an input operation is further provided, the analysis device is configured to: cause the display section to display the well position display showing the position of each well of the plurality of wells disposed in a lattice shape in a manner corresponding to the plurality of wells disposed in the lattice shape, and, for each well of the plurality of wells disposed in the lattice shape in the well position display, the abnormality detection display is displayed in a case where an abnormality is detected, the analysis device is configured to select the analysis result of each of the plurality of the measurement targets disposed in the plurality of wells included in a prescribed region based on a selection operation in which the plurality of wells disposed in the lattice shape in the well position display are selected in a manner in which the prescribed region is surrounded.

11. An electrophoresis device provided with a measurement section that measures a measurement target that has been subjected to separation by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement target, The electrophoresis device is configured to, in a case where at least one of a device error as an abnormality of the device and an analysis error as an abnormality in analysis of a component of the measurement object that has been separated by electrophoresis is detected, cause a display section to display an abnormality detection display as a display capable of identifying a type of the detected abnormality, and the analysis is performed based on a measurement value of the measurement target measured by the measurement section, the electrophoresis device is configured to perform measurement of a plurality of the measurement targets, the electrophoresis device is configured to display the abnormality detection display in at least one of a well position display displayed by the display section showing the position of each well of a plurality of wells in which each of a plurality of the measurement targets is disposed, and a gel image display displayed by the display section showing the analysis result of each of the plurality of the measurement targets, in a manner in which the measurement target in which an abnormality is detected can be identified.

12. An electrophoretic analysis method comprising the steps of: analyzing components of a plurality of assay objects subjected to separation by electrophoresis based on assay values obtained by performing an assay on the plurality of assay objects subjected to separation by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the assay objects; and in a case where at least one of a device error as an abnormality of an electrophoresis device that performs an assay on the assay objects subjected to separation by electrophoresis and an analysis error as an abnormality in analysis of components of the assay objects is detected, causing a display section to display an abnormality detection display as a display capable of identifying a kind of the detected abnormality, the step of displaying the abnormality detection display includes displaying the abnormality detection display in a manner capable of identifying the assay object in which the abnormality is detected in at least one of a well position display, which is displayed by the display section and shows a position of each well of a plurality of wells in which each of a plurality of the assay objects is disposed, and a gel image display, which is displayed by the display section and shows an analysis result of each of a plurality of the assay objects.

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