Reaction vessel, automatic analysis device, and automatic analysis system

Abstract

To reduce the size of an automatic analysis device while enabling electrolyte item measurement.SOLUTION: A reaction vessel according to an embodiment comprises: a vessel body for accommodating a sample, or a mixed solution obtained by mixing the sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent for diluting the sample; and a plurality of terminals provided in the vessel body to measure the concentration of a target substance in the sample or mixed solution accommodated in the vessel body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a reaction vessel, an automated analysis device, and an automated analysis system. [Background technology]

[0002] An automatic analyzer is a device that analyzes the components of a test sample corresponding to each test item by, for example, optically measuring a mixed solution obtained by mixing a test sample collected from a subject such as blood or a standard sample for each test item with a reagent corresponding to each test item or a diluting solution for diluting the sample. One of the measurement items of such an automatic analyzer is the measurement of electrolyte items such as sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions in the sample or mixed solution.

[0003] When an electrolyte measurement unit is used to measure these electrolyte items, the automatic analyzer measures the concentration of the electrolyte in the sample or mixed solution by moving the sample or mixed solution to the electrolyte measurement unit and measuring the potential of the moved sample or mixed solution. Therefore, when measuring electrolyte items using an electrolyte measurement unit, a mechanism for moving the sample or mixed solution to the electrolyte measurement unit is required, making it difficult to miniaturize the automatic analyzer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2002-514755 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to reduce the size of an automatic analyzer while enabling measurement of electrolyte items. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The reaction vessel according to the embodiment includes a vessel body for containing a sample or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to react with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample, and a plurality of terminals provided on the vessel body for measuring the concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixed solution contained in the vessel body. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a top view of the photometric unit included in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a side view of the photometric unit of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3 is a configuration diagram of another example of the photometric unit included in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2, seen from above. [Figure 7] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for measuring a potential by a measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a transport process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of an electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10]FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 is a diagram showing another example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 3 is a diagram showing another example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 14A] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14B] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14C] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] 3 is a diagram showing another example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment. [Figure 16] 5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams showing an example of the operation of a terminal adding mechanism in the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 20] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring a potential by a measuring unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the contents of a transport process executed by an automatic analyzer 1 according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 23] 23 is a diagram showing an example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 22 in the third embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transmission section in the third embodiment. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a process flow up to when a reaction vessel is placed on a reaction disk in the third embodiment. [Figure 26] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of a method for measuring a potential by a measuring unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 27] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating another example of the method for measuring a potential by the measuring unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to Modification 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of a reaction vessel, an automatic analyzer, and an automatic analysis system will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having substantially the same functions and configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be given only when necessary.

[0009] [First embodiment] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. In this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 is, for example, a blood coagulation analyzer. In the following, this embodiment will be described using as an example a case in which a sample collected from a subject is blood and the automatic analyzer 1 is a blood coagulation analyzer, but this embodiment can also be applied to other types of automatic analyzers.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment is configured to include, for example, an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0011] The analysis mechanism 2 generates a mixture by mixing a blood specimen, which is a sample of a subject, with a coagulation reagent, which is a reagent used in each test item. In addition, depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 mixes a standard solution diluted at a predetermined ratio with a reagent used in the test item. In addition, depending on the test item, the analysis mechanism 2 generates a mixture by mixing a dilution solution for diluting the sample with the sample. The analysis mechanism 2 continuously measures the optical property values ​​of the mixture of the blood specimen and the reagent, the mixture of the standard solution and the reagent, and the mixture of the sample and the dilution solution. This measurement generates standard data represented by, for example, transmitted light intensity, absorbance, scattered light intensity, and test data. In addition, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment measures the potential of the blood specimen or the mixture of the blood specimen and the reagent, the mixture of the standard solution and the reagent, and the mixture of the sample and the dilution solution, and generates standard data and test data associated with the potential.

[0012] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads out an analysis program from the storage circuit 8, and generates calibration data, analysis data, etc. according to the read out analysis program. The analysis circuit 3 according to this embodiment generates calibration data and analysis data related to the coagulation of a blood sample, for example, based on the standard data and test data. The analysis circuit 3 according to this embodiment also generates calibration data indicating the relationship between the standard data and a standard value previously set for the standard sample, for example, based on the standard data. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analysis data expressed as a concentration value and an enzyme activity value, based on the test data and the calibration data of the test item corresponding to the test data. The analysis data includes data in which the concentration value and the enzyme activity value are associated with each other, and data in which the concentration of a desired ion in a sample is recorded in time series. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data, analysis data, etc. to the control circuit 9.

[0013] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 under the control of the control circuit 9. For example, the drive mechanism 4 is realized by a gear, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, and the like.

[0014] The input interface 5 receives settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to the blood sample requested to be measured from the user or via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 is realized by, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, and a touchpad where instructions are input by touching the operation surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, converts operation instructions input by the user into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. In this embodiment, the input interface 5 is not limited to those having physical operation parts such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs the electrical signal to the control circuit 9 is also included in the input interface 5.

[0015] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs a signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printed circuit, an audio device, and the like. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. The display circuit also includes a processing circuit that converts data representing a display object into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printed circuit includes, for example, a printer, and the like. The printed circuit also includes an output circuit that outputs data representing a print object to the outside. The audio device includes, for example, a speaker, and the like. The audio device also includes an output circuit that outputs an audio signal to the outside.

[0016] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, an intra-hospital network NW, and connects the automatic analyzer 1 to the intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a Hospital Information System (HIS) via the intra-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may also perform data communication with the HIS via a Laboratory Information System (LIS) connected to the intra-hospital network NW.

[0017] The memory circuit 8 is configured with a processor-readable recording medium such as a magnetic or optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. The memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single storage device. For example, the memory circuit 8 can be realized by a plurality of storage devices.

[0018] The memory circuitry 8 also stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuitry 3 and a control program executed by the control circuitry 9. The memory circuitry 8 stores analysis data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each test item. The memory circuitry 8 stores analysis data generated by the analysis circuitry 3 for each blood sample. The memory circuitry 8 stores a test order input by a user or a test order received by the communication interface 7 via the hospital network NW. This test order includes information on a test item such as an electrolyte test performed by the automatic analyzer 1 and a measurement item such as an electrolyte item in the test item.

[0019] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the core of the automatic analyzer 1. For example, the control circuit 9 outputs a control signal to the drive mechanism 4 for driving each part of the analysis mechanism 2. The control circuit 9 also executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the operation program. The control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in this Fig. 2, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, and a reagent storage 204.

[0021] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of measurement containers 2011 arranged in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 also holds reaction containers 300. That is, the reaction disk 201 according to this embodiment holds the measurement containers 2011 and / or the reaction containers 300. The reaction disk 201 transports the measurement containers 2011 and / or the reaction containers 300 along a predetermined path. Specifically, during the sample analysis operation, the reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals by the drive mechanism 4.

[0022] The measurement container 2011 contains a blood sample or a mixed liquid. The measurement container 2011 is formed of, for example, polypropylene (PP) or acrylic. The measurement container 2011 according to this embodiment is a container for measuring a substance other than the concentration of a target substance in a blood sample or a mixed liquid. In other words, the measurement container 2011 according to this embodiment is a container that is not used for measuring the concentration of an electrolyte in a blood sample or a mixed liquid. The measurement container 2011 according to this embodiment is a disposable container. Here, the target substance is an electrolyte such as sodium ion, potassium ion, and chloride ion. The electrolyte may be magnesium ion, iron ion, zinc ion, etc.

[0023] The reaction vessel 300 is a vessel for containing a blood specimen or a mixed liquid and measuring the concentration of a target substance in the blood specimen or the mixed liquid. The reaction vessel 300 is made of, for example, polypropylene (PP) or acrylic. The reaction vessel 300 according to this embodiment is a disposable vessel.

[0024] The reaction container 300 according to the present embodiment is a container for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a blood sample or a mixed solution, but may be used when measuring measurement items other than the concentration of a target substance in a blood sample or a mixed solution. Specifically, when performing measurements of a plurality of test items including the concentration of a target substance on one sample or mixed solution, the automatic analyzer 1 may use the reaction container 300 to measure the concentration of the target substance and other measurement items. That is, the reaction container 300 according to the present embodiment is used when the measurement items in the test items include an electrolyte item, and the measurement container 2011 according to the present embodiment is used when the measurement items in the test items do not include an electrolyte item.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reaction vessel 300 used in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 2 in the first embodiment. Fig. 3(a) is a diagram showing the reaction vessel 300 seen from above, Fig. 3(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 3(a), and Fig. 3(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 3(a). As shown in Figs. 3(a) to 3(c), the reaction vessel 300 according to this embodiment is configured to include a vessel body 301 and a plurality of terminals 302.

[0026] The container body 301 contains a blood sample, a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a blood sample with a reagent that reacts with the blood sample, or a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a blood sample with a diluent that dilutes the blood sample. The container body 301 according to this embodiment has a straight cylindrical shape with an opening formed on the upper surface and a closed lower surface. Note that in this embodiment, the shape of the container body 301 is not limited to a straight cylindrical shape. In other words, the shape of the container body 301 is arbitrary, and may be, for example, a cylindrical shape, a square cylindrical shape, or a combination of these shapes.

[0027] The terminals 302 are provided on the container body 301 and are used to measure the concentration of a target substance in a blood sample or a mixed liquid contained in the container body 301. The terminals 302 according to the present embodiment are provided on the container body 301 by being integrally formed on the container body 301. As shown in FIG. 3(c), the terminals 302 according to the present embodiment are provided so as to form an L-shape from the top surface to the inner wall surface of the container body 301. As shown in FIG. 3(b), each of the terminals 302 is provided so that the longitudinal direction of the terminals 302 is perpendicular to the opening of the container body 301. The terminals 302 are provided on one inner wall surface of the container body 301. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the number of terminals 302 is four. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), a part of each of the terminals 302 is exposed to the outside so that a connection portion described later can contact the terminals.

[0028] Although the number of terminals 302 according to the present embodiment is four, the number of terminals 302 provided on the container body 301 is not limited to this. That is, the number of terminals 302 is arbitrary, and the number of terminals 302 provided on the container body 301 may be two or three, or may be five or more.

[0029] The plurality of terminals 302 includes an ion selective electrode (hereinafter, referred to as ISE) that selectively detects an electrolyte, which is a target substance contained in a blood sample or a mixed liquid, and a reference electrode that generates a constant potential. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3(a) and FIG. 3(b), the four terminals that are the plurality of terminals 302 are ISEs 3021 to 3023 and a reference electrode 3024.

[0030] The ISE 3021 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects sodium ions. The ISE 3021 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the concentration of sodium ions with respect to the reference electrode 3024 under the condition that the activity coefficient and the solution temperature of the blood sample or the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 300 are constant.

[0031] The ISE 3022 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects potassium ions. The ISE 3022 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the potassium ion concentration with respect to the reference electrode 3024 under the condition that the activity coefficient and the solution temperature of the blood sample or the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 300 are constant.

[0032] The ISE 3023 has a sensitive membrane that selectively detects chloride ions. The ISE 3023 generates a potential proportional to the logarithm of the chloride ion concentration with respect to the reference electrode 3024 under the condition that the activity coefficient and solution temperature of the blood sample or mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 300 are constant.

[0033] The reference electrode 3024 has a liquid junction that generates a constant potential. The ISEs 3021 to 3023 included in the multiple terminals 302 according to this embodiment are configured to selectively detect sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions, but the substances selectively detected by the ISEs 3021 to 3023 are not limited to sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions. In other words, the substances selectively detected by the ISEs 3021 to 3023 are arbitrary, and for example, the ISEs 3021 to 3023 may selectively detect magnesium ions, iron ions, zinc ions, and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 are arranged from the left, but the order of the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 may be arbitrary.

[0034] The reaction vessel 300 and the automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixed liquid contained in this reaction vessel 300 constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0035] Returning to Fig. 2, the thermostatic unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature, and raises the temperature of the blood sample or mixed liquid contained in the reaction container 300 and the measurement container 2011 by immersing the reaction container 300 and the measurement container 2011 in the stored heat medium. The predetermined temperature of the thermostatic unit 202 is, for example, a temperature set so that the blood sample or mixed liquid contained in the reaction container 300 and the measurement container 2011 becomes 37°C. Note that the predetermined temperature is not limited to 37°C. In other words, the predetermined temperature is arbitrary and may be 37°C or higher or 37°C or lower.

[0036] The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers, and these sample containers contain blood samples, which are samples requested to be measured. In the example shown in Figure 2, the sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel is shown.

[0037] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area 2032 for transporting the sample rack 2031. That is, using this transport area 2032, the sample rack 2031 is transported from an input position where the sample rack 2031 is input to a recovery position where the sample rack 2031 after measurement is recovered. In the transport area 2032, a plurality of sample racks 2031 aligned in the longitudinal direction are moved in the direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0038] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a retraction area 2033 that retracts the sample rack 2031 from the transport area 2032 in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation path of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement path of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the retraction area 2033, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0039] The rack sampler 203 is also provided with a return area 2034 for returning the sample rack 2031 holding the sample container into which the sample has been aspirated, to the transport area. In the return area 2034, the sample rack 2031 is moved in a direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0040] The reagent storage 204 holds and cools a plurality of reagent containers 100 containing standard solutions, diluting solutions, and reagents used in each test item performed on blood samples. A turntable is rotatably provided within the reagent storage 204. The turntable holds a plurality of reagent containers 100 placed in a circular ring shape. In this embodiment, the reagent storage 204 is covered by a removable reagent cover, although this is not shown in FIG. 2.

[0041] The analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a reagent dispensing arm 208, a reagent dispensing probe 209, and a photometry unit 210.

[0042] The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a driving mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0043] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 206. A sample suction position for aspirating a sample from a sample container held in a sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is provided on this rotation orbit. In addition, a sample dispensing position for dispensing the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into a reaction container 300 or a measurement container 2011 is provided on the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207. The sample dispensing position corresponds to, for example, an intersection point between the rotation orbit of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement orbit of the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0044] The sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the driving mechanism 4 and moves up and down at the sample suction position or the sample dispensing position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also aspirates a sample from a sample container located directly below the sample suction position under the control of the control circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the aspirated sample into the reaction container 300 or measurement container 2011 located directly below the sample dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0045] The reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the reagent storage 204. The reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The reagent dispensing arm 208 holds a reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0046] The reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation orbit in association with the rotation of the reagent dispensing arm 208. A reagent aspirating position is provided on this rotation orbit. The reagent aspirating position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation orbit of the reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement orbit of the opening of the reagent container 100 placed in an annular shape on the turntable of the reagent storage 204. In addition, a reagent dispensing position for dispensing the reagent or diluent aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 is set on the rotation orbit of the reagent dispensing probe 209. The reagent dispensing position corresponds to, for example, an intersection point between the rotation orbit of the reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement orbit of the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0047] The reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves up and down at a reagent aspirating position or a reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates a reagent or diluent from a reagent container stopped at the reagent aspirating position under the control of the control circuit 9. The reagent dispensing probe 209 also dispenses the aspirated reagent or diluent into a reaction container 300 or a measurement container 2011 located directly below the reagent dispensing position under the control of the control circuit 9.

[0048] Furthermore, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is provided therein with photometric units in the same number as the reaction containers 300 and measurement containers 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201. Figures 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing configuration examples of the photometric units. Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of the photometric unit provided in the analysis mechanism shown in Figure 2, seen from above. Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of the photometric unit provided in the analysis mechanism shown in Figure 2, seen from the side.

[0049] The photometric unit 210 continuously measures optical property values ​​of a mixture of a blood sample and a reagent, a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent, or a mixture of a sample and a diluent dispensed into a reaction container 300 or a measurement container 2011. In the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, a plurality of photometric units 210 are provided. For example, the same number of photometric units 210 as the reaction containers 300 and the measurement containers 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201 are provided. That is, one photometric unit 210 is provided for one reaction container 300 or one measurement container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Since the configurations of the respective photometric units 210 are similar, one photometric unit 210 is illustrated as a representative in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

[0050] 4 and 5 includes, for example, a light source 2101 and photodetectors 2102 and 2103. For example, the photometry unit 210 includes the light source 2101 on the annular center side of the reaction vessels 300 or measurement vessels 2011 held in an annular shape by the reaction disk 201. The light source 2101 is provided so as to irradiate light toward the outside of the ring in which the reaction vessels 300 or measurement vessels 2011 are arranged. Note that only one of the photodetectors 2102 and 2103 may be used.

[0051] The light source 2101 generates light of two wavelengths. The light source 2101 generates, for example, a first light having a long wavelength and a second light having a short wavelength. For example, the wavelength of the first light is included in the red wavelength range of 620 to 750 nm, and the wavelength of the second light is included in the purple to blue wavelength range of 380 to 495 nm. The wavelengths of the first and second lights may each be included in the red wavelength range of 620 to 750 nm. The light source 2101 is realized by, for example, a multi-wavelength LED capable of generating light of multiple wavelengths, two LEDs each generating light of a predetermined wavelength, and a light source unit that transmits light of a desired wavelength from light of a wide wavelength range using a filter.

[0052] The light source 2101 generates the first and second lights under the control of the control circuit 9. Specifically, for example, the light source 2101 alternately generates the first and second lights at a predetermined cycle. At this time, the light source 2101 alternately generates the first and second lights at a cycle of, for example, 0.05 seconds, which is half of 0.1 seconds, which is the minimum measurement unit of coagulation. The light irradiated from the light source 2101 is incident on the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011.

[0053] The light source 2101 may be configured to generate light of one wavelength designated by the control circuit 9. The light source 2101 may also be configured to generate the first and second lights simultaneously. In this case, however, it is necessary to provide the photodetectors 2102 and 2103 with filters for removing light of unnecessary wavelengths.

[0054] The photodetector 2102 is disposed at a position facing the light source 2101 across the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011. Light emitted from the light source 2101 is incident on a first side wall of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 and is emitted from a second side wall opposite to the first side wall. The photodetector 2102 detects light emitted from the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011. The photodetector 2102 is, for example, an example of a transmitted light receiving unit.

[0055] Specifically, for example, the photodetector 2102 detects light transmitted through a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent in the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011. The photodetector 2102 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, for example, at an interval of 0.1 seconds, and generates standard data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, or the like. The predetermined time interval is synchronized with, for example, the occurrence frequency of the first light. Note that, for example, the photodetector 2102 may detect only light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the first light. In addition, the photodetector 2102 detects light transmitted through a mixture of a blood sample and a reagent in the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011. The photodetector 2102 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, and generates test data represented by transmitted light intensity, absorbance, or the like. The photodetector 2102 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0056] The photodetector 2103 is disposed such that the irradiation axis of the light from the light source 2101 and the light receiving axis of the photodetector 2103 intersect at approximately 90 degrees in the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011. The light emitted from the light source 2101 is incident on a first side wall of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011, is scattered by particles in the mixed liquid, and then is emitted from a third side wall adjacent to the first side wall and separated by 90 degrees. The photodetector 2103 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011. The photodetector 2103 is, for example, an example of a scattered light receiving unit.

[0057] Specifically, for example, the photodetector 2103 detects light scattered by a mixture of a standard solution and a reagent in the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011. The photodetector 2103 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, for example, at 0.1 second intervals, and generates standard data represented by scattered light intensity or the like. The predetermined time interval is synchronized with the occurrence frequency of the second light, for example. Note that the photodetector 2103 may detect only light of a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of the second light, for example. The photodetector 2103 also detects light scattered by a mixture of a blood sample and a reagent in the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011. The photodetector 2103 samples the detected light at a predetermined time interval, and generates test data represented by scattered light intensity or the like. The photodetector 2103 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0058] The photodetectors 2102 and 2103 may output the detected light intensity as a detection signal to the analysis circuit 3. At this time, the analysis circuit 3 samples the detection signal at a predetermined time interval, for example, at 0.1 second intervals, and generates standard data and test data.

[0059] Fig. 6 is a configuration diagram of another example of the photometric unit 210 included in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in Fig. 2, seen from above. Like Fig. 4, Fig. 6 shows an example of the positional relationship of each component when the photometric unit 210 is viewed from above the reaction disk 201. The photometric unit 210 shown in Fig. 6 has two LEDs 51 and 52 as a light source 2101. In the example shown in Fig. 6, the light irradiation axis of the LED 52 is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the light irradiation axis of the LED 51.

[0060] 4 and 5, the photodetector 2102 is disposed at a position facing the LED 51 across the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011. On the other hand, the photodetector 2103 is disposed so that the irradiation axis of the light from the LED 52 and the light receiving axis of the photodetector 2103 intersect at approximately 90 degrees in the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011.

[0061] Furthermore, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 2 includes a storage section 211, a supply section 212, a transport unit 213, a measurement section 214, a connection section 215, a disposal unit 216, and a detection section 217.

[0062] The storage section 211 stores the reaction container 300 and the measurement container 2011. The storage section 211 according to this embodiment stores the reaction container 300 provided by integrally forming a plurality of terminals 302, and the measurement container 2011 for containing a blood sample or a mixed liquid and for measuring a substance other than the concentration of a target substance in the blood sample or the mixed liquid. This storage section 211 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The storage section 211 according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction container storage section 2111 and a measurement container storage section 2112. The reaction container storage section 2111 stores a plurality of empty reaction containers 300. The measurement container storage section 2112 stores a plurality of empty measurement containers 2011.

[0063] The supply unit 212 supplies an empty reaction vessel 300 or an empty measurement vessel 2011 to a supply position from the storage unit 211. The supply unit 212 is configured with, for example, a belt, a slider, a supply rail, etc. The supply unit 212 according to this embodiment is configured to include a reaction vessel supply unit 2121 and a measurement vessel supply unit 2122.

[0064] The reaction vessel supply unit 2121 discharges an empty reaction vessel 300 from the reaction vessel storage unit 2111 to the outside and supplies it to the reaction vessel supply position. The reaction vessel supply unit 2121 according to this embodiment is, for example, a reaction vessel supply rail that is inclined toward the reaction vessel supply position. Therefore, the reaction vessel 300 discharged from the reaction vessel storage unit 2111 slides on the reaction vessel supply rail by gravity and moves toward the reaction vessel supply position. The reaction vessel supply position is, for example, a position where a rotation track, which is a transport path of the reaction vessel 300 in the transport unit 213, intersects with a movement track of the reaction vessel 300 on the reaction vessel supply unit 2121.

[0065] The measurement container supply unit 2122 discharges the empty measurement container 2011 from the measurement container storage unit 2112 to the outside and supplies it to the measurement container supply position. The measurement container supply unit 2122 according to this embodiment is, for example, a measurement container supply rail that is inclined toward the measurement container supply position. Therefore, the reaction container 300 discharged from the measurement container storage unit 2112 slides on the measurement container supply rail by gravity and moves toward the measurement container supply position. The measurement container supply position is, for example, a position where a rotation orbit that is a transport path of the measurement container 2011 in the transport unit 213 and a movement orbit of the measurement container 2011 on the measurement container supply unit 2122 intersect.

[0066] The transport unit 213 transports the reaction vessel 300. The transport unit 213 also transports the measurement vessel 2011. The transport unit 213 according to this embodiment transports the reaction vessel 300 supplied to the reaction vessel supply position or the measurement vessel 2011 supplied to the measurement vessel supply position to the reaction disk 201 under the control of the control circuit 9. The transport unit 213 according to this embodiment also transports the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 after the measurement is completed to a disposal position where the reaction vessel 300 and the measurement vessel 2011 are disposed. The transport unit 213 according to this embodiment includes a transport arm and a holder. The transport unit 213 is an example of a reaction vessel transport mechanism.

[0067] The transport arm is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the storage section. The transport arm is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction by a driving mechanism 4. The transport arm according to this embodiment is composed of one arm. The transport arm has a holding section at one end. The number of arms constituting the transport arm is arbitrary. For example, the transport unit 213 may be composed of multiple arms.

[0068] The holder holds the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011. The holder according to this embodiment is, for example, a gripper.

[0069] The transport unit 213 according to this embodiment transports the reaction vessel 300 supplied to the reaction vessel supply position or the measurement vessel 2011 supplied to the measurement vessel supply position to an installation position of the reaction disk 201 so that the holding section of the transport unit 213 and the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 held by the holding section pass through the transport path. The transport path of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 in the transport unit 213 is formed, for example, on an arc-shaped rotation path associated with rotation around one end of a transport arm. Note that the transport path of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 in the transport unit 213 is arbitrary. For example, the transport path of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 in the transport unit 213 may be formed on an elliptical path, or may be a transport path without a specific shape.

[0070] The measuring unit 214 measures the potential of the multiple terminals 302 provided on the reaction vessel 300. Specifically, the measuring unit 214 measures the potential between the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 for the sample or mixture under the control of the control circuit 9. The measuring unit 214 outputs the measured potential data as standard data or test data to the analysis circuit 3. The measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction. The measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment measures the potential of the multiple terminals 302 of the reaction vessel 300 when the reaction vessel 300 held on the reaction disk 201 is transported to the potential measurement position. The potential measurement position is a position below the measuring unit 214 in the vertical direction and intersecting with the transport path of the reaction disk 201.

[0071] The connection part 215 is a connection terminal electrically connected to the measurement part 214. Specifically, one end of the connection part 215 is electrically connected to the measurement part 214, and the other end of the connection part 215 can contact a plurality of terminals 302 provided in the reaction vessel 300. The connection part 215 includes a plurality of connection terminals in order to measure the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode. The connection part 215 according to this embodiment includes four connection terminals in order to contact the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 at once. The number of connection terminals included in the connection part 215 is not limited to four. That is, the number of connection terminals included in the connection part 215 is arbitrary, and may include, for example, two or three connection terminals, or may include five or more connection terminals. The connection part 215 is an example of a first connection part according to this embodiment.

[0072] Furthermore, connection part 215 moves vertically in accordance with the up and down movement of measurement part 214. Due to this up and down movement of connection part 215, connection part 215 comes into contact with multiple terminals 302, or the contact between connection part 215 and multiple terminals 302 is released.

[0073] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, when the reaction vessel 300 is transported to the potential measurement position, the measuring unit 214 descends and the connecting unit 215 comes into contact with the multiple terminals 302 of the reaction vessel 300. In the example shown in FIG. 7, each of the connecting terminals of the connecting unit 215 comes into contact with each of the multiple terminals 302 exposed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 300. In this way, the connecting unit 215 comes into contact with the multiple terminals 302, so that the multiple terminals 302 and the measuring unit 214 are in a conductive state. That is, the measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment measures the potential of the multiple terminals 302 via the connecting unit 215. Then, when the measurement is completed, the measuring unit 214 rises and the contact between the connecting unit 215 and the multiple terminals 302 is released. Hereinafter, as necessary, the method in which the measuring unit 214 measures the potential of the multiple terminals 302 by the connecting unit 215 coming into contact with the multiple terminals 302 is called a direct contact potential measurement method.

[0074] The waste unit 216 discards the reaction container 300 for which the measurement has been completed. The waste unit 216 also discards the measurement container 2011 for which the measurement has been completed. The waste unit 216 according to this embodiment is provided directly below the disposal position on the transport path of the transport unit 213. As shown in FIG. 2, the waste unit 216 according to this embodiment includes a waste container 2161. The waste container 2161 accommodates the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 for which the measurement has been completed. That is, the waste container 2161 serves as a waste box, and accumulates a plurality of discarded reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011. When a certain amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 accumulates in the waste container 2161, the user carries out the accumulated reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 together with the waste container 2161, and sets a new empty waste container 2161 in the same position. The disposal unit 216 is an example of a reaction vessel disposal section in this embodiment.

[0075] The detection unit 217 is a sensor that detects the amount of reaction containers 300 discarded in the waste unit 216. The detection unit 217 according to this embodiment detects the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161. The detection unit 217 is, for example, an optical sensor or a weight sensor. The detection unit 217 outputs the detection result of the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161 to the control circuit 9.

[0076] The control circuit 9 shown in FIG. 1 executes a control program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91, a temperature control function 92, a transport control function 93, and a report function 94 by executing the control program. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where the system control function 91, the temperature control function 92, the transport control function 93, and the report function 94 are realized by a single processor will be described, but this is not limiting. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and each processor may execute a control program to realize these various functions.

[0077] The system control function 91 is a function that comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information input from the input interface 5. For example, in the system control function 91, the control circuit 9 controls the drive mechanism 4 and the analysis mechanism 2 to control the sample dispensing arm 206 and the reagent dispensing arm 208 to dispense samples, reagents, diluents, etc. into the reaction containers 300 or the measurement containers 2011, and controls the analysis circuit 3 to perform an analysis according to the test item.

[0078] The temperature control function 92 controls the temperature of the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300. For example, the temperature control function 92 controls the thermostatic unit 202 so that the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300 is at a predetermined temperature.

[0079] The transport control function 93 is a function that controls the vertical movement and horizontal rotation of the transport unit 213 by controlling the drive mechanism 4. Specifically, the transport control function 93 controls the transport unit 213 to transport the reaction vessel 300 to the reaction disk 201. The transport control function 93 according to this embodiment also controls the transport unit 213 to transport the measurement vessel 2011 to the reaction disk 201. The transport control function 93 according to this embodiment also controls the transport unit 213 to transport the reaction vessel 300 or measurement vessel 2011 that has completed measurement from the reaction disk 201 to a disposal position. The transport control function 93 according to this embodiment also selects either the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 based on the measurement item of the sample, and controls the transport unit 213 to transport the selected reaction vessel 300 or measurement vessel 2011 to the reaction disk 201.

[0080] The report function 94 reports to a user when the amount of the reaction containers 300 discarded in the waste unit 216 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the detection section 217. Since the measurement containers 2011 are also discarded in the waste container 2161 according to this embodiment, the report function 94 according to this embodiment reports to a user via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7 when the amount of the reaction containers 300 and / or the measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the detection section 217.

[0081] The system control function 91, temperature control function 92, transport control function 93, and report function 94 shown in FIG. 1 respectively constitute a system control unit, a temperature control unit, a transport control unit, and a report unit in this embodiment.

[0082] 1 executes an operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 to realize a function corresponding to the program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 executes an operation program to realize a calibration data generating function 31 and an analysis data generating function 32. Note that, in this embodiment, a case where the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 are realized by a single processor will be described, but this is not limiting. For example, the analysis circuit may be configured by combining a plurality of independent processors, and the calibration data generating function 31 and the analysis data generating function 32 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

[0083] The calibration data generating function 31 is a function that generates calibration data based on the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the standard data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the calibration data generating function 31. When the calibration data generating function 31 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 generates a calibration curve based on the standard data, which is measurement data including absorbance for standard samples of different concentrations. This generated calibration curve is stored in the memory circuit 8 as calibration data.

[0084] The analytical data generating function 32 is a function that generates analytical data by analyzing the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. Specifically, when the analysis circuit 3 receives the test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2, it executes the analytical data generating function 32. When the analytical data generating function 32 is executed, the analysis circuit 3 reads out calibration data including information regarding the calibration curve from the storage circuit 8. Based on the test data and calibration data, the analysis circuit 3 generates analytical data including information regarding the concentration of the detection target in the test sample.

[0085] When the analytical data generating function 32 according to this embodiment acquires data of the potential measured by the measuring unit 214 as test data from the measuring unit 214, the analytical data generating function 32 calculates the concentration of the target substance of the blood sample or mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300 based on the potential measured by the measuring unit 214. Specifically, the analytical data generating function 32 calculates the concentration of the target substance of the blood sample or mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300 as analytical data based on the potential measured by the measuring unit 214 and the calibration data. Then, the analytical data generating function 32 outputs the calculation result to the control circuit 9. That is, it can be seen that the analytical data generating function 32 of the analysis circuit 3 functions as a calculation unit when calculating the concentration of the target substance of the blood sample or mixed solution.

[0086] Next, the transport process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 is a flow chart illustrating the contents of the transport process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this transport process, the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 is transported to the reaction disk 201. For example, this transport process is a process that is executed at the timing when a blood sample is tested.

[0087] 8, first, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the measurement items of the sample (step S11). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 acquires information on the measurement items from the test order of the sample stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0088] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not to measure an electrolyte item (step S13). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether or not to measure an electrolyte item by determining whether or not an electrolyte item is included in the measurement items of the sample acquired in step S11. That is, the automatic analyzer 1 selects the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 by determining whether or not this electrolyte item is included.

[0089] Then, in step S13, when an electrolyte item is to be measured (step S13: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 moves the transport unit 213 to the reaction vessel supply position (step S15). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 rotates the transport arm of the transport unit 213 by the drive mechanism 4, and moves the holder of the transport unit 213 to the reaction vessel supply position.

[0090] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 holds the reaction container 300 (step S17). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the holder of the transport unit 213 at the reaction container supply position to hold the reaction container 300.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S13, if an electrolyte item is not measured (step S13: No), the automatic analyzer 1 moves the transport unit 213 to the measurement container supply position (step S19). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 rotates the transport arm of the transport unit 213 by the drive mechanism 4, and moves the holder of the transport unit 213 to the measurement container supply position.

[0092] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 causes the holder of the transport unit 213 to hold the measurement container 2011 (step S21). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the holder of the transport unit 213 to hold the measurement container 2011 at the measurement container supply position.

[0093] 8, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 to the installation position (step S23). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 rotates the transport arm of the transport unit 213 by the drive mechanism 4, and transports the reaction container 300 or the measurement container 2011 held by the holder of the transport unit 213 to the installation position on the reaction disk 201.

[0094] Next, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the transport unit 213 to place the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 on the reaction disk 201 (step S25). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the holder of the transport unit 213 to release the holding of the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011, and inserts the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 into the reaction disk 201, thereby placing the reaction vessel 300 or the measurement vessel 2011 on the reaction disk 201. In addition, in this step S25, the transport control function 93 places the reaction vessel 300 on the reaction disk 201 so that the multiple terminals 302 provided on the reaction vessel 300 are in a position where they can come into contact with the connection part 215 when the reaction vessel 300 is transported to the potential measurement position. With this step S25, the transport process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0095] Next, an electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating the electrolyte item measurement process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this electrolyte item measurement process, the reaction vessel 300 is used to measure the potential of the sample or mixed solution, and the concentration of the target substance in the sample or mixed solution is calculated. For example, this electrolyte item measurement process is a process that is executed at the timing when the electrolyte item is measured.

[0096] 9, first, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reaction container 300 to the sample dispensing position (step S31). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction disk 201 to transport the reaction container 300 to the sample dispensing position.

[0097] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the automatic analyzer 1 dispenses the sample (step S33). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the sample dispensing arm 206 and the sample dispensing probe 207 to dispense the sample into the reaction vessel 300 transported to the sample dispensing position.

[0098] 9, the automatic analyzer 1 controls the temperature (step S35). Specifically, the temperature control function 92 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the thermostatic unit 202 to control the temperature of the sample dispensed into the reaction vessel 300 in step S33 to a predetermined temperature.

[0099] 9, the automatic analyzer 1 transports the reaction vessel 300 to the potential measurement position (step S37). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the reaction disk 201 to transport the reaction vessel 300 to the potential measurement position.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the automatic analyzer 1 measures potentials (step S39). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the measurement unit 214 to lower the measurement unit 214 and the connection unit 215, and to bring the connection unit 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302 of the reaction vessel 300. As a result, the system control function 91 makes the measurement unit 214 measure the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 via the connection unit 215. In this embodiment, the system control function 91 measures multiple potentials of the ISEs 3021 to 3023 in one contact operation by bringing each of the connection terminals of the connection unit 215 into contact with the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024, which are the multiple terminals 302 provided in the reaction vessel 300. Then, the measurement unit 214 outputs the measured potentials to the analysis circuit 3. Note that, in this embodiment, the measurement unit 214 measures multiple potentials in one contact operation, but the measurement unit 214 may measure a potential for each measurement item. For example, the potential of ISE 3021 may be measured by contacting the connection terminals of connection portion 215 with ISE 3021 and reference electrode 3024, respectively, and then the potential of ISE 3022 may be measured by contacting the connection terminals of connection portion 215 with ISE 3022 and reference electrode 3024, respectively.

[0101] 9, the automatic analyzer 1 calculates the concentration of the target substance (step S41). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the analysis data generation function 32 in the analysis circuit 3 to calculate the concentration of the target substance based on the potential measured in step S39. In this embodiment, the analysis data generation function 32 calculates the concentrations of sodium ions, potassium ions, and chloride ions based on the potential measured by the measurement unit 214. Then, the analysis data generation function 32 outputs the calculation result to the control circuit 9.

[0102] 9, the automatic analyzer 1 outputs the calculation result (step S43). Specifically, the system control function 91 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 outputs the calculation result of the concentration of the target substance via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7. With this step S43, the electrolyte item measurement process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0103] After the electrolyte item measurement process is completed, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment moves the reaction container 300 or measurement container 2011 for which measurement has been completed to a predetermined position by the reaction disk 201. Then, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the reaction container 300 or measurement container 2011 that has been moved to the predetermined position to a disposal position by the transport unit 213, and discards the reaction container 300 or measurement container 2011 in the disposal unit 216.

[0104] In the example shown in FIG. 9, the automatic analyzer 1 measures electrolyte items using a sample, but it may also be configured to measure electrolyte items using a mixed liquid by dispensing a sample and a reagent, or a sample and a diluent, into the reaction vessel 300.

[0105] 10 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. In this waste amount reporting process, if the amount of the reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the disposal unit 216 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the user is notified. For example, this waste amount reporting process is a process that is executed while the power of the automatic analyzer 1 is ON.

[0106] 10, first, in the waste amount reporting process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 217 (step S51). Specifically, the report function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the amount of the reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161.

[0107] 10, the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the amount of the discarded reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S53). Specifically, the report function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 determines whether the amount of the reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the detection result of the detection unit 217 in step S51.

[0108] Then, in step S53, if the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 is not greater than or equal to the predetermined amount (step S53: No), the automatic analyzer 1 acquires the detection result of the detection unit 217 and waits by repeating steps S51 and S53 until the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste storage unit 2161 becomes greater than or equal to the predetermined amount.

[0109] On the other hand, if the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (step S53: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 reports this to the user (step S55). Specifically, the reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user that the amount of reaction containers 300 and / or measurement containers 2011 discarded in the waste container 2161 is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount. By executing this step S55, the waste amount reporting process according to this embodiment is terminated.

[0110] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the reaction vessel 300 is provided with a plurality of terminals 302 formed integrally therewith, and the measurement unit 214 measures the potential of the plurality of terminals 302 formed integrally therewith, thereby measuring the electrolyte items of the sample, and therefore, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the sample to measure the electrolyte items, or a dispensing unit for dispensing the sample. As a result, the number of parts of the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced while still enabling the measurement of electrolyte items, and therefore the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller in size.

[0111] Furthermore, since the reaction vessel 300 used in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is a disposable reaction vessel, the occurrence of carryover can be prevented in the measurement of electrolyte items.

[0112] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature of the sample or mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300 is controlled using the thermostatic unit 202 provided in the automatic analyzer 1, so there is no need to provide a separate thermostatic mechanism to control the temperature of the sample or mixed solution when measuring electrolyte items. As a result, the number of parts of the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced while still enabling measurement of electrolyte items, and therefore the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller.

[0113] In the first embodiment described above, the terminals 302 are provided on the container body 301 continuously from the upper surface to the inner wall surface of the container body 301 in an L-shape, but the configuration of the terminals 302 is not limited to this. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the reaction container 300 used in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above. FIG. 11(a) is a diagram showing the reaction container 300 seen from above, FIG. 11(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 11(a), and FIG. 11(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 11(a). As shown in FIGS. 11(a) to 11(c), the terminals 302 are provided on the container body 301 by being integrally formed with the container body 301 in the example shown in FIG. 11 as well. In the example shown in Figure 11, one ends of the multiple terminals 302 are exposed to the inner wall surface of the container body 301, the other ends of the multiple terminals 302 are exposed to the top surface of the reaction vessel 300, and the other portions of the multiple terminals 302 are provided inside the container body 301.

[0114] 12 is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the above-described first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, even when an electrolyte item is measured using the reaction vessel 300 shown in FIG. 11 in the analysis mechanism 2, the connection unit 215 contacts each of the multiple terminals 302 exposed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 300, thereby bringing the multiple terminals 302 and the measuring unit 214 into a conductive state. As a result, the measuring unit 214 can measure the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 via the connection unit 215.

[0115] 13 is a diagram showing another example of the reaction vessel 300 used in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above. FIG. 13(a) is a diagram showing the reaction vessel 300 seen from above, FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 13(a), and FIG. 13(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 13(a). As shown in FIGS. 13(a) to 13(c), in the example shown in FIG. 13, the multiple terminals 302 are provided on the vessel body 301 by being integrally formed with the vessel body 301. In the example shown in FIG. 13, the multiple terminals 302 are provided on one inner wall surface of the vessel body 301 such that the longitudinal direction of the multiple terminals 302 is perpendicular to the opening of the vessel body 301.

[0116] FIG. 14A is a diagram for explaining another example of the method for measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 14A, when the reaction vessel 300 shown in FIG. 13 is used in the analysis mechanism 2 to measure an electrolyte item, the multiple terminals 302 are hardly exposed to the outside on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 300. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 14A, in order to ensure contact between the multiple terminals 302 and the connection part 215, the automatic analyzer 1 inserts the connection part 215 into the reaction vessel 300 and brings the side of the connection part 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302. This brings the multiple terminals 302 and the measuring unit 214 into a conductive state. As a result, the measuring unit 214 can measure the potential of the multiple terminals 302 via the connection part 215.

[0117] 13 is used to measure electrolyte items, the measurement unit 214 may move, for example, in the horizontal direction as well as up and down in the vertical direction. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 14A, the measurement unit 214 is configured to be movable in the horizontal direction as well as up and down in the vertical direction. This allows the automatic analyzer 1 to insert the connection unit 215 into the reaction vessel 300 and bring the side surfaces of the connection unit 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302.

[0118] When electrolyte items are measured using the reaction vessel 300 shown in FIG. 13, the measurement unit 214 moves up and down in the vertical direction and moves in the horizontal direction. However, when electrolyte items are measured using the reaction vessel 300 shown in FIG. 13, the movement of the measurement unit 214 is not limited to moving up and down in the vertical direction and moving in the horizontal direction.

[0119] For example, the measuring unit 214 may move in an oblique direction, so that the connecting unit 215 moves in an oblique direction and contacts the connecting unit 215 with the multiple terminals 302. Fig. 14B is a diagram for explaining another example of the method for measuring the potential by the measuring unit 214 according to the first embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 14A in the above-described first embodiment. Fig. 14B(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the connecting unit 215 is moving, and Fig. 14B(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the connecting unit 215 is in contact with the multiple terminals 302.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 14B(a), the connection part 215 shown in FIG. 14B is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction and electrically connected to the measurement part 214. The end face 2151 of the connection part 215 is parallel to the contact faces of the terminals 302, for example, in order to increase the contact area with the terminals 302. In the example shown in FIG. 14B(a), in order to bring the terminals 302 and the connection part 215 into contact with each other, the automatic analyzer 1 inserts the connection part 215 into the reaction vessel 300 by moving the measurement part 214 in the D4 direction as shown in FIG. 14B(b), and brings the end face 2151 of the connection part 215 into contact with the terminals 302. This brings the terminals 302 and the measurement part 214 into a conductive state. As a result, the measurement part 214 can measure the potentials of the terminals 302 through the connection part 215. That is, as shown in FIG. 14B, the measurement part 214 may be configured to be movable in an oblique direction.

[0121] Also, for example, the connection part 215 may be formed of an elastic material, and the measurement part 214 may move vertically to move the connection part 215 vertically and contact the connection part 215 with the multiple terminals 302. Fig. 14C is a diagram for explaining another example of the method for measuring the potential by the measurement part 214 according to the first embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 14A in the first embodiment described above. Fig. 14C(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the connection part 215 is moving, and Fig. 14C(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the connection part 215 is in contact with the multiple terminals 302.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 14C(a), the connection part 215 shown in FIG. 14C has a connection shaft 2152 and a contact part 2153. The connection shaft 2152 is electrically connected to the measurement part 214, for example, and is made of a conductive material having elasticity. The contact part 2153 is provided on a side surface of the connection shaft 2152, in the vicinity of one end of the connection shaft 2152. The contact part 2153 is made of a conductive material. The contact part 2153 may be made of a conductive material having elasticity. In the example shown in FIG. 14C, in order to bring the plurality of terminals 302 and the connection part 215 into contact with each other, the automatic analyzer 1 lowers the measurement part 214 in the D5 direction, i.e., in the vertical direction, as shown in FIG. 14C, thereby bringing the contact part 2153 of the connection part 215 into contact with the plurality of terminals 302 while inserting the connection part 215 into the reaction vessel 300. At this time, as shown in Fig. 14C(b), since the connection shaft 2152 of the connection part 215 has elasticity, the measurement part 214 can be lowered in the vertical direction while the contact part 2153 is in contact with the plurality of terminals 302. This brings the plurality of terminals 302 and the measurement part 214 into a conductive state. As a result, the measurement part 214 can measure the potentials of the plurality of terminals 302 via the connection part 215. In other words, as shown in Fig. 14C, the measurement part 214 may be configured to be movable in the vertical direction.

[0123] As described above, when measuring electrolyte items using the reaction vessel 300 shown in Fig. 13, as shown in Fig. 14B and Fig. 14C, the movement direction of the measurement unit 214 is not limited to vertical up and down movement and horizontal movement, but may be vertical up and down movement only or movement in an oblique direction. In other words, the movement direction of the measurement unit 214 is arbitrary.

[0124] In the first embodiment described above, the multiple terminals 302 are provided on one inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 300. However, the multiple terminals 302 may be provided on the reaction vessel 300 by providing one terminal on each of the multiple inner wall surfaces of the reaction vessel 300. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example of the reaction vessel 300 used in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above. FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing the reaction vessel 300 seen from above, and FIG. 15(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 15(a). As shown in FIGS. 15(a) and 15(b), the multiple terminals 302 are provided on the vessel body 301 by being integrally formed with the vessel body 301 in the example shown in FIG. 15. In the example shown in FIG. 15, the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 are provided on each of the four inner wall surfaces of the vessel body 301 having a straight cylindrical shape.

[0125] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining another example of a method for measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to the first embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 16, when the reaction vessel 300 shown in FIG. 15 is used in the analysis mechanism 2 to measure an electrolyte item, the connection terminals of the connection unit 215 are configured so as to be able to contact the ISEs 3021-3023 and the reference electrode 3024 provided on each of the four inner wall surfaces of the vessel body 301 having a straight cylindrical shape. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 can lower the measuring unit 214 and bring the connection terminals of the connection unit 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302 exposed on the upper surface of the reaction vessel 300. This brings the multiple terminals 302 and the measuring unit 214 into a conductive state. As a result, the measuring unit 214 can measure the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 via the connection unit 215.

[0126] In the above-described first embodiment, the storage unit 211 stores the reaction vessel 300 provided by integrally forming a plurality of terminals 302 and the measurement vessel 2011 for measuring a substance other than the concentration of the target substance of the sample or mixture, and selects the vessel to be transported to the reaction disk 201 according to the measurement item of the sample, but the storage unit 211 may store only the reaction vessel 300 provided integrally with a plurality of terminals 302. In this case, the automatic analyzer 1 uses only the reaction vessel 300 regardless of the measurement item of the sample, and it is not necessary to include the measurement vessel storage unit 2112 and the measurement vessel supply unit 2122. This allows the automatic analyzer 1 to be made compact.

[0127] In the first embodiment described above, the reaction vessel 300 and the measurement vessel 2011 are respectively supplied to the reaction vessel supply position and the measurement vessel supply position, but this is not limited thereto. The reaction vessel 300 and the measurement vessel 2011 may be supplied to one supply position. In this case, a supply mechanism (not shown) may be provided to supply the reaction vessel 300 supplied from the reaction vessel storage section 2111 or the measurement vessel 2011 supplied from the measurement vessel storage section 2112 to the supply position. Then, the transport control function 93 selects either the reaction vessel 300 supplied from the reaction vessel storage section 2111 or the measurement vessel 2011 supplied from the measurement vessel storage section 2112 according to the measurement item of the sample, and controls the supply mechanism to supply the selected reaction vessel 300 or measurement vessel 2011 to the supply position. Then, the transport control function 93 may control the transport unit 213 to transport the reaction vessel 300 or measurement vessel 2011 supplied to the supply position by the supply mechanism to the reaction disk 201.

[0128] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the concentration of a target substance in a sample or mixed solution using a reaction vessel 300 provided by integrally forming a plurality of terminals 302, but the reaction vessel used for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample or mixed solution is not limited to a vessel provided by integrally forming a plurality of terminals 302. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the second embodiment prepares a reaction vessel by adding a plurality of terminals to a measurement vessel, and measures the concentration of a target substance in a sample or mixed solution using the prepared reaction vessel. The following describes the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0129] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 17, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured by adding a terminal addition control function 95 to the control circuit 9 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the function of the transport control function is different from that in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, it is written as a transport control function 93a. Note that the terminal addition control function 95 corresponds to the terminal addition control unit according to this embodiment. In addition, since the configuration and functions other than the terminal addition control function are the same as those in FIG. 1 in the first embodiment described above, description will be omitted.

[0130] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 18, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured by adding a terminal addition mechanism 218 to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment described above. In addition, since the configurations of the storage unit, the supply unit, and the measurement unit are different from those in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, they are represented as the storage unit 211a, the supply unit 212a, and the measurement unit 214a. In addition, the configurations and functions other than the storage unit 211a, the supply unit 212a, the measurement unit 214a, and the terminal addition mechanism 218 are the same as those in FIG. 2 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0131] The storage unit 211a stores a measurement container 2011a for accommodating a sample or a mixed liquid and measuring each measurement item of the sample or the mixed liquid. Specifically, the storage unit 211a according to this embodiment stores a plurality of empty measurement containers 2011a. The storage unit 211a is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201.

[0132] The supply unit 212a supplies the empty measurement container 2011a from the storage unit 211a to a supply position. The supply unit 212a is composed of, for example, a belt, a slider, a supply rail, etc. Specifically, the supply unit 212a discharges the empty measurement container 2011a from the storage unit 211a to the outside and supplies it to the supply position. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the supply unit 212a is, for example, a supply rail provided at an incline toward the supply position. Therefore, the measurement container 2011a discharged from the storage unit 211a slides on the supply rail by gravity and moves toward the supply position. The supply position is, for example, a position where a rotation orbit, which is a transport path of the measurement container 2011a in the transport unit 213, intersects with a moving orbit of the measurement container 2011a on the supply unit 212a.

[0133] The measuring unit 214a measures the potentials of a plurality of terminals 302 provided in the reaction vessel according to this embodiment. The measuring unit 214a according to this embodiment is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable or movable in the horizontal direction. The other configurations are the same as those of the measuring unit 214 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0134] The terminal adding mechanism 218 adds a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a. Specifically, the terminal adding mechanism 218 according to this embodiment adds a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a supplied to the supply position by the supply unit 212a. For this reason, the terminal adding mechanism 218 is provided near the supply unit 212a. As shown in FIG. 18 , the terminal adding mechanism 218 according to this embodiment includes a terminal transport arm 2181 and a terminal holder 2182.

[0135] The terminal transport arm 2181 is provided so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable or movable in the horizontal direction by the drive mechanism 4. The terminal transport arm 2181 has a terminal holder 2182 at one end.

[0136] The terminal holding unit 2182 holds one or more terminals to be added to the measurement container 2011a. The terminal holding unit 2182 is, for example, a gripper. The terminal holding unit 2182 according to this embodiment holds a terminal sheet from a terminal storage unit (not shown) that stores a terminal sheet to which a plurality of terminals 302 are attached, and adds the held terminal sheet to the measurement container 2011a. In this way, the reaction container according to this embodiment is produced. For example, this terminal sheet has a plurality of terminals 302 attached to one surface, and has double-sided tape, adhesive, or the like for attaching the terminal sheet to the measurement container 2011a on the other surface. Four terminals, ISEs 3021 to 3023 and a reference electrode 3024, are attached to one surface of the terminal sheet according to this embodiment as the plurality of terminals 302.

[0137] In this embodiment, the terminal adding mechanism 218 adds a terminal sheet to which the terminals 302 are attached to the measurement container 2011a, thereby adding the terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a, but the method of adding the terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a is not limited to using a terminal sheet. That is, the method of adding the terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a is arbitrary, and for example, a terminal storage section may be provided for each terminal such as the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024, and the terminal adding mechanism 218 may hold the terminals in the terminal storage section in which the necessary terminals are stored based on the measurement items of the sample, and add the held terminals to the measurement container 2011a. That is, the terminal adding mechanism 218 may add the terminals 302 required for the measurement to the measurement container 2011a one by one, thereby adding the terminals 302.

[0138] The transport control function 93a is a function that controls the vertical movement and horizontal rotation of the transport unit 213 by controlling the drive mechanism 4. Specifically, the transport control function 93a controls the transport unit 213 to transport the reaction container 300 to the reaction disk 201. Moreover, the transport control function 93a according to this embodiment controls the transport unit 213 to transport the measurement container 2011 to the reaction disk 201. Moreover, the transport control function 93a according to this embodiment controls the transport unit 213 to transport the reaction container 300 or measurement container 2011a that has completed measurement from the reaction disk 201 to a disposal position.

[0139] The terminal addition control function 95 controls the terminal addition mechanism 218 to add multiple terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a. Specifically, the terminal addition control function 95 controls the terminal addition mechanism 218 to hold one or more terminals in the terminal holding unit 2182. Then, the terminal addition control function 95 controls the terminal addition mechanism 218 to add one or more terminals held by the terminal holding unit 2182 to the measurement container 2011a at the supply position.

[0140] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operation of the terminal adding mechanism 218 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19(a), the terminal adding control function 95 controls the terminal adding mechanism 218 to hold a terminal sheet including a plurality of terminals 302 in the terminal holding part 2182 of the terminal adding mechanism 218 and move the terminal holding part 2182 to a supply position. Next, as shown in FIG. 19(b), the terminal adding control function 95 controls the terminal adding mechanism 218 to lower the terminal transport arm 2181 at the supply position and insert the terminal holding part 2182 into the measurement container 2011. Next, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the terminal adding control function 95 controls the terminal adding mechanism 218 to rotate or move the terminal transport arm 2181 in the horizontal direction, thereby moving the terminal holding part 2182 to the inner wall surface of the measurement container 2011a and bringing the terminal sheet into contact with the inner wall surface. 19(d), the terminal addition control function 95 controls the terminal addition mechanism 218 to raise the terminal transport arm 2181 and raise the terminal holder 2182. That is, the multiple terminals 302 according to this embodiment are provided in the container body 301 by being added to the container body 301 by the terminal addition mechanism 218 of the automatic analyzer 1. In this manner, the reaction container 300a according to this embodiment is produced by adding the multiple terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a.

[0141] The reaction vessel 300a and the automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixed liquid contained in this reaction vessel 300a constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0142] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining an example of a method for measuring potential by the measuring unit 214a according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 7 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20, when the reaction vessel 300a is transported to the potential measurement position by the reaction disk 201, the system control function 91 controls the measuring unit 214a to lower the measuring unit 214a and lower the connecting unit 215. Then, the system control function 91 inserts the connecting unit 215 into the reaction vessel 300a and moves the measuring unit 214a in the horizontal direction, thereby moving the connecting unit 215 in the horizontal direction and bringing the side of the connecting unit 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302 provided on the reaction vessel 300. As a result, the multiple terminals 302 and the measuring unit 214a are in a conductive state. As a result, the measuring unit 214a measures the potential of the multiple terminals 302 via the connecting unit 215.

[0143] In addition, when performing an electrolyte item using the reaction vessel 300a shown in FIG. 20, the movement of the measuring unit 214a is not limited to vertical movement and horizontal movement. That is, the measuring unit 214a may be moved in any manner. For example, similar to FIG. 14B in the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 may be configured such that the connecting unit 215 is inclined at an angle θ with respect to the vertical direction, electrically connected to the measuring unit 214, and the measuring unit 214a can be moved in an oblique direction. In this way, the automatic analyzer 1 may move the measuring unit 214a in an oblique direction to bring the end surface 2151 of the connecting unit 215 into contact with the multiple terminals 302.

[0144] 14C in the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 is provided with a connection part 215 having a connection shaft 2152 electrically connected to the measuring part 214 and made of an elastic conductive material, and a contact part 2153 formed of a conductive material and provided on a side of the connection shaft 2152 near one end of the connection shaft 2152, and by lowering the measuring part 214a in the vertical direction, the contact part 2153 of the connection part 215 may be brought into contact with the multiple terminals 302 while the connection part 215 is inserted into the reaction vessel 300.

[0145] Next, the transport process according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is a flow chart for explaining the contents of the transport process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 8 in the first embodiment described above. In this transport process, the reaction container 300a or the measurement container 2011a is transported to the reaction disk 201. For example, this transport process is a process that is executed at the timing when a blood sample is tested.

[0146] 21, first, the automatic analyzer 1 moves the transport unit 213 to the supply position (step S61). Specifically, the transport control function 93 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the drive mechanism 4 to rotate the transport arm of the transport unit 213 and move the holder of the transport unit 213 to the supply position. The processes of steps S11 and S13 after this step S61 are the same as those in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0147] Then, in step S13, when an electrolyte item is measured (step S13: Yes), the automatic analyzer 1 adds a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a (step S63). Specifically, the terminal addition control function 95 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 controls the terminal addition mechanism 218 to add a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a supplied to the supply position. That is, in step S63, the automatic analyzer 1 creates a reaction container 300a by adding a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a. The processes of steps S17, S21, S23, and S25 after this step S63 are the same as those in FIG. 8 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described. Then, by executing step S25, the transport process according to this embodiment is completed.

[0148] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this embodiment, the terminal adding mechanism 218 is provided, and the terminal adding mechanism 218 adds a plurality of terminals 302 to the measurement container 2011a to prepare a reaction container 300a, and the measurement unit 214a measures the potentials of the plurality of terminals 302 using the prepared reaction container 300a to measure the electrolyte items of the sample, so that it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for moving the sample to measure the electrolyte items or a dispensing unit for dispensing the sample. As a result, the number of parts of the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced while still enabling the measurement of electrolyte items, and therefore the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller.

[0149] Furthermore, since the reaction vessel 300a used in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is a disposable reaction vessel, the occurrence of carryover can be prevented in the measurement of electrolyte items.

[0150] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature of the sample or mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 300a is controlled using the thermostatic unit 202 provided in the automatic analyzer 1, so there is no need to provide a separate thermostatic mechanism to control the temperature of the sample or mixed solution when measuring electrolyte items. As a result, the number of parts of the automatic analyzer 1 can be reduced while still enabling measurement of electrolyte items, and therefore the automatic analyzer 1 can be made smaller.

[0151] In the above-described second embodiment, the terminals 302 are added to the measurement container 2011 by the terminal adding mechanism 218 at the supply position, but the position at which the terminals 302 are added is not limited to the supply position. That is, the position at which the terminals 302 are added is arbitrary, and for example, after the transport unit 213 places the measurement container 2011a on the reaction disk 201, when the reaction disk 201 transports the measurement container 2011 to a predetermined position where the terminal adding mechanism 218 is provided, the terminals 302 may be added to the measurement container 2011a to prepare the reaction container 300a.

[0152] Third Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 by contacting the connection unit 215 electrically connected to the measurement unit 214 with the multiple terminals 302 provided in the reaction vessel 300, but the method of measuring the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 is not limited to the case where the connection unit 215 contacts the multiple terminals 302. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the third embodiment may include a transmission unit that transmits the potentials of the multiple terminals 302, and the measurement unit 214 may measure the multiple potentials via the transmission unit and the connection unit 215. Below, differences from the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0153] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 2 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 22, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment is configured by adding a transmission unit 219 to the above-mentioned analysis mechanism 2. In addition, since the configuration of the connection unit is different from that in the first embodiment, in this embodiment, it is referred to as a connection unit 215a. In addition, since the configuration and functions other than the connection unit 215a and the transmission unit 219 are the same as those in Fig. 2 in the first embodiment described above, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0154] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a reaction vessel used in the analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 22 in this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 3 according to the first embodiment described above. FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing a reaction vessel 300b seen from above, FIG. 23(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 23(a), and FIG. 23(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 23(a). As shown in FIG. 23(a) to FIG. 23(c), the reaction vessel 300b according to this embodiment is configured to include a vessel body 301 and a plurality of terminals 302a. The vessel body 301 is equivalent to that shown in FIG. 3 in the first embodiment described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0155] The terminals 302a are provided on the container body 301 and are used to measure the concentration of a target substance in the blood sample or mixed liquid contained in the container body 301. The terminals 302a according to this embodiment are provided on the container body 301 by being integrally formed with the container body 301. As shown in FIG. 23(b) and FIG. 23(c), the terminals 302a according to this embodiment are provided in the side wall of the container body 301. One end of the terminals 302a is exposed from the inner wall of the container body 301 so as to be in contact with the blood sample or mixed liquid contained in the container body 301. The other end of the terminals 302a is exposed from the outer wall of the container body 301 so as to be in contact with the transmission unit 219. As shown in FIG. 23(b), the number of terminals 302a according to this embodiment is four. The four terminals according to this embodiment are ISEs 3021 to 3023 that selectively detect electrolytes contained in the blood sample or mixed liquid, and a reference electrode 3024 that generates a constant potential.

[0156] The reaction vessel 300b and the automatic analyzer 1 that analyzes a sample using the sample or mixed liquid contained in this reaction vessel 300b constitute an automatic analysis system according to this embodiment.

[0157] The connection part 215a is a connection terminal electrically connected to the measurement part 214. Specifically, one end of the connection part 215a is electrically connected to the measurement part 214. The other end of the connection part 215a according to this embodiment is capable of contacting the transmission part 219 exposed from the reaction disk 201. This connection part 215a includes a plurality of connection terminals in order to measure the potential between the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024. The connection part 215a according to this embodiment includes four connection terminals in order to contact the ISEs 3021 to 3023 and the reference electrode 3024 at once. This connection part 215 is an example of a first connection part according to this embodiment.

[0158] The transmission unit 219 is a connection member that can be electrically connected to a plurality of terminals 302a provided on the reaction vessel 300b. This transmission unit 219 is an example of a second connection unit according to this embodiment. The transmission unit 219 may be provided on a surface through which light from the photometric unit 210 does not pass in order to prevent the surface through which the optical axis of the reaction vessel 300b passes from being damaged by the transmission unit 219 when the reaction vessel 300b is placed on the reaction disk 201. In the analysis mechanism 2 according to this embodiment, a plurality of transmission units 219 are provided. For example, the same number of transmission units 219 are provided as the reaction vessels 300b and measurement vessels 2011 that can be held on the reaction disk 201. That is, one transmission unit 219 is provided for one reaction vessel 300b or measurement vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. Since the configurations of the respective transmission units 219 are similar, the transmission unit 219 will be described using FIG. 24 in which one transmission unit 219 is illustrated as a representative. Fig. 24 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a configuration example of the transmission unit 219 in the third embodiment. Fig. 24(a) is a diagram showing the transmission unit 219 as viewed from above, Fig. 24(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Fig. 24(a), and Fig. 24(c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Fig. 24(a). For ease of explanation, the reaction vessel 300b is omitted in Fig. 24(b).

[0159] As shown in FIG. 24(a) and FIG. 24(b), the transmission unit 219 according to this embodiment includes four connection members 2191-2194 for electrically connecting the ISEs 3021-3023, which are the multiple terminals 302a provided in the reaction vessel 300b, and the reference electrode 3024 at the same time. As shown in FIG. 24(b) and FIG. 24(c), one end of the transmission unit 219 is exposed from the inner wall surface of the reaction disk 201 so as to be electrically connected to the multiple terminals 302a provided in the reaction vessel 300b when the reaction vessel 300b is held by the reaction disk 201. In this embodiment, one end of the transmission unit 219 is formed in a convex shape. Therefore, it can come into contact with the multiple terminals 302 provided in the reaction vessel 300b by friction. The other end of the transmission unit 219 is exposed from the upper surface of the reaction disk 201 so as to be electrically connected to the connection portion 215a.

[0160] In addition, one end of the transmission unit 219 is formed in a convex shape, and the transmission unit 219 and the multiple terminals 302a of the reaction vessel 300b are in contact with each other by friction, but the contact method between the transmission unit 219 and the multiple terminals 302a is not limited to the contact by friction. In other words, the contact method between the transmission unit 219 and the reaction vessel 300b is arbitrary, and a moving mechanism for moving the transmission unit 219 may be provided in the reaction disk 201. In the case where a moving mechanism for moving the transmission unit 219 is provided, when the reaction vessel 300b is held on the reaction disk 201, the moving mechanism moves the transmission unit 219 and brings the multiple terminals 302a into contact with the transmission unit 219. In this way, the multiple terminals 302a and the transmission unit 219 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0161] With reference to Figs. 25 and 26, a flow up to the method of measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a flow up to the installation of the reaction vessel 300b according to this embodiment on the reaction disk 201. Fig. 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of the method of measuring potential by the measuring unit 214 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to Fig. 7 in the first embodiment described above. As shown in Fig. 25, the automatic analyzer 1 installs the reaction vessel 300b transported by the transport unit 213 on the reaction disk 201. At this time, as shown in Fig. 25, the reaction vessel 300b is installed on the reaction disk 201 by adjusting the positions of the ISEs 3021-3023 and the reference electrode 3024 which are the multiple terminals 302a of the reaction vessel 300b and the connection members 2191-2194 of the transmission unit 219 so that they can be in contact with each other and electrically connected to each other.

[0162] Next, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the reaction vessel 300b held by the reaction disk 201 is transported to the potential measurement position by the reaction disk 201. Then, as shown in FIG. 26(b), when the reaction vessel 300b is transported to the potential measurement position, the measurement unit 214 descends and the connection unit 215a comes into contact with the transmission unit 219. In the example shown in FIG. 26(b), the connection unit 215a comes into contact with the transmission unit 219 exposed on the upper surface of the reaction disk 201. In this way, the connection unit 215a comes into contact with the transmission unit 219, so that the multiple terminals 302 and the measurement unit 214 are in a conductive state. That is, the measurement unit 214 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 via the connection unit 215a and the transmission unit 219. Then, when the measurement is completed, the measurement unit 214 rises and releases the contact between the connection unit 215a and the transmission unit 219. Hereinafter, as necessary, the method in which the measuring unit 214 measures the potentials of the multiple terminals 302 by contacting the connecting unit 215a with the transmitting unit 219 will be referred to as an indirect contact potential measuring method.

[0163] As described above, in this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 is equipped with the transmission unit 219, which enables the measurement unit 214 to measure multiple terminals 302 of the reaction vessel 300b via the connection unit 215a and the transmission unit 219. Therefore, compared to the direct contact potential measurement method, the risk of contamination of the connection unit 215a can be reduced, and the occurrence of carryover can be reduced.

[0164] In the above-mentioned third embodiment, the transmitting part 219 is provided inside the reaction disk 201, and only both ends of the transmitting part 219 are exposed, but the configuration of the transmitting part 219 is not limited to this. FIG. 27 is a diagram for explaining another example of the method for measuring the potential by the measuring part 214 according to this embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 26 in the above-mentioned third embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 26, the transmitting part 219 may be continuously provided so as to form an L-shape from the upper surface to the inner wall surface of the reaction disk 201. By providing the transmitting part 219 in this way, it is possible to tolerate a manufacturing error of the multiple terminals 302a in the reaction vessel 300b to some extent. In addition, the contact range of the connecting part 215a with the transmitting part 219 is also increased, so that the connecting part 215a can be more reliably connected to the transmitting part 219.

[0165] In the above-described third embodiment, the multiple terminals 302a provided in the reaction vessel 300b are provided on one inner wall surface of the reaction vessel 300b, but the multiple terminals 302a may be provided on each of the four inner wall surfaces of the reaction vessel 300b. In this case, each connection member of the transmission unit 219 may be provided on each of the four inner wall surfaces of the reaction disk 201 so as to correspond to the positions of the multiple terminals 302a provided in the reaction vessel 300b.

[0166] [Modification 1 of the first to third embodiments] In the above-mentioned first to third embodiments, it is possible to modify the reaction vessel so that the reaction vessel is washed after the measurement is completed and the washed reaction vessel is reused, instead of disposing of the reaction vessel. Below, the case where this modification is applied to the first embodiment is referred to as Modification 1, and the differences from the first embodiment are described.

[0167] Fig. 28 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analysis mechanism according to Modification 1, and corresponds to Fig. 2 in the above-mentioned first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 28, the analysis mechanism 2 according to this modification is configured by adding a cleaning unit 220 to the analysis mechanism 2 according to the above-mentioned first embodiment. The configuration and functions other than the cleaning unit 220 are the same as those in Fig. 2 in the above-mentioned first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0168] The cleaning section 220 cleans the reaction vessel 300 after the measurement is completed. The cleaning section 220 may clean the reaction vessel 300 by, for example, a shower using pure water, or may clean the reaction vessel 300 by immersing the reaction vessel 300 in a pool containing pure water. This cleaning section 220 is provided on the transport path of the reaction vessel 300 of the transport unit 213. When the reaction vessel 300 after the measurement is transported to the cleaning position by the transport unit 213, the cleaning section 220 cleans the reaction vessel 300.

[0169] In addition, in this modification 1, the measurement container 2011 after the measurement has been completed may be washed by the washing section 220, similar to the reaction container 300, or may be discarded in the disposal unit 216.

[0170] As described above, according to the automatic analyzer 1 of this modified example 1, the reaction vessel 300 can be washed and reused for measuring electrolyte items, thereby reducing the operating costs of the automatic analyzer 1. The above description of modified example 1 is for the case where it is applied to the first embodiment, but it is clear that this modified example can also be applied to the second and third embodiments.

[0171] [Other Modifications of the First to Third Embodiments] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the reaction vessel 300, 300a, 300b or the measurement vessel 2011, 2011a for which the measurement has been completed is transported to the disposal position by the transport unit 213, but a waste transport unit for transporting the reaction vessel 300, 300a, 300b or the measurement vessel 2011, 2011a for which the measurement has been completed to the disposal position may be provided separately from the transport unit 213. By providing such a waste transport unit, the throughput of transporting the reaction vessel 300, 300a, 300b or the measurement vessel 2011, 2011a to the reaction disk 201 and the throughput of transporting the reaction vessel 300, 300a, 300b or the measurement vessel 2011, 2011a for which the measurement has been completed to the disposal position can be improved, and therefore the throughput of the entire automatic analyzer 1 can be improved.

[0172] In the first to third embodiments described above, when the amount of the measurement containers 2011, 2011a or the reaction containers 300, 300a, 300b contained in the disposal unit 216 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the reporting function 94 in the control circuit 9 of the automatic analyzer 1 reports to the user via the output interface 6 or the communication interface 7, but the content of the report to the user is not limited to when the amount of the measurement containers 2011, 2011a or the reaction containers 300, 300a, 300b contained in the disposal unit 216 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. For example, by providing a sensor in the storage section 211, a notification may be sent to the user when the remaining amount of the measurement container 2011, 2011a or the reaction container 300, 300a, 300b stored in the storage section 211, 211a falls below a predetermined remaining amount based on the detection result of the sensor, and when an error occurs in the electrolyte measurement, such as when there is an abnormality in the potential measured by the measurement section 214, 214a, when there is an abnormality in the installation of the reaction container 300, 300a, 300b or the measurement container 2011, 2011a, or when there is poor contact at the connection section 215, 215a, the user may be notified that the electrolyte measurement was not performed normally.

[0173] In the above-described first to third embodiments, the connection parts 215, 215a are provided with the same number of connection terminals as the number of the terminals 302, 302a, but the number of connection terminals provided in the connection parts 215, 215a may be less than the number of the terminals 302, 302a. For example, when the number of the terminals 302, 302a is four, the number of connection terminals of the connection parts 215, 215a may be two. In this case, in order for the two connection terminals of the connection parts 215, 215a to contact the ISEs 3021 to 3023 of the terminals 302 and the reference electrode 3024, the connection parts 215, 215a may be provided with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance between the two connection terminals.

[0174] In addition, the automatic analyzer 1 of the first to third embodiments described above is described as being applied to an automatic analyzer that performs a blood coagulation analysis test, but the embodiments are not limited to this. That is, the first to third embodiments are also applicable to other automatic analyzers that measure electrolyte items, such as an automatic analyzer that performs a biochemical test.

[0175] The term "processor" used in the above description means a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). The processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 8. Instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 8, the program may be directly built into the circuit of the processor. In this case, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing the program built into the circuit. The processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, and may be configured as one processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components may be integrated into one processor to realize its function.

[0176] Although several embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are presented only as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel device and method described in this specification can be implemented in various other forms. In addition, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made to the forms of the device and method described in this specification without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to include such forms and modifications that fall within the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1...automatic analyzer, 2...analysis mechanism, 3...analysis circuit, 4...drive mechanism, 5...input interface, 6...output interface, 7...communication interface, 8...memory circuit, 9...control circuit, 91...system control function, 92...temperature control function, 93, 93a...transport control function, 94...report function, 95...terminal addition control function, 201...reaction disk, 202...constant temperature section, 203...rack sampler, 204...reagent storage, 206...sample dispensing arm , 207... sample dispensing probe, 208... reagent dispensing arm, 209... reagent dispensing probe, 210... photometric unit, 211, 211a... storage section, 212, 212a... supply section, 213... transport unit, 214, 214a... measurement section, 215, 215a... connection section, 216... waste unit, 217... detection section, 218... terminal addition mechanism, 219... transmission section, 220... cleaning section, 300, 300a, 300b... reaction vessel, NW... hospital network

Claims

1. A container body for accommodating a sample or a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample; a plurality of terminals provided on the container body for measuring a concentration of a target substance in the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the container body; A reaction vessel comprising:

2. The reaction vessel according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of terminals are provided on the vessel body by being integrally formed with the vessel body.

3. The reaction vessel according to claim 1 , wherein the plurality of terminals are provided on the vessel body by being added to the vessel body by a terminal adding mechanism of an automatic analyzer.

4. 4. The reaction vessel according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of terminals include an ion-selective electrode that selectively detects an electrolyte that is the target substance contained in the sample or the mixed liquid, and a reference electrode that generates a constant potential.

5. a reaction disk for holding a reaction vessel for measuring the concentration of a target substance in a sample or a mixture obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample; A measurement unit for measuring the potentials of a plurality of terminals provided in the reaction vessel; a calculation unit that calculates a concentration of a target substance of the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel based on the potential measured by the measurement unit; and An automatic analyzer comprising:

6. The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a temperature control unit that controls a temperature of the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel.

7. a reaction vessel transport mechanism for transporting the reaction vessel; The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a transport control unit that controls the reaction vessel transport mechanism to transport the reaction vessel to the reaction disk.

8. a storage section for storing the reaction vessel provided by integrally forming the plurality of terminals and a measurement vessel for accommodating the sample or the mixed liquid and for measuring a concentration other than that of a target substance of the sample or the mixed liquid; The transport control unit is Selecting either the reaction vessel or the measurement vessel based on the measurement item of the sample; The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 , further comprising: a reaction vessel transport mechanism that controls the reaction vessel transport mechanism to transport a selected reaction vessel or measurement vessel to the reaction disk.

9. The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a storage section for storing the reaction vessel, the storage section being provided by integrally forming the plurality of terminals.

10. a storage section for storing a measurement container for accommodating the sample or the mixed liquid and measuring the sample or the mixed liquid; a terminal adding mechanism that adds a plurality of terminals to the measurement container; The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a terminal addition control unit that controls the terminal addition mechanism to add the plurality of terminals to the measurement container.

11. a reaction vessel disposal section in which the reaction vessel is disposed; A detection unit that detects the amount of the reaction vessels discarded in the reaction vessel discard unit; The automatic analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a reporting unit that reports to a user when the amount of the reaction vessels discarded in the reaction vessel disposal unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on a detection result of the detection unit.

12. The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , further comprising a washing unit configured to wash the reaction vessel provided with the plurality of terminals.

13. A first connection portion electrically connected to the measurement portion, The automated analyzer according to claim 5 , wherein the measurement section measures the potentials of the terminals via the first connection section.

14. a second connection portion electrically connectable to the plurality of terminals provided in the reaction vessel; The automated analyzer according to claim 13 , wherein the measurement section measures the potentials of the terminals via the first connection section and the second connection section.

15. a reaction vessel for measuring a concentration of a target substance in a sample or a mixed solution obtained by mixing a sample with a reagent to be reacted with the sample or a diluent to dilute the sample; an automatic analysis device that analyzes the sample using the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction container, The reaction vessel comprises: A container body for accommodating the sample or the mixed liquid; a plurality of terminals provided on the container body for detecting a target substance of the sample or the mixed liquid contained in the container body; The automated analyzer comprises: A reaction disk for holding the reaction vessel; A measurement unit that measures the potentials of the terminals of the reaction vessel; A calculation unit that calculates a concentration of a target substance of the sample or the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel based on the potential measured by the measurement unit. Automated analysis system.

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