Sample analyzer and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a sample analyzer and a control method thereof. The sample analyzer comprises a sampling needle, a liquid path tube and a driver connected in sequence, and a first bubble sensor is arranged at a preset position on the liquid path tube. A processor is configured to control the driver to drive the sampling needle to suck a sample from a sample carrying container, and the amount of the sample sucked is the sum of a detection amount and an auxiliary determination amount. After the sample sucking is completed, if there is the sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is arranged, it is determined that the detection amount sucked is sufficient. If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is arranged, it is determined that the detection amount sucked is insufficient. After the sample sucking is completed, whether the detection amount of the sample sucked is sufficient is determined by the bubble sensor arranged on the liquid path tube. The method not only has low cost, but also can effectively avoid misjudgment and improve the accuracy of the determination.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of the present invention relate to the technical field of medical equipment, and in particular to a sample analyzer and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] A sample analyzer is a highly sensitive and specific analytical instrument used to analyze specific samples and obtain corresponding analytical results. It has been widely used in clinical testing, for example, to detect various indicators of blood, urine, or other body fluid samples. The sample analysis workflow is as follows: first, the sample tube is transported to the bottom of the sampling needle, and the movable mechanism is controlled to drive the sampling needle down from the origin to a fixed height, so that the sample needle extends into the sample tube to absorb the sample, and then the absorbed sample is supplied to the detection module for testing; or the absorbed sample is supplied to the reaction container, and the sample is mixed with the reagent in the reaction container to form a reaction solution before testing. Due to differences in sample volume in different sample tubes or possible motion errors in the movable mechanism, the sample absorbed by the sampling needle may be insufficient. Whether the sample absorbed by the sampling needle is sufficient directly affects the supply of subsequent samples and the accuracy of the test results.

[0003] At present, sample analyzers mainly use liquid level detection methods to determine the sample volume. The current mainstream liquid level detection method in the industry is the capacitance detection method. For example, the patent with publication number CN204027651U and the name of "Test Tube Sample Volume Detection Device" uses the capacitance detection method for determination. Specifically, the detection device includes a liquid level sensing circuit board, which includes a capacitance sensing drive circuit, an analog signal processing circuit and a level signal circuit connected in sequence. The sampling needle is made of conductive material, and the upper part of the sampling needle is insulated and fixed to the sampling needle fixing frame. The sampling needle is electrically connected to the capacitance sensing drive circuit of the liquid level sensing circuit board through a wire, and the signal of the level signal circuit is connected to the main controller to realize liquid level detection. However, this device requires the sampling needle to be insulated and uses a dedicated liquid level sensing circuit board. Not only is the cost high, but it can also cause misjudgment due to the presence of a liquid film on the liquid surface, bubbles in the liquid film, the sampling needle contacting the container wall, and the presence of small droplets on the container wall above the liquid surface. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiment of the present invention provides a sample analyzer and a control method thereof, which can determine whether the amount of sample aspirated for detection is sufficient after the sample aspiration is completed, thereby avoiding the insufficient amount of sample aspirated for detection affecting the detection of subsequent samples.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a sample analyzer, comprising: a sampling needle, a liquid line tube, a first bubble sensor, a driver, and a processor;

[0006] The sampling needle, the liquid tube and the driver are connected in sequence, and the first bubble sensor is arranged at a preset position on the liquid tube;

[0007] The processor is used to:

[0008] Controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to draw a sample from the sample carrying container, wherein the drawn amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount, wherein the auxiliary determination amount is determined according to the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor;

[0009] After the sample is sucked, judging whether there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located according to the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor;

[0010] If there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is sufficient;

[0011] If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample sucked for detection is insufficient.

[0012] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to:

[0013] If it is determined that the absorbed detection amount is sufficient, the sampling needle is controlled to spit out the sample into the sample carrying container before controlling the supply of the sample to the detection module, and the spitted amount is the auxiliary determination amount.

[0014] In one embodiment, a second bubble sensor is further included. The second bubble sensor is disposed on the liquid pipe, and the distance between the second bubble sensor and the sampling needle is smaller than the distance between the first bubble sensor and the sampling needle.

[0015] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to:

[0016] When there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, or when there is a sample on the cross section where the second bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of the sample sucked for detection is sufficient.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to determine the auxiliary decision amount according to the following steps:

[0018] The driver is controlled to drive the sampling needle to absorb air. During this process, whether there is liquid on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is continuously monitored based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When it is detected that there is no liquid on the cross section, the air absorption is stopped, and the absorption amount at this time is determined as the auxiliary judgment amount.

[0019] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for controlling a sample analyzer, comprising:

[0020] Controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to draw the sample from the sample carrying container, wherein the drawn amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount;

[0021] After the sample is aspirated, the first bubble sensor is outputted according to the electrical signal to determine whether there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located. The first bubble sensor is set at a preset position on the liquid pipe connected to the sampling needle.

[0022] If there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is sufficient;

[0023] If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample sucked for detection is insufficient.

[0024] In one embodiment, if it is determined that the amount of testing to be drawn is sufficient, the method further includes:

[0025] Before controlling the supply of the sample to the detection module, the sampling needle is controlled to spit out the sample into the sample carrying container, and the spitting amount is the auxiliary determination amount.

[0026] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0027] When there is a sample on the cross section of at least one of the first bubble sensor and the second bubble sensor, it is determined that the absorbed detection amount is sufficient. The second bubble sensor is arranged on the liquid pipe, and the distance between the second bubble sensor and the sampling needle is smaller than the distance between the first bubble sensor and the sampling needle.

[0028] In one embodiment, before performing sample testing, the method further includes determining an auxiliary determination amount according to the following steps:

[0029] The control driver drives the sampling needle to absorb air. During this process, the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor is continuously monitored to see whether there is liquid on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located. When it is detected that there is no liquid on the cross section, the air absorption is stopped, and the absorption amount at this time is determined as the auxiliary judgment amount.

[0030] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the control method of the sample analyzer according to any one of the second aspects.

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention provide a sample analyzer and a control method thereof. The sample analyzer includes: a sampling needle, a fluid line tube, a first bubble sensor, a driver, and a processor. The sampling needle, the fluid line tube, and the driver are connected in sequence, and the first bubble sensor is disposed at a preset position on the fluid line tube. The processor is configured to: control the driver to drive the sampling needle to aspirate a sample from a sample-carrying container, wherein the aspirated amount is the sum of a detection amount and an auxiliary determination amount, wherein the auxiliary determination amount is determined based on the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor. After the sample aspiration is completed, it is determined based on an electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor whether a sample is present on a cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located. If a sample is present on the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the aspirated detection amount is sufficient. If no sample is present on the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the aspirated detection amount is insufficient. After the sample is aspirated, the bubble sensor installed on the liquid tube is used to judge whether the aspirated detection amount is sufficient. This is not only low-cost, but also can effectively avoid misjudgments caused by the presence of liquid film on the liquid surface, bubbles in the liquid film, the sampling needle contacting the container wall, small droplets on the container wall above the liquid surface, etc., thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment and helping to improve the accuracy of the sample analysis results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portion of the structure of a sample analyzer provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 A partial structural diagram of a sample analyzer provided in yet another embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 3 A flow chart of a control method for a sample analyzer provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a control method for a sample analyzer provided by yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The above drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the present invention, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and the accompanying description are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art by reference to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The present invention will be further described in detail below by means of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Similar elements in different embodiments are numbered with associated similar elements. In the following embodiments, many detailed descriptions are provided to enable the present application to be better understood. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that some of the features may be omitted in different circumstances, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid the core portion of the present application being overwhelmed by excessive descriptions, and for those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail. They will fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0039] In addition, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification may be combined in any appropriate manner to form various embodiments. Furthermore, the steps or actions in the method description may be reordered or adjusted in a manner readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various sequences in the specification and drawings are provided solely for the purpose of clearly describing a particular embodiment and are not intended to be mandatory, unless otherwise specified.

[0040] Component numbers used herein, such as "first" and "second," are used solely to distinguish the components being described and do not convey any sequential or technical meaning. References to "connection" and "coupling" herein, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (couplings).

[0041] Existing technologies control the amount of liquid to be drawn for testing by controlling the motor pulses of the driver. However, this amount is the desired amount to be drawn for testing, not the actual amount drawn by the sampling needle. Due to differences in sample volume between sample tubes or potential motion errors in the motion mechanism, the amount drawn by the sampling needle may be insufficient. Existing liquid level detection methods can present numerous anomalies, such as the presence of a liquid film or bubbles on the liquid surface of a sample container (such as a test tube), contact between the sampling needle and the container wall, or small droplets on the container wall above the liquid surface. These can lead to false liquid level detection, resulting in the actual amount drawn subsequently falling short of the desired amount. Furthermore, even if existing liquid level detection methods can accurately detect the liquid level and determine that the sample volume in the sample tube meets the required level, if the motion error of the motion mechanism driving the sample needle during the subsequent sampling process causes the sample needle to fail to descend to the desired height, this can also result in an insufficient amount drawn for testing.

[0042] The following example uses a urine analyzer to illustrate the impact of insufficient aspirated testing volume. Urine analyzers utilize three detection principles: tangible urine testing, physical testing, and dry chemical urine testing. These three principles can be integrated into a single instrument or deployed separately or in combination on different urine analyzers.

[0043] For the urine analyzer, if the amount of sample sucked for testing is misjudged, it will cause insufficient sample for urine visible component testing, affecting the accuracy of urine visible component testing results, or insufficient sample for physical testing, resulting in inaccurate physical testing results, or in the dry chemical test, it will not be possible to drop the sample onto the dry chemical test strip normally, affecting the smooth progress of the test.

[0044] Figure 1 This is a partial structural diagram of a sample analyzer provided by an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment may include: a sampling needle 11, a fluid line 12, a first bubble sensor 13, a driver 15, and a processor 16. As shown, the sampling needle 11, fluid line 12, and driver 15 are sequentially connected, with the first bubble sensor 13 positioned at a predetermined position on the fluid line 12. The sampling needle 11 is used to transfer samples and / or reagents. It will be appreciated that the sample analyzer also includes a needle movement mechanism (not shown) for supporting the sampling needle and driving its horizontal and vertical movement. The processor 16 is electrically connected to the first bubble sensor 13 and driver 15, respectively, and is configured to: control the driver to drive the sampling needle to aspirate sample from the sample container. The aspirated amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount, which is determined based on the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor. After aspirating, the processor determines whether a sample is present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. If a sample is present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, the aspirated detection amount is determined to be sufficient. If a sample is not present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, the aspirated detection amount is determined to be insufficient.

[0045] A sample needle is inserted into a sample container below the liquid level to aspirate the sample. As the aspiration progresses, the sample level gradually decreases. After aspiration is completed, if the sample needle aspiration port is still below (including) the liquid level, the sample needle has aspirated a sufficient amount for testing, and the sample needle aspiration port is full of sample. If the sample needle aspiration port is above the liquid level, there is an air aspiration in the second half of the aspiration, and the sample needle aspirates an insufficient amount for testing, with an air segment present at the sample needle aspiration port. The present invention comprises a first bubble sensor fixedly disposed on a fluid line connected to the sampling needle, and a control driver driving the sampling needle to aspirate the sample from the sample container. The aspirated amount is the sum of the test amount and an auxiliary determination amount, the auxiliary determination amount being determined based on the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor. After aspiration is completed, the presence of sample in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located is determined based on an electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor, thereby determining whether sample is present at the sample needle aspiration port after the sampling needle aspirates the sample amount, and thereby determining whether the aspirated test amount is sufficient.

[0046] This application judges whether the amount of sample for testing is sufficient based on the actual amount of sample suctioned in the sample suction pipeline after the sample suction is completed. Compared with the method of judging whether the amount of sample in the sample holding container is sufficient before the sample suction in the prior art, this application can effectively avoid misjudgments caused by the presence of a liquid film on the liquid surface, bubbles in the liquid film, the sampling needle contacting the container wall, small droplets on the container wall above the liquid surface, etc., thereby improving the accuracy of the judgment. In addition, this application can identify the situation where the amount of sample suction is insufficient due to the motion error of the moving mechanism, avoid the sampling needle from sucking insufficient sample and affecting subsequent detection, and help improve the accuracy of the sample analysis results. At the same time, this application does not require insulation treatment of the sampling needle and the use of a dedicated liquid level sensing circuit board, and does not require the sampling needle to be electrically connected to the liquid level sensing circuit board through a wire, so the detection cost is low.

[0047] The detection amount in this embodiment can be determined by the type of sample detection. For example, a corresponding relationship between the detection type and the detection amount can be established in advance. The auxiliary determination amount is determined by the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sample analyzer further includes a detection module, which can be a urine dry chemical detection module, a urine tangible detection module, or a urine physical detection module. If it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is sufficient, the sample can be supplied to the detection module, for example, by dropping the sample onto a dry chemical test strip in the dry chemical detection module, or by supplying the sample to the urine tangible detection module or the physical detection module through a pipeline. If it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is insufficient, an alarm is issued. Based on the above embodiment, the processor in the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment is further configured to: recover excess sample before controlling the supply of sample to the detection module, specifically controlling the sampling needle to discharge the sample into the sample holding container, the discharge amount being the auxiliary determination amount. By discharging the auxiliary determination amount of sample into the sample holding container, only the detection amount of sample remains for sample analysis. This not only avoids the situation where there is no sample at the front end of the sampling needle, but air, which may cause leakage when dropping the sample onto the test strip in the urine dry chemical detection module, but also ensures the amount of sample required for testing, thus avoiding sample waste. This is because in this application, in order to detect whether the amount of detection absorbed is sufficient, the amount absorbed by the sampling needle is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount. If there is a sample in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of detection absorbed is sufficient, that is, there is no air in the sampling needle aspiration port after absorbing the detection amount, but it does not mean that there is no air in the sampling needle aspiration port after absorbing the detection amount + the auxiliary determination amount. If there is no sample but air in the sampling needle aspiration port, it will cause leakage when the sample is dripped onto the test strip in the urine dry chemical detection module. Spewing out the auxiliary determination amount before supplying the sample to the detection module can effectively avoid leakage, ensure the normal dripping, ensure the accuracy of the dripping results, and at the same time ensure the sample detection amount, avoiding waste of samples.

[0049] If bubbles are attached to the wall of the liquid path during the sample aspiration process, it may cause misjudgment of the first bubble sensor. In order to further improve the judgment accuracy, this embodiment adopts a compact installation method of two bubble sensors to avoid misjudgment of the first bubble sensor caused by the above situation. Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a sample analyzer provided by another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 As shown, the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment is Figure 1 The illustrated embodiment further includes a second bubble sensor 17, which is disposed on the fluid line 12. The distance between the second bubble sensor 17 and the sampling needle 11 is smaller than the distance between the first bubble sensor 13 and the sampling needle 11. In other words, the second bubble sensor is disposed below the first bubble sensor, or in other words, between the sampling needle and the first bubble sensor. The distance between the second bubble sensor 17 and the first bubble sensor 13 can be minimized while meeting the space requirements for bubble sensor installation, ensuring a compact installation of the two bubble sensors.

[0050] For a sample analyzer using two compactly mounted bubble sensors, as long as one of the two bubble sensors detects the presence of liquid, the sample volume drawn for testing is determined to be sufficient, and the sample can be supplied to the detection module normally. In other words, the sample analysis processor in this embodiment is further configured to determine that the sample volume for testing is sufficient when the sample is present on the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, or when the sample is present on the cross-section where the second bubble sensor is located.

[0051] The sample analyzer provided in this embodiment further adopts two bubble sensors based on the above embodiments, thereby effectively avoiding misjudgment of the bubble sensor caused by individual bubbles adhering to the liquid path wall during the sample aspiration process, thereby further improving the accuracy of the judgment.

[0052] It should be noted that the bubble sensor in this embodiment can be a photoelectric bubble sensor or an ultrasonic bubble sensor. When the bubble sensor is a photoelectric bubble sensor, it includes a light emitter and a light receiver fixedly mounted on either side of a translucent fluid tube. The translucent fluid tube utilizes a photoelectric effect of the bubble sensor's photoelectric device, and the relationship between output voltage and light intensity can be determined based on its volt-ampere characteristic. When bubbles are present in the translucent fluid tube, light reflection and different absorption by different media cause the light intensity received by the light receiver to change, resulting in a change in output voltage. The processor can then use the electrical signal output by the bubble sensor to distinguish between different media in the fluid tube, thereby determining whether air or a sample is present in the cross-section where the bubble sensor is located. When the bubble sensor is an ultrasonic bubble sensor, it includes an ultrasonic emitter and an ultrasonic receiver fixedly mounted on either side of the fluid tube. The translucent nature of the fluid tube is not a concern. Ultrasonic bubble sensors utilize the principle that ultrasonic waves have different acoustic impedances in liquids and gases to identify and detect bubbles or liquids. The bubble sensor transmits and receives ultrasonic waves, and the different acoustic impedances in different media cause changes in the output electrical signal. When bubbles are present, the ultrasonic wave is reflected back due to the significant change in acoustic impedance, preventing it from reaching the receiving end. This allows the presence of bubbles to be determined in the cross-section where the bubble sensor is located. The bubble sensor in this embodiment is not limited to any type; any bubble sensor capable of identifying and detecting bubbles or liquid in a specific cross-section of a fluid line is suitable. To reduce costs, the first and second bubble sensors are preferably photoelectric bubble sensors.

[0053] Based on any of the above embodiments, the following further describes how to determine the auxiliary determination amount. The auxiliary determination amount X is determined by the internal volume of the sampling needle and the installation position of the first bubble sensor. The first bubble sensor is located at a preset position on the fluid line. If the internal volume of the sampling needle 11 is a, and the internal volume of the fluid line 12 between the preset position and the sampling needle is b, then the auxiliary determination amount X ≥ a + b. Preferably, the auxiliary determination amount X > a + b. It should be emphasized that in this embodiment, the auxiliary determination amount is preferably greater than (a + b) to prevent bubbles generated during critical liquid level aspiration from affecting sample test results. The critical liquid level refers to the liquid level below the sample level in the sample container. If the sampling needle aspiration port drops above the critical liquid level, insufficient test volume will be drawn. If the aspiration port drops just above the critical liquid level, theoretically, sufficient test volume will be drawn. If the aspiration port drops below the critical liquid level, sufficient test volume will be drawn. Although when the sampling port just drops to the critical liquid level, theoretically the amount of test material sucked in is just enough, that is, the sampling port of the sampling needle is filled with sample; however, in actual operation, due to reasons such as liquid level fluctuation and liquid surface tension, bubbles may exist at the sampling port of the sampling needle after the test amount is sucked in. In this case, when testing, it may be identified that the test amount is sufficient, but further supplying the sample to the detection module, such as dropping the sample to the dry chemical test strip in the urine dry chemical detection module, will cause the sampling needle to hang liquid, the sample drop amount to be inaccurate or the sample drop fails, affecting the normal progress of the test or the accuracy of the test results. The auxiliary judgment amount X>a+b, when the sampling port of the sampling needle drops to the critical liquid level for sampling, the liquid section mixed with bubbles at the end of the sampling port can be made to pass through the first bubble sensor and move to the pipeline behind the first bubble sensor, so that the test result is that the amount of test material sucked in is insufficient, thereby avoiding the influence of bubbles generated when the sampling needle just drops to the critical liquid level of the sample liquid surface in the sample holding container to suck the sample on the sample test results. A larger auxiliary determination volume can effectively avoid the impact of bubbles generated during critical liquid level aspiration on subsequent detection. However, a too large auxiliary determination volume will cause the driver to take longer to aspirate the sample. Therefore, if time permits, the auxiliary determination volume can be appropriately increased. The conventional recommended volume X ≥ 100 μl, preferably X > 100 μl.

[0054] In an optional embodiment, the processor of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment can also be configured to determine the auxiliary determination amount before performing a sample test according to the following steps: controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to draw a special reagent from the reagent container. During this process, the presence of the special reagent on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is continuously monitored based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When the presence of the special reagent on the cross section is detected, the reagent drawing is stopped, and the amount drawn at that time is determined as the auxiliary determination amount. It should be noted that, because the sampling needle and the fluid path are both filled with a common cleaning fluid before drawing a sample, a special reagent different from the common cleaning fluid is required to accurately determine the auxiliary determination amount. To further reduce costs, in another optional embodiment, the processor of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment can also be configured to determine the auxiliary determination amount before performing a sample test according to the following steps: controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to draw air. During this process, the presence of liquid on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is continuously monitored based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When the absence of liquid on the cross section is detected, the air drawing is stopped, and the amount drawn at that time is determined as the auxiliary determination amount. If the air is sucked in too quickly, bubbles are likely to form, causing inaccurate auxiliary determination. Therefore, in order to avoid bubbles in the ordinary cleaning fluid filled in the liquid path when sucking air, the suction speed should be controlled and sucked slowly. Figure 3 This is a flow chart of a control method for a sample analyzer provided by one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Furthermore, the driver is a syringe or a plunger pump, and the syringe and the plunger pump are driven by a motor.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, the control method of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment may include:

[0057] S301 , controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to absorb the sample from the sample carrying container. The absorbed amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount.

[0058] S302: After sample aspiration is completed, a determination is made as to whether a sample is present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. The first bubble sensor is located at a preset position on the fluid line connected to the sampling needle. If the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor determines that a sample is present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, step S303 is executed; if the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor determines that a sample is not present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located, step S304 is executed. Specifically, if the first bubble sensor is a photoelectric bubble sensor, the relationship between output voltage and light intensity can be derived based on the volt-ampere characteristic of the photoelectric effect of the first bubble sensor's photoelectric device. When bubbles are present in the fluid line, light reflection and different absorption of light by different media cause the light intensity received by the photosensor to change, resulting in a change in output voltage. The processor can then distinguish between different media in the fluid line based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor, thereby determining whether air or a sample is present in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located.

[0059] If a sample is present in the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, step S303 determines that the sample volume drawn for testing is sufficient, and controls the supply of sample to the detection module. Before supplying the sample to the detection module, the sampling needle can also be controlled to discharge the sample into the sample holding container. The discharged volume serves as an auxiliary determination volume. After the detection module completes testing, step S305 is executed, entering the cleaning process to prepare for subsequent sample testing.

[0060] S304: If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample sucked for detection is insufficient, an alarm is issued, and no sample is supplied to the detection module, and step S305 is executed.

[0061] S305: Cleaning is performed, including cleaning of the sampling needle and liquid pipeline, so as to prepare for subsequent sample analysis and testing.

[0062] The control method of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment controls a driver to drive a sampling needle to aspirate a sample from a sample carrying container, wherein the aspirated amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount. After the sample aspiration is completed, the presence of a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is determined based on an electrical signal output by a first bubble sensor, the first bubble sensor being disposed at a preset position on a fluid line connected to the sampling needle. If the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is sample, the aspirated detection amount is determined to be sufficient, and the sample can be controlled to be supplied to a detection module. If the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is not sample, the aspirated detection amount is determined to be insufficient, an alarm is issued, and the sample is not supplied to the detection module. After the sample aspiration is completed, the determination of whether the aspirated sample amount is sufficient by the bubble sensor disposed on the fluid line is not only low-cost but also effectively avoids misjudgments caused by the presence of a liquid film on the liquid surface, bubbles in the liquid film, contact of the sampling needle with the container wall, or small droplets on the container wall above the liquid surface. Compared with a method of determining whether the sample amount in the sample carrying container is sufficient before the sample aspiration is completed, the method is more accurate, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of the sample analysis results. Furthermore, the present invention can identify insufficient sample aspiration due to motion errors in the moving mechanism, preventing the sampling needle from aspirating insufficient sample volume and affecting subsequent testing. Furthermore, the present invention eliminates the need for insulating the sampling needle or using a dedicated liquid level sensing circuit board, and eliminates the need for electrically connecting the sampling needle to the liquid level sensing circuit board via a wire, resulting in low detection costs and simple control.

[0063] Based on the above embodiment, the control method of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment may further include: controlling the sampling needle to discharge sample into the sample holding container, with the discharge amount being an auxiliary determination amount. Specifically, before controlling the sampling needle to supply the sample to the detection module, the over-absorbed sample is recovered, and specifically, the sampling needle is controlled to discharge the sample into the sample holding container, with the discharge amount being an auxiliary determination amount. By discharging the auxiliary determination amount of sample into the sample holding container, only the test amount of sample remains for sample analysis. This not only avoids the situation where there is no sample at the front end of the sampling needle, but air, which may cause leakage during urine dry chemical testing, but also ensures the amount of sample required for testing and avoids sample waste.

[0064] If bubbles are attached to the wall of the liquid tube during the sample aspiration process, it may cause the first bubble sensor to misjudge. To further improve the accuracy of the determination, two bubble sensors can be installed compactly to avoid the misjudgment of the first bubble sensor caused by the above situation. For a sample analyzer that uses two bubble sensors installed compactly, specifically: the second bubble sensor is arranged on the liquid tube, and the distance between the second bubble sensor and the sampling needle is less than the distance between the first bubble sensor and the sampling needle. The control method of the sample analyzer may also include: when there is a sample on the cross-section of one of the first bubble sensor and the second bubble sensor, it is determined that the aspirated detection amount is sufficient. In other words, only one bubble sensor needs to determine that a sample is present to determine that the aspirated detection amount is sufficient, and the sample can be supplied to the detection module normally.

[0065] The auxiliary determination amount may be determined according to the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first air bubble sensor. Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a control method for a sample analyzer provided in another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the control method of the sample analyzer provided in this embodiment can also determine the auxiliary determination amount according to the following steps before performing sample detection:

[0066] S401, controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to absorb air.

[0067] S402: Determine whether there is a sample based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. If not, proceed to step S404; if so, proceed to step S403.

[0068] S403: If it is determined according to the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor that there is a sample in the section where the first bubble sensor is located, then continue to execute step S402.

[0069] S404: If it is determined based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor that there is no sample in the section where the first bubble sensor is located, proceed to step S405.

[0070] S405 , stop aspirating samples, calculate the total aspirated sample volume based on the motor motion pulses of the driver, and determine it as the auxiliary determination volume.

[0071] The control method for a sample analyzer provided in this embodiment controls a driver to drive a sampling needle to aspirate air before performing a sample test. During this process, the driver continuously monitors the presence of liquid in the cross-section where the first bubble sensor is located based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When no liquid is detected in the cross-section, air aspiration ceases, and the aspirated volume at that point is determined as the auxiliary determination volume. This process allows for automatic adjustment of the auxiliary determination volume for each instrument, preventing variations in the sampling needle and fluidic piping from affecting subsequent determinations of the adequacy of the aspirated volume for testing.

[0072] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. The computer program is executed by a processor to implement the technical solution of any of the above method embodiments.

[0073] The various embodiments in the present disclosure are described in a progressive manner, and the same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0074] The scope of protection of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations to the present disclosure without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. If such modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of the present disclosure and their equivalents, the present disclosure is intended to include such modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A sample analyzer, characterized in that: include: Sampling needle, liquid line tube, first bubble sensor, driver and processor; The sampling needle, the liquid tube and the driver are connected in sequence, and the first bubble sensor is arranged at a preset position on the liquid tube; The processor is configured to: Controlling the driver to drive the sampling needle to draw a sample from the sample carrying container, where the drawn amount is the sum of a detection amount and an auxiliary determination amount, where the auxiliary determination amount is determined according to the internal volume of the sampling needle and the position of the first bubble sensor; After the sample aspiration is completed, determining whether there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located according to the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor; If there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is sufficient; If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is insufficient; The processor is further configured to: If it is determined that the absorbed test amount is sufficient, then before controlling the sample to be dropped onto the test strip of the urine dry chemical detection module, controlling the sampling needle to discharge the sample and / or air into the sample carrying container, the discharge amount being the auxiliary determination amount; The system further includes a second bubble sensor, which is disposed on the liquid pipe, and a distance between the second bubble sensor and the sampling needle is smaller than a distance between the first bubble sensor and the sampling needle.

2. The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein: The processor is further configured to: When there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, or when there is a sample on the cross section where the second bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of the sample sucked for detection is sufficient.

3. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that: The processor is further configured to determine the auxiliary determination amount according to the following steps: The driver is controlled to drive the sampling needle to absorb air. During this process, whether there is liquid on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is continuously monitored based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When it is detected that there is no liquid on the cross section, the air absorption is stopped, and the absorption amount at this time is determined as the auxiliary judgment amount.

4. A control method for a sample analyzer, characterized in that: include: The control driver drives the sampling needle to absorb the sample from the sample carrying container, and the absorbed amount is the sum of the detection amount and the auxiliary determination amount; After the sample is aspirated, determining whether there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located based on an electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor, wherein the first bubble sensor is provided at a preset position on the liquid line tube connected to the sampling needle; If there is a sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is sufficient; If there is no sample on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located, it is determined that the amount of sample drawn for testing is insufficient; If it is determined that the amount of testing to be absorbed is sufficient, the method further comprises: Before controlling the dripping of the sample onto the test strip of the urine dry chemical detection module, controlling the sampling needle to discharge the sample and / or air into the sample carrying container, the discharge amount being the auxiliary determination amount; The method further comprises: When there is a sample on the cross section of at least one of the first bubble sensor and the second bubble sensor, it is determined that the amount for suction detection is sufficient, and the second bubble sensor is arranged on the liquid pipe, and the distance between the second bubble sensor and the sampling needle is smaller than the distance between the first bubble sensor and the sampling needle.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that The method further comprises determining the auxiliary decision amount according to the following steps: The driver is controlled to drive the sampling needle to absorb air. During this process, whether there is liquid on the cross section where the first bubble sensor is located is continuously monitored based on the electrical signal output by the first bubble sensor. When it is detected that there is no liquid on the cross section, the air absorption is stopped, and the absorption amount at this time is determined as the auxiliary judgment amount.

6. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that The computer-readable storage medium stores computer-executable instructions, and when the computer-executable instructions are executed by a processor, they are used to implement the control method of the sample analyzer according to any one of claims 4 to 5.

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