Automatic analysis device and method

Abstract

Provided are an automatic analysis device and method that improve the processing efficiency of inspection. An automatic analysis device according to an embodiment includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores attribute information that is set for any one of the plurality of types of reagents and indicates an attribute relating to cleaning. On the basis of the attribute information, the control unit executes at least one of a rearrangement of the measurement order of the plurality of inspection items during the inspection and a determination of whether or not probe cleaning with the detergent is necessary during the inspection.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-143029 filed on September 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated into this application by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments described herein generally relate to an automated analysis device and method. Background Art

[0004] In an automatic analyzer, when multiple inspection items are inspected, the components of the reagent used in the measurement of the previous inspection item may sometimes affect the measurement of the next inspection item. This is called reagent contamination. In order to avoid such reagent contamination, the automatic analyzer has a function of pre-registering reagents that affect the inspection items and changing the measurement order based on the registered reagent information, and a function of cleaning the reagent dispensing probe with a detergent.

[0005] However, with the diversification of inspection items, sometimes even if the order of measurement is changed, reagent contamination cannot be avoided. Or, there may be a situation where the order of measurement cannot be changed. In this case, since the reagent dispensing probe needs to be cleaned with detergent, a cleaning cycle will be generated, and the processing efficiency of the inspection may be reduced.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2004-184410 Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem to be solved by the invention is to improve the processing efficiency of inspection.

[0009] The automatic analyzer of the embodiment includes a storage unit and a control unit. The storage unit stores attribute information indicating attributes related to cleaning set for any one of a plurality of reagents. The control unit performs at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in an inspection and determining whether a probe cleaning with a detergent is required in an inspection based on the attribute information.

[0010] In addition, the method in the embodiment comprises: storing attribute information representing attributes related to cleaning set for any one of a plurality of reagents; and based on the attribute information, performing at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in an inspection, and determining whether a detergent is required for probe cleaning in the inspection.

[0011] The effect of the present invention is that the processing efficiency of inspection can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 A diagram showing a structural example of an analysis mechanism.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display example of the reagent registration window according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of registered reagent information according to the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of the examination item registration window (basic setting) according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a display example of the inspection item registration window (remaining setting) according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of registered inspection item information according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 9 It is a diagram showing the execution result of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing the execution result of the reagent contamination prevention process in the application example of the first embodiment.

[0022] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the second embodiment.

[0023] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a display example of a reagent registration window according to the second embodiment.

[0024] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing an example of registered reagent information according to the second embodiment.

[0025] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing a display example of the examination item registration window (basic setting) according to the second embodiment.

[0026] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a display example of the inspection item registration window (remaining setting) according to the second embodiment.

[0027] Fig.16It is a diagram showing an example of registered inspection item information according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Fig.17 It is a diagram showing the execution result of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the second embodiment.

[0029] Description of Reference Numerals

[0030] 1 automatic analysis device; 2 analysis mechanism; 3 analysis circuit; 4 driving mechanism; 5 input interface; 6 output interface; 7 communication interface; 8 storage circuit; 9 control circuit; 91 system control function; 92 acquisition function; 93 setting function; 94 determination function; 100 reagent container; 201 reaction disk; 2011 reaction container; 202 constant temperature unit; 203 support sampler; 2031 sample rack; 204 first reagent reservoir; 205 second reagent reservoir; 206 sample dispensing arm; 207 sample dispensing probe; 208 first reagent dispensing arm; 209 first reagent dispensing probe; 210 second reagent dispensing arm; 2 11 Second reagent dispensing probe; 212 Electrode unit; 213 Photometry unit; 214 Cleaning unit; 215 Stirring unit; 400, 1200 Reagent registration window; 410, 1210 Property information; 500, 1300 Register reagent information; 600, 1400 Inspection item registration window; 610, 1410 Inspection item reagent information; 710, 1510 Anti-reagent residue cleaning information; 711, 1511 Reagent cleaning permission information; 800, 1600 Register inspection item information; 900, 1000, 1700 Execution result; 1220 Specific item information; NW Hospital internal network DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In general, according to one embodiment, the automatic analyzer includes a memory and a processing circuit. The memory stores attribute information indicating attributes related to cleaning set for any one of a plurality of reagents. The processing circuit performs at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in an inspection and determining whether a probe cleaning with a detergent is required in an inspection based on the attribute information.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] (First Embodiment)

[0034] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing an example of the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment. Figure 1The automatic analyzer 1 shown includes an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a storage circuit 8 (storage unit), and a control circuit 9 (control unit). The automatic analyzer 1 measures the components in the sample by measuring a mixed solution of a sample to be measured and a specimen.

[0035] The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample (also referred to as a specimen) with a reagent used for each test item set for the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent and generates standard data and test data represented by absorbance, for example.

[0036] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. by analyzing the standard data and the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads the analysis program from the storage circuit 8, and generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. according to the read analysis program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data representing the relationship between the standard data and the standard value pre-set for the standard sample based on the standard data. In addition, the analysis circuit 3 generates analysis data represented as concentration values ​​and enzyme activity values ​​based on the test data and the calibration data of the inspection items corresponding to the test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, etc. to the control circuit 9.

[0037] The driving mechanism 4 drives the analyzing mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. The driving mechanism 4 is realized by, for example, a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

[0038] The input interface 5 receives settings of analysis parameters and the like of each test item related to the sample requested for measurement, for example, from an operator or via the hospital internal network NW. The input interface 5 is implemented by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch panel for inputting instructions by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts the operation instructions input by the operator into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9.

[0039] In addition, in this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to an input interface having a physical operation device such as a mouse, a keyboard, and a touch pad. For example, an electric signal processing circuit that receives an electric signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analysis device 1 and outputs the electric signal to the control circuit 9 is also included in the example of the input interface 5.

[0040] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs the signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is implemented by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, and an audio device. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. In addition, the display circuit may also include a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer. In addition, the printed circuit may also include an output circuit that outputs data representing a printed object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker. In addition, the audio device may also include an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0041] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, a hospital internal network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with an HIS (Hospital Information System) via the hospital internal network NW. In addition, the communication interface 7 may perform data communication with an HIS via a laboratory information system (LIS) connected to the hospital internal network NW.

[0042] The storage circuit 8 includes a recording medium that can be read by a processor, such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. In addition, the storage circuit 8 does not need to be implemented by a single storage device. For example, the storage circuit 8 may also be implemented by a plurality of storage devices.

[0043] In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and a control program for realizing the functions of the control circuit 9. The storage circuit 8 stores, for each examination item, analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3. The storage circuit 8 stores examination commands input by an operator or examination commands received by the communication interface 7 via the hospital internal network NW.

[0044] In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores reagent information related to the reagent. The reagent information includes information such as the reagent name, type, and attribute, which are associated with each other. The reagent information is not limited to the reagent, and any liquid other than the sample carried in the automatic analyzer 1 may be used.

[0045] The type information (type information) is, for example, the type of liquid other than the sample loaded in the automatic analyzer 1. Specifically, the type information includes, for example, the first reagent (R1), the second reagent (R2), a residual prevention detergent, an acidic detergent, an alkaline detergent, a diluent, and a thermostatic bath additive.

[0046] The information of attribute (attribute information) indicates the properties related to cleaning. Specifically, the attribute information is the physical property information indicating the physical properties related to the hydrogen ions contained in the reagent. The attribute information includes, for example, neutral reagents, alkaline reagents, and acidic reagents. The detailed role of the attribute information is described later. In addition, the attribute information can be set only for a part of the reagents.

[0047] In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores inspection item information related to the inspection items. The inspection item information is set for each of the plurality of inspection items. The inspection item information includes, for example, basic setting information and residual setting information, which are respectively associated with each other.

[0048] In the basic setting information, information about the inspection items, such as absorbance, sample, diluent, reagent and stirring element, is associated with each other. In the information about the reagent of the inspection item (inspection item reagent information), for example, the reagent name of the first reagent and the second reagent, the reagent amount of each reagent and the amount of water used for dilution are included. The reagent name here usually includes the reagent stored in the aforementioned reagent information.

[0049] In the residual setting information, regarding the inspection items, for example, information such as anti-reagent residual cleaning is included. In the information of anti-reagent residual cleaning, information such as the name of the reagent that affects the inspection item (influencing reagent name), cleaning method, detergent dosage, number of cleaning times and reagent cleaning permission are included, and they are respectively associated. In the case where a reagent with attribute information (for example, an alkaline reagent) is set in the cleaning method item, the reagent cleaning permission information (reagent cleaning permission information) indicates whether the reagent is used for cleaning. In addition, the purpose of reagent cleaning is to implement the inspection of the inspection items using a reagent that can be expected to have a cleaning effect, rather than just performing cleaning in one cycle as in detergent cleaning.

[0050] In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores information on the sample analyzed by the automatic analyzer 1. Specifically, the storage circuit 8 stores information on the sample of the inspection object based on the sample container put into the automatic analyzer 1 (inspection object sample information). The inspection object sample information includes an ID for identifying the sample requested for measurement, etc. In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores information on one or more inspection items associated with the inspection object sample. In addition, the storage circuit 8 stores information on the order of the samples analyzed by the automatic analyzer 1 (sample order information).

[0051] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analysis device 1. The control circuit 9 executes the control program stored in the storage circuit 8, thereby realizing the function corresponding to the executed control program. The function of the control circuit 9 of the first embodiment will be described in detail later. In addition, the control circuit 9 may also have a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored by the storage circuit 8.

[0052] Figure 2 Yes means Figure 1 Figure 2 shows the structure of the analysis mechanism. Figure 2 The analysis mechanism 2 shown in the figure includes a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature section 202, a rack sampler 203, a first reagent reservoir 204, and a second reagent reservoir 205. In addition, the analysis mechanism 2 includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, an electrode unit 212, a photometry unit 213, a cleaning unit 214, and a stirring unit 215.

[0053] Next, the reaction disk 201 , the constant temperature section 202 , the rack sampler 203 , the first reagent reservoir 204 , and the second reagent reservoir 205 will be described.

[0054] The reaction disk 201 arranges and holds a plurality of reaction containers 2011 in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 transports the plurality of reaction containers 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 is rotated and stopped alternately and repeatedly at a predetermined time interval (hereinafter referred to as 1 cycle), for example, 4.5 seconds or 9.0 seconds, by the driving mechanism 4. The reaction container 2011 is formed of, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP) or propylene.

[0055] The constant temperature unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature, and increases the temperature of the mixed liquid contained in the reaction container 2011 by immersing the reaction container 2011 in the stored heat medium.

[0056] The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031, and the sample rack 2031 can hold a plurality of sample containers containing samples requested for measurement. Figure 2 In the illustrated example, a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel is shown.

[0057] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport region in which the sample rack 2031 is transported from a loading position to a collection position for collecting the sample rack 2031 after measurement. In the transport region, the plurality of sample racks 2031 arranged in the short side direction are moved in the direction D1 by the driving mechanism 4.

[0058] In addition, the rack sampler 203 is provided with an introduction area in which the sample rack 2031 is introduced from the transport area in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation track of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement track of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the introduction area, the sample rack 2031 transported is moved in the direction D2 by the driving mechanism 4.

[0059] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area for returning the sample rack 2031 holding the sample container from which the sample has been sucked to the transport area. In the return area, the sample rack 2031 is moved in the direction D3 by the driving mechanism 4.

[0060] In addition, a barcode reader for reading a barcode attached to a sample container may be provided in the rack sampler 203. The barcode reader is provided near the loading position of the rack sampler 203, for example, and reads a barcode attached to a sample container held by the sample rack 2031.

[0061] The first reagent storage 204 thermally insulates a plurality of reagent containers 100 containing first reagents that react with predetermined components contained in standard samples and test samples. Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the first reagent storehouse 204 is covered by a reagent cover which can be installed and removed freely. In the first reagent storehouse 204, a reagent rack is rotatably arranged. The reagent rack arranges and holds a plurality of reagent containers 100 in a circular shape. The reagent rack is rotated by the driving mechanism 4.

[0062] The first reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation track of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects the movement track of the openings of the reagent containers 100 arranged in an annular shape on the reagent rack.

[0063] The second reagent storage 205 is thermally insulated with a plurality of reagent containers 100 storing second reagents that form a pair with the first reagent of the dual reagent system. Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, the second reagent storage 205 is covered by a detachable reagent cover. A reagent rack is rotatably provided in the second reagent storage 205. The reagent rack arranges and holds a plurality of reagent containers 100 in a circular shape.

[0064] The second reagent suction position is set at a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent suction position is provided, for example, at a position where a rotation track of a second reagent dispensing probe 211 described later intersects a movement track of the openings of reagent containers 100 arranged annularly on the reagent rack.

[0065] Next, the sample dispensing arm 206 , the sample dispensing probe 207 , the first reagent dispensing arm 208 , the first reagent dispensing probe 209 , the second reagent dispensing arm 210 , the second reagent dispensing probe 211 , the electrode unit 212 , the photometry unit 213 , the cleaning unit 214 , and the stirring unit 215 are described.

[0066] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided to be movable vertically and horizontally by the driving mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0067] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation track in conjunction with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. On this rotation track, there is an opening of a sample container held by a sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203.

[0068] In addition, a sample discharge position is provided on the rotation track of the sample dispensing probe 207, and the sample discharge position is used to discharge the sample sucked by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction container 2011. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotation track of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement track of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201.

[0069] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves in the up-down direction just above the opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 or at the sample discharge position.

[0070] In addition, the sample dispensing probe 207 sucks the sample from the sample container located directly below according to the control of the control circuit 9. In addition, the sample dispensing probe 207 discharges the sucked sample to the reaction container 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position according to the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs a series of dispensing operations of suction and discharge once during one cycle, for example.

[0071] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the first reagent reservoir 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided to be movable vertically and horizontally by the driving mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0072] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along the arc-shaped rotation track along with the rotation of the first reagent dispensing arm 208. A first reagent suction position is provided on the rotation track. In addition, a first reagent discharge position is provided on the rotation track of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the first reagent discharge position is used to discharge the reagent sucked by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction container 2011. The first reagent discharge position is equivalent to the intersection of the rotation track of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the moving track of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201.

[0073] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves in the up-down direction at the first reagent suction position or the first reagent discharge position on the rotating track. In addition, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container located directly below the first reagent suction position according to the control of the control circuit 9. In addition, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 discharges the sucked first reagent to the reaction container 2011 located directly below the first reagent discharge position according to the control of the control circuit 9.

[0074] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent reservoir 205. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided to be movable vertically and rotatable horizontally by the driving mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0075] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along the arc-shaped rotation track along with the rotation of the second reagent dispensing arm 210. A second reagent suction position is provided on the rotation track. In addition, a second reagent discharge position is provided on the rotation track of the second reagent dispensing probe 211, and the second reagent discharge position is used to discharge the reagent sucked by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction container 2011. The second reagent discharge position is equivalent to the intersection of the rotation track of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the moving track of the reaction container 2011 held by the reaction disk 201.

[0076] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 to move in the up-down direction at the second reagent suction position or the second reagent discharge position on the rotating track. In addition, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 sucks the second reagent from the reagent container located directly below the second reagent suction position according to the control of the control circuit 9. In addition, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 discharges the sucked second reagent to the reaction container 2011 located directly below the second reagent discharge position according to the control of the control circuit 9.

[0077] The electrode unit 212 measures the electrolyte concentration of the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent discharged into the reaction container 2011. The electrode unit 212 has an ion selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode. The electrode unit 212 measures the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode for the mixed solution containing the ions to be measured according to the control of the control circuit 9. The electrode unit 212 outputs the data obtained by measuring the potential to the analysis circuit 3 as standard data or test data.

[0078] The photometric unit 213 optically measures a predetermined component in the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent discharged into the reaction container 2011. The photometric unit 213 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 213 irradiates light from the light source according to the control of the control circuit 9. The irradiated light enters from the first side wall of the reaction container 2011 and is emitted from the second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The photometric unit 213 detects the light emitted from the reaction container 2011 through the photodetector.

[0079] Specifically, for example, the photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixed solution of the standard sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2011, and generates standard data represented by absorbance or the like based on the intensity of the detected light. In addition, the photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent in the reaction container 2011, and generates test data represented by absorbance or the like based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 213 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0080] The cleaning unit 214 cleans the interior of the reaction container 2011 after the measurement of the mixed solution in the electrode unit 212 or the photometric unit 213 is completed. The cleaning unit 214 is provided with a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) for supplying a cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction container 2011. In addition, the cleaning unit 214 is provided with a cleaning nozzle for discharging the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump into the reaction container 2011 and for sucking liquids such as the mixed solution and the cleaning liquid in the reaction container 2011.

[0081] The stirring unit 215 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The stirring unit 215 has a stirring member, and the stirring member stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction container 2011 located at the stirring position on the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, the stirring unit 215 stirs the mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction container 2011.

[0082] In addition, although Figure 2Although not shown, cleaning tanks for cleaning the reagent dispensing probes are provided on the rotation track of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the rotation track of the second reagent dispensing probe 211. In the cleaning tanks, the reagent dispensing probes are cleaned with, for example, a detergent.

[0083] Next, the functions of the control circuit 9 of the first embodiment are described. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91, an acquisition function 92, a setting function 93, and a determination function 94 by executing an action program. In the first embodiment, a case where the system control function 91, the acquisition function 92, the setting function 93, and the determination function 94 are implemented by a single processor is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a plurality of independent processors may be combined to form a control circuit, and the system control function 91, the acquisition function 92, the setting function 93, and the determination function 94 may be implemented by each processor executing a control program.

[0084] The control circuit 9 comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5, for example, through the system control function 91. Specifically, the control circuit 9 controls the rotation of the reaction disk 201, the rotation and dispensing of the sample dispensing probe 207, and the rotation and dispensing of the second reagent dispensing probe 211.

[0085] In addition, the control circuit 9 executes various functions related to the reagent contamination prevention process according to the read control program. The above functions include, for example, an acquisition function 92, a setting function 93, and a determination function 94. In addition, the above functions may also include a part of the system control function 91.

[0086] The control circuit 9 acquires the inspection target sample information and the information of one or more inspection items associated with the sample through the acquisition function 92. In addition, the control circuit 9 may also acquire the sample sequence information. These information are all stored in the storage circuit 8.

[0087] The control circuit 9 sets the measurement order of multiple inspection items for the sample of the inspection object through the setting function 93. Specifically, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the attribute information. When rearranging the measurement order, the control circuit 9 may also determine the reagent containing the physical property information in the attribute information and the inspection item using the reagent.

[0088] The control circuit 9 performs various determinations through the determination function 94. Specifically, the control circuit 9 performs determinations related to reagent contamination, determinations on whether there are inspection items using reagents for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, and determinations related to whether probe cleaning is required. Probe cleaning in this specification means detergent cleaning of a reagent dispensing probe using a detergent. In addition, when performing probe cleaning, a cleaning cycle is required.

[0089] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 of the first embodiment configured as above will be described according to the processing procedure of the reagent contamination prevention process executed by the control circuit 9 .

[0090] Figure 3 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 The flowchart starts, for example, after the control circuit 9 acquires the inspection object sample information and the sample sequence information through the acquisition function 92. Figure 3 The flowchart sets the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items set for one sample among a plurality of samples included in the sample order information.

[0091] exist Figure 3 In the flowchart of , as a specific example, the measurement order of three inspection items (inspection item Ex_0001, inspection item Ex_0002, and inspection item Ex_0003) set for a certain sample is set. Figures 4 to 8 The reagents related to these test items and the settings of each test item are described.

[0092] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a display example of the reagent registration window according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 The reagent registration window 400 shown displays reagent information.

[0093] exist Figure 4 In the example of , as reagent information, the type “first reagent (R1)” and the attribute “alkaline reagent” (attribute information 410 ) are associated with the reagent name “Reg_1001”.

[0094] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of registered reagent information according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 The registered reagent information 500 shown is information in which the reagent name, type, and attribute of the reagent mounted on the automatic analyzer 1 are associated.

[0095] exist Figure 5In the example of , in the registered reagent information 500, the reagent name "Reg_1001" is associated with the type "first reagent (R1)" and the attribute "alkaline reagent". In addition, in the registered reagent information 500, the reagent names "Reg_1002" and "Reg_1003" are associated with the type "first reagent (R1)". Furthermore, in the registered reagent information 500, the reagent names "Reg_2001", "Reg_2002", and "Reg_2003" are associated with the type "second reagent (R2)". That is, in Figure 5 In the example, attribute information is set only for reagent Reg_1001.

[0096] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a display example of the examination item registration window (basic setting) according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 The illustrated examination item registration window 600 displays basic setting information.

[0097] exist Figure 6 In the example of , as basic setting information, the test item reagent information 610 is set for the test item "Ex_0003". In the test item reagent information 610, the first reagent "Reg_1003 (R1)" and the second reagent "Reg_2003 (R2)" are associated.

[0098] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a display example of the inspection item registration window (remaining setting) according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 The inspection item registration window shown shows the remaining setting information.

[0099] exist Figure 7 In the example, as the residual setting information, the anti-reagent residual cleaning information 710 is set for the inspection item "Ex_0003". In the anti-reagent residual cleaning information 710, as the first setting, the influencing reagent name "Reg_1002(R1)", the cleaning method "alkaline reagent" and the reagent cleaning permission "checked" (reagent cleaning permission information 711) are associated, and as the second setting, the influencing reagent name "all first reagents" and the cleaning method "anti-residue detergent" are associated. In addition, "all first reagents" means "all first reagents". That is, for the inspection item for which the influencing reagent name "all first reagents" is set, it is necessary to perform any of detergent cleaning and similar cleaning after the inspection of the previous inspection item.

[0100] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing an example of registered inspection item information according to the first embodiment. Figure 8The registered inspection item information 800 is information that associates the first reagent set for the inspection item, the reagent that affects the inspection item (influencing reagent), and the cleaning method for avoiding the influence of the reagent residue with the inspection item registered in the automatic analyzer 1. In addition, the combination of the inspection item, the first reagent, and the reagent that affects the inspection item can be called influencing reagent information.

[0101] exist Figure 8 In the example of , in the registered inspection item information 800, the inspection item "Ex_0001" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1001(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1004(R1)", and the cleaning method "detergent for preventing residual". In addition, in the registered inspection item information 800, the inspection item "Ex_0002" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1002(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1005(R1)", and the cleaning method "detergent for preventing residual". In addition, in the registered inspection item information 800, the inspection item "Ex_0003" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1003(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1002(R1)", and the cleaning method "alkaline reagent". Furthermore, in the registered inspection item information 800 , the inspection item “Ex_0003” is associated with the first reagent “Reg_1003 (R1)”, the influencing reagent “all first reagents”, and the cleaning method “detergent for residue prevention”.

[0102] (Step ST110)

[0103] When the reagent contamination prevention process is started, the control circuit 9 sets a default measurement order through the setting function 93. The default measurement order is, for example, the order of the inspection items registered in the inspection request. In the first embodiment, the default measurement order does not take reagent contamination into consideration.

[0104] In a specific example, the default measurement order is the order of inspection item “Ex_0001”, inspection item “Ex_0002”, and inspection item “Ex_0003”.

[0105] (Step ST120)

[0106] After the default measurement sequence is set, the control circuit 9 determines whether there is a measurement sequence that causes reagent contamination through the determination function 94. Specifically, the control circuit 9 makes a determination based on the basic setting information and the residual setting information set for each of the plurality of inspection items. If it is determined that there is a measurement sequence that causes reagent contamination, the process proceeds to step ST130. If it is determined that there is no measurement sequence that causes reagent contamination, the process ends.

[0107] In the specific example, since the array of the inspection item “Ex_0002” and the inspection item “Ex_0003” is a measurement array in which reagent contamination occurs, the control circuit 9 determines that there is a measurement array in which reagent contamination occurs.

[0108] (Step ST130)

[0109] After determining that there is a measurement arrangement that causes reagent contamination, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the influencing reagent information by setting function 93. The influencing reagent information is, for example, information that associates the inspection item, the first reagent, and the reagent that has an impact on the inspection item. In addition, in step ST130, it is not necessary to rearrange. For example, in the case where the reagent that has an impact on the inspection item includes "all first reagents", even if rearrangement is performed, the impact of reagent contamination may not be eliminated.

[0110] In the specific example, because the test item "Ex_0003" is associated with the influential reagent "All First Reagents", the control circuit 9 does not rearrange the default measurement order. In addition, due to the influence of the test items of the previous sample, the control circuit 9 cannot set the test item "Ex_0003" to the beginning (first) of the measurement order.

[0111] (Step ST140)

[0112] After the processing of step ST130, the control circuit 9 determines whether the generation of reagent contamination can be avoided by the determination function 94. The determination here is the same as the determination of step ST120. In the case where it is determined that the generation of reagent contamination cannot be avoided, the processing proceeds to step ST150. In the case where it is determined that the generation of reagent contamination can be avoided, the processing ends.

[0113] In the specific example, since the rearrangement is not performed in step ST130, the control circuit 9 determines that the current measurement order (which is the same as the default measurement order) cannot avoid the occurrence of reagent contamination.

[0114] (Step ST150)

[0115] After determining that the generation of reagent contamination cannot be avoided, the control circuit 9 determines whether there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set through the determination function 94. Specifically, the control circuit 9 makes a determination based on the influencing reagent information and the registered reagent information. The registered inspection item information is information that further associates the aforementioned influencing reagent information with a cleaning method. The registered reagent information is information associated with the reagent name, type, and attribute of the reagent carried on the automatic analyzer 1. In the case where it is determined that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the process proceeds to step ST160. In the case where it is determined that there is no inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the process proceeds to step ST180. In addition, the registered inspection item information may be used instead of the influencing reagent information.

[0116] In the specific example, because the attribute "alkaline reagent" is associated with the reagent name "Reg_1001" of the registered reagent information, and the first reagent "Reg_1001(R1)" is associated with the inspection item "Ex_0001" affecting the reagent information, the control circuit 9 determines that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set.

[0117] In other words, the control circuit 9 determines whether there is a first inspection item (e.g., inspection item "Ex_0001") using a first reagent (e.g., reagent name "Reg_1001") with set attribute information (e.g., attribute "alkaline reagent" as physical property information) among the plurality of inspection items.

[0118] (Step ST160)

[0119] After determining that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the attribute information by setting the function 93. Specifically, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the registered inspection item information including the attribute information in the item of the cleaning method and the registered reagent information including the attribute information. In addition, in step ST160, rearrangement may not necessarily be performed.

[0120] In a specific example, since the registered inspection item information is associated with the inspection item "Ex_0003", the first reagent "Reg_1003(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1002(R1)", and the cleaning method "alkaline reagent", and the registered reagent information is associated with the reagent name "Reg_1001" and the attribute "alkaline reagent", the control circuit 9 sets the inspection item "Ex_0002" with the influencing reagent "Reg_1002(R1)" as the first reagent as the beginning of the measurement order, then sets the inspection item "Ex_0001" with the reagent name "Reg_1001" with the cleaning method "alkaline reagent" as the attribute as the first reagent, and finally sets the inspection item "Ex_0003". As a result, the control circuit 9 rearranges the default measurement order to the order of inspection item "Ex_0002", inspection item "Ex_0001", and inspection item "Ex_0003".

[0121] In other words, when the first inspection item exists among the plurality of inspection items, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the attribute information.

[0122] (Step ST170)

[0123] After the processing of step ST160, the control circuit 9 determines whether the cleaning cycle using detergent can be avoided by the determination function 94. The determination here is the same as the determination of step ST120. The reason for the same determination as step ST120 is that, in the case of an arrangement sequence that generates reagent contamination, cleaning using detergent is required to avoid the generation of reagent contamination. In the case of determining that the cleaning cycle using detergent cannot be avoided, the processing enters step ST180. In the case of determining that the cleaning cycle using detergent can be avoided, the processing ends.

[0124] In a specific example, if the measurement order is inspection item "Ex_0002", inspection item "Ex_0001" and inspection item "Ex_0003", after inspection item "Ex_0002" using reagent "Reg_1002" that affects inspection item "Ex_0003", inspection item "Ex_0001" using reagent "Reg_1001" that can be expected to have the same effect as cleaning with detergent is performed, and therefore the control circuit 9 determines that it is a cleaning cycle that can avoid the use of detergent.

[0125] On the other hand, in the default measurement order, since detergent cleaning is required after the test item "Ex_0002" using the reagent "Reg_1002" affecting the test item "Ex_0003", the control circuit 9 determines that the cleaning cycle using detergent cannot be avoided.

[0126] In other words, since the measurement order is rearranged based on the attribute information in step ST160, when the first inspection item exists among the plurality of inspection items, the control circuit 9 determines whether probe cleaning is necessary based on the attribute information.

[0127] (Step ST180)

[0128] After determining in step ST150 that there is no inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, or after determining in step ST170 that a cleaning cycle using a detergent cannot be avoided, the control circuit 9 adds a cleaning cycle using a detergent for avoiding reagent contamination. After step ST180, the reagent contamination prevention process ends.

[0129] Fig. 9 : is a diagram showing the results of the anti-contamination treatment of the first embodiment. For reference, Fig. 9 The execution result 900 shown includes a measurement sequence using a conventional reagent contamination prevention function (conventional function) and a measurement sequence using a function of performing cleaning with a reagent instead of cleaning with a detergent (reagent cleaning function) in the first embodiment.

[0130] In the execution result 900, the conventional function is measured in the order of inspection item "Ex_0001", inspection item "Ex_0002", detergent cleaning and inspection item "Ex_0003", which requires four cycles. On the other hand, the reagent cleaning function is measured in the order of inspection item "Ex_0002", inspection item "Ex_0001" and inspection item "Ex_0003", which requires only three cycles.

[0131] The difference between the result of the reagent cleaning function and the result of the traditional function is whether the reagent information contains attribute information. In the traditional function, because the reagent information does not contain attribute information, the method of avoiding reagent residue is limited to the usual rearrangement or detergent cleaning. In the usual rearrangement, due to the influence of the inspection items of the previous sample, sometimes rearrangement is not possible, or even if rearrangement is possible, reagent residue cannot be avoided. In this case, detergent cleaning is required before the inspection items where reagent residue may occur, which will generate a cleaning cycle using detergent. On the other hand, in the reagent cleaning function, because the reagent information contains attribute information, in the case of a reagent that serves as a substitute for detergent cleaning, detergent cleaning can be replaced with an inspection of the inspection items performed using the reagent, and a cleaning cycle using detergent can no longer be generated.

[0132] Below, a detailed specific example of the reagent cleaning function of the first embodiment is described. For example, a plurality of inspection items are set for a certain sample for which an inspection request exists, and it is assumed that the plurality of inspection items set include a first inspection item, a second inspection item, and a third inspection item. In addition, it is assumed that the first inspection item uses a first reagent with attribute information (physical property information) set. In addition, it is assumed that the measurement order before rearrangement (the default measurement order) is the order of the first inspection item, the second inspection item, and the third inspection item.

[0133] In the first specific example, when the third inspection item may be affected by reagent contamination from the second reagent used in the second inspection item, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence of reagent contamination, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the reagent for which physical property information is set, namely, the first reagent and the first inspection item using the first reagent, and rearranges the default measurement order in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

[0134] In the second specific example, when the third inspection item will be affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which physical property information is set as a method to avoid the influence of reagent contamination, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the reagent for which physical property information is set, namely, the first reagent and the first inspection item using the first reagent, and rearranges the default measurement order in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

[0135] In the third specific example, when the third inspection item may be affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence of reagent contamination from a second reagent used in the second inspection item, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the reagent for which physical property information is set, namely, the first reagent and the first inspection item using the first reagent, and rearranges the default measurement order in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

[0136] As described above, the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment stores attribute information indicating attributes related to cleaning set for any of a plurality of reagents, and performs at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in an inspection and determining whether a probe cleaning with a detergent is required in an inspection based on the attribute information. In addition, the attribute information of the first embodiment includes physical property information indicating physical properties related to hydrogen ions contained in the reagent.

[0137] Therefore, the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment replaces detergent cleaning with reagent cleaning by performing at least one of rearranging the inspection items based on the attribute information and determining whether detergent cleaning is necessary based on the attribute information, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the inspection.

[0138] (Application example of first embodiment)

[0139] In the first embodiment, a case where detergent washing requiring one cycle is performed is described. On the other hand, in an application example of the first embodiment, a case where detergent washing requiring a plurality of cycles is performed is described.

[0140] In the case where the detergent cleaning that requires multiple cycles is replaced by the inspection of the inspection item using the reagent having a cleaning effect, the control circuit 9 can replace one of the multiple cycles for detergent cleaning with the inspection of the inspection item using the reagent having a cleaning effect. Fig.10 Replacement in the case of performing detergent washing requiring two cycles will be described.

[0141] Fig.10 1 is a diagram showing the results of the anti-contamination treatment of the reagent in the application example of the first embodiment. Fig.10 The execution result 1000 shown includes a measurement sequence using the conventional function and a measurement sequence using the reagent washing function.

[0142] In the execution result 1000, the conventional function is measured in the order of inspection item "Ex_0001", inspection item "Ex_0002", detergent cleaning, detergent cleaning, and inspection item "Ex_0003", which requires five cycles. On the other hand, the reagent cleaning function is measured in the order of inspection item "Ex_0002", inspection item "Ex_0001", detergent cleaning, and inspection item "Ex_0003", which requires four cycles. Thus, in the execution result 1000, one cycle of the detergent cleaning, which conventionally requires two cycles, is replaced by the inspection of the inspection item "Ex_0001".

[0143] Therefore, the automatic analyzer according to the application example of the first embodiment can improve the processing efficiency of the inspection by replacing one of the multiple cycles requiring cleaning with a detergent with an inspection item performed using a reagent having a cleaning effect.

[0144] In addition, the automatic analyzer of the application example of the first embodiment may also set a condition that detergent cleaning must be performed in any number of cycles among the multiple cycles requiring detergent cleaning. In addition, when detergent cleaning requiring multiple cycles is performed, the automatic analyzer of the application example of the first embodiment may also prohibit replacement of the inspection item with the inspection item that uses the reagent having a cleaning effect.

[0145] (Second Embodiment)

[0146] In the first embodiment, the specific example of the attribute information is described as physical property information. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the specific example of the attribute information is described as a specific inspection item (specific item). In addition, the structure of the automatic analysis device of the second embodiment is the same as that of the automatic analysis device of the second embodiment. Figure 1 The automatic analysis device 1 shown and Figure 2 The analysis mechanism 2 shown is the same. Next, the structure unique to the second embodiment will be described.

[0147] In the second embodiment, the reagent information stored in the storage circuit 8 includes, for example, information such as the reagent name, type, attribute, and specific item (reagent), which are respectively associated. The attribute information (attribute information) of the second embodiment is cleaning information indicating a specific inspection item or a cleaning effect for a specific reagent. The attribute information includes a specific item cleaning reagent. The specific item information (specific item information) includes information on the inspection item. In addition, the specific item information may also be information on the reagent used in the inspection item. Later, the "specific item information" includes at least one of the "information on the inspection item" and the "information on the reagent used in the inspection item".

[0148] In the second embodiment, the control circuit 9 uses the determination function 94 to determine whether there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, determination related to reagent contamination, and determination related to whether probe cleaning is necessary.

[0149] Next, the operation of the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment configured as above will be described according to the processing procedure of the reagent contamination prevention process executed by the control circuit 9 .

[0150] Fig.11 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the reagent contamination prevention process according to the second embodiment. Fig.11 The flowchart starts, for example, after the control circuit 9 acquires the inspection object sample information and the sample sequence information through the acquisition function 92. Fig.11 The flowchart sets the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items set for one sample among a plurality of samples included in the sample order information.

[0151] exist Fig.11 In the flowchart of , as a specific example, the measurement order of three inspection items (inspection item Ex_0011, inspection item Ex_0012, and inspection item Ex_0013) set for a certain sample is set. Figure 12 to Figure 16 The reagents related to these test items and the settings of each test item are described.

[0152] Fig.12 It is a diagram showing a display example of a reagent registration window according to the second embodiment. Fig.12 The reagent registration window 1200 shown displays reagent information.

[0153] exist Fig.12 In the example of , as reagent information, the reagent name “Reg_1011” is associated with the type “first reagent (R1)”, the attribute “specific item cleaning reagent” (attribute information 1210 ), and the specific item (reagent) “Ex_0013 (Reg_1013)” (specific item information 1220 ).

[0154] Fig.13 It is a diagram showing an example of registered reagent information according to the second embodiment. Fig.13 The registered reagent information 1300 shown is information in which the reagent name, type, attribute, and specific item (reagent) of the reagent mounted on the automatic analyzer 1 are associated.

[0155] exist Fig.13 In the example of , in the registered reagent information 1300, the reagent name "Reg_1011" is associated with the type "first reagent (R1)", the attribute "specific item cleaning reagent" and the specific item (reagent) "Ex_0013 (Reg_1013)". In addition, in the registered reagent information 1300, the reagent names "Reg_1012" and "Reg_1013" are respectively associated with the type "first reagent (R1)". Moreover, in the registered reagent information 1300, the reagent names "Reg_2011", "Reg_2012" and "Reg_2013" are respectively associated with the type "second reagent (R2)". That is, in Fig.13 In the example of , attribute information and specific item information are set only for reagent Reg_1011.

[0156] Fig.14 It is a diagram showing a display example of the examination item registration window (basic setting) according to the second embodiment. Fig.14 The examination item registration window 1400 shown displays basic setting information.

[0157] exist Fig.14In the example of , as basic setting information, the test item reagent information 1410 is set for the test item "Ex_0013". In the test item reagent information 1410, the first reagent "Reg_1013(R1)" and the second reagent "Reg_2013(R2)" are associated.

[0158] Fig.15 It is a diagram showing a display example of the inspection item registration window (remaining setting) according to the second embodiment. Fig.15 The inspection item registration window shown shows the remaining setting information.

[0159] exist Fig.15 In the example of , as the residual setting information, for the inspection item "Ex_0013", the reagent residual prevention cleaning information 1510 is set. In the reagent residual prevention cleaning information 1510, as the first setting, the impact reagent name "all first reagents", the cleaning method "specific item cleaning reagents" and the reagent cleaning permission "checked" (reagent cleaning permission information 1511) are associated, and as the second setting, the impact reagent name "all first reagents" and the cleaning method "detergent for residual prevention" are associated.

[0160] Fig.16 It is a diagram showing an example of registered inspection item information according to the second embodiment. Fig.16 The registered inspection item information 1600 shown is information in which the first reagent, the influencing reagent, and the washing method set for the inspection item are associated with the inspection item registered in the automatic analyzer 1 .

[0161] exist Fig.16 In the example of , in the registered inspection item information 1600, the inspection item "Ex_0011" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1011(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1014(R1)", and the cleaning method "detergent for preventing residual". In addition, in the registered inspection item information 1600, the inspection item "Ex_0012" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1012(R1)", the influencing reagent "Reg_1015(R1)", and the cleaning method "detergent for preventing residual". In addition, in the registered inspection item information 1600, the inspection item "Ex_0013" is associated with the first reagent "Reg_1013(R1)", the influencing reagent "all first reagents", and the cleaning method "specific item cleaning reagent". Furthermore, in the registered inspection item information 1600 , the inspection item “Ex_0013” is associated with the first reagent “Reg_1013 (R1)”, the influencing reagent “all first reagents”, and the cleaning method “detergent for preventing residual residue”.

[0162] (Step ST210)

[0163] When the reagent contamination prevention process is started, the control circuit 9 sets a default measurement order through the setting function 93. In the second embodiment, the default measurement order does not take reagent contamination into consideration.

[0164] In a specific example, the default measurement order is the order of inspection item “Ex_0011”, inspection item “Ex_0012”, and inspection item “Ex_0013”.

[0165] (Step ST220)

[0166] After the default measurement sequence is set, the control circuit 9 determines whether there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, through the determination function 94. Specifically, the control circuit 9 makes a determination based on the influencing reagent information and the registered reagent information. If it is determined that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the process proceeds to step ST230. If it is determined that there is no inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the process proceeds to step ST240. In addition, the registered inspection item information may be used instead of the influencing reagent information.

[0167] In the specific example, because the attribute "specific item cleaning reagent" is associated with the reagent name "Reg_1011" of the registered reagent information, and the first reagent "Reg_1011(R1)" is associated with the inspection item "Ex_0011" that affects the reagent information, the control circuit 9 determines that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set.

[0168] In other words, the control circuit 9 determines whether there is a first inspection item (e.g., inspection item "Ex_1011") using a first reagent (e.g., reagent name "Reg_1011") having attribute information set for multiple inspection items (e.g., attribute "specific item cleaning reagent" as specific item information).

[0169] (Step ST230)

[0170] After determining that there is an inspection item using a reagent for which attribute information related to cleaning is set, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order in a manner that fixes the arrangement of specific inspection items based on the attribute information by setting function 93. Specifically, the control circuit 9:

[0171] In a specific example, because the registered inspection item information is associated with the inspection item "Ex_0013", the first reagent "Reg_1013(R1)", the influencing reagent "all first reagents" and the cleaning method "specific item cleaning reagent", and the registered reagent information is associated with the reagent name "Reg_1011", the attribute "specific item cleaning reagent" and the specific item (reagent) "Ex_0013(Reg_1013)", the control circuit 9 fixes the arrangement of the inspection items in such a way that the inspection item "Ex_0013" is performed after the inspection item "Ex_0011" with the reagent name "Reg_1011" as the first reagent. Therefore, the control circuit 9 rearranges the default measurement order to the order of inspection item "Ex_0011", inspection item "Ex_0013" and inspection item "Ex_0012". In addition, due to the influence of the inspection items of the previous sample, the control circuit 9 cannot set the inspection item "Ex_0012" as the beginning (first) of the measurement order.

[0172] In other words, when the first inspection item exists among the plurality of inspection items, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the attribute information.

[0173] (Step ST240)

[0174] After the processing of step ST220 or the processing of step ST230, the control circuit 9 determines whether the generation of reagent contamination can be avoided. Figure 3 The determination of step ST120 is the same as that of step ST120. If it is determined that the occurrence of reagent contamination cannot be avoided, the process proceeds to step ST250. If it is determined that the occurrence of reagent contamination can be avoided, the process ends.

[0175] In the specific example, since the inspection item “Ex_0011”, the inspection item “Ex_0013”, and the inspection item “Ex_0012” are rearranged in the order of step ST230 , the control circuit 9 determines that the occurrence of reagent contamination can be avoided.

[0176] In other words, since the measurement order is rearranged based on the attribute information in step ST230, when the first inspection item exists among the plurality of inspection items, the control circuit 9 determines whether probe cleaning is necessary based on the attribute information.

[0177] (Step ST250)

[0178] After determining that reagent contamination is unavoidable, the control circuit 9 rearranges the measurement order based on the reagent information while fixing the arrangement of the specific test items through the setting function 93. In step ST250, rearrangement is not necessarily performed, and the arrangement of the specific test items does not necessarily need to be fixed.

[0179] (Step ST260)

[0180] After the processing of step ST250, the control circuit 9 determines whether the cleaning cycle using detergent can be avoided by the determination function 94. The determination here is the same as the determination of step ST120. The reason for the same determination as step ST120 is that, in the case of an arrangement sequence that produces reagent contamination, it is necessary to perform cleaning using detergent in order to avoid the generation of reagent contamination. In the case of determining that the cleaning cycle using detergent cannot be avoided, the processing enters step ST270. In the case of determining that the cleaning cycle using detergent can be avoided, the processing ends.

[0181] For example, in the default measurement sequence, detergent cleaning is required after using the reagent "all first reagents" that affects the test item "Ex_0013" for all test items (here, test item "Ex_0012"), so the control circuit 9 determines that the cleaning cycle using detergent cannot be avoided.

[0182] (Step ST270)

[0183] After determining that the cleaning cycle using the detergent cannot be avoided, the control circuit 9 adds a cleaning cycle for avoiding the reagent contamination. After step ST270, the reagent contamination prevention process ends.

[0184] Fig.17 : is a diagram showing the results of the anti-contamination treatment of the second embodiment. For reference, Fig.17 The execution result 1700 shown includes a measurement sequence using a conventional reagent contamination prevention function (conventional function) and a measurement sequence using a function of performing cleaning with a reagent instead of cleaning with a detergent (reagent cleaning function) in the second embodiment.

[0185] In the execution result 1700, the measurement based on the conventional function is the order of inspection item "Ex_0011", inspection item "Ex_0012", detergent cleaning and inspection item "Ex_0013", which requires 4 cycles. On the other hand, the measurement based on the reagent cleaning function is the order of inspection item "Ex_0011", inspection item "Ex_0013" and inspection item "Ex_0012", which requires only 3 cycles. In addition, the difference between the result of the reagent cleaning function and the result of the conventional function is the same as that described in the first embodiment.

[0186] Below, a detailed specific example of the reagent cleaning function of the second embodiment is described. For example, a plurality of inspection items are set for a certain sample for which there is an inspection request, and it is assumed that the plurality of inspection items set include a first inspection item, a second inspection item, and a third inspection item. In addition, it is assumed that the first inspection item uses a first reagent with attribute information (cleaning information) set. In addition, it is assumed that the measurement order before rearrangement (the default measurement order) is the order of the first inspection item, the second inspection item, and the third inspection item.

[0187] In the first specific example, when the third inspection item may be affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which cleaning information is set as a method to avoid the influence of reagent contamination, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the reagent for which cleaning information is set, namely the first reagent and the third inspection item which is a specific inspection item set for the first reagent, and rearranges the default measurement order in a fixed order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

[0188] In the second specific example, when the third inspection item may be affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which cleaning information is set as a method to avoid the influence of reagent contamination, the automatic analysis device 1 determines the reagent for which cleaning information is set, namely the first reagent, the third reagent which is a specific inspection item set for the first reagent, and the third inspection item using the third reagent, and rearranges the default measurement order in a fixed order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

[0189] As described above, the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment stores attribute information indicating attributes related to cleaning set for any one of a plurality of reagents, and performs at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in an inspection and determining whether a probe cleaning with a detergent is required in an inspection based on the attribute information. In addition, the attribute information of the second embodiment includes cleaning information indicating a specific inspection item or a cleaning effect for a specific reagent.

[0190] Therefore, the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment replaces detergent cleaning with reagent cleaning by performing at least one of rearranging the inspection items based on the attribute information and determining whether detergent cleaning is necessary based on the attribute information, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the inspection.

[0191] In addition, the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment can replace one of the multiple cycles for cleaning with a detergent with an inspection item using a reagent having a cleaning effect, similarly to the automatic analyzer of the application example of the first embodiment.

[0192] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the processing efficiency of inspection.

[0193] In addition, the term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (for example, a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD) and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). In the case where the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor implements a function by reading out and executing a program stored in a storage circuit. On the other hand, in the case where the processor is, for example, an ASIC, the function is directly integrated into the circuit of the processor as a logic circuit instead of storing the program in the storage circuit. In addition, each processor of the implementation is not limited to the case where each processor is constructed as a single circuit, and multiple independent circuits can be combined to form a processor to implement the function. Moreover, multiple components in the figure can also be integrated into one processor to implement the function.

[0194] Furthermore, each function of the embodiment can also be realized by installing a program for executing the processing on a computer such as a workstation and expanding them on a memory. In this case, the program that enables the computer to execute the method can also be saved in a storage medium such as a disk (hard disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.), or a semiconductor memory and distributed.

[0195] Some embodiments have been described, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of embodiments can be performed without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that: have: a storage unit that stores attribute information indicating an attribute related to cleaning set for any one of the plurality of reagents; and The control unit performs at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in the inspection and determining whether probe cleaning with a detergent is required in the inspection based on the attribute information.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that The control unit performs the following processing: determining whether there is a first test item using the first reagent for which the attribute information is set among the plurality of test items; When the first inspection item is included in the plurality of inspection items, at least one of rearranging the measurement order and determining whether the probe cleaning is necessary is performed based on the attribute information.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The attribute information includes physical property information indicating physical properties related to hydrogen ions contained in the reagent.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from the second reagent used in the second inspection item, and the third inspection item allows washing using the reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The control unit performs the following processing: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In the case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The control unit performs the following processing: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence from the second reagent used in the second inspection item, The control unit performs the following processing: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The attribute information includes cleaning information indicating a specific inspection item or a cleaning effect on a specific reagent.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using the reagent for which the cleaning information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The control unit performs the following processing: determining the first reagent, which is the reagent for which the cleaning information is set, and the third inspection item, which is the specific inspection item set for the first reagent; Furthermore, the measurement order is rearranged so as to be fixed in the order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using the reagent for which the cleaning information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The control unit performs the following processing: determining the first reagent which is the reagent for which the cleaning information is set, the third reagent which is the specific reagent set for the first reagent, and the third inspection item using the third reagent, Furthermore, the measurement order is rearranged so as to be fixed in the order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

10. A method, characterized in that have: storing attribute information indicating an attribute related to cleaning set for any one of a plurality of reagents; and Based on the attribute information, at least one of rearranging the measurement order of a plurality of inspection items in the inspection and determining whether probe cleaning with a detergent is required in the inspection is performed.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that determining whether there is a first test item using the first reagent for which the attribute information is set among the plurality of test items; When the first inspection item is included in the plurality of inspection items, at least one of rearranging the measurement order and determining whether the probe cleaning is necessary is performed based on the attribute information.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The attribute information includes physical property information indicating physical properties related to hydrogen ions contained in the reagent.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from the second reagent used in the second inspection item, and the third inspection item allows washing using the reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The method proceeds as follows: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In the case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The method proceeds as follows: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using a reagent for which the physical property information is set as a method of avoiding the influence from the second reagent used in the second inspection item, The method proceeds as follows: determining the first reagent, which is a reagent for which the physical property information is set, and the first inspection item using the first reagent, And the measurement order is rearranged in the order of the second inspection item, the first inspection item, and the third inspection item.

16. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that The attribute information includes cleaning information indicating a specific inspection item or a cleaning effect on a specific reagent.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using the reagent for which the cleaning information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The method proceeds as follows: determining the first reagent, which is the reagent for which the cleaning information is set, and the third inspection item, which is the specific inspection item set for the first reagent; Furthermore, the measurement order is rearranged so as to be fixed in the order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

18. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that The plurality of inspection items include the first inspection item, the second inspection item and the third inspection item, In a case where the third inspection item is affected by reagent contamination from all reagents used in other inspection items, and the third inspection item allows cleaning using the reagent for which the cleaning information is set as a method of avoiding the influence, The method proceeds as follows: determining the first reagent which is the reagent for which the cleaning information is set, the third reagent which is the specific reagent set for the first reagent, and the third inspection item using the third reagent, Furthermore, the measurement order is rearranged so as to be fixed in the order of the first inspection item and the third inspection item.

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