Analysis device

Abstract

The utility model provides an analysis device capable of modulating a determination sample for leukocyte classification under a uniform temperature condition. An analysis device is provided with a WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), a WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), and a common heater 430 (first heater) for heating the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), wherein the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) share a WDF hemolytic agent and a WDF staining solution (reagent for leukocyte classification) to prepare a WDF measurement sample (measurement sample) for leukocyte classification.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The utility model relates to an analyzing device for analyzing a subject. [Background Technology]

[0002] An analyzer for measuring and classifying cells in a blood sample is described in Non-Patent Document 1. This analyzer includes two sample preparation units for mixing a sample and a reagent to prepare a measurement sample.

[0003]

Prior art literature

[0004] [Patent Literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Gabriella Lakos, "Calibration and QC Guidance for the Abbott Alinity hq Hematology Analyzer", (USA), Abbott [Utility Model Content]

[0006] [Issues to be solved by the utility model]

[0007] When two sample preparation units are provided for preparing the measurement sample as described above, the measurement sample for leukocyte classification can be prepared separately in the two sample preparation units. However, the aforementioned Non-Patent Document 1 does not describe standardizing the sample preparation conditions in the two sample preparation units.

[0008] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide an analysis device capable of preparing a measurement sample for leukocyte classification under a uniform temperature condition.

[0009]

Methods for solving the problem

[0010] The analyzer (1) of the present invention comprises a first sample preparation section (WDF reaction chamber C21) and a second sample preparation section (WDF reaction chamber C22) for preparing a measurement sample for leukocyte classification by sharing a reagent for leukocyte classification, and a common first heater (heater 430) for heating the first sample preparation section (WDF reaction chamber C21) and the second sample preparation section (WDF reaction chamber C22).

[0011] More specifically, the present invention includes the following technical solutions:

[0012] 1. An analysis device comprising:

[0013] The first and second sample preparation units are used to prepare measurement samples for leukocyte classification by using the leukocyte classification reagent in common, and

[0014] A common first heater heats the first and second sample preparation sections.

[0015] 2. The analyzing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the first and second sample preparation units are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0016] 3. The analysis device according to embodiment 1, wherein:

[0017] The analyzing device further comprises a third sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the white blood cell count.

[0018] The first heater is commonly provided in the first, second, and third sample preparation sections.

[0019] 4. The analysis device according to embodiment 1, wherein

[0020] The analyzing device further comprises a fourth sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for classifying reticulocytes.

[0021] The first heater is commonly provided in the first, second, and fourth sample preparation sections.

[0022] 5. The analysis device according to embodiment 4, wherein:

[0023] The analyzing device further comprises an aspiration tube for aspirating the sample from the sample container at the aspiration position and dispensing the aspirated sample.

[0024] The first, second, and fourth sample preparation parts are arranged in order of proximity to the suction position.

[0025] 6. The analysis device according to embodiment 1, wherein the first heater is a sheet heater.

[0026] 7. The analyzer according to embodiment 1, wherein the first heater heats the liquid temperature in the first and second sample preparation sections to 35°C to 45°C.

[0027] 8. The analyzing device according to embodiment 1, wherein the first and second sample preparing units are connected to the same reagent container.

[0028] 9. The analyzing apparatus according to embodiment 8, further comprising a common second heater for heating the reagents supplied to the first and second sample preparation units.

[0029] 10. The analysis device according to embodiment 1, wherein

[0030] The analyzer further includes a dispensing mechanism for sucking a sample from a sample container through a suction tube and discharging the sucked sample to the first and second sample preparation units.

[0031] A suction position for sucking a sample from the sample container and discharge ports of the first and second sample preparation parts are arranged in a straight line.

[0032] 11. The analysis device according to embodiment 10, wherein

[0033] The analyzer further includes a fifth sample preparation unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the red blood cell count and platelet count.

[0034] The dispensing mechanism further discharges the sample sucked from the sample container through the suction tube to the fifth sample preparation unit.

[0035] The discharge ports of the first, second and fifth sample preparation units are arranged in a straight line.

[0036] 12. The analysis device according to embodiment 10, wherein:

[0037] The analyzing device further includes a sixth sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the hemoglobin concentration.

[0038] The dispensing mechanism further discharges the sample sucked from the sample container through the suction tube to the sixth sample preparation unit.

[0039] The discharge ports of the first, second and sixth sample preparation units are arranged in a straight line.

[0040] The analyzer of the present invention allows the first and second sample preparation sections to be heated to the same temperature by a common first heater, compared to when separate heaters are used. This allows the measurement sample for white blood cell classification to be prepared under uniform temperature conditions in each of the first and second sample preparation sections. This prevents variations in analysis results due to differences in temperature conditions.

[0041] [Effects of the utility model]

[0042] According to the utility model, a measurement sample for leukocyte classification can be prepared under a uniform temperature condition.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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[0072] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the structure of the analyzing device 1. Figure 1 In the middle, the directions of up, down, left, right, front and back are displayed.

[0073] The analyzer 1 is a blood cell counting device that measures white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and the like contained in a subject, and counts each blood cell. The subject is whole blood collected from a test subject. The analyzer 1 includes a measuring unit 10, a transport unit 20, and an analyzing unit 30.

[0074] The measuring unit 10 measures blood cells contained in a subject. Various components used for measuring the subject are housed within the housing 11 of the measuring unit 10. The transport unit 20 is located in front of the measuring unit 2 and transports a sample rack 100 holding a plurality of sample containers 110.

[0075] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the sample rack 100 and the sample container 110.

[0076] The sample rack 100 includes ten holes 101 capable of holding sample containers 110 and a barcode label 102. The barcode label 102 is affixed to the rear surface of the sample rack 100. The barcode label 102 is printed with a barcode indicating a rack ID that can individually identify the sample rack 100.

[0077] The subject container 110 includes a body 111, a barcode label 112, and a cover 113. The body 111 is a tubular container with an open upper end, and contains the subject inside. The barcode label 112 is attached to the side of the body 111. A barcode representing the subject ID that can individually identify the subject inside is printed on the barcode label 112. The cover 113 is provided at the upper end of the body 111 in a manner that seals the interior of the body 111. The cover 113 includes a suction tube 351 (see FIG. 1 ) provided in the measuring unit 10. Figure 4 ) Elastic material that can penetrate up and down.

[0078] return Figure 1 The transport unit 20 transports the sample rack 100 and supplies the sample container 110 held in the sample rack 100 to the measurement unit 2. The measurement unit 10 removes the sample container 110 from the sample rack 100 and transfers the removed sample container 110 into the housing 11. The measurement unit 10 measures the sample in the sample container 110 and returns the measured sample container 110 to the sample rack 100.

[0079] The analysis unit 30 performs analysis, including blood cell counts, based on the measurement results obtained by the measurement unit 10, and generates analysis results. Analysis results include, for example, numerical results based on the analysis, graphs, charts, and marker information assigned to the subject. The analysis unit 30 includes a display unit 31 and an input unit 32. The display unit 31 displays analysis results, etc., and the input unit 32 receives input from the operator.

[0080] Figure 3 It is a plan view schematically showing the structure of the transport unit 20 .

[0081] The transport unit 20 includes a loading area 210 , a transport path 220 , a collection area 230 , and a reading mechanism 240 .

[0082] The operator places a sample container 110 containing a sample to be analyzed in a hole 101 of the sample rack 100 and loads the sample rack 100 with the sample container 110 placed therein into the loading area 210. The loading area 210 is provided with a transport mechanism 211 for pushing the sample rack 100 rearward. The transport mechanism 211 includes a pair of members for pressing down the front of the sample rack 100. The sample rack 100 pushed rearward by the transport mechanism 211 is located at the right end of the transport path 220.

[0083] The conveying path 220 has two conveyor belts 221 and 222 that move independently in the left and right directions. The conveyor belts 221 and 222 move the sample rack 100 located at the right end of the conveying path 220 to a designated position on the conveying path 220. The reading mechanism 240 includes a roller 241, a pair of rollers 242, a barcode reader 243, a mechanism for rotating the roller 241, and a mechanism for moving the pair of rollers 242 in the front-to-back direction. The reading mechanism 240 reads the rack ID and the sample ID from the sample rack 100 and the sample container 110 on the conveying path 220. The structure of the reading mechanism 240 is similar to that of the reading mechanism 340 described later (see Figure 4 )same.

[0084] The transport path 220 is provided with a removal position P1 for the measurement unit 10 to remove a sample container 110. When a sample container 110 is at the removal position P1, the measurement unit 10 removes the sample container 110 from the sample rack 100, then receives the removed sample container 110 into the measurement unit 10. The sample in the sample container 110 is aspirated, mixed with a reagent to prepare a measurement sample, and the measurement sample is measured to obtain a measurement result. The analysis unit 30 then analyzes the sample based on the measurement result. When the measurement unit 10 completes aspiration of the sample container 110, it returns the sample container 110 to its original well 101 in the sample rack 100. Once the necessary analysis of all sample containers 110 held in the sample rack 100 is complete, the sample rack 100 is transported to the left end of the transport path 220.

[0085] The collection area 230 is equipped with a transport mechanism 231 that pushes the sample racks 100 forward. The transport mechanism 231 includes a component for pressing the rear surface of the sample racks 100. The sample racks 100 located at the left end of the transport path 220 are pushed forward by the transport mechanism 231 and collected in the collection area 230. The operator removes the sample racks 100 collected in the collection area 230. This completes the transport of the sample racks 100 and the analysis of the samples held in the sample containers 110 of the sample racks 100.

[0086] Figure 4 It is a plan view schematically showing the configuration inside the housing 11 of the measurement unit 10 .

[0087] The measurement unit 10 includes a gripping mechanism 310 , a stirring mechanism 320 , a container transfer mechanism 330 , a reading mechanism 340 , a dispensing mechanism 350 , an RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section), an HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), and a reaction chamber heating unit 400 .

[0088] The holding mechanism 310 includes a pair of holding pieces 311 for gripping the sample container 110 from the front-back direction, a mechanism for moving the pair of holding pieces 311 toward and away from each other, and a mechanism for moving the pair of holding pieces 311 up and down. The holding mechanism 310 is arranged on the conveying path 220 (see Figure 3 ) above the removal position P1. An opening 11a is formed on the lower surface of the housing 11 so that the pair of holding pieces 311 can move up and down relative to the lower surface of the housing 11.

[0089] The gripping mechanism 310 grips the sample container 110 at the removal position P1 using a pair of gripping pieces 311 , and moves the pair of gripping pieces 311 upward to remove the sample container 110 from the sample rack 100 and position the sample container 110 above the removal position P1 .

[0090] The stirring mechanism 320 includes a holding portion 321, a sliding portion 322, and a mechanism for driving the holding portion 321 and the sliding portion 322. The holding portion 321 includes a holding member 321a that forms a hole for holding the sample container 110, a roller 321b that can move horizontally, and a rotation axis 321c that extends in the front-rear direction. The sliding portion 322 is configured to support the lower portion of the holding portion 321 and is movable horizontally. The holding portion 321 is configured to rotate about the rotation axis 321c.

[0091] The gripping mechanism 310 removes the sample container 110 at the removal position P1 from the sample rack 100 and moves it upward. The stirring mechanism 320 then moves the slider 322 leftward, positioning the holding member 321a below the sample container 110. In this state, the gripping mechanism 310 moves the pair of gripping pieces 311 downward, placing the sample container 110 gripped by the gripping pieces 311 on the holding member 321a. Next, the stirring mechanism 320 moves the slider 322 rightward, positioning the sample container 110 held in the holding member 321a at the stirring position P2. Furthermore, the stirring mechanism 320 moves the roller 321b leftward, causing the sample container 110 to remain stationary within the holding member 321a. In this state, the stirring mechanism 320 rotates the holding member 321 about the rotation axis 321c, stirring the sample within the sample container 110 held in the holding member 321a.

[0092] The container transfer mechanism 330 includes a holding member 331 having a hole formed therein for holding the sample container 110 , a plate member 332 extending in the front-rear direction to support the holding member 331 , and a mechanism for moving the plate member 332 in the front-rear direction.

[0093] After stirring the sample container 110 is completed, the stirring mechanism 320 positions the sample container 110 held by the holding member 321a above the removal position P1 again, and the gripping mechanism 310 removes the sample container 110 upward from the holding member 321a. In this state, the stirring mechanism 320 retracts the holding portion 321 and the sliding portion 322 to the right, and the container transfer mechanism 330 positions the holding member 331 below the sample container 110. Furthermore, the gripping mechanism 310 moves the pair of gripping pieces 311 downward, placing the sample container 110 on the holding member 331. Thereafter, the container transfer mechanism 330 positions the sample container 110 held by the holding member 331 at the reading position P3 of the reading mechanism 340.

[0094] The reading mechanism 340 includes a roller 341 , a pair of rollers 342 , a barcode reader 343 , a mechanism for rotating the roller 341 , and a mechanism for moving the pair of rollers 342 in the left-right direction.

[0095] When the sample container 110 is located at the reading position P3, the reading mechanism 340 moves the pair of rollers 342 to the left, sandwiching the sample container 110 between the rollers 341 and the pair of rollers 342. Next, the reading mechanism 340 rotates the sample container 110 by rotating the rollers 341 while the barcode reader 343 reads the sample ID from the sample container 110. The reading mechanism 240 provided on the transport path 220 has the same configuration as the reading mechanism 340. Subsequently, the container transfer mechanism 330 positions the sample container 110, held by the holding member 331, at the aspiration position P4 of the dispensing mechanism 350.

[0096] The dispensing mechanism 350 includes a highly rigid suction tube 351 extending in the vertical direction, a cleaning device 352 for cleaning the suction tube 351, a transfer unit 353 for transferring the suction tube 351 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a liquid transfer unit 354 for sucking and discharging the sample through the suction tube 351 (see Figure 7 The suction tube 351 is used to suck a sample from the sample container 110 at the suction position P4 and to dispense the sucked sample.

[0097] When the sample container 110 is at the suction position P4, the lower end of the suction tube 351 of the dispensing mechanism 350 penetrates the cover 113 of the sample container 110 (see Figure 2 ) is driven to move the transfer unit 353 downward. The suction tube 351 is then moved downward. At this point, the lower end of the suction tube 351 is positioned a predetermined distance below the liquid level in the sample container 110. In this state, the dispensing mechanism 350 aspirates the sample in the sample container 110 through the suction tube 351.

[0098] The reaction chamber heating unit 400 includes a WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), a WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), a WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and a RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section). Within the reaction chamber heating unit 400, the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are positioned adjacent to each other. The RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) are positioned between the suction position P4 and the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section). The reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation section), reaction chamber C12 (6th sample preparation section), reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (3rd sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (4th sample preparation section) are arranged in the order closest to the suction position P4 and arranged in a straight line in the left-right direction. For the detailed structure of the reaction chamber heating unit 400, please refer to Figures 10-12 Provide explanation.

[0099] Based on a measurement command designating the sample aspirated at aspiration position P4 through aspiration tube 351 as the sample, the dispensing mechanism 350 dispenses the sample into at least one of the following reaction chambers: reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section), reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section). The sample and the designated reagent are mixed in each of the reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section), reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) to prepare a measurement sample.

[0100] When the sample in the sample container 110 is aspirated, the container transfer mechanism 330 positions the sample container 110 held by the holding member 331 above the removal position P1, and the gripping mechanism 310 grips the sample container 110 from the holding member 331 and lifts it upward. In this state, the container transfer mechanism 330 retracts the holding member 331 rearward, and the gripping mechanism 310 returns the gripped sample container 110 to the original well 101 of the sample rack 100.

[0101] Figure 5It is a block diagram showing the structure in which the measurement samples prepared in the reaction chambers C11 (5th sample preparation section), C12 (6th sample preparation section), C21 (1st sample preparation section), C22 (2nd sample preparation section), C23 (3rd sample preparation section), and C24 (4th sample preparation section) of the measurement unit 10 are supplied to the optical measurement section 381, the electrical measurement section 382, ​​and the HGB measurement section 383.

[0102] Except reference Figure 5 The analysis operation described above is performed by the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 (see Figure 20 ) controls the dispensing mechanism 350, the modulation of the measurement samples in each reaction chamber C11 (5th sample modulation section), reaction chamber C12 (6th sample modulation section), reaction chamber C21 (1st sample modulation section), reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample modulation section), reaction chamber C23 (3rd sample modulation section), and reaction chamber C24 (4th sample modulation section), and performs the measurement by each measurement section 381 to 383.

[0103] The sample aspirated from the sample container 110 via the aspiration tube 351 is dispensed into the reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section), C12 (sixth sample preparation section), C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) based on the measurement command set for the sample. The reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section), C12 (sixth sample preparation section), C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are containers with open tops. The structures of reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation section), reaction chamber C12 (6th sample preparation section), reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (3rd sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (4th sample preparation section) are further described. Figure 8 、 10 Provide explanation.

[0104] In the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (the fifth sample preparation section), the test subject and the RBC / PLT diluent are mixed to prepare the RBC / PLT measurement sample. The RBC / PLT diluent is, for example, CELLPACK (registered trademark) DCL. The RBC / PLT measurement sample prepared in the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (the fifth sample preparation section) is measured by the electrical measurement section 382. The electrical measurement section 382 obtains electrical signals corresponding to red blood cells and platelets. The analysis section 851 (refer to Figure 20) Analyze the measurement results of the RBC / PLT measurement sample to obtain the red blood cell count and platelet count, etc.

[0105] In the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), the test sample, HGB hemolytic agent, and HGB diluent are mixed to prepare an HGB measurement sample. The HGB hemolytic agent is, for example, SULFOLYSER (registered trademark), and the HGB diluent is, for example, CELLPACK (registered trademark) DCL. The HGB measurement sample prepared in the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) is measured by the HGB measurement section 383. The HGB measurement section 383 acquires a signal corresponding to the hemoglobin concentration. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the HGB measurement sample to obtain, for example, the hemoglobin concentration.

[0106] In the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), the subject, WDF hemolytic agent, and WDF staining solution are mixed to prepare a WDF measurement sample. The WDF hemolytic agent is, for example, LYSERCELL (registered trademark) WDFII, and the WDF staining solution is, for example, FLUOROCELL (registered trademark) WDF. The WDF measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) is measured by the optical measurement section 381. The optical measurement section 381 acquires an optical signal corresponding to white blood cells. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the WDF measurement sample and the WNR measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) to perform classification of white blood cells (e.g., the five classifications of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).

[0107] In the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), similar to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), the test subject, WDF hemolytic agent, and WDF staining solution are mixed to prepare a WDF measurement sample. The WDF measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is measured by the optical measurement section 381. The optical measurement section 381 acquires optical signals corresponding to white blood cells. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the WDF measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) and the WNR measurement sample, performing classification of white blood cells (e.g., the five classifications of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils).

[0108] The WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) prepare WDF measurement samples under common preparation conditions. Specifically, the same WDF hemolytic agent and WDF staining solution are supplied to each of the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section) as reagents. The WDF hemolytic agent and WDF staining solution are supplied to each of the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section) from a common reagent container. The amount of sample dispensed, the amount of reagent supplied, the time used to prepare the WDF measurement sample, the amount of WDF measurement sample prepared, and the reaction temperature during preparation are common to each of the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0109] In the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), the subject, WNR hemolytic agent, and WNR staining solution are mixed to prepare a WNR measurement sample. The WNR hemolytic agent is, for example, LYSERCELL (registered trademark) WNR, and the WNR staining solution is, for example, FLUOROCELL (registered trademark) WNR. The WNR measurement sample prepared in the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section) is measured by the optical measurement section 381. The optical measurement section 381 acquires optical signals corresponding to white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the WNR measurement sample to obtain information such as the white blood cell count and the nucleated red blood cell count.

[0110] In the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section), the subject, RET diluent, and RET staining solution are mixed to prepare the RET measurement sample. The RET diluent is, for example, CELLPACK (registered trademark) DFL, and the RET staining solution is, for example, FLUOROCELL (registered trademark) RET. The RET measurement sample prepared in the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is measured by the optical measurement section 381. The optical measurement section 381 acquires an optical signal corresponding to reticulocytes. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the RET measurement sample, performing tasks such as reticulocyte classification.

[0111] In the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (the fourth sample preparation section), the subject, PLT-F diluent, and PLT-F staining solution are mixed to prepare a PLT-F measurement sample. The PLT-F diluent is, for example, CELLPACK (registered trademark) DFL, and the PLT-F staining solution is, for example, FLUOROCELL (registered trademark) PLT. The PLT-F measurement sample prepared in the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (the fourth sample preparation section) is measured by the optical measurement section 381. The optical measurement section 381 acquires an optical signal corresponding to platelets. The analysis section 851 of the analysis unit 30 analyzes the measurement results of the PLT-F measurement sample to determine, for example, the platelet count.

[0112] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the procedure of dispensing the sample sucked by the suction tube 351 into each reaction chamber.

[0113] The lower end 351a of the suction tube 351 is cylindrical, with a groove cut into the lower end at an angle relative to the horizontal plane. A flow path 351b, through which the subject passes, is formed within the suction tube 351. The flow path 351b extends vertically along the suction tube 351 and opens to the outside from the side of the suction tube 351 at the lower end 351a.

[0114] The amount of the sample sucked from the sample container 110 by the suction tube 351 is constant regardless of the measurement order set for the sample. Figure 6 As shown, the flow channel 351b is filled with the sample. The sample filling the flow channel 351b is sequentially discharged from the lower end 351a side to the designated reaction chamber. This dispensing operation corresponds to the suction of the sample from the sample container 110 once and is performed continuously.

[0115] Specifically, among the samples filling the flow path 351b, a predetermined amount of the sample located at the bottom is discharged into the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit) as a preparatory operation for dispensing via the aspiration tube 351. The sample discharged into the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit) as a preparatory operation is discarded via the flow path for disposal, which will be described later. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the preparatory sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the HGB reaction chamber C12 (6th sample preparation unit) for preparation of the HGB measurement sample. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the HGB measurement sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit) for preparation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the RBC / PLT measurement sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) or the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) for preparing the WDF measurement sample. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the WDF measurement sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section) for preparing the WNR measurement sample. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the WNR measurement sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) for preparing the RET measurement sample. Next, a predetermined amount of the sample located above the RET measurement sample in the flow path 351b is discharged into the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) for preparing the PLT-F measurement sample.

[0116] In the dispensing operation described above, the amount of test sample discharged into each reaction chamber is determined to be a specified amount in accordance with the preparation operation and the preparation of each measurement sample. In addition, the test sample corresponding to the measurement sample that does not need to be prepared is not used in the preparation of the measurement sample and is discarded. For example, when the preparation of the RET measurement sample is not necessary, when the tip of the suction tube 351 is located at the height of the washer 352, the test sample for the RET measurement sample is discharged from the opening of the suction tube 351 and recovered by the washer 352. The discard of the unnecessary test sample in the suction tube 351 can be done by discharging it into an empty reaction chamber and then discharging it from the reaction chamber without using the washer 352.

[0117] like Figure 6As shown, the reason for determining the order of dispensing into each reaction chamber is that when the sample is drawn into aspiration tube 351, a concentration gradient develops in the vertical direction of flow path 351b of aspiration tube 351. Since the amount of sample drawn into aspiration tube 351 is constant, if the order of dispensing into each reaction chamber remains unchanged, the concentration of the sample dispensed into each reaction chamber can be set to a substantially constant level for each measurement. This can suppress variations in measurement results due to concentration gradients.

[0118] Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a liquid transfer unit 354 for sucking and discharging a specimen through a suction tube 351 .

[0119] The upper end of the aspiration tube 351 is connected to a syringe pump 601 via a flow path, and a valve 602 is disposed in this flow path. The syringe pump 601 includes a piston and a motor. By applying a specified pressure to the flow path, the syringe pump 601 aspirates a specified amount of the sample from the aspiration tube 351 and dispenses a specified amount of the sample aspirated into the aspiration tube 351. When the sample is dispensed, the syringe pump 601 removes the remaining sample in the aspiration tube 351 and discards it via a valve 603.

[0120] When cleaning the flow path 351b of the suction pipe 351 (see Figure 6 ), the lower end portion 351a of the suction pipe 351 (refer to Figure 6 ) is located in the washer 352. In this state, the syringe pump 601 transfers the cleaning liquid supplied to the syringe pump 601 to the suction tube 351. The cleaning liquid transferred to the suction tube 351 is discharged from the opening of the lower end portion 351a and is discarded through the washer 352. In addition, when cleaning the outer side surface of the suction tube 351, the suction tube 351 moves in the upward and downward directions relative to the washer 352. At this time, the cleaning liquid supplied to the washer 352 abuts against the outer side surface of the suction tube 351 and is discarded through the washer 352. In this way, the inside and outside of the suction tube 351 are cleaned.

[0121] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically showing the structure of the fluid circuit connected to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation section), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation section), the WNR reaction chamber C23 (3rd sample preparation section), the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (4th sample preparation section), and the optical measurement section 381.

[0122] Reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) have identical configurations. Each reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) has an inlet 361 for supplying reagents and cleaning fluids, an outlet 362 for discharging the measurement sample prepared within the reaction chamber, and a waste outlet 363 for discharging the liquid within the reaction chamber.

[0123] The WDF hemolytic agent, WDF staining solution, and cleaning solution are supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) through inlet 361. The WDF hemolytic agent, WDF staining solution, and cleaning solution are supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) through inlet 361, similar to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section). The WNR hemolytic agent, WNR staining solution, and cleaning solution are supplied to the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section) through inlet 361. The RET diluent, PLT-F diluent, RET staining solution, PLT-F staining solution, and cleaning solution are supplied to the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section).

[0124] The WDF hemolytic agent supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), the WDF hemolytic agent supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), the WNR hemolytic agent supplied to the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and the RET dilution solution and PLT-F dilution solution supplied to the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are stored and heated in the reagent storage sections 501, 502, 503, and 504 of the reagent heating unit 500. For more details on the configuration of the reagent heating unit 500, refer to Figures 13-15 Provide explanation.

[0125] The outlets 362 of reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are connected to flow path 651 via valves 611, 621, 631, and 641, respectively. A syringe pump 652, valve 653, and optical measurement section 381 are connected to flow path 651. A diaphragm pump 655 is connected to flow path 651 via valve 653. A valve 654 is connected to the flow path between valve 653 and diaphragm pump 655. The waste outlets 363 of reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are connected to a waste flow path via valves 612, 622, 632, and 642, respectively.

[0126] exist Figure 8 When the preparation of the measurement sample in each reaction chamber shown in FIG is completed, the diaphragm pump 655 introduces the prepared measurement sample from the corresponding reaction chamber into the flow path 651. The syringe pump 652 supplies the measurement sample stored in the flow path 651 to the optical measurement unit 381. The syringe pump 601 is configured to transfer only a specified amount of the measurement sample stored in the flow path 651 to the optical measurement unit 381 by applying a specified pressure to the flow path 651.

[0127] The optical measurement unit 381 allows the measurement sample and sheath liquid supplied from the flow path 651 to flow into the flow cell 40 (see Figure 18 (top section) Based on flow cytometry, an optical signal corresponding to the blood cells in the measurement sample is output. The measurement sample passing through the optical measurement unit 381 is discarded. When measurement of a measurement sample by the optical measurement unit 381 is completed, a cleaning liquid is supplied to the reaction chamber in which the measurement sample was prepared. The cleaning liquid in the reaction chamber is discharged into the flow path 651 through the outlet 362 and is simultaneously discarded through the discard port 363. The cleaning liquid discharged into the flow path 651 is discarded through the valve 654 by the syringe pump 652 and the diaphragm pump 655.

[0128] exist Figure 8 In the example, reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are connected to the optical measurement section 381 via a common flow path 651. The RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is located closest to the optical measurement section 381 among the multiple reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section). In other words, the length of the flow path connecting the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) to the optical measurement section 381 is shorter than the length of the flow paths connecting the other reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), and C23 (third sample preparation section) to the optical measurement section 381. This design takes into account the properties of the RET staining solution used in RET measurement. Compared to other staining solutions, RET staining solution has the property of easily leaving components in the flow path. Therefore, in order to minimize the length of the flow path that the measurement sample containing RET staining solution contacts and minimize the impact on other measurement samples, Figure 8 In the configuration, the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is arranged at a position closest to the optical measurement section 381 .

[0129] Figure 9This is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a fluid circuit connected to the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section), the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), the electrical measurement section 382 , and the HGB measurement section 383 .

[0130] Reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and C12 (sixth sample preparation section) have the same configuration as the aforementioned reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section). Specifically, each of reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and C12 (sixth sample preparation section) includes an inlet 361 for supplying reagents and cleaning liquid, an outlet 362 for discharging the measurement sample prepared within the reaction chamber, and a waste outlet 363 for discharging the liquid within the reaction chamber. However, the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) also includes an inlet 366 for supplying reagents.

[0131] RBC / PLT diluent and washing solution are supplied to the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) through inlet 361. HGB diluent and washing solution are supplied to the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) through inlet 361, and HGB hemolytic agent is supplied through inlet 366.

[0132] The outlet 362 of the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) is connected to a flow path 681 via a valve 661. A syringe pump 682, valve 683, and electrical measurement section 382 are connected to the flow path 681. The outlet 362 of the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) is connected to the HGB measurement section 383 via a valve 671. The HGB measurement section 383 is connected to a flow path 684 via a valve 672. Valves 683 and 685 are connected to the flow path 684. A diaphragm pump 687 is connected to the flow path 684 via a valve 685. A valve 686 is connected to the flow path between valve 685 and diaphragm pump 687. The waste ports 363 of the reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and C12 (sixth sample preparation section) are connected to waste flow paths via valves 662 and 672, respectively.

[0133] After preparation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample is completed in the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section), the diaphragm pump 687 draws the RBC / PLT measurement sample from the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) into the flow path 681. The syringe pump 682 supplies the RBC / PLT measurement sample stored in the flow path 681 to the electrical measurement section 382. The syringe pump 682 is configured to transfer only a specified amount of the measurement sample stored in the flow path 681 to the electrical measurement section 382 by applying a specified pressure to the flow path 681.

[0134] The electrical measurement unit 382 causes the RBC / PLT measurement sample and sheath fluid supplied from the flow path 681 to flow into the flow cell 50 (see Figure 18 (middle section), based on the sheath flow DC detection method, an electrical signal corresponding to the blood cells in the RBC / PLT measurement sample is output. The RBC / PLT measurement sample that has passed through the electrical measurement unit 382 is discarded. After the measurement of the RBC / PLT measurement sample by the electrical measurement unit 382 is completed, a cleaning liquid is supplied to the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit). The cleaning liquid in the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit) is discharged into the flow path 681 through the outlet 362 and is discarded through the discard port 363. The cleaning liquid discharged into the flow path 681 is discarded through the valve 686 by the syringe pump 682 and the diaphragm pump 687.

[0135] After preparation of the HGB measurement sample is completed in the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section), the HGB measurement sample is supplied to the HGB measurement section 383 via valve 671. The HGB measurement section 383 outputs a signal corresponding to the hemoglobin concentration based on the HGB measurement sample using the SLS-hemoglobin method. The HGB measurement sample used in the measurement by the HGB measurement section 383 is discarded. After measurement of the HGB measurement sample by the HGB measurement section 383 is completed, a cleaning solution is supplied to the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section). The cleaning solution in the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) is discharged to the HGB measurement section 383 via outlet 362 and simultaneously discarded via discard port 363. The cleaning solution discharged to the HGB measurement section 383 passes through the interior of the HGB measurement section 383 and is discharged to the flow path 684. The cleaning solution discharged to the flow path 684 is discarded via valve 686 by the syringe pump 682 and diaphragm pump 687.

[0136] Next, refer to Figures 10-17 , the structure of the heating unit 700 is described.

[0137] The heating unit 700 has Figure 4 The reaction chamber heating unit 400 and Figure 8 The reagent heating unit 500 shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the reaction chamber heating unit 400 includes a WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), a WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), a WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section) and a RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section).

[0138] Figure 10 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section).

[0139] Reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) have identical shapes and are made of the same materials. Each reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is made of a material that is heat-resistant, rigid, and chemical-resistant, such as polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin. Each reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) has an inlet 361, an outlet 362, disposal ports 363 and 364, and a body 365.

[0140] The trunk 365 is a cylindrical component capable of containing liquid. The inlet 361, outlet 362, and waste ports 363 and 364 are tubular and connected to the interior of the trunk 365. The waste port 363 is connected so as to extend downward relative to the lower end of the trunk 365. The outlet 362 is connected so as to extend laterally relative to the trunk 365 above the connection position of the waste port 363. The inlet 361 is connected so as to extend laterally relative to the trunk 365 above the connection position of the outlet 362. The inlet 361 and outlet 362 are connected near the lower end of the trunk 365.

[0141] The upper end of the trunk 365 is formed with an outlet 365a that is open upward. The outlet 365a has a circular shape in a plan view, and the diameter of the outlet 365a is R. The outlet 365a is located at the lower end 351a of the suction tube 351 (see FIG. 35). Figure 6 ) through which the liquid passes when it descends into the body 365. The waste port 364 is connected to the vicinity of the upper end of the body 365 to prevent the liquid in the body 365 from overflowing from the discharge port 365a. The waste port 364 is connected to the waste flow path.

[0142] Furthermore, the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) also have the same shape as the reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), the reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), the reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and the reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section). The HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) further includes an inlet 366 (see Figure 9 The RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation section) are made of, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin.

[0143] Figure 11 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the reaction chamber heating unit 400.

[0144] The reaction chamber heating unit 400 includes holding blocks 401 and 402 , a frame member 413 , a pair of screws 421 , a heater 430 (first heater), a cover member 440 , and heat insulating members 450 , 461 , 462 , and 463 .

[0145] The front holding block 401 and the rear holding block 402 hold the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) in a front-to-back clamping arrangement. Holding blocks 401 and 402 are made of a metal with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. Concave portions are formed on the rear surface of holding block 401 and the front surface of holding block 402, aligning with the outer shapes of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section). When the retaining blocks 401 and 402 are joined together so as to clamp the four reaction chambers C21 (the first sample modulation part), reaction chamber C22 (the second sample modulation part), reaction chamber C23 (the third sample modulation part), and reaction chamber C24 (the fourth sample modulation part), the recesses of the retaining blocks 401 and 402 accommodate the four reaction chambers C21 (the first sample modulation part), reaction chamber C22 (the second sample modulation part), reaction chamber C23 (the third sample modulation part), and reaction chamber C24 (the fourth sample modulation part).

[0146] The inlet 361, outlet 362, and waste port 364 of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) each protrude to the front of the holding block 401 through a hole provided in the holding block 401. The waste port 363 of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) protrudes below the holding blocks 401 and 402 through holes provided in the holding blocks 401 and 402.

[0147] The frame member 413 has a rectangular shape and is provided on the outer periphery of the rear side of the holding block 402. A pair of holes 413a for fixing a pair of screws 421 and a pair of screws 721 (see FIG. 4) for fixing the pair of screws 421 are formed on the upper side of the frame member 413. Figure 16 ) a pair of holes 413b. In addition, a pair of screws 722 are formed at the lower portion of the frame member 413 for fixing (see Figure 16 ) a pair of incisions.

[0148] Heater 430 (first heater) is installed behind holding block 402 from the rear of frame member 413 through the central opening of frame member 413. Heater 430 (first heater) heats the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section). Heater 430 (first heater) is a sheet-shaped heater. Heater 430 (first heater) heats the rear surface of holding block 402 by electrical drive. Heater 430 (first heater) is driven to raise the liquid temperature within the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) to 35°C to 45°C, more specifically, to 41°C. Thus, the measurement samples can be smoothly and appropriately prepared in the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section).

[0149] The cover member 440 is provided on the upper surfaces of the holding blocks 401 and 402. The cover member 440 has an L-shape when viewed from the right side, and has a plate portion 441 parallel to the horizontal plane and a plate portion 442 perpendicular to the horizontal plane.

[0150] Four holes 441a are formed in the plate portion 441 so as to pass through the plate portion 441 in the vertical direction. The four holes 441a are located at the discharge ports 365a at the upper ends of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) (see FIG. Figure 10 ) directly above. The four holes 441a have a long hole shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the front-back direction. When the specimen is dispensed, the lower end 351a of the suction tube 351 (see Figure 6 ) descends through the hole 441a to the interior of each reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation part), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation part), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation part), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation part).

[0151] Four notches 441b are formed at the front end of plate 441, and four corresponding notches are formed at the rear end of plate 441. Tubes extending from the reagent warming unit 500 (described later) pass through these notches. Since the tubes pass through these notches, they pass under plate 441, preventing them from being scattered near the upper portion of plate 441, where the lower end 351a of suction tube 351 is moving.

[0152] The plate portion 442 is formed with a pair of notches 442a for fixing a pair of screws 421 and a pair of screws 721 (see FIG. Figure 16 ). Plate portion 442 is disposed on the upper surface of retaining blocks 401 and 402, and a pair of screws 421 are secured to a pair of notches 442a in plate portion 442 and a pair of holes 413a in frame member 413. Thus, cover member 440 is positioned relative to retaining blocks 401 and 402 and frame member 413.

[0153] When viewed from the left, the heat-insulating member 450 has an L-shape and includes a plate portion 451 perpendicular to the horizontal plane and a plate portion 452 parallel to the horizontal plane. The heat-insulating member 450 is made of a material with high thermal insulation properties, for example, polyurethane foam obtained by adding a foaming agent to polyurethane. The heat-insulating member 450 is located in front of the retaining block 401 and on the lower surfaces of the retaining blocks 401 and 402. The inlet 361, outlet 362, and waste port 364 located on the sides of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) protrude to the front of the heat-insulating member 450 through holes 451a and 451b formed in the plate portion 451 of the heat-insulating member 450. In addition, the waste port 363 provided at the lower end of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) protrudes to the bottom of the heat-insulating component 450 through the hole 452a formed in the plate portion 452 of the heat-insulating component 450.

[0154] Insulating members 461, 462, and 463 have a plate shape perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Insulating members 461, 462, and 463 are made of the same material as insulating member 450. Insulating member 461 is installed on the left side of holding blocks 401 and 402, while insulating member 462 is installed on the right side of holding blocks 401 and 402. Insulating member 463 is installed behind heater 430 (first heater) through the central opening of frame member 413, extending from the rear of holding block 402 and heater 430 (first heater). This completes reaction chamber heating unit 400.

[0155] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the reaction chamber heating unit 400 after assembly.

[0156] As described above, four holes 441a are formed in the cover part 440 for the lower end portion 351a of the suction tube 351 to pass through. The shapes and sizes of the four holes 441a are equal to each other. The length L1 of the hole 441a in the left-right direction is longer than the length L2 of the hole 441a in the front-back direction. In addition, the length L1 of the hole 441a is equal to the diameter R (refer to the diameter R) of the discharge port 365a provided at the upper end of each reaction chamber C21 (the first sample preparation part), reaction chamber C22 (the second sample preparation part), reaction chamber C23 (the third sample preparation part), and reaction chamber C24 (the fourth sample preparation part). Figure 10 ). That is, in a plan view, hole 441a is located within the discharge port 365a of each of reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section). This allows the lower end 351a of the suction tube 351 to pass smoothly through hole 441a while preventing dust and the like from entering each of reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) through hole 441a.

[0157] like Figure 11 、 12 As shown, by covering the front, left, right and back of the reaction chamber heating unit 400 with the insulation components 450, 461, 462 and 463, it becomes easy to maintain the temperature of the liquid in the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation part), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation part), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation part) and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation part) heated by the heater 430 (first heater) at 41°C.

[0158] Figure 13 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the frame portion 510 included in the reagent warming unit 500. Figure 13 The left side is a view of the frame portion 510 from the front side. Figure 13 The right side of FIG is a diagram showing the frame portion 510 as viewed from the rear side.

[0159] An opening 510a is formed in the center of the frame 510, extending through the frame 510 in the front-to-back direction. An inlet 511 is provided at the rear near the lower end of the frame 510, and an outlet 512 is provided at the front near the upper end of the frame 510. The inlet 511 and the outlet 512 are tubular. The inlet 511 is connected to the interior of the opening 510a via a hole 510b formed near the lower end of the opening 510a. The outlet 512 is connected to the interior of the opening 510a via a hole 510c formed near the upper end of the opening 510a.

[0160] Figure 14 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the reagent warming unit 500.

[0161] The reagent heating unit 500 includes four frames 510 , sheet members 521 , 522 , plate members 523 , 524 , heaters 531 , 532 (second heaters), heat-insulating members 540 , 550 , 560 , clamps 571 , 572 , 573 , 574 , and a pair of screws 581 , 582 , 583 , 584 .

[0162] The sheet members 521 and 522 are made of a material having heat resistance and chemical resistance, for example, fluororesin. The plate members 523 and 524 are made of a material having heat resistance and rigidity, for example, stainless steel. Figure 13 The frame parts 510 shown in the figure are arranged in parallel in the left and right directions, and the sheet members 521 and 522 are arranged in a manner of sandwiching the four frame parts 510 from the front and back directions of the four frame parts 510. The plate member 523 is arranged in front of the sheet member 521, and the plate member 524 is arranged behind the sheet member 522. Furthermore, the plate members 523 and 524 are connected to each other near the periphery. Thus, four closed spaces are formed by the frame parts 510 and the sheet members 521 and 522. The four closed spaces are respectively connected to Figure 8 These correspond to the reagent storage parts 501, 502, 503, and 504 shown in FIG.

[0163] The heater 531 (second heater) is provided in front of the plate member 523, and the heater 532 (second heater) is provided in the rear of the plate member 524. The heater 531 (second heater) is electrically driven to heat the four reagent storage portions 501 to 504 (see Figure 8 ) for heating. The heater 532 (second heater) is electrically driven to heat the four reagent storage sections 501 to 504 via the plate member 524. The heaters 531 and 532 (second heater) are sheet-shaped heaters. The heaters 531 and 532 (second heater) are driven in such a manner as to heat the liquid temperature in the four reagent storage sections 501 to 504 to 35°C to 45°C, more specifically, to 41°C. As a result, the measurement samples can be smoothly and appropriately prepared using reagents in the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section).

[0164] The heat-insulating members 540 and 550 are in the shape of plates perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The heat-insulating members 540 and 550 are made of a material with high heat-insulating properties, for example, polyurethane foamed by adding a foaming agent to polyurethane. The heat-insulating member 540 is set in front of the plate member 523 and the heater 531 (second heater) from the front of the heater 531 (second heater). At this time, the outlets 512 of the four frame parts 510 (see Figure 13The left side of the heat insulating member 540 protrudes to the front of the heat insulating member 540 through the hole 541 formed in the heat insulating member 540. The heat insulating member 550 is set behind the plate member 524 and the heater 532 (the second heater) from the rear of the heater 532 (the second heater). At this time, the inlet 511 of the four frame parts 510 (refer to Figure 13 The right side of the heat-insulating component 550 protrudes to the rear of the heat-insulating component 550 through the hole 551 formed in the heat-insulating component 550.

[0165] The heat-insulating member 560 is made of a material with high thermal insulation properties, for example, polyurethane foam obtained by adding a foaming agent to polyurethane. The heat-insulating member 560 is provided so as to surround the structure in which the four frames 510, the two sheet members 521, 522, the two plate members 523, 524, the two heaters 531, 532 (second heaters), and the two heat-insulating members 540, 550 are assembled, in the vertical and horizontal directions.

[0166] Clamps 571, 572, 573, and 574 are components for connecting the reagent heating unit 500 to the reaction chamber heating unit 400. Clamp 571 is installed near the upper end of the rear surface of plate member 524 by a pair of screws 581. Clamp 572 is installed on the upper surface of clamp 571 by a pair of screws 582. A pair of screws 723 (see FIG. 5 ) is formed on clamp 572 for fixing. Figure 16 ) a pair of holes 572a. The clamp 573 is set near the lower end of the rear side of the plate member 524 by a pair of screws 583. The clamp 574 is set on the lower surface of the clamp 573 by a pair of screws 584. A pair of screws 724 (see Figure 16 ) is provided with a pair of holes 574a. Thus, the reagent heating unit 500 is completed.

[0167] Figure 15 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the reagent warming unit 500 after assembly.

[0168] like Figure 14 、 15 As shown, the upper, lower, left, right, front and back surfaces of the reagent heating unit 500 are covered with heat insulating members 540, 550, 560, so that the temperature of the reagents in the four reagent storage portions 501 to 504 heated by heaters 531 and 532 (second heaters) is maintained at 41°C.

[0169] Figure 16 It is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the heating unit 700.

[0170] The heating unit 700 includes a reaction chamber heating unit 400 , a reagent heating unit 500 , a clamp 710 , and a pair of screws 721 , 722 , 723 , and 724 .

[0171] A pair of screws 721 are fixed to a pair of holes 413b of the frame member 413 (see Figure 11 ) and a pair of holes 711 of the fixture 710. A pair of screws 722 are fixed to the notch provided at the lower end of the frame member 413 and the holes 712 of the fixture 710. Thus, the reaction chamber heating unit 400 is installed in the fixture 710.

[0172] A pair of screws 723 are fixed to a pair of holes 713 of the jig 710 and a pair of holes 572a of the heating unit 700. A pair of screws 724 are fixed to a pair of holes 714 of the jig 710 and a pair of holes 574a of the heating unit 700. Thus, the reagent heating unit 500 is installed in the jig 710.

[0173] When assembling the heating unit 700, the tubes connected to the four outlets 512 of the reagent heating unit 500 are extended through the central opening of the fixture 710 and the four cutouts 441b of the reaction chamber heating unit 400 to the front of the reaction chamber heating unit 400. Thus, the heating unit 700 is completed.

[0174] Figure 17 It is a perspective view showing the structure of the assembled heating unit 700.

[0175] When the heating unit 700 is installed in the measurement unit 10, the four inlets 511 (see Figure 13 The right side of the reagent heating unit 500 is connected to the tube of the reagent container containing the corresponding reagent. Figure 13 The tube connected to the left side of the reaction chamber heating unit 400 is connected to the inlet 361 of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) through the four cutouts 441b of the reaction chamber heating unit 400. The outlet 362 of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are connected to valves 611, 621, 631, and 641 (see FIG. Figure 8 ) are connected to the flow path. The waste ports 363 (refer to Figure 10 ) are connected to valves 612, 622, 632, 642 (refer to Figure 8 The waste ports 364 of the four reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are connected to the waste flow path.

[0176] Figure 18 The diagram shows the configuration of the flow cell 40 of the optical measurement section 381 , the configuration of the flow cell 50 of the electrical measurement section 382 , and the configuration of the HGB measurement section 383 .

[0177] like Figure 18 As shown in the upper portion of FIG, the flow cell 40 of the optical measurement unit 381 includes a sheath liquid supply port 41, a sample nozzle 42, a fine hole portion 43, and a waste port 44.

[0178] The sheath fluid supply port 41 supplies sheath fluid into the flow cell 40. The sample nozzle 42 delivers the measurement sample upward within the flow cell 40. While enveloped in the sheath fluid, the measurement sample passes through the flow channel 43a formed in the fine hole portion 43 and enters the disposal port 44. Blood cells contained in the measurement sample pass through the flow channel 43a in a single row. Laser light of a specified wavelength is irradiated into the flow channel 43a. Irradiation of the measurement sample passing through the flow channel 43a generates forward scattered light, side scattered light, and fluorescence from the blood cells in the measurement sample. The light receiving unit of the optical measurement unit 381 outputs optical signals corresponding to the intensities of the forward scattered light, side scattered light, and fluorescence. The intensity of the forward scattered light reflects information about the size of the blood cells, the intensity of the side scattered light reflects information about the internal structure of the blood cells, and the intensity of the fluorescence reflects the degree of staining of the blood cells. When cleaning the optical measurement unit 381, cleaning fluid is supplied to the sheath fluid supply port 41 and the sample nozzle 42.

[0179] Furthermore, an optical signal can be any signal obtained as an optical response by irradiating blood cells with light. The optical signal is not limited to the aforementioned signals based on light scattering and fluorescence, and can be, for example, a signal based on light absorption or a signal based on transmitted light.

[0180] like Figure 18 As shown in the middle section of FIG, the flow cell 50 of the electrical measurement unit 382 includes a sample nozzle 51, a chamber 52, a hole 53, a recovery tube 54, and a chamber 55.

[0181] The sample nozzle 51 delivers the measurement sample upward. The chamber 52 has a gradually narrowing shape as it tapers upward. Sheath fluid is supplied to the chamber 52. The measurement sample, while being coated with the sheath fluid, enters the recovery tube 54 through the hole 53. The blood cells contained in the measurement sample pass through the hole 53 in a state of being aligned in a row. Electrodes are provided in the hole 53. A direct current is supplied between the electrodes of the hole 53, and an electrical signal corresponding to the change in direct current resistance when the measurement sample passes through the hole 53 is detected. The RBC / PLT diluent used in the preparation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample has conductivity because it contains electrolytes. Therefore, since the direct current resistance increases when the blood cells in the RBC / PLT measurement sample pass through the hole 53, the electrical signal becomes information reflecting the blood cells passing through the hole 53.

[0182] The sheath fluid is supplied to the chamber 55 by flowing downward through the outer area of ​​the recovery tube 54. After flowing through the outer area of ​​the recovery tube 54, the sheath fluid reaches the lower end of the chamber 55 and then flows into the interior of the recovery tube 54. This prevents blood cells that have passed through the hole 53 from returning to the hole 53, thus preventing erroneous detection of blood cells. When the electrical measurement unit 382 is being cleaned, a cleaning fluid is supplied to the sample nozzle 51 and chambers 52 and 55.

[0183] like Figure 18 As shown in the lower part of FIG, the HGB measurement unit 383 includes a cell 383a, a light source unit 383b, and a light receiving unit 383c.

[0184] Cell 383a is made of a highly translucent plastic material. Light source 383b illuminates cell 383a with light of a wavelength that is highly absorbent by SLS-hemoglobin. Light receiver 383c, positioned facing light source 383b with cell 383a sandwiched between them, receives light transmitted through cell 383a.

[0185] The HGB measurement sample is contained in cell 383a. In this state, light source unit 383b emits light, and light receiving unit 383c receives the transmitted light. Because cell 383a is made of a highly translucent material, light receiving unit 383c receives only the transmitted light from light source unit 383b that is not absorbed by the HGB measurement sample. Light receiving unit 383c detects a signal corresponding to the intensity of the transmitted light. This signal corresponds to the absorbance.

[0186] Figure 19 It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the measurement unit 10 .

[0187] The measuring unit 10 includes an optical measuring unit 381, an electrical measuring unit 382, ​​an HGB measuring unit 383, analog processing units 811, 812, 813, A / D conversion units 821, 822, 823, IF (interface) units 801, 802, a communication unit 803, a reading mechanism 340, a dispensing mechanism 350, a liquid transfer unit 830, a mechanism unit 840 and a heater 430 (first heater), heaters 531, 532 (second heater).

[0188] The analog processing units 811, 812, and 813 each perform processing such as noise removal and flattening on the analog signals output from the optical measurement unit 381, the electrical measurement unit 382, ​​and the HGB measurement unit 383. The A / D conversion units 821, 822, and 823 each convert the analog signals processed by the analog processing units 811, 812, and 813 into digital signals, and transmit them as measurement results to the analysis unit 30 via the IF unit 801 and the communication unit 803. The communication unit 803 comprises a connection port compliant with the USB standard and performs communication with the analysis unit 30.

[0189] The reading mechanism 340 includes a mechanism for driving rollers 341 and 342 and a barcode reader 343. The dispensing mechanism 350 includes a transfer unit 353 for transferring the suction tube 351 and a liquid transfer unit 354. The liquid transfer unit 830 includes a mechanism for driving the liquid in the liquid. Figure 8 、 9 The mechanism section 840 includes a syringe pump, diaphragm pump, and valve mechanism for transferring liquid in the flow path shown in FIG. The mechanism section 840 includes a mechanism for driving the pair of gripping pieces 311 of the gripping mechanism 310, a mechanism for driving the roller 321b of the stirring mechanism 320, a mechanism for rotating the holding section 321 about the rotation axis 321c, a mechanism for transferring the sliding section 322, and a mechanism for transferring the plate member 332 of the container transfer mechanism 330. Each component of the measurement unit 10 is controlled by the analysis unit 30 via the IF section 802 and the communication section 803.

[0190] Figure 20 It is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the transport unit 20 and the analysis unit 30 .

[0191] The transport unit 20 includes a reading mechanism 240 , a mechanism section 251 , and a communication section 252 .

[0192] The reading mechanism 240 includes a mechanism for driving rollers 241 and 242 and a barcode reader 243. The mechanism unit 251 includes a mechanism for driving a pair of components of the conveying mechanism 211, a mechanism for driving the conveyor belts 221 and 222 of the conveying path 220, and a mechanism for driving components of the conveying mechanism 231. The communication unit 252 is composed of a connection terminal based on the USB standard and communicates with the analysis unit 30.

[0193] The analysis unit 30 includes a control unit 850 , a storage unit 861 , a display unit 31 , an input unit 32 , and communication units 862 and 863 .

[0194] The control unit 850 is comprised of, for example, a CPU. By executing computer programs stored in the storage unit 861, the control unit 850 functions as the analysis unit 851 for analyzing the subject and the measurement control unit 852 for controlling the measurement unit 10. The storage unit 861 is comprised of, for example, an SSD, a HDD, or RAM. The storage unit 861 stores measurement results received from the measurement unit 10, programs for controlling the analysis unit 30, and programs for implementing the functions of the analysis unit 851 and the measurement control unit 852.

[0195] The display unit 31 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The input unit 32 is composed of a mouse or a keyboard. Furthermore, the display unit 31 and the input unit 32 may be integrally formed, for example, by a touch panel display.

[0196] The communication unit 862 is composed of a connection terminal compliant with the USB standard, and communicates between the communication unit 803 of the measurement unit 10 and the communication unit 252 of the transport unit 20 via a USB cable. The measurement control unit 852 controls the various components of the measurement unit 10 via the communication unit 862, and receives the subject ID and measurement results from the measurement unit 10 read by the reading mechanism 340 of the measurement unit 10. Furthermore, the measurement control unit 852 controls the various components of the transport unit 20 via the communication unit 862, and receives the subject ID and rack ID read by the reading mechanism 240 of the transport unit 20.

[0197] The communication unit 863 comprises a connection port conforming to Ethernet standards and communicates with a host computer external to the analyzer 1 via an Ethernet cable. Upon receiving the subject ID read by the reading mechanism 340 of the measurement unit 10, the measurement control unit 852 queries the host computer for a measurement command via the communication unit 863, and receives a measurement command corresponding to the subject ID from the host computer. The received measurement command for each subject is stored in the storage unit 861. Furthermore, the measurement control unit 852 can also receive measurement commands from the operator via the input unit 32.

[0198] The measurement order includes information indicating predetermined analysis modes such as CBC, DIFF, RET, and PLT-F. For example, the measurement control unit 852 controls the various components of the measurement unit 10 so that, when the measurement order is CBC, the RBC / PLT measurement sample, the HGB measurement sample, and the WNR measurement sample are prepared; when the measurement order is CBC+DIFF, the WDF measurement sample is prepared in addition to the measurement sample corresponding to CBC; when the measurement order is CBC+DIFF+RET, the RET measurement sample is prepared in addition to the measurement samples corresponding to CBC and DIFF; and when the measurement order is CBC+DIFF+RET+PLT-F, the PLT-F measurement sample is prepared in addition to the measurement samples corresponding to CBC, DIFF, and RET. Furthermore, the measurement control unit 852 causes the optical measurement unit 381, the electrical measurement unit 382, ​​and the HGB measurement unit 383 to measure the prepared measurement samples and obtain measurement results.

[0199] The analysis unit 851 analyzes the measurement results of the RBC / PLT measurement sample, obtaining information such as the red blood cell count, platelet count, and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The mean corpuscular volume is a measurement of the volume of red blood cells. The analysis unit 851 analyzes the measurement results of the HGB measurement sample, obtaining information such as the hemoglobin concentration. Based on the measurement results of the WDF measurement sample, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils. Based on the measurement results of the WNR measurement sample, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into basophils. Furthermore, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils based on the classification results of the WDF and WNR measurement samples, and obtains the number of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils as analysis results. Based on the measurement results of the WNR measurement sample, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells, and obtains the number of white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells as analysis results. Based on the measurement results of the RET measurement sample, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into reticulocytes, and obtains the number of reticulocytes as analysis results. Based on the PLT-F measurement sample, the analysis unit 851 classifies the blood cells in the subject into platelets, and obtains the number of platelets as classification results.

[0200] Furthermore, the analysis unit 851 can also be configured to perform AI analysis using an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm on the measurement results obtained from the subject. Using AI analysis, the analysis unit 851 can classify white blood cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils) based solely on the measurement results of the WDF measurement sample. Furthermore, using AI analysis, the analysis unit 851 can determine the white blood cell count and nucleated red blood cell count based on the measurement results of the WDF measurement sample, rather than the WNR measurement sample.

[0201] Furthermore, the measurement order is not limited to information indicating the analysis mode as described above, but may also include information indicating individual analysis result items. In this case, the measurement control unit 852 determines whether to prepare any measurement sample based on the items specified in the measurement order, and the analysis unit 851 analyzes the measurement results obtained from the prepared measurement sample, obtaining the items specified in the measurement order as analysis results.

[0202] Figure 21 It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a screen 900 displayed on the display unit 31 of the analysis unit 30 .

[0203] The control unit 850 of the analysis unit 30 receives a screen display instruction from the operator and displays a screen 900 on the display unit 31. The display content of the screen 900 is based on the analysis result generated by the analysis unit 851.

[0204] The screen 900 includes a plurality of display tabs 901 arranged in a horizontal direction, an item display area 910 for displaying items of analysis results, and a graph display area 920 for displaying a graph of the analysis results. Figure 21 In the example shown in FIG, the operator operates the display tab 901 corresponding to “graph” to display an item display area 910 and a graph display area 920 corresponding to a designated subject ID.

[0205] Graph display area 920 displays scattergrams 921, 922, 923, and 924 generated based on the WDF, WNR, RET, and PLT-F measurement samples, respectively. Also displayed in graph display area 920 are histograms 925 and 926 generated based on the RBC / PLT measurement samples. Labels 921a to 926a indicating that the scattergrams were generated based on the WDF, WNR, RET, and PLT-F measurement samples, respectively, are displayed in each scattergram 921 to 924. Labels 925a and 926a indicating that the histograms are for red blood cells and platelets, respectively, generated based on the RBC / PLT measurement samples, are displayed in each histogram 925 and 926.

[0206] The operator passes Figure 21 In the screen 900 shown in FIG. 1 , the display tab 901 corresponding to “Service” can be changed as follows: Figure 22 The display content of screen 900 is shown.

[0207] Figure 22 The screen 900 shown in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of display tabs 901 arranged in a horizontal direction, a plurality of display selection buttons 931 , and a service data display area 940 .

[0208] exist Figure 22 In the example shown in FIG, the operator operates the display selection button 931 corresponding to "WDF" to display various data related to the WDF measurement sample in the service data display area 940. Figure 22In the service data display area 940 shown in FIG, a display area 941 is displayed, which numerically indicates whether the WDF measurement sample is being prepared in either WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) or WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section). A value of 0 in display area 941 indicates that the WDF measurement sample is being prepared in WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), while a value of 1 in display area 941 indicates that the WDF measurement sample is being prepared in WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0209] Furthermore, information indicating whether the WDF measurement sample is prepared in either the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) or the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) may also be displayed on the display. Figure 21 For example, when the WDF measurement sample is prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), "WDF-1" is displayed on the label 921a, and when the WDF measurement sample is prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), "WDF-2" may be displayed on the label 921a.

[0210] Next, refer to Figures 23-25 , a timetable of the actions of the two subjects SP1 and SP2 that are measured continuously will be described.

[0211] exist Figures 23-25 In the timeline shown in the figure, the right direction represents the passage of time, and the time span of the two adjacent vertical lines is 4 seconds. The measurement control unit 852 controls the preparation of the measurement sample in each reaction chamber and the measurement by each measurement unit, as shown in the following timeline. The measurement control unit 852 executes one action sequence for each subject. The action sequence specifies the order and timing of the operation of each component of the measurement unit 10, namely, the sample preparation unit (i.e., reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C12 (6th sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C23 (3rd sample preparation unit), and reaction chamber C24 (4th sample preparation unit)), each measurement unit 381-383, and components such as valves and pumps included in the fluid circuit. When the measurement control unit 852 executes the action sequence, for example, it controls the valves to open at a specified timing and the pumps to activate after the specified time. As will be described in detail below, the measurement control unit 852 starts the operation sequence at a designated timing, and the preparation of the WDF measurement sample and the measurement by the optical measurement unit are partially repeated for two consecutive subjects.

[0212] exist Figures 23-25In the table, "RBC / PLT" indicates an operation based on the RBC / PLT measurement sample, "WDF(1)" indicates an operation based on the measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), "WDF(2)" indicates an operation based on the measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), "WNR" indicates an operation based on the WNR measurement sample, and "RET" indicates an operation based on the RET measurement sample. For convenience, in Figures 23-25 The operation of measuring the sample based on HGB is omitted.

[0213] The rectangular label labeled "Modulation" indicates the period during which measurement sample modulation is being performed. Specifically, the left end of the rectangular label "Modulation" indicates the starting point of the measurement sample modulation process in the corresponding reaction chamber (the timing of discharging the sample into the reaction chamber), and the right end of the rectangular label "Modulation" indicates the end point of the measurement sample modulation process in the corresponding reaction chamber (the timing of starting the transfer of the measurement sample from the reaction chamber). The rectangular label labeled "Measurement" indicates the period during which measurement is being performed. Specifically, the left end of the rectangular label "Measurement" indicates the starting point of the signal acquisition process in the corresponding measurement unit, and the right end of the rectangular label "Measurement" indicates the end point of the signal acquisition process in the corresponding measurement unit.

[0214] The horizontally arranged rectangular labels "Preparation" and "Measurement" represent the preparation and measurement periods for a single measurement sample, that is, the processing period corresponding to a single measurement sample. The processing period begins at the left end of the rectangular label "Preparation," and ends at the right end of the rectangular label "Measurement." The measurement sample is transferred from the reaction chamber to the measurement unit between the rectangular labels "Preparation" and "Measurement."

[0215] Specifically, when transferring the measurement sample to the optical measurement section 381, the diaphragm pump 655 draws the measurement sample, and the syringe pump 652 transfers a specified amount of the measurement sample to the optical measurement section 381. When transferring the RBC / PLT measurement sample to the electrical measurement section 382, ​​the diaphragm pump 687 draws the RBC / PLT measurement sample, and the syringe pump 682 transfers a specified amount of the RBC measurement sample to the electrical measurement section 382. When transferring the HGB measurement sample to the HGB measurement section 383, the specified amount of the HGB measurement sample is transferred to the HGB measurement section 383 via the valve 671.

[0216] When the processing period corresponding to one measurement sample ends, the corresponding reaction chamber and measurement unit are cleaned for a specified time. After the cleaning for the specified time ends, the reaction chamber and measurement unit can be used.

[0217] Figure 23This is a timetable for setting a CBC+DIFF measurement command for each of two subjects SP1 and SP2 to be measured continuously.

[0218] The measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the subject SP1 and determines an action sequence based on the obtained measurement order. The storage unit 861 of the analysis unit 30 stores an action sequence that specifies the preparation and measurement period of the measurement sample in one subject according to the type of measurement order. Figure 23 In the example shown in the upper section, since the measurement command for the subject SP1 is CBC+DIFF, the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ1 from the storage unit 861 and drives the measurement unit 10 to perform measurement on the subject SP1 based on the read action sequence SEQ1.

[0219] When sequentially preparing WDF measurement samples for a plurality of subjects, two WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are used alternately. Figure 23 In the example shown in , the WDF measurement sample of the subject SP1 is prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), and the WDF measurement sample of the subject SP2 is prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0220] Once a measurement command is determined, the type of reaction chamber and measurement unit to be used are determined. Furthermore, the order in which the measurement sample preparation begins, the preparation time for each measurement sample, the order in which the measurement units begin measurement, and the measurement time for each measurement unit are predetermined so that the preparation and measurement of the measurement sample can be performed in accordance with the measurement command. The action sequence is predetermined based on the order, timing, and required time specified above, as determined by the measurement command. Furthermore, the action sequence becomes identical when the measurement command is the same. This minimizes variations in the measurement results between measurements, maintaining measurement quality.

[0221] In order to analyze red blood cells with high frequency based on RBC / PLT measurement samples, Figure 23 The action sequence SEQ1 shown in FIG is defined as the preparation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample being performed before the preparation of the WDF measurement sample. In addition, since the preparation of the WDF measurement sample takes longer than the preparation of the WNR measurement sample, Figure 23 The action sequence SEQ1 shown in FIG. 1 is defined so that the modulation of the WDF measurement sample is performed before the modulation of the WNR measurement sample.

[0222] Next, the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the subject SP2 and determines an operation sequence based on the obtained measurement order. Figure 23In the example shown in the lower section, since the measurement command for the subject SP2 is CBC+DIFF, the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ1 from the storage unit 861 and drives the measurement unit 10 to perform the measurement of the subject SP2 based on the read action sequence SEQ1.

[0223] The optical measuring unit 381 is commonly used in multiple sample preparation units. Figure 8 In the example shown in , a single optical measurement unit 381 provided in the measurement unit 10 is shared by multiple sample preparation units (i.e., reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit)). Therefore, even if multiple measurement samples to be measured by the optical measurement unit 381 are prepared in parallel, these measurement samples must be measured sequentially in the optical measurement unit 381. Therefore, the measurement control unit 852 is configured to be able to set the start timing of the action sequence for the second subject so that even if the preparation and measurement periods of the measurement samples for two consecutive subjects (the first subject and the second subject) partially overlap, the measurements by the optical measurement unit 381 are performed sequentially. The start timing refers to, for example, the fastest timing at which the action sequence for the second subject can be started without interfering with the two consecutive action sequences. The start timing is set to a specified time after the start of the action sequence for the first subject. The time for the predetermined start timing is determined corresponding to the action sequence of the first subject.

[0224] Figure 23 In the example shown in , the action sequence of the first subject SP1 is determined as SEQ1, and the time that specifies the start timing of the second subject SP2 is determined as T1. Figure 24 、 25 In the case of the example described later, if the action sequence of the first subject SP1 is determined to be SEQ2 or SEQ3, the times defining the start timing of the second subject SP2 are defined as T2 or T3, respectively. The times defining the start timing of the second subject SP2 (e.g., times T1 to T3) are pre-set to times that allow the action sequence of the second subject SP2 to be started in parallel with the action sequence of the first subject SP1, without interfering with the action sequence of the first subject SP1.

[0225] Figure 23 In the case of the example shown in , the time T1 is, for example, (1) shorter than the time from the start to the end of the action sequence SEQ1 of the first subject SP1, and (2) independent of the type of the action sequence of the second subject SP2 (for example, SEQ1 to SEQ3), and the time during which the measurement process of the optical measurement unit 381 used in the two action sequences does not overlap. Figure 23In this example, a time T1 is set at which the first measurement step (i.e., the measurement step using the WNR measurement sample) using the optical measurement unit 381 of the first specimen SP1 is started after the last measurement step (i.e., the measurement step using the WDF measurement sample) using the optical measurement unit 381 of the second specimen SP2 is completed without a specified waiting time Tw1. The waiting time Tw1 is the time required to perform preparatory operations, including cleaning of the optical measurement unit 381.

[0226] As described above, when the measurement command of CBC+DIFF is set for each of the two consecutively measured subjects SP1 and SP2, the measurement control unit 852 can start the action sequence of the second subject SP2 at the start timing after the time T1 has elapsed from the start point of the action sequence of the first subject SP1. Figure 23 The repetition period shown overlaps a portion of the period for preparing and measuring the WDF measurement sample for the first subject SP1 and a portion of the period for preparing and measuring the WDF measurement sample for the second subject SP2. Thus, because preparation and measurement can be performed in parallel for the two subjects SP1 and SP2, the throughput of the analyzer 1 can be improved.

[0227] Figure 24 This is a timetable for setting the measurement command of CBC+DIFF (without WNR) for each of the two subjects SP1 and SP2 to be measured continuously. Figure 23 The following describes the different points in the case.

[0228] As described above, when the measurement order is DIFF, the five-way classification of white blood cells is typically performed based on the measurement results of the WDF and WNR measurement samples. However, if, for example, AI analysis of the WDF measurement sample's measurement results makes it possible to perform the five-way classification of white blood cells, the preparation and measurement of the WNR measurement sample may not be performed. Figure 24 An example of an action sequence in such a case is shown.

[0229] The measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the first subject SP1 and determines an operation sequence based on the obtained measurement order. Figure 24 In the example shown in the upper section, since the measurement command for the first subject SP1 is CBC+DIFF (without WNR), the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ2 from the storage unit 861 and drives the measurement unit 10 to perform the measurement of the first subject SP1 based on the read action sequence SEQ2.

[0230] The measurement control unit 852 sets the start timing of the second subject SP2 to a time T2 after the start point of the action sequence SEQ2 of the first subject SP1, corresponding to the action sequence SEQ2 of the first subject SP1. The time T2 is, for example, (1) shorter than the time from the start point to the end point of the action sequence SEQ2 of the first subject SP1, and (2) independent of the type of action sequence of the second subject SP2 (e.g., SEQ1 to SEQ3), and does not overlap the measurement process of the optical measurement unit 381 used in the two action sequences.

[0231] Next, the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the second subject SP2 and determines an operation sequence based on the obtained measurement order. Figure 24 In the example shown in the lower section, since the measurement command for the second subject SP2 is CBC+DIFF (without WNR), the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ2 from the storage unit 861, and drives the measurement unit 10 in such a manner as to perform the measurement of the second subject SP2 at the start timing after a time T2 has passed since the start of the action sequence for the first subject SP1 based on the read action sequence SEQ2.

[0232] exist Figure 24 From the perspective of the preparation operation of the optical measurement unit 381, when the operation sequence SEQ2 of the two test subjects SP1 and SP2 is to be executed in parallel, the time between the end of the measurement of the WDF measurement sample of the first test subject SP1 and the start of the measurement of the WDF measurement sample of the second test subject SP2 can be shortened to the same as Figure 23 The same waiting time Tw1 is specified. However, Figure 24 In this case, a predetermined waiting time Tw2, which is longer than time Tw1, is required between the completion of RBC / PLT measurement of the first subject SP1 and the start of RBC / PLT measurement of the second subject SP2. During this waiting time Tw2, preparatory operations such as cleaning of the electrical measurement unit 382 are performed.

[0233] As described above, when the measurement command of CBC+DIFF (without WNR) is set for each of the two consecutively measured subjects SP1 and SP2, the measurement control unit 852 can start the action sequence of the second subject SP2 at the start timing after the time T2 has elapsed from the start point of the action sequence of the first subject SP1. Figure 24The repetition period shown overlaps a portion of the period for preparing and measuring the WDF measurement sample for the first subject SP1 and a portion of the period for preparing and measuring the WDF measurement sample for the second subject SP2. Thus, because preparation and measurement can be performed in parallel for the two subjects SP1 and SP2, the throughput of the analyzer 1 can be improved.

[0234] Figure 25 This is a timetable for setting the measurement command of CBC+DIFF+RET for each of the two subjects SP1 and SP2 to be measured continuously. Figure 23 The following describes the different points in the case.

[0235] The measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the first subject SP1 and determines an operation sequence based on the obtained measurement order. Figure 25 In the example shown in the upper section, since the measurement command for the first subject SP1 is CBC+DIFF+RET, the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ3 from the storage unit 861 and drives the measurement unit 10 to perform the measurement of the first subject SP1 based on the read action sequence SEQ3.

[0236] The measurement control unit 852 sets the start timing of the second subject SP2 to a time T3 after the start point of the action sequence SEQ3 of the first subject SP1, corresponding to the action sequence SEQ3 of the first subject SP1. The time T3 is, for example, (1) shorter than the time from the start point to the end point of the action sequence SEQ3 of the first subject SP1, and (2) independent of the type of action sequence of the second subject SP2 (e.g., SEQ1 to SEQ3), and does not overlap the measurement process of the optical measurement unit 381 used in the two action sequences.

[0237] Next, the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 obtains a measurement order for the second subject SP2 and determines an operation sequence based on the obtained measurement order. Figure 25 In the example shown in the lower section, since the measurement command for the second subject SP2 is CBC+DIFF+RET, the measurement control unit 852 reads the action sequence SEQ3 from the storage unit 861, and based on the read action sequence SEQ3, drives the measurement unit 10 in such a manner as to perform the measurement of the second subject SP2 at the start timing after a time T3 has passed since the start of the action sequence for the first subject SP1.

[0238] exist Figure 25From the perspective of the preparation action of the optical measurement unit 381, when the action sequence SEQ3 of the two subjects SP1 and SP2 is to be executed in parallel, the waiting time Tw3 between the end timing of the measurement of the RET measurement sample of the first subject SP1 and the start timing of the measurement of the WNR measurement sample of the second subject SP2 can be shortened to a specified waiting time.

[0239] As described above, when a CBC+DIFF+RET measurement command is set for each of the two consecutively measured subjects SP1 and SP2, the measurement control unit 852 can start the operation sequence for the second subject SP2 at the start timing of the operation sequence for the first subject SP1, which is only time T3 after the start of the operation sequence for the first subject SP1. In this case, although the WDF measurement sample preparation and measurement periods for the two subjects SP1 and SP2 do not overlap, the preparation and measurement for the two subjects SP1 and SP2 can be performed in parallel, thereby improving the throughput of the analyzer 1.

[0240] Furthermore, the combination of the action sequences of the two subjects SP1 and SP2 to be measured continuously is not limited to Figures 23-25 The combination shown in the example is determined according to the measurement commands for subjects SP1 and SP2. Similarly, when the action sequences of subjects SP1 and SP2 are other combinations, the start timing of the action sequence of the second subject SP2 is set according to the type of action sequence of the first subject SP1 (for example, SEQ1 to SEQ3). As described above, the start timing of the second subject SP2 is determined by the action sequence of the first subject SP1, for example, by the time T1 to T3. The time T1 to T3 does not depend on the type of action sequence of the second subject (for example, SEQ1 to SEQ3) but uses the time when the measurement process of the optical measurement unit 381 shared by the two action sequences does not overlap. Therefore, regardless of the combination of the action sequences of subjects SP1 and SP2, the measurement samples of the two subjects can be measured in the order of subjects SP1 and SP2 while sharing the optical measurement unit 381.

[0241] Figure 26 This is a flowchart showing the operation of the analyzer 1 with respect to a sample accommodated in one sample container 110 .

[0242] Figure 26 The treatment is repeated for each subject. In the following description, the following will be Figure 26 The subject of the treatment is called "this subject". Figure 26 One subject who is the subject of the treatment is hereinafter referred to as "the following subject".

[0243] The sample container 110 is located at the removal position P1. In step S11, the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 controls the measurement unit 10 to remove the sample container 110 at the removal position P1 from the sample rack 100. The sample container 110 removed in step S11 contains the current sample. In step S12, the measurement control unit 852 controls the measurement unit 10 to agitate the sample container 110 removed in step S11. In step S13, the measurement control unit 852 controls the measurement unit 10 to transfer the agitated sample container 110 to the aspiration position P4 via the reading position P3. The sample container 110 transferred to the aspiration position P4 is located at the reading position P3. In step S14, the measurement control unit 852 controls the measurement unit 10 to read the barcode from the barcode label 112 of the sample container 110 at the reading position P3 and obtain the sample ID of the current sample.

[0244] In step S15, the measurement control unit 852 controls the measurement unit 10 so that the current sample in the sample container 110 located at the aspiration position P4 is measured. In step S16, the measurement unit 10 generates a measurement result and transmits it to the analysis unit 30. The measurement control unit 852 stores the received measurement result in the storage unit 861.

[0245] In step S17, the measurement control unit 852 controls the measurement unit 10 to return the sample container 110 to the original well 101 of the original sample rack 100. In step S18, the analysis unit 851 of the analysis unit 30 performs analysis based on the measurement result obtained in step S16 and obtains the analysis result.

[0246] Figure 27 It is a flowchart showing the processing of the analysis unit 30 regarding a specific action sequence.

[0247] Figure 27 The processing in Figure 26 The subject ID of the subject of this time is obtained in step S14. Figure 26 In step S21, the measurement control unit 852 of the analysis unit 30 inquires the host computer based on the acquired subject ID of the current subject, and acquires the measurement command corresponding to the subject ID from the host computer.

[0248] In step S22, the measurement control unit 852 determines the action sequence corresponding to the measurement command obtained in step S21, that is, the action sequence of the subject at this time, from among the multiple action sequences pre-stored in the storage unit 861. In step S23, the measurement control unit 852 determines the start timing of the action sequence of the subject at this time based on the action sequence of the subject at this time. Specifically, the specified time corresponding to the action sequence of the subject at this time (for example, Figures 23-25 The time points (times T1 to T3 shown in FIG) are determined as the starting timings for subsequent subjects.

[0249] In step S24, the measurement control unit 852 sends the motion sequence of the current subject determined in step S22 and the information related to the start timing of the subsequent subjects determined in step S23 to the measurement unit 10. Figure 26 The current subject is measured in steps S15 and S16.

[0250] Furthermore, as explained in the processing of step S23, the starting timing of the subsequent subjects is determined based on the action sequence of the current subject. Figure 26 、 27 During the processing of step S15 for the subsequent subject (the operation sequence for the subsequent subject) starts at the start timing determined in step S23 for the current subject.

[0251] Figure 28 This is a timetable showing an example in which the action sequences of two subjects SP1 and SP2 that are measured continuously all start at the start timing.

[0252] At time T11, a measurement command is received for subject SP1. Based on the received measurement command, the motion sequence for subject SP1 is determined. Furthermore, based on the determined motion sequence for subject SP1, the start timing for subject SP2's motion sequence is determined to be time T22. The start timing for subject SP1 is determined by the subject immediately preceding subject SP1, which is time T12. If subject SP1 is at suction position P4 at start timing T12, the motion sequence for subject SP1 begins at time T12.

[0253] On the other hand, at time T21, a measurement command for subject SP2 is received. Based on the received measurement command, the motion sequence for subject SP2 is determined. Furthermore, based on the determined motion sequence for subject SP2, the start timing for subject SP2's motion sequence is further determined. The start timing for subject SP2 is determined by subject SP1 and is time T22. If subject SP2 is at suction position P4 at start timing T22, the motion sequence for subject SP2 begins at time T22.

[0254] Furthermore, in Figure 28 In the example, while the measurement command for the subject SP2 is obtained after the start of the operation sequence for the subject SP1 , the measurement command for the subject SP2 may be obtained before the start of the operation sequence for the subject SP1 .

[0255] Figure 29 Yes Display Figure 28 The timetable of an example in which the action sequence of subject SP1 does not start at the start timing.

[0256] At this point, the start timing for subject SP1 is also determined by the subject immediately preceding subject SP1, which is time T12. However, depending on the transport conditions of the specimen rack 100 in the transport unit 20, subject SP1 may be located at suction position P4 at time T13, which is later than start timing T12. In this case, the motion sequence for subject SP1 is quickly started at time T13.

[0257] Furthermore, there are cases where the subject SP1 is located at the aspiration position P4 before the start timing T12. For example, if the measurement order for the subject SP1 immediately preceding the start timing T12 is CBC+DIFF+RET+PLT-F, and the action sequence takes a long time, the subject SP1's sample container 110 may be received by the measurement unit 10 following the previous sample container 110. This means that the subject SP1's sample container 110 will be placed on standby at the aspiration position P4 until the start timing T12 arrives. At this point, when the start timing T12 arrives, the action sequence for the subject SP1 will begin quickly.

[0258] <Effects of the Analyzer According to the Embodiment>

[0259] The analyzing apparatus 1 includes a WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparing section) and a WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparing section) for preparing a WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) from a subject using a WDF hemolytic agent and a WDF staining solution (first reagent); an RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparing section) for preparing an RBC / PLT measurement sample (second measurement sample) from a subject using an RBC / PLT diluent (second reagent); an optical measuring section 381 for measuring the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) and obtaining an optical signal corresponding to white blood cells; an electrical measuring section 382 for measuring the RBC / PLT measurement sample (second measurement sample) and obtaining an electrical signal corresponding to red blood cells; an analyzing section 851 and a measuring control section 852 (control section) for analyzing the subject based on the optical and electrical signals. The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the modulation of the samples in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) and the measurement by the optical measurement unit 381 in response to a plurality of measurement commands, in a manner such that at least a portion of the period during which the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is modulated by the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) and the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) modulated in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) is measured by the optical measurement unit 381 overlaps with at least a portion of the period during which the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is modulated by the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) and the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) modulated in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) is measured by the optical measurement unit 381.

[0260] This configuration provides multiple WDF reaction chambers for preparing WDF measurement samples for measurement by the optical measurement unit 381, allowing at least a portion of the sample preparation and measurement period to be repeated. This improves the throughput of sample analysis. Furthermore, the use of an electrical measurement unit for red blood cell measurement improves the accuracy of red blood cell measurement.

[0261] like Figure 23 、 24 As shown, the measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the modulation of samples in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) in such a manner that the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is modulated from the subject SP1 (first subject) in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit), and the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is modulated in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) by the subject SP2 (second subject) measured after the subject SP1 (first subject).

[0262] In this configuration, at least a portion of the period including the preparation and measurement of the WDF measurement sample based on the subject SP1 and at least a portion of the period including the preparation and measurement of the WDF measurement sample based on the subject SP2 are in the same period. Figure 23 、 24 The repetition periods overlap with each other, and the analysis of subjects SP1 and SP2 can be quickly advanced.

[0263] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the modulation of the samples in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) by alternately performing the modulation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit) for a plurality of different test subjects.

[0264] With this configuration, WDF measurement samples can be quickly prepared from a plurality of different subjects.

[0265] The apparatus further comprises a fourth sample preparation unit for preparing a third measurement sample from a subject using a third reagent. The optical measurement unit 381 measures the third measurement sample and obtains an optical signal corresponding to a designated blood cell. In a first example, the third reagent is a WNR hemolytic agent and a WNR staining solution, the third measurement sample is a WNR measurement sample, the fourth sample preparation unit is a WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit), and the designated blood cells are white blood cells and nucleated red blood cells. In a second example, the third reagent is an RET diluent and a RET staining solution, the third measurement sample is an RET measurement sample, the fourth sample preparation unit is a RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit), and the designated blood cells are reticulocytes. As a third example, the third reagent is a PLT-F diluent and a PLT-F staining solution, the third measurement sample is a PLT-F measurement sample, the fourth sample preparation unit is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit), and the designated blood cells are platelets.

[0266] With this configuration, the subject can be analyzed in more detail based on the optical signals from the specified blood cells.

[0267] like Figure 23 As shown, the time for modulation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is longer than the time for modulation of the WNR measurement sample (third measurement sample).

[0268] In this way, when the time for modulating the WDF measurement sample is longer than the time for modulating the WNR measurement sample, the throughput of the analysis device 1 can be effectively improved by repeating at least a portion of the period based on the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation part) and the period based on the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation part).

[0269] The number of WDF reaction chambers (sample preparation units) used for preparation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is greater than the number of WNR reaction chambers (sample preparation units) used for preparation of the WNR measurement sample (third measurement sample).

[0270] With this configuration, WDF measurement samples corresponding to a plurality of subjects can be prepared continuously and rapidly compared to the preparation of WNR measurement samples.

[0271] like Figure 23 As shown, the measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the preparation of samples in either the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), or the fourth sample preparation unit so that the preparation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) for the subject is performed before the preparation of the third measurement sample for the subject. In a first example, the third measurement sample is a WNR measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit). In a second example, the third measurement sample is a RET measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit). In a third example, the third measurement sample is a PLT-F measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit).

[0272] With this configuration, since the WDF measurement sample, which takes time to prepare, is prepared before the third measurement sample, the processing time for one test subject can be shortened.

[0273] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the preparation of samples in either the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), or the fourth sample preparation unit so that the preparation order of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) and the third measurement sample becomes the same for each of a plurality of different test subjects. As a first example, the third measurement sample is a WNR measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit). As a second example, the third measurement sample is a RET measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit). As a third example, the third measurement sample is a PLT-F measurement sample, and the fourth sample preparation unit is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit).

[0274] With this configuration, the order of executing the preparation of the WDF measurement sample and the third measurement sample becomes the same in each subject, and thus the control by the measurement control unit 852 can be simplified.

[0275] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the modulation of the sample in either the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample modulation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample modulation unit), and the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample modulation unit) in such a manner that the modulation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample (second measurement sample) for the subject is performed before the modulation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) for the subject.

[0276] In the analysis of the subject in the analyzer 1, red blood cells are analyzed at high frequency using the RBC / PLT measurement sample. With the above configuration, the RBC / PLT measurement sample is prepared before the WDF measurement sample, simplifying the sample preparation operation for the subject.

[0277] The analysis unit 851 generates analysis results including the mean corpuscular volume (MCV, a measurement value of the volume of red blood cells) based on the electrical signal acquired by the electrical measurement unit 382 .

[0278] The accuracy of the red blood cell volume analysis results can be improved by using the electrical signal generated by the electrical measurement unit 382, ​​compared to the optical signal generated by the optical measurement unit 381. Thus, the above configuration enables highly accurate red blood cell volume analysis results to be obtained.

[0279] like Figure 22 As shown in the display area 941 of , the analysis unit 851 generates the analysis result of the test subject so that the WDF reaction chamber (sample preparation unit) used for preparation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) can be identified.

[0280] This configuration makes it possible to identify whether a generated analysis result is based on a WDF measurement sample prepared in either WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) or WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section). Therefore, for example, if the measurement results of a quality control substance indicate that the accuracy of the analysis results based on either WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) or WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is problematic, measures such as invalidating the analysis results of the sample based on the WDF reaction chamber identified as problematic can be taken.

[0281] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls sample preparation in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) so that the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) is prepared under common preparation conditions.

[0282] With this configuration, since the WDF measurement sample is prepared under the same preparation conditions in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), variations in analysis results can be suppressed due to differences in preparation conditions.

[0283] The WDF hemolytic agent and WDF staining solution (first reagent) are supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) from a common reagent container. The third reagent is supplied to the fourth sample preparation section from a reagent container separate from the reagent container containing the WDF hemolytic agent and WDF staining solution (first reagent). In a first example, the fourth sample preparation section is the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and the third reagents are the WNR hemolytic agent and WNR staining solution. In a second example, the fourth sample preparation section is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section), and the third reagents are the RET diluent and RET staining solution. In a third example, the fourth sample preparation section is the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section), and the third reagents are the PLT-F diluent and PLT-F staining solution.

[0284] With this configuration, WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) use a common WDF hemolytic agent and a common WDF staining solution in a common reagent container to prepare WDF measurement samples. This allows for common WDF measurement sample preparation conditions. This allows for variations in analysis results to be suppressed due to differences in preparation conditions.

[0285] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the dispensing mechanism 350 (dispensing unit) so as to dispense a common amount of the sample into the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit).

[0286] With this configuration, since the same amount of sample is dispensed into the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), the WDF measurement sample preparation conditions can be made common. This can suppress variations in analysis results due to different preparation conditions.

[0287] The reaction time between the WDF hemolytic agent and WDF staining solution (first reagent) and the subject in each of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is the same.

[0288] With this configuration, since the reaction times of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are the same, the WDF measurement sample preparation conditions can be made the same. This can suppress variations in analysis results due to different preparation conditions.

[0289] The amount of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) prepared in each of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is the same.

[0290] With this configuration, the amount of WDF measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is the same, allowing for common WDF measurement sample preparation conditions. This allows for variations in analysis results to be minimized by varying the preparation conditions.

[0291] The reaction temperature of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) prepared in each of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) is the same.

[0292] With this configuration, the WDF measurement sample prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) uses the same reaction temperature, allowing for common WDF measurement sample preparation conditions. This allows for variations in analysis results to be minimized by varying the preparation conditions.

[0293] The syringe pump 652 (syringe) supplies a predetermined amount of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) to the optical measurement unit 381 . The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) controls the preparation of the samples in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) and the measurement by the optical measurement unit 381 in such a manner that at least a portion of the period including the preparation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) by the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the operation of the syringe pump 652 (syringe), and the measurement of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) by the optical measurement unit 381 overlaps with at least a portion of the period including the preparation of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) by the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), the operation of the syringe pump 652 (syringe), and the measurement of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) by the optical measurement unit 381.

[0294] With this configuration, the amount of WDF measurement sample supplied from WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) to optical measurement section 381 can be the same as the amount of WDF measurement sample supplied from WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) to optical measurement section 381. This allows variations in analysis results to be suppressed by varying the amounts supplied to optical measurement section 381.

[0295] The syringe pump 652 (syringe) supplies a specified amount of WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) to the optical measurement unit 381. The WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample) prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) is supplied to the optical measurement unit 381 by the common syringe pump 652 (syringe).

[0296] With this configuration, since the WDF measurement sample is supplied to the optical measurement unit 381 from the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit) using a common syringe pump 652, the amount of WDF measurement sample supplied to the optical measurement unit 381 can be made common. This can suppress variations in analysis results due to differences in measurement conditions.

[0297] The RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit) is dedicated to the preparation of the RBC / PLT measurement sample (second measurement sample).

[0298] With this configuration, since the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit) is not used for preparation of other measurement samples, the RBC / PLT measurement sample can be quickly prepared.

[0299] The measurement control unit 852 (control unit) corresponds to the first action sequence corresponding to the first measurement command using the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), and sets the start timing of the second action sequence corresponding to the second measurement command using the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit).

[0300] like Figure 28 As shown, the start timing of the second action sequence is based on the settings of the first action sequence. With this configuration, since the start timing of the second action sequence is determined at the time the first action sequence is determined, the second action sequence can be started before the first action sequence ends. Consequently, at least a portion of the period used for WDF measurement sample preparation and measurement can be repeated, significantly increasing the throughput of subject analysis.

[0301] The analyzing unit 851 classifies the white blood cells contained in the subject based on the optical signal obtained by the measurement of the WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample).

[0302] When using optical signals from a WDF measurement sample to classify white blood cells, a short WDF measurement sample preparation time can lead to clustered optical signals for each white blood cell classification becoming close to each other, making proper classification impossible. Therefore, it is essential to ensure sufficient WDF measurement sample preparation time. Even in such situations, repeating at least a portion of the sample preparation and measurement period described above for multiple subjects can improve the throughput of subject analysis.

[0303] The optical measurement unit 381 is commonly used for measuring the measurement sample prepared by the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and for measuring the measurement sample prepared by the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit).

[0304] This configuration allows for the parallel measurement of the WDF measurement sample prepared in WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF measurement sample prepared in WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), which cannot be performed in parallel. By repeating the two aforementioned periods, the throughput of sample analysis can be increased. Furthermore, since only one optical measurement section 381 is provided, the configuration of the analyzer 1 is simplified, and there is no need to perform processing for multiple optical measurement sections to determine the adequacy of measurement results from the optical measurement section 381.

[0305] When the measurement control unit 852 (control unit) sequentially executes the first action sequence corresponding to the first measurement command using the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the second action sequence corresponding to the second measurement command using the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), the start timing of the second action sequence is set to be after the start and before the end of the first action sequence, and after the measurement of the measurement sample corresponding to the first action sequence by the optical measurement unit 381 is performed.

[0306] Specifically, if Figure 23 As shown, by aligning the end timing of the WDF measurement sample for subject SP1 and the end timing of the WNR measurement sample for subject SP2 to the waiting time Tw1, the start timing of the action sequence for subject SP2 is determined to be the time when the time T1 has elapsed from the start point of the action sequence for subject SP1. With the above configuration, measurements for both the first and second action sequences can be smoothly performed using only one optical measurement unit 381.

[0307] The analyzer 1 includes only the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) as a sample preparation section for preparing a WDF measurement sample (first measurement sample).

[0308] With this configuration, it is possible to concurrently modulate two WDF measurement samples, each of which requires a long modulation time, while suppressing complication of the configuration of the analyzer 1 .

[0309] The analyzer 1 includes only one RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) as a sample preparation section for preparing an RBC / PLT measurement sample (second measurement sample).

[0310] The time required to prepare an RBC / PLT measurement sample is shorter than that required for a WDF measurement sample. Therefore, even with only one RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit), RBC measurement samples can be prepared smoothly. Furthermore, by only having one RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit), the complexity of the analyzer 1 can be minimized.

[0311] The analyzing apparatus 1 includes a WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and a WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) for preparing a WDF measurement sample (measurement sample) for white blood cell classification by using a common WDF hemolytic agent and a WDF staining solution (reagent for white blood cell classification), and a common heater 430 (first heater) for heating the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0312] This configuration allows the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) to be heated to approximately the same temperature by the common heater 430 (first heater), compared to when separate heaters are used. This allows the WDF measurement sample for white blood cell classification to be prepared under uniform temperature conditions in each of the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section). This prevents variations in analysis results due to differences in temperature conditions. Furthermore, the configuration of the common heater 430 (first heater) simplifies the configuration of the analyzer 1.

[0313] The WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0314] With this structure, when the respective test subjects are dispensed into the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), the transfer paths of the suction tube 351 for dispensing the test subjects can be made close to each other, thereby simplifying the transfer control of the suction tube 351.

[0315] The analyzer 1 further includes a WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit) for preparing a WNR measurement sample (measurement sample) used to determine the white blood cell count. A heater 430 (first heater) is provided in common with the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), and the WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation unit).

[0316] If the temperature conditions of the WNR measurement sample used for obtaining the white blood cell count and the WDF measurement sample used for classifying the white blood cells are identical, the above-described configuration allows the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), and WNR reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section) to be heated to approximately the same temperature by a common heater 430 (first heater). This allows the measurement samples to be prepared under uniform temperature conditions in each chamber. Furthermore, the configuration of the common heater 430 (first heater) simplifies the configuration of the analyzer 1.

[0317] The analyzer 1 further includes a RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit) for preparing the RET measurement sample (measurement sample) used for classifying reticulocytes. A heater 430 (first heater) is provided in common with the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), and the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation unit).

[0318] If the temperature conditions of the RET measurement sample used for reticulocyte classification and the WDF measurement sample used for leukocyte classification are identical, the above-described configuration allows the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), and RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) to be heated to approximately equal temperatures by a common heater 430 (first heater). This allows the measurement sample to be prepared under uniform temperature conditions in each chamber. Furthermore, the configuration of the common heater 430 (first heater) simplifies the configuration of the analyzer 1.

[0319] The analyzer 1 further includes an aspiration tube 351 for aspirating a sample from the sample container 110 at aspiration position P4 and dispensing the aspirated sample. The WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), and RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are arranged in order of proximity to aspiration position P4.

[0320] Reticulocyte classification is less frequent than white blood cell classification. Therefore, as in the above configuration, by arranging the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) closer to the aspiration position P4 than the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section), smooth sample dispensing can be performed.

[0321] The heater 430 (first heater) is a sheet heater.

[0322] With this configuration, the heater 430 (first heater) can be compactly arranged in the analyzer 1 .

[0323] The heater 430 (first heater) heats the liquid temperature in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) to 35°C to 45°C.

[0324] With this configuration, WDF measurement samples can be smoothly prepared in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0325] The WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are connected to the same reagent container.

[0326] With this configuration, the preparation conditions of the measurement sample can be further uniformed in the WDF reaction chamber C2 (first sample preparation section) 1 and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section).

[0327] The analyzer 1 further includes common heaters 531 and 532 (second heaters) for heating the WDF hemolytic agent (reagent) supplied to the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit).

[0328] This configuration allows the WDF hemolytic agent supplied to the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section) to be heated to approximately the same temperature by the shared heaters 531 and 532 (second heaters), compared to when separate heaters are used for the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section). This allows the WDF hemolytic agent to be supplied to both the WDF reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section) and C22 (second sample preparation section) at a uniform temperature. This prevents variations in analysis results due to differences in WDF hemolytic agent temperature conditions. Furthermore, the configuration of the analyzer 1 can be simplified by using the shared heaters 531 and 532 (second heaters).

[0329] The analyzer 1 further includes a dispensing mechanism 350 for aspirating a sample from the sample container 110 through a suction tube 351 and discharging the aspirated sample into the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section). Aspiration position P4, which aspirates the sample from the sample container 110, and discharge ports 365a in the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section) are arranged in a straight line.

[0330] This configuration simplifies the structure and control of the dispensing mechanism 350 that transfers the suction tube 351 to the suction position P4 and the discharge port 365a of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit) and the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit).

[0331] The analyzer 1 also includes an RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit) for preparing an RBC / PLT measurement sample (measurement sample) used to determine the red blood cell and platelet counts. The dispensing mechanism 350 further discharges a sample drawn from the sample container 110 through the aspiration tube 351 into the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit). The discharge ports 365a of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), and the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation unit) are arranged in a straight line.

[0332] This structure can further simplify the structure and control of the dispensing mechanism 350 that transfers the suction tube 351 to the discharge port 365a of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation part), WDF reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation part) and RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (5th sample preparation part).

[0333] The analyzer 1 further includes an HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation unit) for preparing an HGB measurement sample (measurement sample) used to obtain hemoglobin concentration. The dispensing mechanism 350 further discharges the sample, aspirated from the sample container 110 via the aspiration tube 351, into the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation unit). The discharge ports 365a of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation unit), the WDF reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation unit), and the HGB reaction chamber C12 (sixth sample preparation unit) are arranged in a straight line.

[0334] This structure can further simplify the structure and control of the dispensing mechanism 350 that transfers the suction tube 351 to the discharge port 365a of the WDF reaction chamber C21 (1st sample preparation part), the reaction chamber C22 (2nd sample preparation part) and the HGB reaction chamber C12 (6th sample preparation part).

[0335] <Change Example>

[0336] In the above embodiment, the action sequence of the subject is determined based on the measurement command set for the subject. However, this is not limited to this. When the measurement command set for the subject is predetermined, the action sequence of the subject can also be determined in the predetermined action sequence. For example, when the analysis device 1 often performs measurement and analysis of the subject using the measurement command as CBC+DIFF, the action sequence of the subject is often determined in the action sequence SEQ1. In this case, Figure 23 As shown, the action sequence SEQ1 of two consecutive subjects SP1 and SP2 is executed in an overlapping manner.

[0337] In the above embodiment, the two consecutive samples SP1 and SP2 are not limited to samples collected from different subjects. They may be samples collected from the same subject at different times, or a sample collected from the same subject at a specified time may be divided into two.

[0338] In the above embodiment, two WDF reaction chambers are provided, but three or more may be provided. Furthermore, the RET / PLT-F reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) may be divided into a RET reaction chamber for preparing RET measurement samples and a PLT-F reaction chamber for preparing PLT-F measurement samples.

[0339] In the above embodiment, a diaphragm pump 655 is used to introduce liquid from reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) into flow channel 651, but other mechanisms may also be used. A diaphragm pump 687 is used to introduce liquid from the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and HGB measurement section 383 into flow channels 681 and 684, but other mechanisms may also be used. Furthermore, the syringe pump 652 may also function to introduce liquid from the reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) into flow channel 651. The syringe pump 682 may also function to introduce liquid from the RBC / PLT reaction chamber C11 (fifth sample preparation section) and HGB measurement section 383 into flow channels 681 and 684.

[0340] In the above embodiment, if Figure 4As shown, the suction position P4 and the discharge ports of reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section), C12 (sixth sample preparation section), C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are arranged in a straight line. Alternatively, they may be arranged in a broken line or a curved line. However, from the perspective of simplifying the structure and control of the dispensing mechanism 350 that transfers the suction tube 351, the suction position P4 and the discharge ports of reaction chambers C11 (fifth sample preparation section), C12 (sixth sample preparation section), C21 (first sample preparation section), C22 (second sample preparation section), C23 (third sample preparation section), and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) are preferably arranged in a straight line.

[0341] In the above embodiment, if Figure 11 As shown, the spacing between reaction chamber C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is not fixed; the spacing between reaction chambers C23 (third sample preparation section) and C24 (fourth sample preparation section) is slightly larger than the spacing between the other sections. However, this is not limiting; reaction chambers C21 (first sample preparation section), reaction chamber C22 (second sample preparation section), reaction chamber C23 (third sample preparation section), and reaction chamber C24 (fourth sample preparation section) may also be arranged at regular intervals. This simplifies the control of the dispensing mechanism 350 that moves the suction tube 351.

[0342] The embodiment of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical concept shown in the utility model registration claims.

[0343]

Explanation of symbols

[0344] 1: Analytical device

[0345] 110: Subject container

[0346] 350: injection mechanism

[0347] 351: Suction tube

[0348] 365a: Spit out

[0349] 430: Heater (first heater)

[0350] 531, 532: Heater (second heater)

[0351] C11: RBC / PLT reaction chamber (5th sample preparation section)

[0352] C12: HGB reaction chamber (6th sample preparation section)

[0353] C21: WDF reaction chamber (1st sample preparation section)

[0354] C22: WDF reaction chamber (second sample preparation section)

[0355] C23: WNR reaction chamber (3rd sample preparation section)

[0356] C24: RET / PLT-F reaction chamber (4th sample preparation section)

[0357] P4: Suction position

Claims

1. An analysis device, characterized in that have: The first and second sample preparation units are used to prepare measurement samples for leukocyte classification by using the leukocyte classification reagent in common, and A common first heater heats the first and second sample preparation sections.

2. The analysis device according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second sample preparation units are arranged adjacent to each other.

3. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The analyzing device further comprises a third sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the white blood cell count. The first heater is commonly provided in the first, second, and third sample preparation sections.

4. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The analyzing device further comprises a fourth sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for classifying reticulocytes. The first heater is commonly provided in the first, second, and fourth sample preparation sections.

5. The analyzing device according to claim 4, wherein: The analyzing device further comprises an aspiration tube for aspirating the sample from the sample container at the aspiration position and dispensing the aspirated sample. The first, second, and fourth sample preparation parts are arranged in order of proximity to the suction position.

6. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The first heater is a sheet heater.

7. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The first heater heats the liquid temperature in the first and second sample preparation sections to 35°C to 45°C.

8. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second sample preparation units are connected to the same reagent container.

9. The analyzing device according to claim 8, wherein: A common second heater for heating the reagents supplied to the first and second sample preparation units is further provided.

10. The analyzing device according to claim 1, wherein: The analyzer further includes a dispensing mechanism for sucking a sample from a sample container through a suction tube and discharging the sucked sample to the first and second sample preparation units. A suction position for sucking a sample from the sample container and discharge ports of the first and second sample preparation parts are arranged in a straight line.

11. The analyzing device according to claim 10, wherein: The analyzer further includes a fifth sample preparation unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the red blood cell count and platelet count. The dispensing mechanism further discharges the sample sucked from the sample container through the suction tube to the fifth sample preparation unit. The discharge ports of the first, second and fifth sample preparation units are arranged in a straight line.

12. The analyzing device according to claim 10, wherein: The analyzing device further includes a sixth sample preparing unit for preparing a measurement sample used for obtaining the hemoglobin concentration. The dispensing mechanism further discharges the sample sucked from the sample container through the suction tube to the sixth sample preparation unit. The discharge ports of the first, second and sixth sample preparation units are arranged in a straight line.

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