Automated analyzer

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to provide an automatic analysis device capable of continuing analysis while avoiding reagent contamination. To this end, this automatic analysis device is provided with: a sample dispensing mechanism that sucks a sample from a sample container and discharges the sample to a reaction container; a reagent dispensing mechanism that sucks a reagent corresponding to an analysis item from the reagent container and discharges the reagent to the reaction container; and a control unit that controls the sample dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing mechanism, in which the control unit updates the order of items to be analyzed every time each item of the sample in the same sample container is analyzed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzing device. Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, different types of reagents are dispensed into a reaction vessel according to the analysis items and mixed with the reagent (specimen). However, if so-called reagent contamination occurs, the accuracy of the analysis result may be reduced. Therefore, for the dispensing mechanism contaminated by the reagent, water is used for cleaning, and when cleaning with water alone is insufficient, detergent is used for cleaning. In particular, if the number of times detergents are used for cleaning increases, the consumption of detergents increases and the overall analysis processing capacity decreases. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for changing the order to avoid the occurrence of reagent contamination when there is a combination of reagent contamination in the order of analysis items for one specimen (paragraphs 0072-0085).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-60550 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 only changes the order once to avoid reagent contamination. Therefore, if the status of the reagents corresponding to a particular analysis item changes after the order of the analysis items has been changed, continuing the analysis in the original order may cause problems.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can continue analysis while avoiding reagent contamination.

[0009] Means for solving problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the automatic analysis device of the present invention comprises: a sample dispensing mechanism, which sucks the sample from the sample container and discharges it into the reaction container; a reagent dispensing mechanism, which sucks the reagent corresponding to the analysis item from the reagent container and discharges it into the reaction container; and a control unit, which controls the sample dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing mechanism, wherein the control unit updates the order of the items to be analyzed each time the sample in the same sample container is analyzed for each item.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automatic analyzer capable of continuing analysis while avoiding reagent contamination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing the overall structure of an automatic analyzer.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing the structure of software in the control unit of the automatic analyzer.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the timing of planning processing and analysis operations.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of static planning processing.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing an example of analysis request information.

[0018] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of the dynamic planning process in the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the order of analysis items is updated.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of dynamic planning processing in the second embodiment.

[0021] Figure 9 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the user sets the range of dynamic planning processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In the following embodiments, the components (including component steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise specified or unless they are clearly considered to be essential in principle.

[0023] In the drawings used in this specification, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions of these components may be omitted.

[0024] Example 1

[0025] use Figures 1 to 7 , the automatic analysis device of Example 1 is described.

[0026] First, use Figure 1 The overall structure of the automatic analyzer will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the automatic analysis device. Figure 1As shown, the automatic analysis device 100 includes multiple reagent disks 101a, 101b, a reaction disk 102, multiple reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d (reagent dispensing mechanisms), sample dispensing probes 104a, 104b (sample dispensing mechanisms), a sample transport mechanism 110, a measuring unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106), a reaction container cleaning mechanism 107, a control unit 119, an operating unit 117, a display unit 111 and an input unit 118.

[0027] The reagent discs 101a and 101b can keep a plurality of reagent containers 113a and 113b in a circular shape, and also have the effect of a cold storage for keeping the reagent in the reagent containers 113a and 113b cold at a certain temperature. The reagent discs 101a and 101b rotate so that the reagent containers 113a and 113b are moved to a predetermined position on the circumference. The reagent containers 113a and 113b are enclosed with a reagent for analysis and a detergent for cleaning the various mechanisms in the automatic analyzer 100. In addition, in the automatic analyzer 100 of the present embodiment, a plurality of reagent discs 101a and 101b move in parallel respectively. In addition, the reagent discs 101a and 101b are respectively equipped with an automatic loader (omitted from the figure) that can automatically carry in or carry out the reagent containers 113a and 113b. In addition, the number of the reagent discs is not limited to two, and the automatic loader is not necessary in addition. Alternatively, the reagent disc can be a reagent disc in which the user directly takes in and out the reagent container.

[0028] A plurality of reaction containers 114 for reacting a sample with a reagent are placed circumferentially on the reaction disk 102 . The reaction disk 102 rotates, thereby moving the reaction containers 114 to predetermined positions on the circumference.

[0029] The reagent dispensing probes 103a and 103d are rotatable and vertically movable, and aspirate a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent container 113a on the reagent disk 101a and discharge it into the reaction container 114. Meanwhile, the reagent dispensing probes 103b and 103c are rotatable and vertically movable, and aspirate a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent container 113b on the reagent disk 101b and discharge it into the reaction container 114.

[0030] The sample dispensing probes 104 a and 104 b are rotatable and vertically movable, and suck a predetermined amount of sample from a sample container 112 transported by a sample transport mechanism 110 , and discharge the sample into a reaction container 114 .

[0031] A measurement unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106 ) and a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 107 are provided around the reaction disk 102 , which respectively measure the absorbance of the mixture of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 114 and clean the reaction vessel 114 used for measurement.

[0032] Upon receiving sample information associated with the sample container 112 and analysis request information input via the input unit 118 from the operation unit 117, the control unit 119 determines the order of analysis and controls various mechanisms, including the reagent dispensing probe and the sample dispensing probe. Furthermore, the control unit 119 calculates the concentration of specific components based on the information measured by the measurement unit and transmits the calculated results to the operation unit 117. Based on the received calculation results, the operation unit 117 performs computational processing to output them as analysis results, and displays a screen showing the analysis results on the display unit 111.

[0033] The processing performed by the control unit 119 and the operation unit 117 can be performed by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) on a general-purpose computer executing programs stored in a storage unit such as a memory, or can be performed using hardware such as a dedicated circuit board. Furthermore, the operation unit 117 and the control unit 119 are connected to the various components within the automatic analyzer 100 via wired or wireless network lines 108 and 109.

[0034] The display unit 111 displays various screens, such as a screen for ordering analysis items for each sample and a screen for confirming measurement results. In this embodiment, the display unit 111 is a liquid crystal display. However, the display unit 111 does not need to be an LCD display; it may also be a printer, a display comprising a combination of an LCD and a printer, or a touch panel display that also serves as the input unit 118, described later.

[0035] The input unit 118 is used by the user to set various parameters, input analysis request information, input an instruction to start or stop analysis, etc. based on the screen displayed on the display unit 111, and is a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0036] Furthermore, while the automated analyzer 100 of this embodiment consists of a single analysis unit, it may also consist of two or more analysis units. Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 may also include units for performing pre-processing and post-processing on samples. Furthermore, the sample transport mechanism 110 is not essential; users may also directly place and remove sample containers.

[0037] Next, an overview of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described.

[0038] First, the control unit 119 operates the sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b in accordance with the measurement item specified by the operation unit 117 to aspirate the sample from the sample container 112 transported by the sample transport mechanism 110. The sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b then discharge the aspirated sample into the reaction container 114 located on the reaction disk 102. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d aspirate reagent from the reagent containers 113a and 113 located on the reagent disks 101a and 101b and discharge the aspirated reagent into the reaction container 114.

[0039] The sample and reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 114 are stirred, and light is emitted from the light source 105 into the stirred mixture. The multi-wavelength photometer 106 measures the intensity of the light passing through the mixture in the reaction vessel 114 and transmits the measurement results to the control unit 119. The control unit 119 uses the measurement information obtained by the measurement unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106) to calculate the concentration of the specific component in the sample. The calculated results are notified to the user as analysis results via the display unit 111 and stored in the storage unit (not shown) within the operation unit 117.

[0040] Next, specific control contents in the control unit 119 of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described. Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically showing the structure of software in the control unit of the automatic analyzer.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the control unit 119 includes a reception processing unit 202, a transmission processing unit 203, an analysis information storage unit 204, a consumables information storage unit 205, a plan processing unit 206, a control information storage unit 209, a control execution processing unit 210, and a control unit for each mechanism. Examples of the control unit for each mechanism include a sample dispensing probe control unit 211a, a reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b, and a reagent disk control unit 211c.

[0042] Analysis information storage unit 204 stores analysis request information received via reception processing unit 202. Analysis request information is information required for performing analysis operations and may be information input or set via input unit 118 or information set via another computer communicatively connected to operation unit 117.

[0043] The consumables information storage unit 205 stores information regarding the usability of consumables (e.g., remaining reagent quantity, expiration date, guaranteed range of quality control samples, etc.). The information stored in the consumables information storage unit 205 is registered or updated by the reception processing unit 202 or the control execution processing unit 210 and is transmitted to the operation unit 117 via the transmission processing unit 203 as needed.

[0044] The planning processing unit 206 includes a static planning processing unit 207 and a dynamic planning processing unit 208. With reference to the information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 and the consumables information storage unit 205, the static planning processing or the dynamic planning processing is executed at a fixed time described later to plan the analysis action. In addition, the static planning processing is a process for determining the order of analysis items based on the analysis request information associated with the sample, and is performed once for each sample. On the other hand, the dynamic planning processing is a process for re-evaluating the order of analysis items determined in the static planning processing based on the status of consumables, specifically the information on whether the reagents can be dispensed, and updating it as needed. This process is performed each time the analysis of each item is performed (before the sample and reagent required for each analysis item are dispensed). The results of the processing in the planning processing unit 206 are stored in the control information storage unit 209 as control information for controlling each mechanism.

[0045] The control execution processing unit 210 refers to the control information stored in the control information storage unit 209 and outputs instructions (control commands) to each mechanism via the sample dispensing probe control unit 211a, the reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b, the reagent disk control unit 211c, etc. The sample dispensing probe control unit 211a then causes the sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b to operate according to the instructions, the reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b causes the reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d to operate according to the instructions, and the reagent disk control unit 211c causes the reagent disks 101a and 101b to operate according to the instructions.

[0046] Figure 3 This diagram shows the timing of planned processing and analysis operations. First, the reception processing unit 202 receives analysis request information for sample X from the operation unit 117 (step S301). The analysis request information is stored (registered) in the analysis information storage unit 204. The analysis request information includes information related to the analysis items X1 to Xn set for sample X.

[0047] Next, the static plan processing unit 207 determines the order of the analysis items X1 to Xn of the sample X (step S302 ), and stores (registers) the order in the control information storage unit 209 .

[0048] Next, the dynamic planning unit 208 re-evaluates the order of the analysis items before dispensing the sample and reagents required for the first analysis item, updating the order as needed (step S303a). Once the order of the analysis items has been determined, the control execution unit 210 activates the sample and reagent dispensing probes, etc., according to the order stored in the control information storage unit 209, to perform the analysis related to the first analysis item. When the analysis of the first analysis item is completed, the transmission unit 203 transmits the analysis results (measurement information) to the operation unit 117 (step S304a).

[0049] Next, the dynamic planning unit 208 re-evaluates the order of the analysis items before dispensing the sample and reagents required for the second analysis item, updating the order as needed (step S303b). Once the order of the analysis items has been determined, the control execution unit 210 activates the sample and reagent dispensing probes, etc., according to the order stored in the control information storage unit 209, to perform the analysis related to the second analysis item. When the analysis of the second analysis item is completed, the transmission unit 203 transmits the analysis results (measurement information) to the operation unit 117 (step S304b).

[0050] Thereafter, the same process is repeated until the transmission of the analysis results of all analysis items is completed.

[0051] Describes the details of static plan processing. Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of static planning processing.

[0052] First, the static plan processing unit 207 refers to the analysis request information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 (step S401 ).

[0053] Figure 5 : is a diagram showing an example of analysis request information. Figure 5 As shown, the analysis request information stores, for each analysis item ID, information related to, for example, response time, the necessity of pre-analysis processing, and user-specified priority. Furthermore, information related to response time, the necessity of pre-analysis processing, and the like may be pre-set separately from the analysis request information via the operation unit 117.

[0054] Next, the static plan processing unit 207 determines the order of the items to be analyzed based on the analysis request information (step S402). For example, to ensure that the analysis results of each analysis item appear at the same time, the order of analysis items with long response times or those requiring preprocessing can be advanced. Furthermore, if the user specifies a project to be analyzed first, the order of that analysis item can also be advanced. As described above, static plan processing primarily utilizes information that does not change over time.

[0055] When the order of the items to be analyzed is determined, the static plan processing unit 207 stores (registers) the order in the control information storage unit 209 (step S403 ), and ends the static plan processing.

[0056] Describes the details of dynamic planning processing. Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of dynamic planning processing in the first embodiment.

[0057] First, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 refers to the analysis request information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 (step S601 ).

[0058] Then, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 confirms the cleaning action required for the reagent dispensing probe (step S602) when the highest priority item in the order determined by the static planning processing is assigned as the analysis item of this time. In addition, when there are multiple systems for dispensing reagents as in the present embodiment, the highest priority item is assigned from the items that can be analyzed (reagents that can be dispensed) in the system used at the time of this dispensing. In addition, in the confirmation of the cleaning action, the cleaning load determined by the time required for the cleaning action to reduce reagent contamination, the amount of detergent consumed, etc. is confirmed. In addition, the cleaning load is different according to the combination of the analysis items before and after. For example, when the cleaning load is low, cleaning using only water is performed, and when the cleaning load is high, special cleaning using detergent is performed.

[0059] Then, when the next priority item in the order determined by the static planning process is assigned as the current analysis item, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 confirms the necessary cleaning operation for the reagent dispensing probe (step S603 ).

[0060] The dynamic planning processing unit 208 then compares the cleaning load corresponding to the top priority item identified in step S602 with the cleaning load corresponding to the second priority item identified in step S603 (step S604). If the second priority item has a higher cleaning load than the top priority item, the order is not rearranged, and the process proceeds to step S608, described below.

[0061] On the other hand, in step S604, if the top priority item has a higher washing load than the next priority item, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the order of the top priority items has been rearranged in the past (step S605). If the order of the top priority items has not been rearranged in the past, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 shifts the order of priority one by one, sets the next priority item as the top priority item (step S606), and then moves to step S608, which will be described later.

[0062] In step S605 , if the order of the highest priority items has been rearranged in the past, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 returns the highest priority items to their original order of priority, sets the next highest priority items as the highest priority items (step S607 ), and proceeds to step S608 described later.

[0063] In step S608, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the confirmation and comparison of the washing loads for all analysis items have been completed. If not, the process returns to step S603 and repeats the same process until completion.

[0064] On the other hand, when it is determined in step S608 that the process is completed, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 finally registers (updates) the top priority item at that point in time as the current analysis item (step S609 ).

[0065] Like this, in the dynamic plan of the present embodiment, not only consider to process the cleaning load of the analysis project that is set as the top priority project by static plan, also consider that the cleaning load of other analysis projects carries out the reassessment of order, therefore can further reduce reagent pollution and detergent consumption.In addition, in the dynamic plan of the present embodiment, when each time the sample in the same sample container carries out the analysis of each project, also with reference to the information that is stored in the consumables information storage unit 205, reassess the order of the project to be analyzed, update as required.Therefore, even under the situation that the can dispense situation of reagent changes with time, also can continue to analyze.Particularly, under the situation that there are a plurality of reagent discs, reagent disc has the automatic loading function, the reagent that can dispense changes in real time, or carries out the moving in and moving out of reagent container midway in a series of analytical actions, is therefore difficult to accurately predict in the stage of static plan processing.Therefore, under such situation, not only each sample is carried out a static plan processing, but also carrying out dynamic plan processing when each dispense is extremely effective.

[0066] If the number of analysis items whose order is to be re-evaluated is large, the computational load in the dynamic planning processing unit 208 is relatively high. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dynamic planning process for updating the order of the analysis items is divided into multiple executions. For example, if there are 10 analysis items to be analyzed and the order is to be re-evaluated for the first 10 analysis items, that is, if the reagent contamination of the first 10 analysis items is to be evaluated, the dynamic planning process is divided into 10 executions. These 10 executions are performed before the dispensing for the current analysis item begins.

[0067] Then, the top priority item finally determined through 10 rounds of processing is used as the current analysis item and betting begins.

[0068] In addition, when the order of the analysis items is different from the original order due to the dynamic planning process, the control unit 119 may cause the display unit 111 to output the output of Figure 7 The user is notified of the screen shown in FIG. 1. The initial order refers to the order of the analysis item IDs included in the analysis request information, the order specified in advance by the user, or the like.

[0069] Figure 7 1 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the order of analysis items is updated. Figure 7 As shown, it is preferable to display not only the updated analysis order but also the priority information previously designated by the user and the reason for changing the order. This enables users and service personnel to operate the device efficiently.

[0070] Example 2

[0071] The dynamic planning process in Example 1 rearranges the order of all analytical items included in the analysis request information for each sample, making it extremely effective in reducing reagent contamination. However, the method in Example 1 cannot accommodate situations where dynamic planning requires computational time or where there are analytical items that require priority in the reordering process based on static planning.

[0072] Therefore, in the second embodiment, whether the dynamic planning process itself is permitted or the range in which the dynamic planning process is permitted (conditions for permitting rearrangement of the order of analysis items) can be set or input in advance.

[0073] Below, use Figure 8 and Figure 9 The automatic analyzer of Example 2 will be described in detail. Figure 8 This is a flowchart showing the procedure of dynamic planning processing in the second embodiment.

[0074] In the second embodiment, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 first determines whether dynamic planning is permitted (step S811). If dynamic planning is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S809, where the highest priority item determined by the static planning is assigned as the current analysis target.

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S811 that dynamic planning processing is permitted, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 executes steps 801 to S807. Steps S801 to S807 of Example 2 are identical to steps S601 to S607 of Example 1. Subsequently, in step S808 of Example 2, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the cleaning load has been verified and compared for all analysis items within the specified range.

[0076] Here, the range in which the dynamic planning process is permitted can be designated by the user via the input unit 118 . Figure 9 This is an example of a screen displayed on the display unit when the user sets the range of dynamic planning processing. Figure 9 As shown, the screen displayed on the display unit 111 includes, as a general setting, a check box for setting whether to allow or not to allow dynamic planning processing itself, as well as multiple check boxes for individual settings. The individual settings include a check box for allowing reordering only for analysis items with the same reaction time, a check box for allowing reordering only for analysis items with the same preprocessing, and a check box for allowing reordering only for analysis items specified by the user.

[0077] The range of dynamic planning processing allowed can also be specified based on the processing capacity and expected computational load of the CPU of the control unit 119. For example, by limiting the number of analysis items used for confirmation and comparison of the cleaning load to within a predetermined number, the computational load in dynamic planning processing can be reduced.

[0078] If it is determined in step S808 that it is not completed, the process returns to step S803 and repeats steps S803 to S808 until it is completed. If it is determined in step S808 that it is completed, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 finally registers (updates) the top priority item at that time as the current analysis item (step S809).

[0079] Thus, the automatic analysis device of this embodiment outputs a screen for selecting whether to allow or disallow reordering of analysis items, thereby also being able to accommodate users who do not wish to utilize dynamic planning processing. Furthermore, even when reordering of analysis items is permitted, the user can have their specific wishes reflected in dynamic planning processing by inputting conditions for permitting reordering of analysis items.

[0080] Explanation of symbols

[0081] 100…automatic analyzer, 101a, 101b…reagent disk, 102…reaction disk, 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d…reagent dispensing probe, 104a, 104b…sample dispensing probe, 105…light source, 106…multi-wavelength photometer, 107…reaction container cleaning mechanism, 108, 109…network line, 110…sample transport mechanism, 111…display unit, 112…sample container, 113a, 113b…reagent container, 114…reaction container, 117…operating unit, 118…input unit, 119…control unit.

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising: a sample dispensing mechanism for sucking a sample from a sample container and discharging it into a reaction container; a reagent dispensing mechanism for sucking a reagent corresponding to an analysis item from a reagent container and discharging it into the reaction container; and a control unit for controlling the sample dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing mechanism, characterized in that: The control unit updates the order of items to be analyzed each time the sample in the same sample container is analyzed for each item.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, characterized in that After determining the order of analysis items based on analysis request information associated with each sample, the control unit updates the order of analysis items based on dispensing availability information of the target reagents before dispensing the samples and reagents required for each analysis item.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The automatic analyzer further comprises a reagent tray for storing the reagent container. The reagent tray may be provided with a plurality of the reagent trays, or the reagent tray may be provided with an automatic loading function for automatically loading or unloading the reagent container with respect to the reagent tray.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control unit determines or updates the order of the analysis items based on the cleaning load determined by the combination of the preceding and following analysis items.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control unit divides the calculation for updating the order of analysis items into a plurality of times and executes the calculation.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that When the order of the analysis items is rearranged, the control unit outputs a notification to that effect.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The response time and presence or absence of pre-processing of the analysis items to be reordered are the same.

8. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The automatic analysis device outputs a screen for inputting conditions for allowing rearrangement of the order of analysis items.

9. The automatic analysis device according to claim 2, characterized in that The control unit outputs a screen for selecting a setting for allowing rearrangement of the order of analysis items and a setting for not allowing rearrangement of the order of analysis items.

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