Autoanalyzer

Abstract

To improve measurement efficiency.SOLUTION: An autoanalyzer according to the present embodiment comprises a reagent cartridge and a control unit. The reagent cartridge has a storage unit that stores a reagent, a channel for discharging the reagent in the storage unit, and a dispensation mechanism that dispenses the reagent to a reaction vessel from the channel. The control unit controls the dispensation mechanism to discard the reagent in the channel. Consequently, the autoanalyzer according to the present embodiment can improve measurement efficiency.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, an automated analyzer may have a sample dispensing probe aspirate a sample from a sample container and dispense the sample into a reaction container. The automated analyzer then dispenses a reagent into the reaction container containing the sample and measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent. However, if the quality of the reagent used in the measurement is degraded, accurate measurement results may not be obtained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-258243 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve measurement efficiency. 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 below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment includes a reagent cartridge and a control unit. The reagent cartridge includes a storage unit that stores a reagent, a flow path for discharging the reagent from the storage unit, and a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the reagent from the flow path into a reaction vessel. The control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path. Before dispensing the reagent, the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to generate an idle cycle in which the reagent is not dispensed, and to discard the reagent in the flow path. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analyzer of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a reagent cartridge that can be used in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reaction container, the reagent cartridge, and the disposal unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the disposal process of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of an automatic analyzer according to a first modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reaction disk, reaction containers, reagent cartridges, and a disposal unit. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of the automatic analyzer according to the first modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reaction disk, reaction container, reagent cartridge, and disposal unit. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of an automatic analyzer according to a second modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reaction disk, a reaction container, and a reagent cartridge. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of an automatic analyzer according to a third modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a reaction disk, a reagent cartridge, and a disposal unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to other embodiments.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment. The automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes an analyzer 70, a drive device 80, and a processor 90.

[0009] The analytical device 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used in analyzing each test item, and generates standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 includes multiple units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. A processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

[0010] The processing device 90 includes an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 , and a memory circuit 60 .

[0011] The input device 50 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch panel, and is used to input data to set analysis parameters for each test item, test identification information for the test sample, and test items.

[0012] The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 30.

[0013] The storage circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0014] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data processing function 31 and a control function 32. The control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data processing function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

[0015] For example, the standard data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data (calibration curve or standard curve) for determining the amount or concentration of a substance, and the test data generated by the analytical device 70 represents data resulting from measuring a test sample. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing measurement results such as the amount or concentration of a substance derived from the test data and standard data, and the analytical data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing a positive or negative determination result. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving analytical data representing a positive or negative determination result.

[0016] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuitry 30 is recorded in the form of a computer-executable program in the storage circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 30 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the storage circuitry 60. In other words, the processing circuitry 30 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 30 of FIG.

[0017] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 30, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors, and have each processor execute a program to realize the function.

[0018] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to 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)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit 60. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis device 70 of the automatic analysis device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0020] The analytical device 70 includes a sample disk 5 that holds a plurality of sample containers 11. The sample containers 11 contain samples such as standard samples and test samples for each test item.

[0021] The analytical device 70 further includes a plurality of reaction vessels 3 arranged on a circumference, and a reaction disk 4 that rotatably holds each of the plurality of reaction vessels 3. For example, the reaction disk 4 includes a thermostatic bath that maintains the liquid in the reaction vessels 3 at a constant temperature, and a plate-like member that covers the thermostatic bath, and the plate-like member has recesses formed therein that correspond to the reaction vessels 3. Here, the thermostatic bath may be a water bath or an air bath. When the thermostatic bath is a water bath, the thermostatic bath stores constant-temperature water.

[0022] The analytical device 70 further includes a sample dispensing probe 16, a sample dispensing arm 10, a sample dispensing pump unit 16a, a detector 16b, and a washing tank 16c. The sample dispensing probe 16 dispenses samples. Specifically, the sample dispensing probe 16 aspirates a sample from a sample container 11 held on the sample disk 5 for each test item and dispenses an amount of sample set as an analysis parameter for that test item into a reaction container 3. The sample dispensing arm 10 supports the sample dispensing probe 16 so that it can rotate and move up and down. The sample dispensing pump unit 16a causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate and dispense the sample. The detector 16b determines that the liquid level has been detected when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 16, which has been lowered from above the liquid level, approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level of the sample in the sample container 11 held on the sample disk 5. Specifically, detector 16b is electrically connected to sample dispensing probe 16, and detects the liquid level in sample container 11 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of sample dispensing probe 16 approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level. When the liquid level in sample container 11 is detected, sample dispensing pump 16a causes sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate the sample, and then causes sample dispensing probe 16 to eject a reagent into reaction container 3. Washing tank 16c washes sample dispensing probe 16 after each sample is dispensed.

[0023] The analyzer 70 further includes a plurality of reagent cartridges 6, a reagent storage 1 that stores each of the plurality of reagent cartridges 6, and a plurality of reagent cartridges 7, and a reagent storage 2 that stores each of the plurality of reagent cartridges 7. The reagent cartridges 6 contain reagents containing components that react with components for each test item contained in the sample. For example, the reagent cartridges 6 contain a one-reagent system reagent or a first reagent for a two-reagent system. The reagent storage 1 includes a reagent rack 1a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent cartridges 6 for each test item. The reagent cartridges 7 contain a second reagent for each two-reagent system for each test item. The reagent storage 2 includes a reagent rack 2a that is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent cartridges 7 for each test item.

[0024] The reagent cartridges 6 and 7 have ejection sections 6a and 7a, respectively, and eject the amount of reagent set as an analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction vessel 3 through the ejection sections 6a and 7a.

[0025] The analyzer 70 further includes a measurement section 13 and a reaction vessel washing unit 12. The measurement section 13 irradiates light onto a reaction vessel 3 containing a mixture of a sample and a reagent to measure the mixture. Specifically, the measurement section 13 irradiates light onto the reaction vessel 3 at the measurement position as it rotates, and detects the light that has passed through the mixture of the sample and the reagent in the reaction vessel 3. The measurement section 13 then processes the detected signal to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The reaction vessel washing unit 12 washes the inside of the reaction vessel 3 after measurement by the measurement section 13 has been completed.

[0026] The analyzer 70 further includes waste disposal units 110a and 110b, which are provided near the reagent storage units 1 and 2, respectively. The waste disposal units 110a and 110b will be described later.

[0027] The driving device 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70 .

[0028] The drive device 80 has a mechanism for driving the sample disk 5 of the analyzer 70, and moves each sample container 11. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 1a of the reagent storage 1, and rotates each reagent cartridge 6. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reagent rack 2a of the reagent storage 2, and rotates each reagent cartridge 7. The drive device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the reaction disk 4, and rotates each reaction container 3.

[0029] The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the sample dispensing arm 10, and moves the sample dispensing probe 16 between the sample container 11 and the reaction container 3. The driving device 80 also has a mechanism for driving the sample dispensing pump unit 16a, and causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to dispense the sample. That is, the driving device 80 causes the sample dispensing probe 16 to aspirate the sample from the sample container 11 and discharge the sample into the reaction container 3.

[0030] The control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the driving device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70 .

[0031] 3 is a side cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a reagent cartridge 200 that can be used in the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment. The reagent cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 3 corresponds to the reagent cartridges 6 and 7 shown in FIG.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, the reagent cartridge 200 is, for example, a reagent cartridge with a dispensing mechanism, and includes a discharge part 211, a supply part 212, valves 213 and 214, a storage part 220, and a dispensing mechanism 230. The storage part 220 is a container that stores the reagent. For example, the storage part 220 is made of a metal or polymer material. The discharge part 211 corresponds to the discharge parts 6a and 7a shown in Fig. 2.

[0033] The supply unit 212 is provided between the storage unit 220 and the discharge unit 211. The supply unit 212 supplies the reagent in the storage unit 220 to the discharge unit 211. The discharge unit 211 discharges the reagent supplied from the supply unit 212. The valve 213 is provided between the supply unit 212 and the storage unit 220. The valve 213 is a check valve that prevents backflow from the supply unit 212 in the direction toward the storage unit 220. In addition, the valve 214 is provided between the discharge unit 211 and the supply unit 212. The valve 214 is a check valve that prevents backflow from the discharge unit 211 in the direction toward the supply unit 212. Here, the discharge unit 211, the supply unit 212, and the valves 213 and 214 configure a flow path 210 for discharging the reagent 120 in the storage unit 220.

[0034] For example, the dispensing mechanism 230 is configured with a pump or the like, and dispenses the reagent 120. The dispensing mechanism 230 is provided on at least a part of the side wall of the supply part 212, and deforms the side wall of the supply part 212 when driven by the driving device 80.

[0035] For example, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to drive the dispensing mechanism 230 to increase the volume of the supply part 212. In response to the control signal, the drive device 80 causes the dispensing mechanism 230 to deform the side wall of the supply part 212 in a direction that increases the volume of the supply part 212. This reduces the pressure in the supply part 212, opens the valve 213, and causes the reagent 120 in the storage part 220 to flow into the supply part 212.

[0036] Furthermore, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to drive the dispensing mechanism 230 to reduce the volume of the supply unit 212. In response to the control signal, the drive device 80 causes the dispensing mechanism 230 to deform the side wall of the supply unit 212 in a direction that reduces the volume of the supply unit 212. As a result, in FIG. 3 , the pressure within the supply unit 212 increases, the valve 214 opens, and the reagent within the supply unit 212 is discharged from the discharge unit 211 and supplied to the reaction vessel 3. That is, the reagent 120 is dispensed into the reaction vessel 3. Then, the measurement unit 13 measures the mixture of the sample and the reagent 120 in the reaction vessel 3.

[0037] For example, if an automated analyzer stores reagent containers in an open state after transportation, the reagent in the reagent container comes into contact with air and is prone to deterioration. In contrast, in the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 is not opened after transportation, preventing contact between the reagent 120 and air and extending the life of the reagent. However, even if the automated analyzer 100 uses the reagent cartridge 200, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 comes into contact with air, which may result in a deterioration in the quality of the reagent 120. For example, the quality of the reagent 120 that comes into contact with air may deteriorate due to concentration changes caused by evaporation, oxidation, contamination, precipitation of reagent components, and the like. If a degraded reagent 120 is used in a measurement, an accurate measurement result may not be obtained.

[0038] Therefore, the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment is configured as follows to improve measurement efficiency. The automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes a reagent cartridge 200 and a control function 32. The reagent cartridge 200 includes a storage section 220 that stores a reagent 120, a flow path 210 for discharging the reagent 120 in the storage section 220, and a dispensing mechanism 230 that dispenses the reagent 120 from the flow path 210 into a reaction vessel 3. The control function 32 controls the dispensing mechanism 230 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210.

[0039] The disposal process for disposing of the reagent 120 in the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described below.

[0040] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reaction disk 4, reaction containers 3, reagent cartridge 200, and disposal unit 110.

[0041] 4, the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment includes a waste unit 110. The waste unit 110 is provided near the reagent storage. For example, the waste unit 110 is located on the rotation path of a reagent rack, which is a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent cartridges 200 in the reagent storage.

[0042] The waste unit 110 is a container for disposing of the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200, and has an opening formed at the top of the waste unit 110. Here, the waste unit 110 corresponds to the waste units 110a and 110b shown in FIG.

[0043] For example, in the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, when a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200 was dispensed, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded into the waste unit 110. Specifically, when a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 was dispensed, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200. In response to the control signal, the drive device 80 rotates the reagent cartridge 200 to the installation position of the waste unit 110 so that the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 is positioned above the waste unit 110. The drive device 80 then drives the dispensing mechanism 230 of the reagent cartridge 200 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 into the waste unit 110.

[0044] Here, in the disposal process for discarding the reagent 120, information indicating whether or not to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 is set in advance, and the control function 32 of the processing device 90 records the information in the storage circuitry 60 as setting information. When "discard" is set as the setting information for the reagent 120, one of information "discard (immediate)" indicating that the reagent 120 is to be immediately discarded, and information "discard (before use)" indicating that the reagent 120 is to be discarded before use is set. Furthermore, when "discard" is set as the setting information for the reagent 120, the control function 32 records a setting time in the storage circuitry 60 in association with the setting information for the reagent 120. The setting information and the setting time may be set in advance for each reagent 120 or for each test item, or may be set by the user.

[0045] If the reagent 120 is a reagent that does not deteriorate easily, "discard" is not set as setting information. Also, a reagent 120 whose set time is set to "0" is not discarded. In this case, there is no need to set "discard" as setting information.

[0046] In addition, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 starts counting after dispensing the reagent 120, and records a value representing the result of the count in the memory circuit 60 as the unused time of the reagent 120, in correspondence with the setting information and setting time of the reagent 120.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the disposal process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to this embodiment.

[0048] In the disposal process, first, after dispensing the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200, the control function 32 refers to the memory circuitry 60 to check whether "discard" is set as the setting information for the reagent 120 (step S101). If "discard" is not set as the setting information (step S101; No), the disposal process ends.

[0049] On the other hand, if "discard" is set as the setting information for the reagent 120 of the reagent cartridge 200 (step S101; Yes), the control function 32 refers to the memory circuit 60 and checks the unused time associated with the setting information for the reagent 120 (step S102).

[0050] Next, the control function 32 refers to the memory circuit 60 to check whether the unused time of the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200 has exceeded the set time (step S103). If the unused time of the reagent 120 has not exceeded the set time (step S103; No), step S101 is executed.

[0051] On the other hand, if the unused time of the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200 has exceeded the set time (step S103; Yes), the control function 32 refers to the memory circuit 60 and checks whether the "discard" set as the setting information is "discard (immediate)", which indicates that the reagent 120 is to be discarded immediately (step S104). Here, if the "discard" set as the setting information is "discard (immediate)", which indicates that the reagent 120 is to be discarded immediately, the control function 32 performs immediate disposal processing (step S105).

[0052] In the immediate disposal process (step S105), the control function 32 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200. In response to the control signal, the drive device 80 rotates the reagent cartridge 200 to an installation position of the waste unit 110 so that the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 is positioned above the waste unit 110. The drive device 80 then drives the dispensing mechanism 230 of the reagent cartridge 200 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 into the waste unit 110. Thereafter, the control function 32 notifies the user by outputting information indicating that the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 has been immediately discarded to the output device 40.

[0053] On the other hand, if the "discard" set as the setting information is "discard (before use)", which indicates that the reagent 120 is to be discarded before use, the control function 32 performs a pre-use disposal process (step S106).

[0054] In the pre-use disposal process (step S106), the control function 32 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 before dispensing the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200. In response to the control signal, the drive device 80 rotates the reagent cartridge 200 to an installation position of the waste unit 110 so that the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 is positioned above the waste unit 110. The drive device 80 then drives the dispensing mechanism 230 of the reagent cartridge 200 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 into the waste unit 110. Thereafter, the control function 32 notifies the user by outputting information indicating that the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 has been discarded before use to the output device 40.

[0055] In the pre-use disposal process, for example, when discarding the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200, the control function 32 performs the pre-use disposal process in an idle cycle in which the reagent 120 is not dispensed. If there is no idle cycle, the control function 32 generates an idle cycle for dispensing the reagent 120. For example, the control function 32 generates an idle cycle before discarding the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200. Then, in the idle cycle, the control function 32 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200. In this case, the drive device 80 drives the reagent cartridge 200 in response to the control signal, and the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded to the disposal unit 110 in the idle cycle.

[0056] The pre-use disposal process is also applied when the reagent cartridge 200 is replaced with a new reagent cartridge. For example, when the reagent cartridge 200 is replaced with a new reagent cartridge, the control function 32 outputs a control signal to the drive device 80 in an idle cycle to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the replaced reagent cartridge 200. In this case, the drive device 80 drives the replaced reagent cartridge 200 in response to the control signal, and the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the replaced reagent cartridge 200 is discarded to the disposal unit 110 in an idle cycle. Thereafter, the control function 32 notifies the user by outputting information indicating that the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the replaced reagent cartridge 200 has been discarded before use to the output device 40.

[0057] As described above, in the automated analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the reagent cartridge 200 includes a storage unit 220 that stores the reagent 120, a flow path 210 for discharging the reagent 120 from the storage unit 220, and a dispensing mechanism 230 that dispenses the reagent 120 from the flow path 210 into the reaction vessel 3. The control function 32 controls the dispensing mechanism 230 to discard the reagent 120 from the flow path 210. As a result, the next time the reagent 120 is dispensed, the reagent 120 with degraded quality is not used for measurement. For example, if the reagent 120 with degraded quality is used for measurement, an accurate measurement result may not be obtained. On the other hand, in this embodiment, for example, if a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 was dispensed from the reagent cartridge 200, the reagent 120 from the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded. This allows the next time the reagent 120 is dispensed, the reagent 120 with undegraded quality to be used for measurement, thereby improving measurement efficiency.

[0058] (Other embodiments) Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms other than the above-described embodiments.

[0059] (First Modification) In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first modification of this embodiment, the waste section is rotated to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200.

[0060] 6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the disposal process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first modified example of this embodiment, and are cross-sectional views showing the configurations of the reaction disk 4, reaction container 3, reagent cartridge 200, and disposal unit 400.

[0061] 6A, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first modification of this embodiment, the analyzer 70 includes a disposal unit 400 and a support unit 410 that rotatably supports the disposal unit 400. The disposal unit 400 and the support unit 410 are provided near the reaction disk 4.

[0062] 6A, the waste unit 400 and the support unit 410 are provided outside the reaction disk 4 on a straight line connecting the rotation axis of the reaction disk 4 and the reagent discharging position. Here, the reagent discharging position refers to the position where the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 rotated in the reagent storage intersects with the opening of the reaction vessel 3 rotated on the reaction disk 4. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 6A, the waste unit 400 and the support unit 410 are provided outside the reaction disk 4, but they may be provided inside the reaction disk 4 as long as they are provided on a straight line connecting the rotation axis of the reaction disk 4 and the reagent discharging position.

[0063] The waste unit 400 is a container for disposing of the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200, and has a waste unit main body 400a and an injection unit 400b that communicates with the waste unit main body 400a. One end of the injection unit 400b is provided on the top of the waste unit main body 400a, and an opening is formed at the other end of the injection unit 400b.

[0064] For example, in the automated analyzer 100 according to the first modification of this embodiment, when a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200 was dispensed, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded into the waste unit 400. Specifically, when a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 was dispensed, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a control signal to the drive unit 80 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200. As shown in FIG. 6A , in response to the control signal, the drive unit 80 drives the support unit 410 to rotate the waste unit 400 to the position of the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 so that the discharge unit 211 of the reagent cartridge 200 is positioned above an opening formed in the injection unit 400b of the waste unit 400. Then, as shown in FIG. 6B, the driving device 80 drives the dispensing mechanism 230 of the reagent cartridge 200 to discard the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 into the disposal unit 400.

[0065] (Second Modification) In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second modification of this embodiment, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded into the reaction container 3 after measurement.

[0066] 7 is a diagram illustrating the disposal process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to a second modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reaction disk 4, reaction container 3, and reagent cartridge 200. In the second modified example of this embodiment, the reaction container 3 after measurement is used to discard the reagent 120. For example, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second modified example of this embodiment, when a set time has elapsed since the reagent 120 was dispensed into the reagent cartridge 200, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded into the reaction container 3 after measurement.

[0067] (Third Modification) In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third modification of this embodiment, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is discarded into a disposal portion provided in the reaction disk 4.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the disposal process of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third modified example of this embodiment, and is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the reaction disk 4, the reagent cartridge 200, and the disposal unit 500.

[0069] 8, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third modification of this embodiment, the analyzer 70 includes a waste unit 500. The waste unit 500 is provided in the reaction disk 4. The waste unit 500 is a container for disposing of the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200, and an opening is formed in the top of the waste unit 500.

[0070] Furthermore, in a third modified example of this embodiment, the thermostatic bath of the reaction disk 4 is an air chamber. In this case, a recess 510 corresponding to the reaction vessel 3 is formed in a plate-like member covering the air chamber, and an opening is formed in part of the bottom of the recess 510. Furthermore, a disposal unit 500 is provided below the bottom of the recess 510 in the reaction disk 4. The reaction vessel 3 is removed from the reaction disk 4 after measurement. For example, in the automated analyzer 100 according to the third modified example of this embodiment, when a set time has elapsed after dispensing the reagent 120 in the reagent cartridge 200, the reagent 120 in the flow path 210 of the reagent cartridge 200 is disposed of in the disposal unit 500.

[0071] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to improve the measurement efficiency.

[0072] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 32 Control Functions 100 automatic analyzer 200 Reagent Cartridges 210 Flow path 220 Storage unit 230 Dispensing mechanism

Claims

1. a reagent cartridge including a storage section for storing a reagent, a flow path for discharging the reagent in the storage section, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent from the flow path into a reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism so as to discard the reagent in the flow path; Equipped with the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to generate an idle cycle in which the reagent is not dispensed, and discard the reagent in the flow path, before dispensing the reagent. Automatic analyzer.

2. the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism so that, when the reagent cartridge is replaced with a new reagent cartridge, the reagent in the flow path of the replaced reagent cartridge is discarded. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. a reagent cartridge including a storage section for storing a reagent, a flow path for discharging the reagent in the storage section, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent from the flow path into a reaction vessel; a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism so as to discard the reagent in the flow path; a reaction disk that rotatably holds the reaction vessel; Equipped with the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path into an unwashed reaction container in the reaction disk. Automatic analyzer.

4. a reagent cartridge including a storage section for storing a reagent, a flow path for discharging the reagent in the storage section, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent from the flow path into a reaction vessel; a disposal unit for disposing of the reagent; a control unit that controls the dispensing mechanism and the waste unit so as to discard the reagent in the flow path to the waste unit; An automatic analyzer comprising:

5. The control unit controlling the waste unit so that the flow path is located above an injection unit of the waste unit; controlling the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path to the waste portion; The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

6. the reagent cartridge further includes a discharge unit that discharges the reagent, The flow path is formed in the discharge portion. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path when a set time has elapsed after the reagent has been dispensed. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The set time is set for each reagent. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 .

9. The set time is set for each test item. The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The set time is set by a user. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. a reaction disk that rotatably holds the reaction vessel and is provided with a disposal section; Further provided with the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path to the waste portion in the reaction disk. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , 2 , or 4 .

12. a waste section is provided within the reaction disk; the control unit controls the dispensing mechanism to discard the reagent in the flow path to the waste portion in the reaction disk. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

13. an output device that outputs information indicating that the reagent has been discarded; The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:

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