Automatic analysis device and automatic analysis method

Abstract

When an abnormality that cannot be analyzed occurs in a certain specimen, the analyzable specimen can be analyzed even if a setting for recovering a stent on which the specimen is mounted is valid and a prescribed condition is satisfied. An automatic analysis device according to the present disclosure performs a preset control between a first control and a second control. The first control is a control for continuing a predetermined analysis on another sample in a holder on which a sample container in which the sample is housed is mounted when there is a sample dispensing abnormality, and the second control is a control for cancelling the predetermined analysis on another sample in a holder on which a sample container in which the sample is housed is mounted when there is a sample dispensing abnormality, and the second control is a control for cancelling the predetermined analysis on another sample in a holder on which a sample container in which the sample is housed is mounted. And the bracket is conveyed to the bracket storage part through the conveying mechanism. When there is an abnormal dispensing of the sample in a state in which the second control is set, the automatic analysis device performs the first control when a predetermined condition is satisfied (fig. 2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an automatic analysis device and an automatic analysis method, for example, an automatic analysis device for performing quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, and more particularly, an automatic analysis device including a conveyor for conveying a sample container to the analysis device. Background Art

[0002] Automated analyzers, which automatically perform quantitative and qualitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine, have become increasingly popular in large hospitals and clinical testing centers, where large numbers of patient samples must be processed quickly. Large, medium, and small sizes have been developed, depending on their processing capabilities. In medium and large-scale analyzers, multiple sample containers containing samples are held on racks called sample racks and transported to the analyzer via a conveyor line (conveyor). Some automated analyzers simply require a technician to insert a rack into a sample rack slot, and the system automatically executes the analysis until the results are output.

[0003] In this case, the automatic analyzer conveys the racks put into the specimen rack insertion port via a belt conveyor-like conveyor line. During the conveyance, a barcode reader on the line identifies the rack type and the specimen, and performs analysis.

[0004] As described above, in facilities that process many patient samples per day, it is desired that the automatic analyzer output analysis results as quickly as possible.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a technical means for outputting multiple analysis results, identifying a sample requiring reanalysis due to an abnormality or a sample to be recovered for reanalysis, interrupting analysis of a sample rack carrying the sample, and instructing recovery. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-14686 Summary of the Invention Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] In the above-mentioned conventional apparatus, when an abnormality occurs that makes analysis impossible, such as insufficient sample, the analysis of the rack carrying the specimen is interrupted and the rack is recovered once. Thus, a specific specimen can be quickly recovered without waiting for the analysis of other specimens carried on the rack to be completed.

[0008] However, the above-mentioned method has the following technical problem: when the operator cannot immediately remove the rack and specimen collected by the device, the analyzable specimen remains in the rack storage portion without being analyzed.

[0009] Especially for urgent samples that require rapid output of analysis results, the above technical issues become a major problem.

[0010] The present disclosure proposes a technique that, when an abnormality occurs in a certain sample that makes it unanalyzable, allows analysis of an analyzable sample if predetermined conditions are met, even if a setting to recover the rack carrying the sample is valid. Technical means for solving technical problems

[0011] An example of the automatic analysis device involved in the present disclosure includes: a transport mechanism that transports a rack carrying a plurality of sample containers containing analysis target samples to the dispensing mechanism; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the specimen carried on the rack transported by the transport mechanism; a stent storage portion for storing the stent in a position where the stent can be removed; and a control unit that performs a preset control in the first control and the second control, In the automatic analysis device, The first control is a control for continuing to perform a predetermined analysis on other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs. The second control is to cancel the scheduled analysis of other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs, and to transfer the rack to the rack storage portion by the transfer mechanism. When an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs in a state where the second control is set, the control unit performs the first control when a predetermined condition is met.

[0012] An example of the automatic analysis method involved in the present disclosure is an automatic analysis method based on an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: a transport mechanism that transports a rack carrying a plurality of sample containers containing analysis target samples to the dispensing mechanism; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the specimen carried on the rack transported by the transport mechanism; a stent storage portion for storing the stent in a position where the stent can be removed; and a control unit that performs a preset control in the first control and the second control, In this automatic analysis method, The first control is a control for continuing to perform a predetermined analysis on other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs. The second control is to cancel the scheduled analysis of other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs, and to transfer the rack to the rack storage portion by the transfer mechanism. The automatic analysis method includes: when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs in a state where the second control is set, the control unit performs the first control when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Effects of the Invention

[0013] When an abnormality occurs that makes analysis impossible, even if the setting for recovering the rack carrying the specimen is valid, the analyzable specimen can be analyzed if the specified conditions are met. Thus, the time that the analyzable specimen continues to stay in the rack storage unit without being analyzed can be minimized. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a structural diagram of a GUI involved in the operation of the automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Below, use Figures 1 to 3 The structure and operation of an automatic analysis device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0016] [Example 1] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic analyzer according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The automatic analyzer is a device that automatically analyzes (or measures, the same applies hereinafter) a sample and executes the automatic analysis method according to this embodiment.

[0017] The automatic analyzer of this embodiment includes a specimen rack loading unit 1, an ID reader 2, a conveyor mechanism 3, a rack standby unit 4, an analysis module 5, a rack storage unit 6, and an overall management computer 7 (control unit).

[0018] The specimen rack loading unit 1 is a portion for loading a plurality of specimen racks each holding a plurality of specimens (samples). Analytical modules 5 are arranged along the conveyor mechanism 3 .

[0019] The transport mechanism 3 transports a specimen rack (rack) loaded with multiple specimen containers containing specimens to be analyzed from the specimen rack loading section 1 to the dispensing mechanism of the analysis module 5. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 3 transports specimens that have completed analysis in the analysis module 5 to the rack standby section 4. Furthermore, the transport mechanism 3 transports specimen racks that have not yet been requested for analysis from the specimen rack loading section 1 to the rack storage section 6.

[0020] The rack standby unit 4 is located within the conveyor mechanism 3, which transports racks carrying standard samples, quality control samples, general samples, and the like. The rack standby unit 4 is a linear mechanism that holds one or more sample racks (including, but not limited to, racks of samples scheduled for analysis) on standby. The rack standby unit 4 can hold racks carrying any sample, transported by the conveyor mechanism 3, for any period of time and resupply the rack to the analysis module 5 or rack storage unit 6 at any time.

[0021] The rack storage unit 6 stores the specimen rack in a position where the specimen rack can be removed.

[0022] The automatic analyzer includes an overall management computer 7 that performs necessary control over the specimen rack loading unit 1, ID reader 2, transport mechanism 3, rack standby unit 4, analysis module 5, and rack storage unit 6. The automatic analyzer also includes an operation unit 8 for inputting information and a display device 9 for displaying analysis results, etc., both of which are connected to the overall management computer 7.

[0023] The specimen held by the specimen rack is associated with a specimen ID, which represents attribute information related to the specimen (acceptance number, patient name, requested analysis item, whether it is a trace specimen, a general specimen, an emergency specimen, etc.). Furthermore, the specimen rack is associated with a rack ID representing rack identification information, such as the rack number. The specimen rack placed in the specimen rack loading unit 1 is transported by the conveyor mechanism 3. As the specimen rack moves to the conveyor mechanism 3, the specimen ID and specimen rack ID are read by the ID reader 2 and transmitted to the overall management computer 7.

[0024] Then, the specimen rack is conveyed to the analysis module 5 via the rack standby unit 4. The analysis module 5 includes a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the specimen placed on the specimen rack conveyed by the conveying mechanism 3.

[0025] When the dispensing mechanism is dispensing, sometimes the dispensing of the specimen may be abnormal. When there is an abnormality in the dispensing of the specimen, the overall management computer 7 can perform the control pre-set in the first control and the second control (for details, please refer to Figure 2 (This will be described later.) Which of the first control and the second control is set can be stored in the storage device of the overall management computer 7 as rack collection request information, for example.

[0026] When an aliquoting anomaly occurs, the overall management computer 7 executes the rack transfer scheduling program, functioning as a rack transfer scheduler. The rack transfer scheduler references information related to the specimen mounted on the rack and rack retrieval request information stored in the storage device within the overall management computer 7 to determine which of the first and second controls is set. Based on specified conditions, the scheduler determines whether to continue or interrupt specimen analysis, generate a rack retrieval schedule, and execute rack retrieval.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the automatic analysis device of one embodiment of the present disclosure. This flowchart relates to the automatic analysis method involved in this embodiment. Figure 2 The operation of the automatic analyzer will be described.

[0028] In step 201 , the overall management computer 7 , which has received an analysis start request from the operation unit 8 and the display device 9 , issues an analysis start instruction to the analysis module 5 , thereby bringing the entire automatic analyzer into an analysis state.

[0029] In step 202 , the automatic analyzer reads the rack ID and the sample ID of the rack by the ID reader 2 and carries the rack into the rack standby unit 4 .

[0030] In step 203 , the automatic analyzer carries the rack carried into the rack standby unit 4 into the analysis module 5 .

[0031] In step 204, the automatic analyzer aliquots the sample held by the rack carried into the analysis module. At this time, the sample aliquoting can be performed based on the request information stored in the overall management computer 7. Step 204 and subsequent processing are repeatedly performed for each aliquoted sample.

[0032] In step 205, the overall management computer 7 determines whether a dispensing anomaly has occurred during the dispensing of the specimen. Dispensing anomalies include, for example, specimen blockage and empty aspiration. The automatic analyzer includes a mechanism for detecting such dispensing anomalies. In particular, by determining specimen blockage and empty aspiration as dispensing anomalies, it is possible to appropriately detect anomalies that require action.

[0033] In step 205, if no abnormality occurs, the process ends. Figure 2 When an abnormality occurs in the dispensing process, the process proceeds to step 206.

[0034] In step 206, the overall management computer 7 determines whether the first or second control is set. If the first control is set, the process proceeds to step 207. In principle, the first control cancels analysis only for the sample with the aliquoting error, while continuing analysis for the remaining samples. Specifically, if a sample aliquoting error occurs, the first control continues the scheduled analysis for the remaining samples in the sample rack containing the sample container containing the sample.

[0035] If the second control is set in step 206, the process proceeds to step 211. In principle, the second control cancels analysis for all samples in the sample rack. Specifically, if a sample aliquoting error occurs, the second control cancels the scheduled analysis for the other samples in the sample rack containing the sample container holding the sample, and the sample rack is transported to the rack storage unit 6 via the transport mechanism 3.

[0036] In step 207 , the overall management computer 7 determines whether the sample aliquoting abnormality has occurred multiple times in succession (for example, for multiple samples aliquoted continuously). If the sample aliquoting abnormality has not occurred multiple times in succession, the process proceeds to step 208 .

[0037] In step 208, the overall management computer 7 executes the first control. Specifically, the analysis of the sample with aliquoting error is canceled, and aliquoting is continued for the sample that has not been aliquoted.

[0038] If abnormalities in sample dispensing occur multiple times in succession in step 207, the process proceeds to step 211 and shifts to the second control flow. Thus, when abnormalities in sample dispensing occur multiple times in succession in the state where the first control is set, the overall management computer 7 performs the second control.

[0039] If dispensing anomalies occur multiple times in succession, there is a high possibility that dispensing anomalies will also occur in other samples in the same sample holder. However, according to the automatic analyzer involved in this embodiment, analysis of other samples is canceled in this case, thereby preventing the frequent occurrence of dispensing anomalies.

[0040] In step 211, the overall management computer 7 determines whether the cause of the dispensing abnormality is insufficient sample. The automatic analyzer includes a structure for determining the cause of the dispensing abnormality, and those skilled in the art can appropriately design such a structure based on known techniques.

[0041] If the cause of the dispensing abnormality is insufficient sample, the process proceeds to step 209. If the cause of the dispensing abnormality is not insufficient sample, the process proceeds to step 212.

[0042] In step 209, the overall management computer 7 determines whether the specimen experiencing sample shortage is a trace amount. If so, the process proceeds to step 208, transitioning to the first control flow. In particular, this transition can also be performed if the specimen experiencing air aspiration due to sample shortage is a trace amount. That is, if the overall management computer 7 is set to the second control and there is a specimen aliquoting anomaly, if the specimen experiencing air aspiration is a trace amount, the computer determines that the specified conditions are met and performs the first control flow.

[0043] By performing such branching processing, analysis of other samples with a low probability of occurrence of empty aspiration is continued, thereby suppressing unnecessary cancellation.

[0044] In step 209 , if the sample in which the sample shortage has occurred is not a trace amount of the sample, the process proceeds to step 212 .

[0045] In step 212, the overall management computer 7 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the user last operated the automatic analyzer via the display device 9. If the predetermined time has elapsed, it is determined that the predetermined condition has been met, and the process proceeds to step 208, shifting to the first control flow.

[0046] Generally speaking, if a long time has passed since the user last operated the display device 9, the user is likely to have left the machine, and even if the second control is used to collect the sample, it cannot be immediately processed. In this case, after branching to step 212, the first control prioritizes the analysis of the analyzable sample, thereby enabling efficient analysis.

[0047] In particular, the overall management computer 7 can store the time when the user operates the automatic analyzer via the display device 9. With such a structure, the determination of step 212 can be appropriately performed. Figure 3 In the example, this time is displayed as the operation time.

[0048] In step 212 , if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 213 .

[0049] In step 213, the overall management computer 7 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the transport mechanism 3 last transported the specimen rack to the dispensing mechanism of the analysis module 5. If the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step 208 and shifts to the first control flow.

[0050] Generally speaking, if a long time has passed since the last sample rack was delivered, it is likely that the user has left, and even if the second control is used to collect the sample, it cannot be immediately processed. In this case, after branching to step 213, the first control prioritizes the analysis of the analyzable samples, thereby enabling efficient analysis.

[0051] In particular, if Figure 1 As shown, the overall management computer 7 can store the time when the transport mechanism 3 transports the specimen rack to the dispensing mechanism of the analysis module 5. With such a configuration, the determination in step 213 can be appropriately performed.

[0052] In step 213 , if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 214 .

[0053] In step 214, the overall management computer 7 determines whether there is any un-aliquoted trace sample in the sample rack. If there is any un-aliquoted trace sample, the process proceeds to step 210. If there is no un-aliquoted trace sample, the process proceeds to step 215.

[0054] In step 210 , the overall management computer 7 cancels the analysis of all samples except the trace amount samples among the samples held on the sample racks, and continues the analysis of all the trace amount samples.

[0055] In particular, step 210 can also be executed in the event of a sample aspiration failure. That is, when the overall management computer 7 is set to the second control and a sample aspiration failure occurs (e.g., aspiration failure), and if a trace amount of un-aspirated sample exists in the sample holder carrying the sample container containing the sample, the scheduled analysis of the trace amount of sample is continued, and the scheduled analysis of samples other than the trace amount of sample is canceled. (Note that this control can be considered different from the first and second controls, but can also be considered included in the second control.)

[0056] Generally, over time, the sample may evaporate, causing the amount to decrease. This effect is particularly significant for trace amounts of samples, so even if the sample is recovered through the second control, it may not be possible to perform appropriate analysis later. By branching to step 214 and performing analysis on the trace amount of sample, evaporation of the trace amount of sample can be avoided, allowing for efficient analysis.

[0057] In step 215, the overall management computer 7 executes the second control. Specifically, the scheduled analysis of other samples in the sample rack carrying the sample container containing the sample is canceled, and the sample rack is transferred from the rack standby unit 4 to the rack storage unit 6 via the transfer mechanism 3. The use of the rack standby unit 4 allows undispensed sample racks to be appropriately held and kept on standby.

[0058] Therefore, according to the automatic analysis device and automatic analysis method involved in this embodiment, when an aliquoting abnormality occurs, even if the setting of the second control for recovering the specimen holder carrying the specimen is valid, the analyzable specimen can be analyzed if the specified conditions are met. Thus, the time that the analyzable specimen continues to stay in the holder storage portion 6 without being analyzed can be minimized.

[0059] Next, use Figure 3 Describe the user's operation of the automatic analysis device. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the configuration of a GUI related to the operation of the automatic analyzer of this embodiment.

[0060] The GUI is displayed on, for example, a display device 9. The display device 9 is configured so that the user can operate the automatic analyzer by directly touching the display device 9. Such a configuration can be implemented using, for example, a well-known touch panel. This configuration improves user convenience by enabling intuitive operation.

[0061] In the GUI, the user can set automatic rack collection for general samples by operating the general sample selection button 301. For example, for general samples, a GUI is displayed for selecting either the first control or the second control, and the user can set either control via the GUI.

[0062] Similarly, the user can set automatic rack recovery for an emergency sample by operating the emergency sample selection button 302. For example, for an emergency sample, a GUI is displayed for selecting either the first control or the second control, and the user can set either the first control or the second control via the GUI.

[0063] These settings can also be individually selected based on the nature of the dispensing anomaly. For example, in an automated analyzer, it is possible to pre-select which of the first and second controls to use in the event of a sample blockage. Similarly, it is possible to pre-select which of the first and second controls to use in the event of a sample aspiration failure. This configuration allows for flexible settings tailored to the nature of the dispensing anomaly.

[0064] In particular, according to Figure 3 For example, such settings can be made via a GUI. For example, the automated analyzer includes a GUI for setting which of the first and second controls to use when a sample is clogged. Similarly, it includes a GUI for setting which of the first and second controls to use when a sample is aspirated. This configuration improves user convenience by enabling intuitive operation.

[0065] Therefore, according to Figure 3 The overall management computer 7 performs the control pre-set in the first control and the second control for each of the plurality of samples (general samples and emergency samples) using the GUI. According to such a structure, it is possible to flexibly set the control according to the type of sample.

[0066] In the GUI, the user can input the start time for the second control period by pressing the start time button 303. The overall management computer 7 receives this input and sets the first control before the start time and the second control after the start time. This configuration allows automatic switching of control content at specific times to be pre-specified, improving user convenience.

[0067] Similarly, in the GUI, the user can input the end time of the second control period by operating the end time button 304. The overall management computer 7 receives this input and sets the second control period before the end time, and sets the first control period after the end time. This configuration allows automatic switching of control content at specific times to be pre-specified, improving user convenience.

[0068] When the user operates the OK button 306 in the GUI, the overall management computer 7 stores the content inputted so far via the GUI in the storage device in the overall management computer 7 .

[0069] When the user operates the cancel button 305 in the GUI, the overall management computer 7 does not store the content inputted via the GUI until then in the storage device of the overall management computer 7 and closes the GUI.

[0070] As described above, according to this embodiment, when an aliquoting abnormality occurs, analysis of the sample holder can be interrupted and recovered, and when predetermined conditions are met, analyzable samples in the sample holder can be preferentially analyzed, thereby enabling rapid acquisition of analysis results. Description of labels

[0071] 1. Specimen rack loading unit 2 ID reading unit 3 Transmission mechanism 4. Bracket standby unit 5 Analysis Module 6 Bracket storage area 7 Overall management computer (control unit) 8. Operation section 9 Display device 310 General specimen selection button 302 Emergency specimen selection button 303 Start Time Button 304 End Time Button 305 Cancel button 306 OK button.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device comprising: a transport mechanism that transports a rack carrying a plurality of sample containers containing analysis target samples to the dispensing mechanism; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the specimen carried on the rack transported by the transport mechanism; a stent storage portion for storing the stent in a position where the stent can be removed; and A control unit that performs a preset control in the first control and the second control, wherein the automatic analysis device is characterized in that: The first control is a control for continuing to perform a predetermined analysis on other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs. The second control is to cancel the scheduled analysis of other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs, and to transfer the rack to the rack storage portion by the transfer mechanism. When an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs in a state where the second control is set, the control unit performs the first control when a predetermined condition is met.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The aliquoting abnormality includes sample blockage.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The aspiration abnormality includes empty aspiration of the specimen.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The automatic analyzer further includes a display device, and a user can operate the automatic analyzer by directly touching the display device.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein When sample clogging occurs, it is possible to selectively set in advance which of the first control and the second control is to be performed.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, wherein When aspiration of the specimen occurs, it is possible to selectively set in advance which of the first control and the second control is to be performed.

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein The control unit stores the time when the user operates the automatic analyzer via the display device.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, wherein The predetermined condition includes that a predetermined time or longer has elapsed since the last time the user operated the automatic analyzer via the display device.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined condition includes that a predetermined time or longer has elapsed since the last time the transport mechanism transported the rack to the dispensing mechanism.

10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein The predetermined conditions include that the sample to be aspirated is a trace amount of the sample.

11. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The control unit performs a second control when abnormality in dispensing of the sample occurs multiple times in succession in a state where the first control is set.

12. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein When an abnormality occurs in the dispensing of the specimen when the second control is set, the control unit continues to perform a scheduled analysis on the trace specimen and cancels the scheduled analysis on specimens other than the trace specimen if there is an undispensed trace specimen on the holder carrying the specimen container containing the specimen.

13. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The control unit receives an input of a start time set as a time period for the second control.

14. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein The control unit receives an input of an end time set as a time period for the second control.

15. An automatic analysis method using an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: a transport mechanism that transports a rack carrying a plurality of sample containers containing analysis target samples to the dispensing mechanism; a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the specimen carried on the rack transported by the transport mechanism; a stent storage portion for storing the stent in a position where the stent can be removed; and A control unit that performs a preset control in the first control and the second control, wherein the automatic analysis method is characterized in that: The first control is a control for continuing to perform a predetermined analysis on other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs. The second control is to cancel the scheduled analysis of other samples in the rack carrying the sample container containing the sample when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs, and to transfer the rack to the rack storage portion by the transfer mechanism. The automatic analysis method includes: when an abnormality in the dispensing of the sample occurs in a state where the second control is set, the control unit performs the first control when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

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