Automatic analysis device and method for controlling automatic analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic analysis device capable of quickly processing samples having high priorities. An automatic analysis device includes: a first turntable that holds a plurality of pretreatment containers; a first dispensing probe for dispensing a sample and a pretreatment liquid into the pretreatment container to create a pretreated sample; a second turntable that holds the plurality of reaction vessels; a second dispensing probe that sucks the pre-treated sample from the pre-treatment container and dispenses the sample into the reaction container; a measurement unit that measures the pre-treated sample housed in the reaction container; a management unit that, when the sample to be pretreated stored in the pretreatment container becomes dispensable into the reaction container, determines, on the basis of the priority of the sample to be pretreated, the order in which the sample to be pretreated is dispensed by the second dispensing probe; and a control unit that causes the second dispensing probe to dispense the pre-sample in the order determined by the management unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an automatic analysis device and a control method for the automatic analysis device. Background Art

[0002] Automated analytical apparatuses are capable of performing qualitative and quantitative analyses of biological samples (examines) such as blood and urine. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a biochemical analytical apparatus for analyzing various components contained in blood, urine, and other samples. In Patent Document 1, after diluting the sample, it is dispensed into a reaction vessel, and the sample and reagents corresponding to the analytical items are mixed in the reaction vessel to allow them to react. Subsequently, the absorbance of the diluted sample dispensed into the reaction vessel is measured, and the absorbance is converted into concentration, thereby performing analysis of the analyte contained in the sample.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-129393 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] In such automated analysis devices, because the samples are processed in the order they are put into the device, high-priority samples cannot be processed quickly.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] One embodiment of the automatic analysis device of the present invention includes:

[0010] The first turntable holds multiple pre-processing containers;

[0011] The first dispensing probe dispenses the sample and pretreatment solution into the pretreatment container to prepare the pretreated sample.

[0012] The second rotating disk holds multiple reaction vessels;

[0013] The second dispensing probe aspirates the pretreated sample from the pretreatment container and dispenses it into the reaction container;

[0014] The measuring unit measures the pretreated sample contained in the reaction vessel;

[0015] The management department, when the pretreated sample contained in the pretreatment container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel, determines the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pretreated sample based on the priority of the pretreated sample; and

[0016] The control unit, in accordance with the order determined by the management unit, dispenses the pre-treated specimen using the second dispensing probe.

[0017] In such an automated analysis device, when the pre-treated samples stored in the pre-treatment container are ready to be dispensed into the reaction vessel, the management department determines the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pre-treated samples based on their priority. Therefore, even if a lower-priority sample is dispensed into the pre-treatment container before a higher-priority sample, the higher-priority sample can still be dispensed into the reaction vessel before the lower-priority sample. Thus, such an automated analysis device can rapidly process high-priority samples.

[0018] In one embodiment of the control method for the automatic analysis device of the present invention, the automatic analysis device comprises:

[0019] The first turntable holds multiple pre-processing containers;

[0020] The first dispensing probe dispenses the sample and pretreatment solution into the pretreatment container to prepare the pretreated sample.

[0021] The second rotating disk holds multiple reaction vessels;

[0022] A second dispensing probe, which aspirates pretreated sample from the pretreatment container and dispenses it into the reaction container; and

[0023] The measuring unit measures the pretreated sample contained in the reaction vessel.

[0024] The control method for the automatic analysis device includes:

[0025] When the pretreated sample housed in the pretreatment container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel, the process of determining the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pretreated sample based on the priority of the pretreated sample; and

[0026] The process of dispensing the pretreated specimen with the second dispensing probe in the determined order.

[0027] The control method for such an automated analyzer includes a step of determining the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pretreated sample, once the pretreated sample stored in the pretreatment container is ready to be dispensed into the reaction vessel, based on the priority of the pretreated sample. Therefore, in this automated analyzer control method, even if a lower-priority sample is dispensed into the pretreatment container before a higher-priority sample, the higher-priority sample can still be dispensed into the reaction vessel before the lower-priority sample. Thus, this automated analyzer control method enables rapid processing of higher-priority samples. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analysis device according to the first embodiment.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device.

[0030] Figure 3 It is a diagram used to illustrate the basic cycle of an automatic analysis device.

[0031] Figure 4 It is a diagram used to illustrate the basic operation of an automatic analysis device.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the dilution turntable.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the dilution turntable.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the dilution turntable.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a diagram used to illustrate the management registers of the dilution turntable.

[0036] Figure 9 This is a diagram used to illustrate the expansion register.

[0037] Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the expansion register.

[0038] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of the dilution turntable.

[0039] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the management register and expansion register of the third cycle.

[0040] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the management register and expansion register of cycle 6.

[0041] Figure 14This is a diagram showing the management register and expansion register of cycle 7.

[0042] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the management register and expansion register of cycle 8.

[0043] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the management registers.

[0044] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the state of the management register and the expansion register in n cycles.

[0045] Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register and the expansion register in cycle n+1.

[0046] Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register and the expansion register during cycle n+2.

[0047] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the management registers.

[0048] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the management department's processing.

[0049] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the state of the management registers over n cycles.

[0050] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+1.

[0051] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+1.

[0052] Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+2.

[0053] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+3.

[0054] Figure 27 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analysis device according to the third embodiment.

[0055] Figure 28 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the expanded register.

[0056] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the state of the management registers over n cycles.

[0057] Figure 30 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+1.

[0058] Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register during cycle n+5.

[0059] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0060] 2…Sample turntable, 3…Dilution turntable, 4…First reagent turntable, 5…Second reagent turntable, 6…Reaction turntable, 6A…Row 1, 6B…Row 2, 7…Original sample dispensing probe, 8…Dilution sample dispensing probe, 8A…First dilution sample dispensing probe, 8B…Second dilution sample dispensing probe, 9…Dilution stirring mechanism, 11…Dilution container cleaning mechanism, 12…First reagent dispensing probe, 13…Second reagent dispensing probe, 14…First reaction solution stirring mechanism, 15…Second reaction solution stirring mechanism, 16…Multi-wavelength spectrophotometer, 17…Thermostat, 18…Reaction container cleaning mechanism, 20…Reading unit, 21…Sample container, 23…Dilution Container, 24… First reagent container, 25… Second reagent container, 26… Reaction container, 26A… First reaction container, 26B… Second reaction container, 27… First reagent barcode reader, 28… Second reagent barcode reader, 31… Original sample dispensing probe cleaning mechanism, 32… Diluted sample dispensing probe cleaning mechanism, 33… First reagent dispensing probe cleaning mechanism, 34… Second reagent dispensing probe cleaning mechanism, 40… Control device, 100… Automatic analysis device, 200… Automatic analysis device, 400… Processing unit, 402… Control unit, 404… Management unit, 410… Operation unit, 420… Display unit, 430… Storage unit. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail using the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, the embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Additionally, not all of the components described below are necessarily essential elements of the present invention.

[0062] 1. First Implementation Method

[0063] 1.1. Composition of the automatic analysis device

[0064] First, the automatic analysis device of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analysis device 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0065] The automated analysis device 100 is, for example, a biochemical analysis device that automatically measures the amount of specific components contained in samples collected from living organisms, such as blood and urine. Furthermore, the automated analysis device 100 can also be configured to perform measurements not only of biochemical items but also of a wide range of substances, such as immune serum and tumor markers.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, the automatic analysis device 100 includes a sample turntable 2, a dilution turntable 3 (an example of a first turntable), a first reagent turntable 4, a second reagent turntable 5, a reaction turntable 6 (an example of a second turntable), a raw sample dispensing probe 7 (an example of a first dispensing probe), a diluted sample dispensing probe 8 (an example of a second dispensing probe), a dilution stirring mechanism 9, a dilution container cleaning mechanism 11, a first reagent dispensing probe 12, a second reagent dispensing probe 13, a first reaction solution stirring mechanism 14, a second reaction solution stirring mechanism 15, a multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 (an example of a measuring unit), a constant temperature bath 17, a reaction container cleaning mechanism 18, and a control device 40.

[0067] Sample turntable 2, dilution turntable 3, first reagent turntable 4, second reagent turntable 5, and reaction turntable 6 are supported by a drive mechanism (not shown) so that they can rotate circumferentially and rotate at a specified speed within each specified angular range in the circumferential direction.

[0068] The sample turntable 2 holds multiple sample containers 21 containing specimens (raw specimens). The sample containers 21 contain specimens such as blood and urine. The sample turntable 2 is equipped with a reader 20 for reading the identification information of the specimens. The reader 20 reads the specimen ID (identification information) from a barcode affixed to the side of the sample containers 21 held on the sample turntable 2. The identification information read by the reader 20 is sent to the control device 40. Thus, the specimens held in the sample containers 21 can be managed in the control device 40.

[0069] The dilution turntable 3 holds multiple dilution containers 23 (an example of pretreatment containers). Multiple dilution containers 23 are arranged circumferentially on the dilution turntable 3. The dilution containers 23 contain the original sample, i.e., the diluted sample, aspirated from the sample container 21 located on the sample turntable 2 and diluted.

[0070] The first reagent turntable 4 holds a plurality of first reagent containers 24. The first reagent turntable 4 has a plurality of first reagent containers 24 arranged circumferentially. The second reagent turntable 5 holds a plurality of second reagent containers 25. The second reagent turntable 5 has a plurality of second reagent containers 25 arranged circumferentially.

[0071] The first reagent is stored in the first reagent container 24, and the second reagent is stored in the second reagent container 25. Furthermore, without distinguishing between the first reagent container 24 and the second reagent container 25, they are also simply referred to as "reagent containers".

[0072] A first reagent barcode reader 27 is provided on the first reagent turntable 4 to read the barcode affixed to the side of the first reagent container 24. A second reagent barcode reader 28 is provided on the second reagent turntable 5 to read the barcode affixed to the side of the second reagent container 25. The positions of the reagent containers used in the assay can be determined by the first reagent barcode reader 27 and the second reagent barcode reader 28, thus allowing the reagent containers to be placed in any location.

[0073] A reaction turntable 6 holds multiple reaction vessels 26. Multiple reaction vessels 26 are arranged circumferentially on the reaction turntable 6. The reaction turntable 6 causes the reaction vessels 26 to move intermittently. Diluted samples obtained from dilution vessel 23 of dilution turntable 3, first reagent obtained from first reagent vessel 24 of first reagent turntable 4, and second reagent obtained from second reagent vessel 25 of second reagent turntable 5 are dispensed into the reaction vessels 26. Within the reaction vessels 26, the diluted samples react with the first and second reagents by stirring.

[0074] The original sample dispensing probe 7 dispenses the sample and diluent into the dilution container 23. The original sample dispensing probe 7 aspirates a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 21 and sprays the aspirated sample and a predetermined amount of diluent (e.g., physiological saline) supplied from the original sample dispensing probe 7 itself into the dilution container 23. Thus, within the dilution container 23, the sample is diluted to a predetermined concentration, generating a diluted sample. The original sample dispensing probe 7 is cleaned by the original sample dispensing probe cleaning mechanism 31.

[0075] The dilution sample dispensing probe 8 draws diluted sample from dilution container 23 and dispenses it into reaction container 26. The dilution sample dispensing probe 8 also draws a predetermined amount of diluted sample from dilution container 23 held on dilution turntable 3 and sprays the drawn diluted sample into reaction container 26 held on reaction turntable 6. The dilution sample dispensing probe 8 is cleaned by dilution sample dispensing probe cleaning mechanism 32.

[0076] The dilution stirring mechanism 9 inserts a stirring rod (not shown) into the dilution container 23 to stir the sample and the diluent. The dilution stirring mechanism 9 has, for example, a first stirring rod and a second stirring rod, and after stirring the diluted sample with the first stirring rod, it stirs the diluted sample with the second stirring rod.

[0077] The dilution container cleaning mechanism 11 includes: a suction nozzle for drawing diluted sample or detergent from the dilution container 23; and a spray nozzle for supplying detergent to the dilution container 23. The dilution container cleaning mechanism 11 cleans the dilution container 23 by repeatedly supplying and drawing detergent through the suction nozzle and the spray nozzle. This allows the dilution container 23 to be reused repeatedly.

[0078] The first reagent dispensing probe 12 draws a predetermined amount of the first reagent from the first reagent container 24 and sprays the drawn-in first reagent into the reaction container 26. The first reagent dispensing probe 12 is cleaned by the first reagent dispensing probe cleaning mechanism 33.

[0079] The second reagent dispensing probe 13 draws a predetermined amount of the second reagent from the second reagent container 25 and sprays the drawn-out second reagent into the reaction container 26. The second reagent dispensing probe 13 is cleaned by the second reagent dispensing probe cleaning mechanism 34.

[0080] The first reaction solution stirring mechanism 14 inserts a stirring rod (not shown) into the reaction vessel 26 to stir the diluted sample and the first reagent. The second reaction solution stirring mechanism 15 inserts a stirring rod (not shown) into the reaction vessel 26 to stir the mixture of the diluted sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. The reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 18 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 26 after the analysis is completed.

[0081] The multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 uses a light source that illuminates the reaction vessel 26 to perform optical measurements (colorimetric measurements) on the diluted sample after reaction with the first and second reagents. The multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 outputs the amounts of various components in the sample as absorbance, detecting the reaction state of the diluted sample. The measurement data of the sample in the multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 is sent to the control unit 402.

[0082] The constant temperature bath 17 keeps the temperature of the reaction vessel 26, which is set on the reaction turntable 6, constant.

[0083] The control device 40 performs processes such as controlling the drive mechanisms of each part constituting the automatic analysis device 100 and processing the measurement data of the sample.

[0084] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the configuration of the control device 40. (As shown) Figure 2 As shown, the control device 40 includes a processing unit 400, an operation unit 410, a display unit 420, and a storage unit 430.

[0085] The operation unit 410 acquires operation signals corresponding to the user's operation and sends them to the processing unit 400 for processing. The operation unit 410 can be implemented by input devices such as buttons, keypads, touch panel displays, and microphones.

[0086] The display unit 420 outputs the image generated by the processing unit 400. The display unit 420 can be implemented, for example, by a display such as an LCD (liquid crystal display).

[0087] The storage unit 430 stores programs and data for the processing unit 400 to perform various calculations and control processes. Additionally, the storage unit 430 also serves as the working area of ​​the processing unit 400. The storage unit 430 can be implemented, for example, using RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), or a hard disk.

[0088] Storage unit 430 stores the sample request information. This information includes details about the test items performed on the sample and the sample's priority. Furthermore, the sample priority can be set for each test item. The sample request information can also be obtained from a host computer not shown in the diagram.

[0089] In addition, the storage unit 430 stores the specimen information for each specimen. The specimen information includes: specimen identification information, and specimen progress information including the current status of the specimen.

[0090] Progress information includes details about the testing status of the specimen, such as its current condition, location, testing history, and the end time of the testing. The current condition of the specimen indicates its current testing status. Additionally, the progress information may include information about incorrect labeling, testing interruptions due to equipment malfunctions, and tests requiring retesting.

[0091] In addition, the storage unit 430 stores measurement data as the measurement results of each sample. For example, the measurement data of the sample in the multi-wavelength photometer 16 is sent to the control unit 402 and stored in the storage unit 430.

[0092] The processing unit 400 performs processes such as controlling the various components constituting the automatic analysis device 100, displaying the user interface screen on the display unit 420, and acquiring measurement data of the sample. The functions of the processing unit 400 can be implemented by executing programs using various processors (CPUs, etc.). Alternatively, at least some of the functions of the processing unit 400 can be implemented using dedicated circuits such as ASICs (gate arrays, etc.). The processing unit 400 includes a control unit 402 and a management unit 404.

[0093] The control unit 402 controls each component constituting the automatic analysis device 100. For example, the control unit 402 manages the specimen based on the specimen identification information read by the reading unit 20 and the request information stored in the storage unit 430, and performs processing to perform measurements (examinations) corresponding to the measurement items of the specimen.

[0094] When the diluted sample stored in the dilution container 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26, the management department 404 determines the order in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample based on the priority of the diluted sample (sample).

[0095] The control unit 402 dispenses the diluted sample into the reaction container 26 via the dilution probe 8 in the order determined by the management unit 404.

[0096] 1.2. Operation of the automatic analysis device

[0097] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate the basic cycle of the automatic analysis device 100. Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the basic operation of the automatic analysis device 100.

[0098] like Figure 3 As shown, the dilution turntable 3, reaction turntable 6, original sample dispensing probe 7, diluted sample dispensing probe 8, dilution stirring mechanism 9, and dilution container cleaning mechanism 11 will... Figure 3 The basic cycle shown is used as one cycle to perform cyclical actions.

[0099] The basic cycle consists of an X cycle and a Y cycle. During the X cycle, the dilution wheel 3 rotates approximately a predetermined number of cells circumferentially, then pauses for a certain period. During the paused period, predetermined actions are performed at various positions on the dilution wheel 3.

[0100] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the dilution turntable 3 has 120 cells on its circumference. During cycle X, the dilution turntable 3 rotates approximately 41 cells clockwise in the circumferential direction. During cycle X, at dispensing position P1, the original sample and diluent are ejected into the dilution container 23 by the original sample dispensing probe 7. At the first stirring position P42, the diluted sample is stirred by the first stirring rod. At the second stirring position P45, the diluted sample is stirred by the second stirring rod. The diluted sample dispensed at dispensing position P1 passes through the first stirring position P42, position P83, position P4, and the second stirring position P45 to reach the dispensing position P86, becoming ready to be dispensed into the reaction container 26. At the start cleaning position P50, the dilution container 23 is cleaned by the dilution container cleaning mechanism 11, and the cleaning of the dilution container 23 ends at the end cleaning position P77.

[0101] During cycle Y, when a dilution container 23 containing a diluted sample capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26 is present, the dilution turntable 3 rotates in any direction and at any angle, moving the dilution container 23 to the aspiration position P88. At aspiration position P88, the diluted sample is aspirated by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8. Furthermore, during cycle Y, the direction and amount of movement are set according to the position of the dilution container 23 containing the diluted sample capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26. That is, regardless of the position of the dilution container 23 containing the diluted sample capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26 in cycle X, it can be moved to aspiration position P88 during cycle Y.

[0102] Additionally, during cycle Y, the original sample is aspirated from sample container 21 by the original sample aspiration probe 7. The aspirated original sample is then aspirated along with diluent into dilution container 23 located at aspiration position P1 during cycle X.

[0103] The reaction turntable 6 rotates circumferentially a predetermined number of cells in one cycle. Within the reaction turntable 6, the dispensing of the first reagent, the dispensing of the second reagent, the dilution of the sample and the stirring of the reagents, and the determination are performed in the order they are dispensed into the reaction vessel 26.

[0104] Here, if the dilution turntable 3 rotates 41 cells in X cycles, then 89 cycles after the diluted sample is dispensed into the dilution container 23 at dispensing position P1, the dilution container 23 will reach the start cleaning position P50 and be cleaned. That is, the dilution container 23, after the diluted sample is prepared at dispensing position P1 in X cycles of n cycles (n is any natural number), will reach the start cleaning position P50 and be cleaned in X cycles of n+89 cycles.

[0105] Here, with the automatic retest setting enabled, for specimens whose initial test results meet the retest criteria, a retest is performed using the diluted specimen used in the initial test. Retest criteria include, for example, cases where the initial test results are outside the baseline range.

[0106] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of dilution turntable 3.

[0107] The diluted sample contained in dilution container 23 at determination position P9 in cycle n will essentially reach the start-wash position P50 in cycle n+1. Furthermore, dilution container 23 at determination position P9 will also be referred to below as dilution container 23 at determination position P9. The same applies to other positions.

[0108] Here, when the diluted sample at position P9 in the n-cycle is determined not to require retesting, or when retesting is required but the diluted sample for retesting has already been dispensed, such as... Figure 5 As shown, it is moved to the start cleaning position P50 during the X cycle of the n+1 cycle. Similarly, if the dilution container 23 at the determination position P9 does not contain the diluted sample, it is also moved to the start cleaning position P50 during the X cycle of the n+1 cycle.

[0109] On the other hand, if the diluted sample at determination position P9 is not initially tested in the n-cycle, if the initial test data of the diluted sample at determination position P9 is not output, or if the diluted sample at determination position P9 needs to be retested but is not retested, such as... Figure 6 As shown, in the X period of the n+1 period, the dilution turntable 3 does not rotate.

[0110] Hereinafter, cases where these conditions are not met will also be referred to as cases where the rotation condition is not met. Similarly, cases where these conditions are met will also be referred to as cases where the rotation condition is met. That is, if the diluted sample at position P9 is determined not to meet the rotation condition in period n, then the dilution wheel 3 will not rotate in period X of period n+1. Conversely, if the diluted sample at position P9 is determined to meet the rotation condition in period n, then the dilution wheel 3 will rotate the prescribed number of cells in period X of period n+1.

[0111] 1.3. The action of the dilution turntable

[0112] Figure 7 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of dilution turntable 3.

[0113] exist Figure 7 The example shown illustrates the operation of the dilution turntable 3 when test item a and test item b are assigned to specimen A and specimen B, respectively. Here, the priority of test item a for specimen A, the priority of test item b for specimen A, the priority of test item a for specimen B, and the priority of test item b for specimen B are the same.

[0114] During the Y-cycle of cycle 0, the original sample injection probe 7 aspirates sample A from sample container 21.

[0115] In cycle X of one period, the original sample injection probe 7 injects (sprays) sample A and diluent into dilution container 23. This produces diluted sample A. In cycle Y of one period, the original sample injection probe 7 aspirates sample B from sample container 21.

[0116] During cycle X of the two-cycle process, the original sample dispensing probe 7 dispenses sample B and diluent into dilution container 23. This produces diluted sample B. Furthermore, during cycle X of the two-cycle process, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample A within dilution container 23 using a first stirring rod.

[0117] During the X cycle of the 3-cycle cycle, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample B in the dilution container 23 with the first stirring rod.

[0118] During the X cycle of the 5-cycle cycle, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 uses the second stirring rod to stir the diluted sample A in the dilution container 23.

[0119] In cycle X of 6 cycles, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample B in the dilution container 23 with the second stirring rod. In cycle 6, the diluted sample A becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26. In cycle Y of 6 cycles, the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 draws diluted sample A (diluted sample Aa) for the determination of item a from the dilution container 23.

[0120] In cycle X of 7 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses (sprays) dilution sample Aa into reaction vessel 26. In cycle 7, dilution sample B becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26. In cycle Y of 7 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates dilution sample A (dilution sample Ab) for measurement item b from dilution vessel 23.

[0121] In cycle X, which has 8 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample Ab into reaction vessel 26. In cycle Y, which also has 8 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the diluted sample B (diluted sample Ba) used for assay a from dilution vessel 23.

[0122] In cycle X, which consists of 9 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the dilution sample Ba into reaction vessel 26. In cycle Y, which also consists of 9 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the dilution sample B (dilution sample Bb) used for assay b from dilution vessel 23.

[0123] During the X cycle of 10 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the dilution sample Bb into the reaction vessel 26.

[0124] During cycle X (90 cycles), the dilution container cleaning mechanism 11 begins cleaning the dilution container 23 containing the diluted sample A. During cycle X (117 cycles), the dilution container cleaning mechanism 11 ends the cleaning of the dilution container 23 that originally contained the diluted sample A.

[0125] In the reaction turntable 6, the multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 performs measurements on the diluted sample in the order in which the diluted sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 26. Therefore, in Figure 7In the example shown, the measurements were performed in the order of diluted sample Aa, diluted sample Ab, diluted sample Ba, and diluted sample Bb.

[0126] 1.4. Management Registers of the Dilution Turntable

[0127] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating the management register R3 of dilution turntable 3. Furthermore, in Figure 8 In the middle, it is shown that Figure 7 The state of dilution turntable 3 in the 6th cycle.

[0128] The management register R3 is used to manage the diluted samples on the dilution turntable 3. The management register R3 has storage areas corresponding to the cells of the dilution turntable 3. That is, the management register R3 has 120 storage areas corresponding to the 120 cells of the dilution turntable 3. Sample information is stored in each storage area. The management register R3 is controlled by the control unit 402.

[0129] In the management register R3, each time the dilution carousel 3 rotates 41 cells within one cycle (X cycles), the data stored in the memory area is shifted by one step (the amount of one memory area). That is, the data stored in memory area A1 is stored in memory area A2 after the dilution carousel 3 rotates 41 cells. Management register R3 is a circular register; the data stored in memory area A120 is stored in memory area A1 after being shifted by one step. Furthermore, when the dilution carousel 3 does not rotate within one cycle (X cycles), the state of management register R3 remains unchanged. That is, the data stored in each memory area is not shifted.

[0130] The memory areas of management register R3 correspond to the positions of dilution disk 3 in cycle X. Figure 8 The document records the position of the dilution turntable 3 corresponding to each storage area and the condition of the diluted sample at that position.

[0131] The storage area A1 of the management register R3 corresponds to the dispensing position P1 of the dilution rotary disk 3. That is, when the storage area A1 stores information about the diluted sample A, the diluted sample A is located at the dispensing position P1.

[0132] Storage area A2 corresponds to the first stirring position P42. Storage area A5 corresponds to the second stirring position P45. The range from storage area A1 to storage area A5 corresponds to the preparation period for making the diluted sample ready for dispensing on the dilution turntable 3.

[0133] The range from storage area A6 to storage area A89 corresponds to the period during which diluted samples can be dispensed onto the reaction vessel 26 on the dilution turntable 3. As described above, regardless of the position of the dilution vessel 23 containing the diluted sample to be dispensed onto the reaction vessel 26 on the dilution turntable 3, the dilution vessel 23 can be moved to the aspiration position P88 during the Y cycle. Therefore, if information about diluted samples is stored in the range from storage area A6 to storage area A89, the diluted sample can be dispensed onto the reaction vessel 26. Storage area A89 corresponds to the determination position P9.

[0134] Storage area A90 corresponds to the start cleaning position P50. Storage area A117 corresponds to the end cleaning position P77. The range from storage area A90 to storage area A117 corresponds to the period during which dilution container 23 is cleaned. Therefore, the diluted sample determined by the information of the diluted sample stored within the range from storage area A90 to storage area A117 is unusable at that point in time. Thus, the information of the diluted sample is deleted after being stored in storage area A117. Furthermore, the information of the diluted sample can also be deleted after being stored in storage area A120. Hereinafter, the diluted sample determined by the information of the diluted sample stored in storage area A90 will also be referred to simply as the diluted sample of storage area A90. The same applies to other storage areas.

[0135] 1.5. Reaction Vessel Expansion Register

[0136] Figure 9 and Figure 10 This is a diagram used to illustrate the reaction vessel expansion register R6 (expansion register R6).

[0137] The expansion register R6 manages the sequence in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample into the reaction vessel 26. The expansion register R6 is controlled by the management unit 404.

[0138] For example, when the diluted sample becomes separable at position P86, i.e., when information about the diluted sample is stored in storage area A6 of the management register R3, the information about the diluted sample stored in storage area A6 is stored in the expansion register R6. In this case, the storage area for storing the newly stored information about the diluted sample in the expansion register R6 is determined based on the priority of that diluted sample (original sample).

[0139] Expand register R6 in Figure 9The example shown has 10 storage areas, from storage area B1 to storage area B10. Storage area B1 stores information about the first diluted sample dispensed into reaction vessel 26, storage area B2 stores information about diluted samples dispensed after those dispensed into storage area B1, and storage area B3 stores information about diluted samples dispensed after those dispensed into storage area B2. Thus, in the expansion register R6, the information about the diluted samples is stored in the order they were dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8.

[0140] exist Figure 9 In the example shown, storage area B1 stores information about diluted sample A, and storage area B2 stores information about diluted sample B. At this time, information about diluted sample C is appended to the expansion register R6. Here, the priority of diluted sample C is the same as or lower than the priorities of diluted samples A and B. In this case, the information about diluted sample C is stored in the last storage area of ​​the queue of storage areas that already store information about diluted samples. That is, the information about diluted sample C is stored in storage area B3.

[0141] In addition, Figure 10 In the example shown, storage area B1 stores information about diluted sample X, storage area B2 stores information about diluted sample A, and storage area B3 stores information about diluted sample B. At this time, information about diluted sample Y is appended to the expansion register R6. Here, diluted sample Y has a higher priority than diluted samples A and B, but a lower priority than diluted sample X. In this case, the information about diluted sample Y is stored in a storage area located after the storage area storing information about diluted sample X and before the storage area storing information about diluted sample A. That is, the information about diluted sample X is stored in storage area B1, the information about diluted sample Y is stored in storage area B2, the information about diluted sample A is stored in storage area B3, and the information about diluted sample B is stored in storage area B4.

[0142] Thus, in the expansion register R6, the information of the diluted samples is stored in order of priority from highest to lowest, and in the case of the same priority, in the order in which they were stored in the expansion register R6. In the expansion register R6, the information of the diluted samples is arranged according to the order in which they were dispensed by the 8 dispensing probes.

[0143] Information on diluted samples for which all initial testing items have been completed is deleted from the expansion register R6. In this case, information on other diluted samples stored in the expansion register R6 is shifted forward. Furthermore, even if diluted sample information is deleted from the expansion register R6, it will remain in the management register R3.

[0144] Furthermore, if the initial test results of a diluted sample indicate that a retest is required, the information regarding the diluted sample deemed to require retesting is again stored in the expansion register R6. This information is stored in the storage area of ​​the expansion register R6 based on the priority of the diluted sample.

[0145] Information on diluted samples for which all retesting parameters have been completed is deleted from the expansion register R6. In this case, information on other diluted samples stored in the expansion register R6 is shifted forward.

[0146] 1.6. Management Department's Handling

[0147] 1.6.1. First Process

[0148] When the diluted sample stored in the dilution container 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26, the management department 404 determines the order in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample based on the priority of the diluted sample that can be dispensed into the reaction container 26.

[0149] As mentioned above, the sample request information includes the testing items and the priority of the sample. Priority is represented by three levels: high, medium, and low. Priority can be set arbitrarily. For example, the priority of QC (Quality Control) samples used for quality management can be set to "high." Similarly, the priority of calibration samples can be set to "high." This allows for rapid testing of both QC and calibration samples.

[0150] After diluted sample A, which was dispensed into dilution container 23, becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction container 26, and diluted sample B, which has a higher priority than diluted sample A, also becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction container 26, the management unit 404 sets the dispensing order by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 to prioritize diluted sample B over diluted sample A. That is, the management unit 404 ensures that the higher-priority diluted sample is dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 before the lower-priority diluted sample.

[0151] Figure 11 This is a diagram used to illustrate the operation of dilution turntable 3. Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the management register R3 and expansion register R6 in the third cycle. Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the management register R3 and expansion register R6 in cycle 6. Figure 14 This is a diagram showing the management register R3 and expansion register R6 in cycle 7. Figure 15 This is a diagram showing the management register R3 and expansion register R6 in cycle 8.

[0152] Here, we will describe the testing procedures for specimens A, B, and C. Specifically, specimen A was tested for three parameters: a, b, and c. There was one dilution condition, and one diluted specimen was prepared. Specimen B was tested for two parameters: a and b. There was one dilution condition, and one diluted specimen was prepared. Specimen C was tested for two parameters: x and y. There was one dilution condition, and one diluted specimen was prepared. Furthermore, the priority of parameters a and b in specimen A and specimen B is the same. However, the priority of parameters x and y in specimen C is higher than the priority of parameters a and b in both specimen A and specimen B.

[0153] In cycle Y (cycle 0), the original sample aspiration probe 7 aspirates sample A from sample container 21. In cycle X (cycle 1), the original sample aspiration probe 7 aspirates sample A and diluent into dilution container 23 to prepare diluted sample A. In cycle Y (cycle 1), the original sample aspiration probe 7 aspirates sample B from sample container 21.

[0154] In cycle X of the two-cycle period, the original sample dispensing probe 7 dispenses sample B and diluent into dilution container 23 to prepare diluted sample B. Furthermore, in cycle X of the two-cycle period, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample A with the first stirring rod. In cycle Y of the two-cycle period, the original sample dispensing probe 7 aspirates sample C from sample container 21.

[0155] During cycle X of the 3-cycle period, the original sample dispensing probe 7 dispenses sample C and diluent into dilution container 23 to prepare diluted sample C. Furthermore, during cycle X of the 3-cycle period, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample B with the first stirring rod.

[0156] like Figure 12 As shown, in the management register R3 of the third cycle, storage area A1 stores information about diluted sample C, storage area A2 stores information about diluted sample B, and storage area A3 stores information about diluted sample A. Furthermore, there are no dilution samples available for dispensing on the dilution turntable 3, meaning there is no information about dilution samples stored after storage area A6. Therefore, the expansion register R6 does not store any information about diluted samples.

[0157] During cycle X of period 4, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample C with the first stirring rod. During cycle X of period 5, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample A with the second stirring rod.

[0158] During cycle X of 6 cycles, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample B with the second stirring rod. During cycle 6, the diluted sample A becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26. Therefore, as... Figure 13As shown, the management unit 404 stores information about diluted sample A (diluted sample Aa) for test item a in storage area B1 of the expansion register R6, stores information about diluted sample A (diluted sample Ab) for test item b in storage area B2, and stores information about diluted sample A (diluted sample Ac) for test item c. Furthermore, since test items a, b, and c have the same priority, the management unit 404 stores the priorities of diluted sample Aa, diluted sample Ab, and diluted sample Ac in any order.

[0159] During the Y-cycle of the 6-cycle period, the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the diluted sample Aa according to the information of the diluted sample Aa stored in the storage area B1 of the expansion register R6.

[0160] During cycle X of the 7-cycle period, the dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirs the diluted sample C with the second stirring rod. Furthermore, during cycle X of the 7-cycle period, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample Aa into the reaction vessel 26.

[0161] In cycle X of cycle 7, diluted sample Aa is dispensed into reaction vessel 26. Therefore, management unit 404 deletes the information of diluted sample Aa from the expansion register R6, shifting the information of diluted samples stored in each storage area forward. That is, the information of diluted sample Ab, originally stored in storage area B2 in cycle 6, is stored in storage area B1 in cycle 7. Similarly, the information of diluted sample Ac, originally stored in storage area B3 in cycle 6, is stored in storage area B2 in cycle 7.

[0162] Furthermore, during the 7-cycle phase, diluted sample B becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26. Here, the measurement priority of each test item in diluted sample A is the same as the measurement priority of each test item in diluted sample B. When the priorities are the same, management unit 404 stores the samples in the storage areas of expansion register R6 in the order they become capable of being dispensed. Therefore, as... Figure 14 As shown, the management unit 404 stores information about diluted sample B (diluted sample Ba) for test item a in storage area B3 of expansion register R6, and stores information about diluted sample B (diluted sample Bb) for test item b in storage area B4.

[0163] Thus, based on the priority of diluted sample Ab, diluted sample Ac, diluted sample Ba, and diluted sample Bb, management department 404 determines the order in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses diluted sample Ab, diluted sample Ac, diluted sample Ba, and diluted sample Bb.

[0164] During the 7-cycle Y cycle, the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the diluted sample Ab based on the information of the diluted sample Ab stored in the storage area B1 of the expansion register R6.

[0165] During cycle X of 8 cycles, the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the dilution sample Ab into reaction vessel 26. The management unit 404 deletes the information of the dilution sample Ab from the expansion register R6, causing the information of the dilution sample originally stored in each storage area to be moved forward.

[0166] Over 8 cycles, diluted sample C becomes separable. Here, assay x and assay y of sample C have the highest priority among the diluted samples stored in the expansion register R6. Therefore, as... Figure 15 As shown, the management unit 404 stores information about diluted sample C (diluted sample Cx) for measurement item x in storage area B1 of the expansion register R6, and stores information about diluted sample C (diluted sample Cy) for measurement item y in storage area B2. Simultaneously, the management unit 404 shifts the information about diluted samples originally stored in each storage area to the next available location. Therefore, information about diluted sample Ac is stored in storage area B3, information about diluted sample Ba is stored in storage area B4, and information about diluted sample Bb is stored in storage area B5.

[0167] During the 8-cycle Y cycle, the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the diluted sample Cx based on the information of the diluted sample Cx stored in the storage area B1 of the expansion register R6.

[0168] In cycle X (9 cycles), the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the dilution sample Cx into reaction vessel 26. In cycle Y (9 cycles), the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 aspirates the dilution sample Cy based on the information stored in storage area B1 of the expansion register R6. The same process is repeated for cycles 10 and beyond.

[0169] 1.6.2. Second Processing

[0170] If the diluted sample contained in the dilution container 23 is not dispensed by the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 even when it reaches the designated position, the management department 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority.

[0171] In the first treatment described above, when there are many high-priority diluted samples, there is a problem of not measuring low-priority diluted samples.

[0172] Figure 16 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the management register R3.

[0173] In n cycles (where n is any natural number), if the diluted sample X stored in storage area A89 does not meet the rotation condition, the state of management register R3 remains unchanged until the diluted sample X meets the rotation condition. That is, in cycles after n cycles, the dilution turntable 3 does not rotate until the diluted sample X meets the rotation condition.

[0174] In cycle n+x (where x is any natural number), when the diluted sample X meets the rotation condition, the data stored in each storage area of ​​the management register R3 is shifted by one step. As a result, storage area A1 becomes free, and thus stores information for the next diluted sample F. That is, in cycle n+x, the diluted sample F is dispensed into the dilution container 23 located at dispensing position P1 on the dilution turntable 3.

[0175] Thus, even if the original sample of diluted sample F is ordered to be measured, if the diluted sample X, which contains information about diluted sample X stored in storage area A89, does not meet the rotation conditions, the processing in the dilution turntable 3 will stop before the diluted sample X meets the rotation conditions.

[0176] Therefore, if the diluted sample contained in the dilution container 23 is not dispensed by the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 even when it reaches the designated position, the management department 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample to the highest priority. Here, the situation where the diluted sample is not dispensed by the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 includes: dispensing without initial testing of the diluted sample; and dispensing that requires retesting but is not retested. Furthermore, the diluted sample that is not dispensed by the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 will also be referred to as an undispensed diluted sample below.

[0177] Figure 17 This is a diagram showing the states of the management register R3 and the expansion register R6 during m cycles (m is any natural number). Figure 18 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 and the expansion register R6 during cycle m+1. Figure 19 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 and the expansion register R6 during cycle m+2.

[0178] If the diluted sample stored in the dilution container 23 is not dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 even after reaching the priority change position P20, the management unit 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample to the highest priority. The priority change position P20 corresponds to the storage area A60 of the management register R3.

[0179] like Figure 17As shown, in cycle m, in the management register R3, storage area A6 stores information about diluted sample Z, storage area A7 stores information about diluted sample Y, storage area A8 stores information about diluted sample X, storage area A58 stores information about diluted sample B, and storage area A59 stores information about diluted sample A.

[0180] Here, diluted samples A, B, X, Y, and Z were not used for initial testing. Furthermore, diluted samples X, Y, and Z have the same priority, but a higher priority than diluted samples A and B. Therefore, in the expansion register R6, storage area B1 stores diluted sample X, storage area B2 stores diluted sample Y, storage area B3 stores diluted sample Z, storage area B4 stores diluted sample A, and storage area B5 stores diluted sample B.

[0181] like Figure 18 As shown, in cycle m+1, the information of the diluted sample originally stored in each storage area in the management register R3 is shifted by one step. Additionally, the diluted sample X is dispensed into reaction vessel 26 and removed from the expansion register R6.

[0182] Here, in cycle m+1, information about diluted sample A is stored in storage area A60. That is, the dilution container 23 containing diluted sample A reaches the priority change position P20 of the dilution turntable 3. At this time, the management unit 404 changes the priority of diluted sample A to the highest priority and stores the information of diluted sample A in storage area B1 of the expansion register R6. Therefore, diluted sample A is dispensed into reaction container 26 before diluted sample Y and diluted sample Z, and is measured first.

[0183] like Figure 19 As shown, in cycle m+2, the information of the diluted sample originally stored in each storage area of ​​the management register R3 is shifted by one step. Additionally, diluted sample A is dispensed into reaction vessel 26 and deleted from the expansion register R6. In cycle m+2, the information of diluted sample B is stored in storage area A60. Therefore, the management unit 404 changes the priority of diluted sample B to the highest priority and stores the information of diluted sample B in storage area B1 of the expansion register R6. Thus, diluted sample B is dispensed into reaction vessel 26 before diluted samples Y and Z and is measured first.

[0184] Here, although the priority change position is set to position P20, the priority change position can be set to any position. Furthermore, although the priority of the diluted sample is changed to the highest priority at priority change position P20, simply increasing the priority is sufficient; it doesn't have to be the highest priority.

[0185] 1.6.3. Third Processing

[0186] Figure 20 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the state of the management register R3.

[0187] When a diluted sample is placed at the second stirring position P45, which precedes the dispensing position P1 to the dispensing position P86, the management department 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample placed at the second position (determination position) P9 from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority.

[0188] The diluted sample X dispensed at dispensing position P1 on the dilution turntable 3 becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26 when it reaches dispensing position P86 after passing through the first stirring position P42, position P83, position P4, and second stirring position P45. That is, the diluted sample X at dispensing position P1 becomes capable of being dispensed into reaction vessel 26 through 5 positions. Therefore, in the management register R3, the information of diluted sample X stored in storage area A1 is shifted by 5 steps and stored in storage area A6, and diluted sample X becomes capable of being dispensed.

[0189] The diluted sample at position P85 on the dilution turntable 3 travels through positions P6, P47, P88, and the determination position P9 before reaching the start cleaning position P50. Here, position P85 on the dilution turntable 3 is designated as position 1 P85, and the position P9 preceding the start cleaning position P50 is designated as position 2 P9. The diluted sample arrives at the start cleaning position P50 after position 2 P9. Therefore, the information of the diluted sample stored in storage area A85 corresponding to position 1 P85 is shifted by 5 steps and stored in storage area A90.

[0190] At this point, if there are undispensed diluted samples from position 1 P85 to position 2 P9, the following is possible: If the rotation condition is not met at position P9, the dilution turntable 3 will not rotate until the diluted sample at dispensing position P1 reaches the dispensable position P86. Therefore, time will be spent until the diluted sample at dispensing position P1 becomes dispensable.

[0191] For example, in Figure 20 In the process, if diluted sample A at position 2 P9 does not meet the rotation conditions, the dilution turntable 3 will not rotate until diluted sample A meets the rotation conditions. Therefore, the processing of diluted sample X will not proceed in the dilution turntable 3. Diluted sample X cannot reach the dispensing position P86 until diluted samples A, B, C, D, and E all meet the rotation conditions.

[0192] Therefore, when diluent samples are placed from dispensing position P1 to the second stirring position P45, the management unit 404 changes the priority of diluent samples placed from position 1 P85 to position 2 P9 to the highest priority. That is, the management unit 404 changes the priority of diluent samples A, B, C, D, and E to the highest priority. As a result, the possibility of waiting time during the period from dispensing position P1 to dispensing position P86 can be reduced, and diluent sample X can be quickly dispensed into reaction vessel 26.

[0193] Furthermore, although the priority of the diluted sample is changed to the highest priority here, it is sufficient to simply increase the priority; it does not have to be the highest priority.

[0194] 1.6.4. Management Department's Processing Flow

[0195] Figure 21 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing of Management Department 404. Here, the processing of Management Department 404 in one cycle is explained.

[0196] The management unit 404 determines whether the storage area A6 of the management register R3 stores information about the diluted sample (step S100). That is, the management unit 404 determines whether the dilution container 23 containing the diluted sample is positioned at the dispensing location P86.

[0197] If the management unit 404 has information about diluted samples stored in storage area A6 ("Yes" in step S100), it obtains the priority information of the diluted samples in storage area A6 (step S102). The priority information of the diluted samples is included in the commission information. The management unit 404 obtains the priority information from the commission information stored in storage unit 430.

[0198] Based on the priority of the diluted samples in each storage area of ​​the expansion register R6 and the priority of the diluted samples in storage area A6, the management unit 404 determines the order in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses these diluted samples and updates the expansion register R6 (step S104).

[0199] The management unit 404 obtains the priority information of each storage area of ​​the expanded register R6 before the update from the entrust information stored in the storage unit 430. The management unit 404 compares the priority of the diluted samples in each storage area of ​​the expanded register R6 with the priority of the diluted samples newly added to the expanded register R6, so that the expanded register R6 is updated in order of priority from high to low.

[0200] The processes described above, namely steps S100, S102, and S104, correspond to the first process described above.

[0201] If the storage area A6 does not contain information about the diluted sample (No in step S100) or if the expansion register R6 has been updated (after step S104), the management unit 404 determines whether the storage area A60 of the management register R3 contains information about the undispensed diluted sample (step S106). That is, the management unit 404 determines whether a dilution container 23 containing the undispensed diluted sample is configured at the priority change position P20.

[0202] If the management unit 404 finds that information about undispensed diluted samples is stored in storage area A60 ("Yes" in step S106), it changes the priority of the diluted samples in storage area A60 to the highest priority (step S108). The management unit 404 changes the storage location of the diluted sample information in storage area A60 in the expansion register R6 according to the updated priority, and updates the expansion register R6 (step S110). The management unit 404 changes the storage location of the diluted sample information stored in storage area A60 in the expansion register R6 to storage area B1, causing the information of diluted samples stored in other storage areas to be shifted to the next storage area. The update process of the expansion register R6 in step S110 can be performed in the same way as the update process of the expansion register R6 in step S104.

[0203] The processes described in steps S106, S108, and S110 correspond to the second process described above.

[0204] If the management unit 404 does not store information about undispensed diluted samples in storage area A60 (No in step S106) or after updating the expansion register R6 (after step S110), it determines whether the range from storage area A1 to storage area A5 of the management register R3 stores information about diluted samples (step S111). If the management unit 404 stores information about diluted samples in the range from storage area A1 to storage area A5 (Yes in step S111), it determines whether the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 of the management register R3 stores information about undispensed diluted samples (step S112). That is, the management unit 404 determines whether a dilution container 23 containing undispensed diluted samples is configured from position 1 P85 to position 2 P9.

[0205] If the management unit 404 has information on undispensed diluted samples stored in the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 ("Yes" in step S112), it determines the diluted sample based on the information on the undispensed diluted samples stored in the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 and changes its priority to the highest priority (step S114). The management unit 404 changes the storage location of the diluted sample information stored in the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 in the expansion register R6 according to the changed priority, and updates the expansion register R6 (step S116). The management unit 404 changes the storage location of the diluted sample information stored in the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 in the expansion register R6 in a sequential manner starting from storage area B1, so that the information on diluted samples stored in other storage areas is shifted to the next storage area by the number of storage areas corresponding to the number of additional information. The update process of the expanded register R6 in step S116 can be performed in the same way as the update process of the expanded register R6 in step S104.

[0206] If the management unit 404 does not store information about diluted samples in the range from storage area A1 to storage area A5 (No in step S111), does not store information about diluted samples in the range from storage area A85 to storage area A89 (No in step S112), or has updated the expansion register R6 (after step S116), the process ends.

[0207] The processes described in steps S111, S112, S114, and S116 correspond to the third process described above.

[0208] Management Department 404 will repeat the above process as a cycle. Furthermore, Figure 21 The order of the processes shown is not particularly fixed, and the order of the processes can be changed. Additionally, in Figure 21 In the example shown, all three processes (process 1, process 2, and process 3) are performed, but at least one of the three processes (process 1, process 2, and process 3) can also be performed.

[0209] 1.7. Effects

[0210] The automated analysis apparatus 100 includes: a dilution turntable 3 holding multiple dilution containers 23; a raw sample dispensing probe 7 dispensing the sample and diluent into the dilution containers 23 to prepare a diluted sample; a dilution stirring mechanism 9 stirring the diluted sample contained in the dilution containers 23; a reaction turntable 6 holding multiple reaction containers 26; a diluted sample dispensing probe 8 drawing diluted sample from the dilution containers 23 and dispensing it into the reaction containers 26; and a multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 measuring the diluted sample contained in the reaction containers 26. Furthermore, the automated analysis apparatus 100 includes: a management unit 404 that, when the diluted sample contained in the dilution containers 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction containers 26, determines the order in which the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample based on the priority of the diluted sample; and a control unit 402 that dispenses the diluted sample using the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 according to the order determined by the management unit 404.

[0211] Thus, in the automatic analysis device 100, when the diluted sample stored in the dilution container 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26, the management unit 404 determines the order in which the dilution sample dispensing probe 8 dispenses the diluted sample based on the priority of the diluted sample. Therefore, in the automatic analysis device 100, even if a lower-priority sample is dispensed into the dilution container 23 before a higher-priority sample, the higher-priority sample can still be dispensed into the reaction container 26 before the lower-priority sample. Therefore, the automatic analysis device 100 can process higher-priority samples quickly.

[0212] For example, by setting the priority of QC specimens and calibration specimens to a high level, QC specimens and calibration specimens can be measured quickly.

[0213] In the automatic analysis device 100, the diluted sample stored in the dilution container 23 is stirred by the dilution stirring mechanism 9 and becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26.

[0214] In the automatic analysis apparatus 100, when diluted sample A (an example of a first pre-treated sample) dispensed into the dilution container 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26, and diluted sample X (an example of a second pre-treated sample), which has a higher priority than diluted sample A, becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container 26, the management unit 404 prioritizes diluted sample X over diluted sample A. Therefore, in the automatic analysis apparatus 100, even if diluted sample A is dispensed into the dilution container 23 before diluted sample X, diluted sample X can be dispensed into the reaction container 26 before diluted sample A.

[0215] In the automatic analysis device 100, if the diluted sample A stored in the dilution container 23 fails to be dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 even when the diluted sample A reaches the designated position (priority change position P20), the management unit 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample A from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority. Therefore, in the automatic analysis device 100, even when there are many high-priority diluted samples, the possibility of prolonged processing interruptions can be reduced.

[0216] For example, if an undispensed diluted sample is at the decision position P9 and the sample does not meet the rotation conditions, processing may be suspended for an extended period until the rotation conditions are met. In the automated analysis device 100, since the diluted sample has a high priority at the priority change position P20, the likelihood of an undispensed diluted sample reaching the decision position P9 can be reduced. Therefore, even when there are many high-priority diluted samples, the possibility of prolonged processing suspension can be reduced.

[0217] In the automatic analysis device 100, in the dilution turntable 3, the dilution container 23, from the dispensing position P1 where the diluted sample is dispensed into the dilution container 23, passes through a predetermined number of positions and reaches the dispensing position P86 where the diluted sample can be dispensed into the reaction container 26. Additionally, in the dilution turntable 3, the dilution container 23, from the first position P85, passes through the predetermined number of positions and reaches the starting cleaning position P50 where the cleaning of the dilution container 23 begins. The dilution container 23 reaches the starting cleaning position P50 after the second position P9. When a diluted sample is disposed at the second stirring position P45 preceding the dispensing position P1 to the dispensing position P86, the management unit 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample disposed at the positions from the first position P85 to the second position P9 from the first priority to a second priority, which is higher than the first priority. Therefore, in the automatic analysis device 100, when a diluted sample is dispensed at the dispensing position P1, the diluted sample can be quickly dispensed into the reaction container 26.

[0218] The control method for the automated analyzer 100 includes: determining the order in which the diluent probe 8 dispenses the diluent sample into the reaction vessel 26 based on the priority of the diluent sample when the diluted sample housed in the diluent container 23 becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel 26; and dispensing the diluent sample into the reaction vessel 26 into the diluent probe 8 according to the determined order. Therefore, in the control method of the automated analyzer 100, even if a lower-priority sample is dispensed into the diluent container 23 before a higher-priority sample, the higher-priority sample can still be dispensed into the reaction vessel 26 before the lower-priority sample. Thus, the control method of the automated analyzer 100 can rapidly process higher-priority samples.

[0219] 1.8. Variations

[0220] In the second process of the first embodiment described above, the management unit 404 changes the priority of the diluted sample to the highest priority if the diluted sample contained in the dilution container 23 has not been dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 even if the diluted sample reaches the priority change position P20. Alternatively, the management unit 404 may also change the priority of the diluted sample to the highest priority if the diluted sample contained in the dilution container 23 has not been dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 after a predetermined period (e.g., 60 periods). Furthermore, the management unit 404 may also change the priority of the diluted sample to the highest priority if the diluted sample contained in the dilution container 23 has not been dispensed by the diluted sample dispensing probe 8 after a predetermined time. However, although the priority of the diluted sample is changed to the highest priority, it is sufficient to simply increase the priority; it does not necessarily have to be the highest priority.

[0221] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0222] 2.1. Composition of the automatic analysis device

[0223] Next, the automatic analysis device of the second embodiment will be described. The automatic analysis device of the second embodiment has the same configuration as the automatic analysis device 100 of the first embodiment, and its description will be omitted.

[0224] 2.2. Actions

[0225] When the testing of samples is continuously commissioned, many diluted samples remain on the dilution turntable 3 because the determination of whether the rotation conditions are met is pending at the determination position P9. In this situation, even if the highest priority diluted sample is dispensed into the dilution container 23 at the dispensing position P1, it will take a long time until the diluted sample becomes ready to be dispensed into the reaction container 26.

[0226] Therefore, the control unit 402 sets positions P88 to P9 on the dilution turntable 3 as reserve cells for use by samples for emergency testing. The control unit 402 uses the reserve cells from positions P88 to P9 when there are diluted samples requiring emergency testing from dispensing position P1 to the second stirring position P45. However, when there are no diluted samples requiring emergency testing from dispensing position P1 to the second stirring position P45, the reserve cells from positions P88 to P9 are not used. In this case, the diluted samples being tested remain in standby mode from positions P86 to P91.

[0227] Figure 22 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n.

[0228] like Figure 22 As shown, in n cycles, storage area A1 stores information about diluted sample X, and storage area A83 stores information about diluted sample A.

[0229] Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+1. Furthermore, in Figure 23 In the example shown, diluted sample X has the same priority as diluted sample A.

[0230] like Figure 23 As shown, when diluted sample X has the same priority as diluted sample A, the information of the diluted sample stored in each storage area of ​​management register R3 is not shifted. That is, the information of diluted sample X is still stored in storage area A1.

[0231] Figure 24 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+1. Figure 25 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+2. Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+5. Figure 24 , Figure 25 as well as Figure 26 In the example shown, diluted sample X has the highest priority.

[0232] like Figure 22 As shown, in n cycles, storage area A1 stores information about diluted sample X, and storage area A83 stores information about diluted sample A. The initial detection of diluted sample A is unclassified. At this time, if diluted sample X has the highest priority among the diluted samples in the storage areas of management register R3, then... Figure 24 As shown, in cycle n+1, the information of the diluted sample stored in each storage area of ​​the management register R3 is shifted by one step. That is, the information of diluted sample A is stored in storage area A84, which serves as the preparation area, and the information of diluted sample X is stored in storage area A2. The preparation area corresponds to the preparation cell.

[0233] like Figure 25 As shown, the same applies in cycle n+2; the information of the diluted sample stored in each memory area of ​​management register R3 is shifted by one step. This is repeated until... Figure 26 In the n+5 cycles shown, the information of diluted sample X is stored in storage area A6. That is, in the n+5 cycles, diluted sample X is located at the dispensing position P86 and becomes dispensable. Therefore, diluted sample X can be rapidly measured.

[0234] When the information of the diluted sample X is stored in the storage area A6, the control unit 402 does not change the state of the management register R3. That is, when the diluted sample X is in the dispensing position P86, the rotation of the dilution turntable 3 is stopped.

[0235] 3. Third Implementation Method

[0236] 3.1. Composition of the automatic analysis device

[0237] Next, the automatic analysis device of the third embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 27 This is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automatic analysis device 200 according to the third embodiment. Hereinafter, in the automatic analysis device 200 of the third embodiment, components having the same function as the components of the automatic analysis device 100 of the first embodiment will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0238] In the aforementioned automatic analysis device 100, such as Figure 4 As shown, the reaction disc 6 is in a single row. In contrast, the automatic analysis device 200... Figure 27 As shown, there are two rows (row 1 6A and row 2 6B). Additionally, the automated analysis device 200 includes: a first dilution sample dispensing probe 8A for dispensing dilution samples into a plurality of first reaction vessels 26A held in row 1 6A; and a second dilution sample dispensing probe 8B for dispensing dilution samples into a plurality of second reaction vessels 26B held in row 2 6B. Measurements of the dilution samples are performed using a multi-wavelength spectrophotometer 16 in rows 1 6A and 2 6B, respectively.

[0239] During cycle Y of the basic cycle, the first dilution sample dispensing probe 8A aspirates the diluted sample, and the second dilution sample dispensing probe 8B aspirates the diluted sample. Additionally, during cycle X of the basic cycle, the first dilution sample dispensing probe 8A dispenses the diluted sample into the first reaction vessel 26A, and the second dilution sample dispensing probe 8B dispenses the diluted sample into the second reaction vessel 26B. Other operations are the same as in the example of the automated analyzer 100, and descriptions are omitted.

[0240] 3.2. Operation of the automatic analysis device

[0241] Figure 28 This is a diagram showing an example of the state of the expansion register R6. Furthermore, diluted samples X and Y have a "high" priority, diluted samples A and B have a "medium" priority, and diluted sample C has a "low" priority.

[0242] The control unit 402 causes the first dilution sample dispensing probe 8A to dispense dilution samples A, B, and C, which have a lower priority than "high". That is, dilution samples A, B, and C are dispensed into the first reaction vessel 26A of the first row 6A. Additionally, the control unit 402 causes the second dilution sample dispensing probe 8B to dispense dilution samples X and Y. That is, dilution samples X and Y are dispensed into the second reaction vessel 26B of the second row 6B. Thus, in the automatic analysis device 200, the second row 6B is used exclusively for high-priority dilution samples. Therefore, the automatic analysis device 200 can rapidly measure high-priority dilution samples.

[0243] 4. Variations

[0244] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various ways within the scope of the spirit of the present invention.

[0245] 4.1. First Variation

[0246] In the first, second, and third embodiments described above, a diluent such as physiological saline was used as the pretreatment solution; however, the pretreatment solution is not limited to a diluent. For example, a hemolysin may be used as the pretreatment solution when measuring hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c).

[0247] 4.2. Second variation

[0248] Figure 29 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n. Figure 30 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+1. Figure 31 This is a diagram showing the state of the management register R3 during cycle n+5. Figure 29 , Figure 30 as well as Figure 31 In the example shown, diluted sample X has the highest priority.

[0249] When diluted sample X is stored in the range from storage area A1 to storage area A5, control unit 402 shifts the information of diluted sample stored in each storage area by one step. When diluted sample X is not stored in the range from storage area A1 to storage area A5, control unit 402 does not shift the information of diluted sample stored in each storage area by one step.

[0250] like Figure 29As shown, the information of diluted sample X, originally stored in storage region A1 in period n, is stored in storage region A6 in period n+5. That is, diluted sample X at dispensing position P1 in period n is located at dispensing position P86 in period n+5. Therefore, diluted sample X can be dispensed rapidly.

[0251] At this point, diluted samples A, B, C, D, and E will be cleaned and cannot be used for re-examination because they have reached the start cleaning position P50. In cases where they become unusable for re-examination, the user will be notified via an alarm or similar means.

[0252] Furthermore, the above-described embodiments and variations are examples and are not limited to them. For example, the various embodiments and variations can be appropriately combined.

[0253] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be further modified in various ways. For example, this invention includes configurations that are substantially the same as those described in the embodiments. A substantially similar configuration refers to a configuration with the same function, method, and result, or a configuration with the same purpose and effect. Furthermore, this invention includes configurations in which non-essential parts of the configurations described in the embodiments are replaced. Additionally, this invention includes configurations that have the same effect or purpose as those described in the embodiments. Furthermore, this invention includes configurations in which known techniques are added to the configurations described in the embodiments.

Claims

1. An automatic analysis device, characterized in that, Include: The first turntable holds multiple pre-processing containers; The first dispensing probe dispenses the sample and pretreatment solution into the pretreatment container to prepare the pretreated sample. The second rotating disk holds multiple reaction vessels; The second dispensing probe aspirates the pretreated sample from the pretreatment container and dispenses it into the reaction container; The measuring unit measures the pretreated sample contained in the reaction vessel; The management department, when the pretreated sample contained in the pretreatment container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction container, determines the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pretreated sample based on the priority of the pretreated sample. as well as The control unit, in accordance with the order determined by the management unit, dispenses the pre-treated specimen using the second dispensing probe.

2. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1, wherein, It includes a stirring mechanism for stirring the pre-treated specimens contained in the pre-treatment container. The pretreated sample contained in the pretreatment container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel after being stirred by the stirring mechanism.

3. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, After the first pre-treated sample dispensed into the pre-treated container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel, and a second pre-treated sample with a higher priority than the first pre-treated sample becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel, the management unit prioritizes the second pre-treated sample over the first pre-treated sample.

4. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the management department fails to dispense the first pre-treated sample from the second dispensing probe even when the first pre-treated sample in the pre-treated container reaches the designated position, the management department will change the priority of the first pre-treated sample from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority.

5. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, If the management department fails to dispense the first pre-treated sample by the second dispensing probe even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the first pre-treated sample was dispensed into the pre-treated container, the priority of the first pre-treated sample will be changed from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority.

6. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In the first turntable, the pretreatment container is dispensed from the dispensing position of the pretreatment sample into the pretreatment container via a predetermined number of positions, until the pretreatment sample becomes a dispensing position that can be dispensed into the reaction container. In the first turntable, the pretreatment container moves from the first position through the predetermined number of positions to the starting cleaning position where the cleaning of the pretreatment container begins. The pretreatment container arrives at the start-of-cleaning position after the second position. When a pre-treated specimen is positioned at the location preceding the dispensing position, the management department changes the priority of the pre-treated specimen positioned between the first and second positions from the first priority to the second priority, which is higher than the first priority.

7. The automatic analysis device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second turntable has: a first row having a plurality of first reaction vessels arranged thereon; and a second row having a plurality of second reaction vessels arranged thereon. The control unit dispenses pre-treated samples with a priority lower than the first priority into the first reaction vessel, and dispenses pre-treated samples with the same priority as the first priority and those with a priority higher than the first priority into the second reaction vessel.

8. A control method for an automatic analysis device, the automatic analysis device comprising: The first turntable holds multiple pre-processing containers; The first dispensing probe dispenses the sample and pretreatment solution into the pretreatment container to prepare the pretreated sample. The second rotating disk holds multiple reaction vessels; A second dispensing probe, which aspirates pretreated sample from the pretreatment container and dispenses it into the reaction container; and The measuring unit measures the pretreated sample contained in the reaction vessel. The control method of the automatic analysis device is characterized by comprising: In the case where the pre-treated sample contained in the pre-treatment container becomes capable of being dispensed into the reaction vessel, the process of determining the order in which the second dispensing probe dispenses the pre-treated sample based on the priority of the pre-treated sample is used. as well as The process of dispensing the pretreated specimen with the second dispensing probe in the determined order.

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