Automatic analyzer

Abstract

To improve analysis accuracy.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer comprises a plurality of reaction vessels, a carrier part, a thermostatic bath, a light source, a measurement part, and a discharge part. The carrier part carries the plurality of reaction vessels along a predetermined path. The thermostatic bath holds the plurality of reaction vessels at constant temperature. The light source irradiates a predetermined reaction vessel among the plurality of reaction vessels with light. The measurement part measures light transmitted in the predetermined reaction vessel and outputs a signal representing the measurement result. The discharge part discharges liquid to at least the circumference of the light path of the light emitted from the light source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention relates to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, automated analyzers have been used in medical institutions to automatically measure the concentration and activity of various components in test samples collected from subjects. For example, automated analyzers mix a test sample, such as blood, urine, feces, or somatic cells, with a reagent appropriate for the test item, and measure the concentration and activity of a desired component by detecting changes in the optical properties of the mixed solution.

[0003] Incidentally, some automatic analyzers have a thermostatic bath for immersing a reaction vessel containing a mixture of a test sample and a test reagent, and the thermostatic bath contains a liquid (e.g., constant temperature water) whose temperature is kept constant. When constant temperature water is contained in the thermostatic bath, degassed pure water is generally used as the constant temperature water.

[0004] However, during analysis, gas may dissolve in the constant temperature water, which can cause bubbles to form in the water. Foreign matter may also enter the constant temperature bath from the outside. If bubbles or foreign matter exist in the constant temperature water, abnormal values ​​may be observed when the water containing the bubbles or foreign matter passes in front of the photometer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-094803 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve analytical accuracy. However, the problem to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings is 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]

[0007] The automated analyzer according to the embodiment includes a plurality of reaction vessels, a transport unit, a thermostatic bath, a light source, a measurement unit, and a discharge unit. The transport unit transports the plurality of reaction vessels along a predetermined path. The thermostatic bath maintains the plurality of reaction vessels at a constant temperature. The light source irradiates light onto a predetermined reaction vessel among the plurality of reaction vessels. The measurement unit measures the light transmitted through the predetermined reaction vessel and outputs a signal representing the measurement result. The discharge unit discharges liquid at least around the optical path of the light irradiated from the light source. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bubble / foreign matter removal process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the bubble / foreign matter removal process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the automatic analyzer according to the present application is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, the embodiment can be combined with other embodiments or conventional techniques as long as there is no contradiction in the processing content.

[0010] (First embodiment) An example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment will be described using Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, for example, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment includes an analysis mechanism 2, a drive mechanism 3, an input interface 4, a display 5, a printer 6, a memory circuit 7, and a processing circuit 8. The analysis mechanism 2, drive mechanism 3, input interface 4, display 5, printer 6, memory circuit 7, and processing circuit 8 are connected to each other so that they can communicate with each other.

[0011] The analysis mechanism 2 includes various units for performing automatic analysis, and executes a series of operations related to the measurement of predetermined components contained in a test sample (specimen) according to a preset cycle time using a drive mechanism 3. The cycle time is one of the parameters that determine the measurement throughput of the automatic analyzer 1 (the number of tests that can be measured in a certain period of time).

[0012] The analysis mechanism 2 mixes a test sample collected from a subject with a reagent corresponding to a desired test item. The analysis mechanism 2 then measures the optical properties of the mixture of the test sample and the reagent to generate test data expressed, for example, as absorbance. The analysis mechanism 2 also mixes a standard sample corresponding to a predetermined test item with the reagent corresponding to the test item.

[0013] Here, the standard sample is, for example, a solution in which the concentration or activity of a component to be analyzed in a test item is known. The analysis mechanism 2 measures the optical properties of the mixture of the standard sample and the reagent, and generates standard data expressed, for example, as absorbance. The generated test data and standard data are output to the processing circuit 8. Note that, below, the test sample and the standard sample may be collectively referred to as "sample" or "sample." Furthermore, measuring optical properties may be referred to as "photometry."

[0014] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analysis mechanism 2 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the analysis mechanism 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a sample disk 202, a first reagent storage 203, a reagent container rack 203a, a reader 203b, a second reagent storage 204, a reagent container rack 204a, and a reader 204b.

[0015] The analysis mechanism 2 also includes a sample dispensing arm 205, a sample dispensing probe 206, a first reagent dispensing arm 207, a first reagent dispensing probe 208, a second reagent dispensing arm 209, a second reagent dispensing probe 210, a first stirring unit 211, and a second stirring unit 212. The analysis mechanism 2 also includes a photometry unit 220 and a cleaning unit 230.

[0016] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 also has a constant temperature bath 201a that maintains the liquid in the reaction vessels 2011 at a constant temperature. In this embodiment, the constant temperature bath 201a is a water bath that stores constant temperature water. The constant temperature water is, for example, degassed pure water. The reaction vessels 2011 are immersed in the constant temperature water.

[0017] The reaction disk 201 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 to alternately rotate and stop at a predetermined time interval set as a cycle time. As the reaction disk 201 rotates and stops in this manner, the reaction vessels 2011 held on the reaction disk 201 are moved, for example, in a predetermined direction by a predetermined angle. The reaction vessels 2011 are made of, for example, glass. The reaction disk 201 is an example of a transport unit.

[0018] The sample disk 202 holds a plurality of sample containers 100 containing samples, and is rotated by a drive mechanism 3 .

[0019] The first reagent storage 203 keeps cool the reagent containers 101 that contain the first reagent that reacts with a predetermined component contained in each of the standard sample and the test sample. The first reagent storage 203 holds a plurality of reagent containers 101 in a circumferential arrangement using a reagent container rack 203a. The reagent container rack 203a is rotated by the drive mechanism 3 around the center of the first reagent storage 203.

[0020] As the reagent container rack 203a rotates and stops, the reagent containers 101 rotate and stop for each cycle time with their back surfaces facing outward from the first reagent storage 203. As a result, the reagent containers 101 containing the first reagent required for the test items instructed by the processing circuit 8 are moved to predetermined positions, for example, positions where the reagent is aspirated.

[0021] The reagent containers 101 held in the reagent container rack 203a contain, for example, a first reagent used in a basic test item. Here, the basic test item is, for example, a test item that is requested for almost all samples and is a test item that is frequently requested. For example, the basic test item includes a test item that is requested in common to all examinees in a health checkup or the like.

[0022] Basic test items include, for example, GOT (Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase), GPT (Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase), HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), LDH (Low Density Lipoprotein), and Cre (Creatinine).

[0023] The basic test items are set in advance. For example, a list of basic test items indicating which test items are basic test items is stored in advance in the memory circuitry 7. Here, the list of basic test items includes, for example, character strings representing the names of the test items that are basic test items. Note that the test items included in the list of basic test items may be set by the operator via the input interface 4.

[0024] The reagent container 101 is provided with a recording medium on which identification information, etc., of the reagent contained in the reagent container 101 is recorded. Here, the identification information of the reagent includes, for example, the name of the reagent, the name of the test item corresponding to the reagent, the lot number, the type of reagent container, the expiration date of the reagent, etc.

[0025] The recording medium is, for example, an optically readable optical mark, an RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) tag that can be read by wireless communication, etc. The optical mark is a mark that encodes identification information, etc. of the reagent contained in the reagent container 101, such as a barcode, a one-dimensional pixel code, or a two-dimensional pixel code.

[0026] The reader 203b is provided near the outside of the first reagent storage 203 so that it can read the optical mark attached to the back of the reagent container 101 held in the reagent container rack 203a through a detection window provided on the outer wall of the first reagent storage 203.

[0027] For example, when a reagent container 101 is loaded into the reagent container rack 203a, the reader 203b is triggered by a reading start instruction from the processing circuitry 8 to read the optical mark attached to the reagent container 101. The reader 203b supplies the processing circuitry 8 with the reagent identification information written on the read optical mark.

[0028] The second reagent storage 204 keeps cool the reagent containers 102 that contain, for example, a second reagent that pairs with a first reagent of a two-reagent system. The second reagent storage 204 holds a plurality of reagent containers 102 in a circumferential arrangement using a reagent container rack 204a. The reagent container rack 204a is rotated by the drive mechanism 3 around the center of the second reagent storage 204.

[0029] As the reagent container rack 204a rotates and stops, the reagent containers 102 are rotated and stopped for each cycle time with their back surfaces facing outward from the second reagent storage 204, similar to the reagent containers 101. As a result, the reagent containers 102 containing the second reagent required for the test items instructed by the processing circuit 8 are moved to predetermined positions, for example, positions where the reagent is aspirated.

[0030] The reagent containers 102 held in the reagent container rack 204a include those containing, for example, a second reagent used in a basic test item.

[0031] The reagent container 102 is provided with a recording medium on which identification information and the like of the reagent contained in the reagent container 102 is recorded. The recording medium is, for example, an optically readable optical mark, an RFID tag that can be read by wireless communication, or the like.

[0032] The reader 204b is provided near the outside of the second reagent storage 204 so that it can read the optical marks on the back of the reagent containers 102 held in the reagent container rack 204a through a detection window provided on the outer wall of the second reagent storage 204.

[0033] For example, when a reagent container 102 is loaded into the reagent container rack 204a, the reader 204b is triggered by a reading start instruction from the processing circuitry 8 to read the optical mark attached to the reagent container 102. The reader 204b supplies the processing circuitry 8 with the reagent identification information written on the read optical mark.

[0034] The sample dispensing arm 205 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the sample disk 202 so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The sample dispensing arm 205 holds a sample dispensing probe 206 at one end. The sample dispensing arm 205 is moved up and down and rotated by a drive mechanism 3.

[0035] The sample dispensing probe 206 rotates along an arcuate rotational orbit in accordance with the rotation of the sample dispensing arm 205. A sample suction position where the sample dispensing probe 206 aspirates a sample from the sample container 100 is set on this rotational orbit. In addition, a sample discharge position where the sample dispensing probe 206 discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container 2011 is set at a position on the rotational orbit that is different from the sample suction position on the rotational orbit and is the same as the rotational orbit of the reaction container 2011.

[0036] The sample dispensing probe 206 is driven by the driving mechanism 3 and moves up and down between a sample suction position and a sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 206 also aspirates a sample from a sample container 100 positioned at the sample suction position under the control of the processing circuit 8. The sample dispensing probe 206 also aspirates the aspirated sample into a reaction container 2011 positioned at the sample discharge position under the control of the processing circuit 8.

[0037] The sample dispensing probe 206 can also dispense cleaning water into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the sample dispensing position. Here, the cleaning water is water for cleaning the inner surface of the sample dispensing probe 206. The cleaning water dispensed by the sample dispensing probe 206 may also be used as water for measuring a cell blank value, which will be described later.

[0038] The first reagent dispensing arm 207 is provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201 so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The first reagent dispensing arm 207 holds a first reagent dispensing probe 208 at one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 207 is moved up and down and rotated by the drive mechanism 3. The first reagent dispensing probe 208 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational orbit as the first reagent dispensing arm 207 rotates.

[0039] On this rotational orbit, a first reagent aspirating position is set where the first reagent dispensing probe 208 aspirates the first reagent corresponding to each test item from the reagent container 101 placed in the first reagent storage 203, and a first reagent discharging position is set where the aspirated first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 2011.

[0040] The rotational path of the first reagent dispensing probe 208 intersects with the rotational path of the reagent container 101 held in the reagent container rack 203a in the first reagent storage 203 and the rotational path of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. The intersections with the respective rotational paths are the first reagent aspirating position and the first reagent dispensing position.

[0041] The first reagent dispensing probe 208 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 and moves up and down between a first reagent aspirating position and a first reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The first reagent dispensing probe 208 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 101 located at the first reagent aspirating position under the control of the processing circuit 8. The first reagent dispensing probe 208 discharges the aspirated first reagent into the reaction container 2011 located at the first reagent dispensing position under the control of the processing circuit 8.

[0042] The first reagent dispensing probe 208 can also discharge cleaning water into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first reagent dispensing position. Here, the cleaning water is water for cleaning the inner surface of the first reagent dispensing probe 208.

[0043] The second reagent dispensing arm 209 is provided between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent storage 204 so as to be movable up and down in the vertical direction and rotatable in the horizontal direction. The second reagent dispensing arm 209 holds a second reagent dispensing probe 210 at one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 209 is moved up and down and rotated by the drive mechanism 3. The second reagent dispensing probe 210 rotates along an arc-shaped rotation path as the second reagent dispensing arm 209 rotates.

[0044] On this rotational orbit, a second reagent suction position is set where the second reagent dispensing probe 210 aspirates the second reagent corresponding to each test item from the reagent container 102 held in the reagent container rack 204a arranged in the second reagent storage 204, and a second reagent ejection position is set where the aspirated second reagent is ejected into the reaction container 2011.

[0045] The rotational path of the second reagent dispensing probe 210 intersects with the rotational path of the reagent container 102 held in the reagent container rack 204a in the second reagent storage 204 and the rotational path of the reaction container 2011 held on the reaction disk 201. The intersections with the respective rotational paths are the second reagent aspirating position and the second reagent dispensing position.

[0046] The second reagent dispensing probe 210 is driven by the drive mechanism 3 and moves up and down between a second reagent aspirating position and a second reagent dispensing position on the rotation orbit. The second reagent dispensing probe 210 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 102 located at the second reagent aspirating position under the control of the processing circuit 8. The second reagent dispensing probe 210 also dispenses the aspirated second reagent into the reaction container 2011 located at the second reagent dispensing position under the control of the processing circuit 8.

[0047] The second reagent dispensing probe 210 can also discharge cleaning water into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the second reagent dispensing position. Here, the cleaning water is water for cleaning the inner surface of the second reagent dispensing probe 210.

[0048] The first stirring unit 211 and the second stirring unit 212 are provided near the outer periphery of the reaction disk 201. The first stirring unit 211 has a first stirring arm and a first stirring bar provided at the tip of the first stirring arm. The first stirring unit 211 uses the first stirring bar to stir the sample and first reagent contained in a reaction vessel 2011 placed at a first stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

[0049] The second stirring unit 212 further includes a second stirring arm and a second stirring bar attached to the tip of the second stirring arm. The second stirring unit 212 uses the second stirring bar to stir the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 placed at the second stirring position on the reaction disk 201.

[0050] The photometry unit 220 is provided near the photometry position. The photometry position is set in advance on the reaction disk 201. The photometry unit 220 optically measures the components of the mixed liquid or the like contained in the reaction vessel 2011. The photometry unit 220 has a light source and a photodetector. The light source and the photodetector are provided at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel 2011 located at the photometry position.

[0051] The photometry unit 220 emits light from a light source under the control of the processing circuit 8. The photodetector detects the light emitted from the light source at a sampling period synchronized with the cycle time, for example. This allows the detection of light transmitted through the mixed liquid discharged into the reaction vessel 2011.

[0052] The photodetector generates standard data or test data expressed, for example, as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 220 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the processing circuit 8.

[0053] In addition, an air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 (not shown in FIG. 2) is provided near the photometric unit 220. The air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 removes air bubbles and foreign matter present in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath 201a. Specifically, the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 removes air bubbles and foreign matter present around the photodetector of the photometric unit 220. The air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0054] First, the configuration of the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 will be described. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221. The air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 includes a pump 221a, a degasser 221b, a filter 221c, and a heater 221d. The pump 221a, the degasser 221b, and the heater 221d are connected to the processing circuitry 8, which will be described later.

[0055] Although not shown, the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 has a storage section and a heating section. The storage section is an area for storing constant temperature water sucked by the pump 221a. The heating section is an area for heating the constant temperature water that has passed through the filter 221c with the heater 221d. The filter 221c is provided between the storage section and the heating section.

[0056] The pump 221a sucks and discharges the constant temperature water. The pump 221a is an example of a discharge unit and a suction unit. For example, under the control of the processing circuit 8, the pump 221a sucks the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath 201a through a suction port 201b provided in the constant temperature bath 201a. Also, under the control of the processing circuit 8, for example, the pump 221a removes air bubbles and foreign matter and discharges the constant temperature water heated to a predetermined temperature from a discharge port 201c provided in the constant temperature bath 201a.

[0057] The degasser 221b is a device that removes gas contained in the liquid. For example, the degasser 221b removes air bubbles from the constant temperature water sucked into the reservoir by the pump 221a under the control of the processing circuit 8. Known methods for removing gas, such as decompression and gas-liquid separation, can be used as appropriate, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The filter 221c removes foreign matter contained in the liquid. For example, when the pump 221a is driven, the constant temperature water in the reservoir moves toward the heating unit. At this time, the filter 221c provided between the reservoir and the heating unit captures particles that exceed a predetermined size. Particles that are smaller than the predetermined size pass through the filter 221c and move toward the heating unit. This allows the filter 221c to remove particles that exceed the predetermined size as foreign matter.

[0059] The heater 221d heats the liquid. For example, the heater 221d heats the constant temperature water in the heating unit, from which air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed by the degasser 221b and the filter 221c, to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 37°C) under the control of the processing circuit 8. Note that a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the constant temperature water may be provided in the heating unit.

[0060] Next, the process after the constant temperature water from which air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed is described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams for explaining an example of the air bubble / foreign matter removal process. Figure 4 shows an example of the periphery of the photometry unit 220 as viewed from above (Z-axis direction).

[0061] 4, the photometry unit 220 includes a photometry window 220b and an irradiation window 220c. The photometry window 220b is a window through which light irradiated from a light source (not shown) into the thermostatic chamber 201a is received by the photodetector 220a. The irradiation window 220c is a window through which the light source irradiates light into the thermostatic chamber 201a. An optical path LP represents the path of light irradiated from the light source.

[0062] 5 shows an example of the periphery of the photometry unit 220 as viewed from the side (y-axis direction). As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the outlet 201c is provided so as to surround the photometry window 220b. Although not shown, the outlet 201c is also provided so as to surround the irradiation window 220c, similar to the photometry window 220b.

[0063] However, if air bubbles or foreign matter pass through the optical path LP during photometry, the light emitted from the light source will be blocked by the air bubbles or foreign matter. Therefore, in this case, the light detected by the photodetector 220a will no longer accurately reflect the state of the liquid in the reaction vessel 2011. In other words, an accurate measurement value cannot be calculated, and the analytical accuracy will decrease.

[0064] In this embodiment, the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 ejects constant temperature water, from which air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed, from ejection ports 201c provided around the photometric window 220b and the irradiation window 220c toward the position of the reaction vessel 2011 immersed in the constant temperature water in the constant temperature bath 201a. The ejected constant temperature water hits the reaction vessel 2011, generating a water flow WF. As a result of the generation of the water flow WF, even if, for example, air bubbles B are generated in the constant temperature water, the air bubbles B are blocked by the water flow WF. In other words, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the air bubbles B will pass through the optical path LP.

[0065] 2, the description will continue. The cleaning unit 230 includes a waste liquid nozzle, a cleaning nozzle, and a drying nozzle. The cleaning unit 230 uses the waste liquid nozzle to suck the mixed liquid from the reaction vessel 2011 positioned at the reaction vessel cleaning position as waste liquid.

[0066] The cleaning unit 230 uses a cleaning nozzle to discharge a cleaning liquid into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the reaction vessel cleaning position, thereby cleaning the reaction vessel 2011. The cleaning unit 230 uses a drying nozzle to supply dry air into the reaction vessel 2011, thereby drying the reaction vessel 2011 that has been cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

[0067] 1, the description will continue. The drive mechanism 3 is realized by gears, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, a lead screw, etc. The drive mechanism 3 drives the analysis mechanism 2 based on the control of the processing circuit 8.

[0068] The input interface 120 is connected to the processing circuitry 8, converts input operations received from the user into electrical signals, and outputs the signals to the processing circuitry 8. For example, the input interface 4 may be realized by a trackball, a switch button, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchpad that performs input operations by touching the operation surface, a touchscreen that integrates a display screen and a touchpad, a non-contact input circuit that uses an optical sensor, a voice input circuit, or the like.

[0069] The input interface 4 is not limited to one equipped with physical operation components such as a mouse and a keyboard. For example, an example of the input interface 4 also includes an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analyzer 1 and outputs this electrical signal to the processing circuit 8. For example, the input interface 4 receives settings such as analysis parameters for each test item related to the sample.

[0070] The display 5 displays a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that allows the operator to input various setting requests using the input interface 11, and displays analysis data that shows the analysis results obtained by the automatic analyzer 1. For example, the display 140 is realized by a liquid crystal monitor, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitor, a touch panel, or the like.

[0071] The printer 6 prints the analysis data and the like supplied from the processing circuit 8 on printer paper or the like in accordance with a preset format.

[0072] The memory circuitry 7 stores various programs for performing automatic analysis and information used by the programs. The memory circuitry 7 also stores test orders and processing results by the processing circuitry 8. For example, the memory circuitry 7 stores cell blank data (described later) and analysis data indicating analysis results by the automatic analyzer 1. The memory circuitry 13 is realized by, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, or the like.

[0073] The processing circuitry 8 controls the overall processing of the automatic analyzer 1. For example, the processing circuitry 8 reads out and executes a control function 81, an analysis function 82, and a display control function 83 from the storage circuitry 7, thereby causing the automatic analyzer 1 to collect test data, obtain analytical data based on the test data, display the analytical data, and so on. For example, the processing circuitry is realized by a processor.

[0074] In this embodiment, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 8, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors and realize the functions by each processor executing a program.

[0075] The control function 81 controls each component of the automatic analyzer 1 in response to input operations received from an operator via the input interface 4. For example, the control function 81 controls the drive mechanism 3 to control the driving of each component in the analysis mechanism 2. The control function 81 also controls the photometry unit 220 to control the irradiation of light from the light source and the generation of standard data and test data by the photodetector 220a. The control function 81 also controls the cleaning unit 230 to control the cleaning of the reaction vessel 2011.

[0076] For example, the control function 81 controls each unit of the analysis mechanism 2 based on the test order to generate standard data and test data. The standard data and test data generated by the control function 81 are output to the analysis function 82, which generates analysis data.

[0077] Here, the control function 81 controls the operation of each part of the automatic analyzer 1 so as to generate cell blank data to be used when generating analysis data. Here, the cell blank data is data for correcting variations among the reaction vessels 2011, and is generated by photometry of the reaction vessels 2011 into which water has been dispensed.

[0078] For example, the control function 81 cleans the reaction vessel 2011 used to generate the standard data and test data, and then dispenses water into the cleaned reaction vessel 2011 to generate cell blank data.

[0079] As an example, the control function 81 controls the washing unit 230 to suck the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 2011 positioned at the reaction vessel washing position as waste liquid, and to discharge washing liquid into the reaction vessel 2011 positioned at the reaction vessel washing position, thereby washing the reaction vessel 2011. Thereafter, the control function 81 controls the sample dispensing probe 206 to discharge washing water into the washed reaction vessel 2011, and causes the photometric unit 220 to generate cell blank data indicated by absorbance.

[0080] The control function 81 stores the generated cell blank data in the memory circuitry 7 in association with the ID of the reaction vessel 2011. The cell blank data stored in the memory circuitry 7 is used when generating analytical data from the standard data and test data generated by photometry using the corresponding reaction vessel 2011.

[0081] Furthermore, the control function 81 controls the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221 to perform the air bubble / foreign matter removal process. For example, the control function 81 starts the air bubble / foreign matter removal process when it receives an input of an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign matter removal process from the user.

[0082] As an example, the control function 81 accepts input of an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process when the user presses a physical button provided on the automatic analyzer 1 for inputting an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process. Note that the control function 81 may also accept input of an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process when the user clicks with a mouse (or touches with a hand) a button displayed on the display 5 for inputting an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process.

[0083] Furthermore, for example, the control function 81 controls the air bubble / foreign matter removing unit 221 to discharge the constant temperature water from which the air bubbles / foreign matter have been removed from the discharge port 201c at the timing when the reaction disk 201 is transporting the reaction vessel 2011. At this time, the control function 81 controls the discharge of the constant temperature water at a speed faster than the transport speed at which the reaction disk 201 transports the reaction vessel 2011.

[0084] This makes it possible to generate a water flow WF around the photometry window 220b of the photometry unit 220 in accordance with the timing at which photometry is performed, without blocking the light path LP of the light source.

[0085] Also, for example, when the control function 81 receives an input of an instruction to end the air bubble / foreign substance removal process from the user while the air bubble / foreign substance removal process is being executed, the control function 81 ends the air bubble / foreign substance removal process.

[0086] As an example, the control function 81 accepts input of an instruction to end the air bubble / foreign substance removal process when the user presses a physical button provided on the automatic analyzer 1 for inputting an instruction to end the air bubble / foreign substance removal process while the air bubble / foreign substance removal process is being executed. Note that the control function 81 may also accept input of an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process when the user clicks with a mouse or the like on a button for inputting an instruction to end the air bubble / foreign substance removal process that is displayed on the display 5.

[0087] As an example of the processing flow, first, when the control function 81 receives an input from the user to start the air bubble / foreign matter removal process, it controls the drive of the pump 221a to suck constant temperature water from the suction port 201b provided in the constant temperature bath 201a. The sucked constant temperature water is stored in the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221.

[0088] Next, the control function 81 controls the operation of the degasser 221b to remove air bubbles contained in the constant temperature water stored in the storage unit. After the air bubbles are removed by the degasser 221b, the control function 81 drives the pump 221a to send the constant temperature water from the storage unit to the heating unit. At this time, the constant temperature water passes through the filter 221c, which captures foreign matter in the constant temperature water, and the constant temperature water from which the air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed is stored in the heating unit.

[0089] Next, the control function 81 controls the operation of the heater 221d to heat the constant temperature water stored in the heating section, from which air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed, to a predetermined temperature.The control function 81 then controls the operation of the pump 221a to discharge the constant temperature water, from which bubbles and foreign matter have been removed and which has been heated to the predetermined temperature, from the discharge port 201c.Thereafter, the control function 81 repeats the same process until it receives an input from the user instructing it to end the air bubble / foreign matter removal process.

[0090] The analysis function 82 performs data analysis. For example, the analysis function 82 generates analytical data using cell blank data, standard data, and test data. As an example, the analysis function 82 first subtracts the cell blank data from the standard data and test data generated in each reaction vessel 2011. That is, the analysis function 82 reads out the cell blank data stored in association with the ID of the reaction vessel 2011 that generated the standard data, and subtracts it from the standard data.

[0091] Similarly, the analysis function 82 reads out the cell blank data stored in association with the ID of the reaction vessel 2011 that generated the test data, and subtracts it from the test data. This makes it possible to eliminate errors in the photometric values ​​caused by variations among the reaction vessels 2011.

[0092] Then, the analysis function 82 generates a calibration curve corresponding to the test item based on the standard data. Here, the calibration curve is a graph showing the relationship between the concentration or activity of the component analyzed in the test item and the optical properties such as absorbance.

[0093] For example, the analysis function 82 plots absorbances corresponding to a plurality of concentrations and generates a calibration curve based on the least squares method or the like. Then, the analysis function 82 applies the absorbances related to the test data to the generated calibration curve to generate analytical data indicating the concentration or activity of the component corresponding to the absorbances. The analysis function 82 stores the generated analytical data in the memory circuitry 7.

[0094] The display control function 83 displays various information on a display device. For example, the display control function 83 displays the processing results by the control function 81 and the analysis function 82 on the display 5. As an example, the display control function 83 displays information on the analysis data generated by the analysis function 82 and the cell blank data generated by the control function 81 on the display 5.

[0095] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0096] First, the control function 81 determines whether an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process has been received from the user (step S101). For example, the control function 81 determines that an instruction to start the air bubble / foreign substance removal process has been received when the user presses a button to instruct the start of the air bubble / foreign substance removal process. If the start instruction has not been received (step S101: No), the process of step S101 is repeated.

[0097] On the other hand, if a start instruction has been received (step S101: Yes), the control function 81 executes a process of sucking constant temperature water from the constant temperature bath 201a (step S102). For example, the control function 81 controls the driving of the pump 221a to suck constant temperature water from the suction port 201b provided in the constant temperature bath 201a. The sucked constant temperature water is stored in a storage portion of the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221.

[0098] Next, the control function 81 executes a process to remove air bubbles from the constant temperature water (step S103). For example, the control function 81 controls the operation of the degasser 221b to remove air bubbles contained in the constant temperature water stored in the storage section.

[0099] Next, the control function 81 executes a process to remove foreign matter (step S104). For example, the control function 81 controls the driving of the pump 221a to send the constant temperature water from which air bubbles have been removed from the storage unit to the heating unit. At this time, the constant temperature water passes through a filter 221c provided between the storage unit and the heating unit. The filter 221c removes foreign matter from the constant temperature water by capturing particles larger than a predetermined size.

[0100] Next, the control function 81 executes a process of heating the constant temperature water (step S105). For example, the control function 81 controls the operation of the heater 221d to heat the constant temperature water from which air bubbles and foreign matter have been removed to a predetermined temperature.

[0101] Next, the control function 81 determines whether an instruction to end the bubble / foreign matter removal process has been received from the user (step S106). If an instruction to end the process has not been received (step S106: No), the process returns to step S102. On the other hand, if an instruction to end the process has been received (step S106: Yes), the process ends.

[0102] As described above, the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment discharges constant temperature water into the constant temperature bath 201a, thereby generating a water flow around the optical path of the light source that irradiates light into the constant temperature bath 201a.

[0103] As a result, even if, for example, air bubbles are generated in the constant-temperature water in the constant-temperature bath 201a or foreign matter enters, the generated water flow blocks the air bubbles or foreign matter, reducing the possibility of the air bubbles or foreign matter passing through the optical path. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the probability of abnormalities occurring during photometry due to air bubbles or foreign matter. In other words, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can improve analysis accuracy.

[0104] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is started when a start instruction is received from a user, and the process is ended when an end instruction is received. In the second embodiment, the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is automatically started when a start condition is met, and the process is ended when a stop condition is met.

[0105] In the following, differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, each embodiment described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combination.

[0106] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 7, the automatic analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the automatic analyzer 1 according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1. However, it differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a processing circuit 8a, and that the processing circuit 8a includes a control function 81a and a display control function 83a.

[0107] The control function 81a of the processing circuit 8a controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1a during the measurement process to measure the cell blank value for the reaction vessel 2011 in which the test sample has not been measured. For example, the control function 81a executes a process of either dispensing the test sample into the reaction vessel 2011 and measuring the test sample, or dispensing water into the reaction vessel 2011 and measuring the cell blank value, based on the test order.

[0108] As an example, the control function 81a determines whether to dispense a sample or water into the reaction vessel 2011 that has been washed and dried in the washing unit 230, based on the number of times sample measurements have been performed since the last time the cell blank value was measured.

[0109] Specifically, the control function 81a determines that water should be dispensed if a predetermined number of sample measurements have been performed since the last time the cell blank value was measured, and determines that sample should be dispensed if the number of sample measurements since the last time the cell blank value was measured is less than the predetermined number.

[0110] When a specific test item is measured, the cell blank value may be measured even if the number of times is less than the number of sample measurements. The specific test item may be, for example, an item that uses a highly viscous test reagent or an item that uses a test reagent that is likely to transfer color to the reaction vessel 2011.

[0111] Furthermore, from the start of measurement until the number of measurements of the sample for each reaction vessel 2011 reaches a predetermined number, it is preferable to measure the cell blank values ​​of the reaction vessels 2011 in a distributed manner multiple times so that the cell blank value is measured once for each reaction vessel 2011 until the number of measurements reaches the predetermined number, regardless of the number of measurements of the sample.

[0112] This prevents a situation in which the efficiency of sample measurement is reduced due to the majority of the reaction vessels 2011 being used to measure the cell blank value. Furthermore, even before the number of sample measurements for each reaction vessel 2011 reaches a predetermined number, the control function 81a can execute the process of determining whether or not a bubble / foreign matter has been detected, which will be described later.

[0113] Furthermore, for example, when the control function 81a measures the cell blank value, it determines whether an abnormality is observed in the cell blank value. As an example, the control function 81a first determines whether the cell blank value is within a predetermined range.

[0114] Specifically, the control function 81a measures the cell blank value of the reaction vessel 2011 into which water has been dispensed multiple times within a predetermined time after the water has been dispensed. For ease of explanation, the multiple cell blank value measurements performed within a predetermined time after the water has been dispensed will be referred to as one set of measurements. Hereinafter, the predetermined time may be determined taking into consideration the reaction time of the first reagent and the reaction time of the second reagent for a specific test item, etc.

[0115] If the cell blank value is within the range for all measurements in one set of measurements, the control function 81a determines that no abnormality has been observed in the cell blank value.On the other hand, if the cell blank value is out of the range (an abnormal value) even once, the control function 81a determines that an abnormality has been observed in the cell blank value.

[0116] Furthermore, for example, when the control function 81a determines that an abnormality has been observed in the cell blank value, it determines whether or not a bubble / foreign matter has been detected. In this case, the control function 81a is an example of a detection unit. As an example, the control function 81a determines whether or not the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011.

[0117] Specifically, the control function 81a determines whether abnormalities in the cell blank value are observed multiple times in one set of measurements for the reaction vessel 2011 in which it has been determined that an abnormality has been observed in the cell blank value.

[0118] If abnormalities in the cell blank value are observed multiple times within one set of measurements, the control function 81a determines that the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011. If it is determined that the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011, the control function 81a determines that no bubbles / foreign matter have been detected.

[0119] On the other hand, if no abnormality in the cell blank value is observed multiple times within one set of measurements, the control function 81a determines that the abnormality in the cell blank value is not caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011. If it is determined that the abnormality in the cell blank value is not caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011, the control function 81a determines that a bubble / foreign object has been detected.

[0120] When it is determined that the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011, the control function 81a may measure the cell blank value again for that reaction vessel 2011. Furthermore, when the abnormality in the cell blank value is not resolved even after measuring the cell blank value multiple times for that reaction vessel 2011, the control function 81a may control each part so that that reaction vessel 2011 is not used for sample measurement.

[0121] Furthermore, for example, when the control function 81a determines that an air bubble / foreign object has been detected, it determines whether to stop the measurement process. As an example, when an abnormal cell blank value is observed consecutively more than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, the control function 81a determines to stop the measurement process.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, when the control function 81a determines that an air bubble / foreign object has been detected, it starts a process of removing the air bubble / foreign object. The process of removing the air bubble / foreign object is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0123] Even when it is determined that an air bubble / foreign matter has been detected, the control function 81a may not start the process of removing the air bubble / foreign matter depending on the measurement result of the cell blank value. For example, if the occurrence of abnormalities in the cell blank value within a predetermined period is less than a threshold value, the control function 81a may not start the process of removing the air bubble / foreign matter.

[0124] Furthermore, for example, if the control function 81a determines that a condition for stopping the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is satisfied during the execution of the air bubble / foreign matter removal process, the control function 81a stops the air bubble / foreign matter removal process. As an example, if no air bubble / foreign matter is detected within a predetermined period (for example, 10 cycles), the control function 81a stops the air bubble / foreign matter removal process.

[0125] Note that the above-described various determination conditions are merely examples and are not limited to the above. Furthermore, the various determination conditions may be freely set by the user. For example, when an abnormality is observed in the cell blank value, the control function 81a may determine that a bubble / foreign matter has been detected without determining whether the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011.

[0126] The display control function 83a notifies the user of various events. The display control function 83a is an example of a notification unit. For example, when the control function 81a starts the process of removing air bubbles / foreign matter, the display control function 83a controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that the process of removing air bubbles / foreign matter has started because air bubbles / foreign matter have been detected.

[0127] If the control function 81a detects air bubbles / foreign matter but does not start the removal process, the display control function 83a may simply notify the user that air bubbles / foreign matter have been detected.

[0128] Furthermore, for example, when the control function 81a determines that the measurement process should be stopped, it controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that the measurement process should be stopped because an abnormality in the automatic analyzer 1 has been detected.

[0129] Furthermore, for example, if the control function 81a determines that an abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011, the display control function 83a controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that the reaction vessel 2011 in which the abnormality in the cell blank value was observed may be dirty or scratched.

[0130] Next, the processing executed by the automatic analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment will be described. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing executed by the automatic analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment. It is assumed that the automatic analyzer 1a is currently executing a sample measurement process. In the following description, for convenience of explanation, the sample is assumed to be a test sample.

[0131] First, the control function 81a measures the cell blank value (step S201). Note that although the measurement of the cell blank value is described as step S201 in Fig. 8, the measurement of the cell blank value is performed continuously during the execution of the measurement process.

[0132] An example of the cell blank value measurement process that is performed in parallel with the measurement process will be described below with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the process executed by the automatic analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment. As in Fig. 8, it is assumed that the automatic analyzer 1a is currently executing the sample measurement process.

[0133] First, the control function 81a determines the use of the reaction vessel 2011 (step S2011). For example, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011, which has been washed and dried by the washing unit 230, will be used for measuring a cell blank value or for measuring a sample. The determination result as to whether the reaction vessel 2011 will be used for measuring a cell blank value or for measuring a sample, is stored in the memory circuitry 7 in association with the identification information of the reaction vessel 2011.

[0134] As an example, the control function 81a determines that a reaction vessel 2011 that has undergone a predetermined number of sample measurements after the previous cell blank value measurement (one set of measurements) is to be used for cell blank value measurement, and determines that the other reaction vessels are to be used for sample measurements. Note that from the start of measurement until the predetermined number of sample measurements are completed, the control function 81a may determine the use of the reaction vessel 2011 according to preset conditions.

[0135] Next, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011, the use of which was determined in step S2011, has stopped at the sample dispensing position (step S2012). If the reaction vessel 2011 has not stopped at the sample dispensing position (step S2012: No), the process of step S2012 is repeated.

[0136] On the other hand, if the reaction vessel 2011 stops at the sample dispensing position (step S2012: Yes), the control function 81a determines from the determination result in step S2011 whether the reaction vessel 2011 stopped at the sample dispensing position is the one to be used for measuring the cell blank value (step S2013).

[0137] If it is determined that the sample will be used to measure a cell blank value (step S2013: Yes), the control function 81a controls the sample dispensing probe 206 to dispense water into the reaction vessel 2011 stopped at the sample dispensing position (step S2014). On the other hand, if it is determined that the sample will not be used to measure a cell blank value (step S2013: No), the control function 81a controls the sample dispensing probe 206 to dispense a sample into the reaction vessel 2011 stopped at the sample dispensing position (step S2015).

[0138] Next, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011 into which water was dispensed in step S2014 or the reaction vessel 2011 into which the sample was dispensed in step S2015 has moved to the photometry position (step S2016). If it has not moved to the photometry position (step S2016: No), the process of step S2016 is repeated. On the other hand, if it has moved to the photometry position (step S2016: Yes), the control function 81a controls the photometry unit 220 to detect (measure) light transmitted through the liquid in the reaction vessel 2011 (step S2017).

[0139] Next, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011 into which water was dispensed in step S2014 or the reaction vessel 2011 into which the sample was dispensed in step S2015 has stopped at the first reagent dispensing position (step S2018). If the reaction vessel 2011 has not stopped at the first reagent dispensing position (step S2012: No), the process of step S2018 is repeated.

[0140] On the other hand, if the reaction vessel 2011 has stopped at the first reagent dispensing position (step S2018: Yes), the control function 81a determines whether to dispense the first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the first reagent dispensing position (step S2019). For example, the control function 81a determines not to dispense the first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 that has been determined in step S2011 to be used for measuring a cell blank value. Also, for example, the control function 81a determines to dispense the first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 that has been determined in step S2011 to be used for sample measurement.

[0141] If it is determined that the first reagent will not be dispensed (step S2019: No), the process proceeds to step S2021. On the other hand, if it is determined that the first reagent will be dispensed (step S2019: Yes), the control function 81a controls the first reagent dispensing probe 208 to dispense the first reagent for the test item corresponding to the test order into the reaction vessel 2011 (step S2020). Thereafter, the control function 81a controls the first mixing unit 211 to mix the sample and first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011.

[0142] Steps S2021 and S2022 are similar to steps S2016 and S2017 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0143] After step S2022, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011 into which water was dispensed in step S2014 or the reaction vessel 2011 into which the first reagent was dispensed in step S2020 has stopped at the second reagent dispensing position (step S2023). If the reaction vessel 2011 has not stopped at the second reagent dispensing position (step S2023: No), the process of step S2023 is repeated.

[0144] On the other hand, if the reaction vessel 2011 has stopped at the second reagent dispensing position (step S2023: Yes), the control function 81a determines whether to dispense the second reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 that has stopped at the second reagent dispensing position (step S2024). For example, the control function 81a determines not to dispense the second reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 that has been determined in step S2011 to be used for measuring the cell blank value.

[0145] Also, for example, the control function 81a determines not to dispense the second reagent into a reaction vessel 2011 that is determined to be used for sample measurement in step S2011 and that is to be used for measurement of a test item for which the second reagent is not present. Also, for example, the control function 81a determines to dispense the second reagent into a reaction vessel 2011 that is determined to be used for sample measurement in step S2011 and that is to be used for measurement of a test item for which the second reagent is present.

[0146] Note that in Figure 9, it is described that one photometry is performed after processing in step S2019 or step S2020 until it is determined in step S2023 that the reaction vessel 2011 has stopped at the second reagent dispensing position, but multiple photometry may be performed during this period.

[0147] If it is determined that the second reagent will not be dispensed (step S2024: No), the process proceeds to step S2026. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second reagent will be dispensed (step S2024: Yes), the control function 81a controls the second reagent dispensing probe 210 to dispense the second reagent for the test item corresponding to the test order into the reaction vessel 2011 (step S2025). Thereafter, the control function 81a controls the second mixing unit 212 to mix the mixture of the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 with the second reagent.

[0148] Steps S2026 and S2027 are similar to steps S2016 and S2017 described above, and therefore will not be described here.

[0149] After step S2027, the process proceeds to step S2028, but steps S2028 and S2029 are similar to the above-mentioned steps S2016 and S2017, so their explanations will be omitted. Here, when sample measurement is being performed, the photometry in step S2029 is photometry for generating test data.

[0150] In other words, the photometry in step S2029 is performed when the reaction time of the first reagent has elapsed after dispensing the first reagent for a test item that uses only the first reagent, and when the reaction time of the second reagent has elapsed after dispensing the second reagent for a test item that uses a second reagent.

[0151] Note that, although FIG. 9 illustrates that one photometry is performed after the processing of step S2024 or step S2025 and before photometry is performed in step S2029, multiple photometry may be performed during this time.

[0152] After step S2029, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011 that has undergone photometry processing is the one to be used for measuring the cell blank value (step S2030). If it is determined that the reaction vessel 2011 is the one to be used for measuring the cell blank value (step S2030: Yes), the control function 81a generates cell blank data (step S2032).

[0153] For example, the control function 81a calculates the average value of the cell blank values ​​obtained in steps S2017, S2022, S2027, and S2029 (one set of measurements), and generates cell blank data representing the average value.

[0154] If it is determined that the data is not to be used for measuring the cell blank value (step S2030: No), the control function 81a generates test data (step S2031). The control function 81a also sends the generated test data to the analysis function 82. The analysis function 82 generates analysis data (step S2033).

[0155] For example, the analysis function 82 applies the absorbance related to the test data to a calibration curve corresponding to the test item generated based on standard data, and generates analytical data indicating the concentration or activity of the component corresponding to the absorbance.

[0156] Next, the control function 81a determines whether the reaction vessel 2011 that underwent photometry processing in step S2029 has stopped at the cleaning position (step S2034). If it has not stopped at the cleaning position (step S2034: No), the process of step S2034 is repeated. On the other hand, if it has stopped at the cleaning position (step S2034: Yes), the control function 81a controls the cleaning unit 230 to clean the reaction vessel 2011 (step S2035), and returns to the process of step S2011.

[0157] Returning to FIG. 8, the explanation will be continued. After one set of measurements, the control function 81a determines whether an abnormality in the cell blank value is observed (step S202). For example, the control function 81a determines whether all of the cell blank values ​​measured in one set of measurements measured in step S201 are within the range. If no abnormality is observed in the cell blank value (step S202: No), the control function 81a determines whether a bubble / foreign matter removal process is being performed (step S203).

[0158] If the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is not currently being executed (step S203: No), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is currently being executed (step S203: Yes), it is determined whether the stop condition for the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is met (step S204).

[0159] For example, the control function 81a determines that the stop condition is met if no air bubbles / foreign matter are detected continuously for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 cycle times), and otherwise determines that the stop condition is not met.

[0160] If the condition for stopping the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is not met (step S204: No), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the condition for stopping the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is met (step S204: Yes), the control function 81a stops the air bubble / foreign matter removal process (step S213). For example, the control function 81a stops driving the air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221.

[0161] Next, the control function 81a determines whether an input to end the measurement process has been received from the user (step S214). If an input to end the measurement process has not been received (step S214: No), the process returns to step S201. If an input to end the measurement process has been received (step S214: Yes), the process ends.

[0162] On the other hand, if an abnormality in the cell blank value is observed in step S202 (step S202: Yes), the control function 81a determines whether an air bubble / foreign matter has been detected (step S205). For example, if the abnormality in the cell blank value is caused by a specific reaction vessel 2011, the control function 81a determines that an air bubble / foreign matter has not been detected, and otherwise determines that an air bubble / foreign matter has been detected.

[0163] If no air bubbles / foreign matter are detected (step S205: No), the display control function 83a notifies the user that there may be a problem with the specific reaction vessel 2011 (step S217), and the process returns to step S201. For example, the display control function 83a controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that there may be dirt or scratches in the specific reaction vessel 2011.

[0164] On the other hand, if an air bubble / foreign matter is detected (step S205: Yes), the control function 81a determines whether abnormal cell blank values ​​have been observed a number of times in succession exceeding the threshold (step S206). If abnormal cell blank values ​​have been observed a number of times in succession exceeding the threshold (step S206: Yes), the display control function 83a notifies the user that the measurement process will be stopped (step S215). For example, the display control function 83a controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that an error has occurred in the device and that the measurement process will be stopped.

[0165] Next, the control function 81a stops the measurement process (step S216) and ends this process. On the other hand, if the number of consecutive air bubbles / foreign matter detections exceeds the threshold (step S206: No), the control function 81a determines whether the air bubble / foreign matter removal process is being performed (step S207).

[0166] If the air bubble / foreign substance removal process is being executed (step S207: Yes), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, if the air bubble / foreign substance removal process is not being executed (step S207: No), the display control function 83a notifies the user that the air bubble / foreign substance removal process will start (step S208). For example, because there is a possibility that air bubbles or foreign substances have occurred near the photometry unit 220, the display control function 83a controls the display 5 to display a message indicating that the air bubble / foreign substance removal process will start.

[0167] After step S208, the process proceeds to step S209, but the processes from step S209 to S212 are the same as the processes from step S102 to S105 in Fig. 6, so a description thereof will be omitted. After step S212, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned step S214.

[0168] As described above, the automated analyzer 1a according to the second embodiment measures the cell blank value in parallel with the measurement process, determines whether air bubbles / foreign matter have been detected based on the cell blank value, and if air bubbles / foreign matter are detected, starts the process of removing the air bubbles / foreign matter. Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1a determines whether to stop the process of removing the air bubbles / foreign matter based on whether a predetermined condition is met during the process of removing the air bubbles / foreign matter, and stops the process of removing the air bubbles / foreign matter if the predetermined condition is met.

[0169] This allows the process of removing air bubbles / foreign objects to be started automatically without the user having to determine whether air bubbles / foreign objects have been generated.Similarly, the process of removing air bubbles / foreign objects can be stopped automatically without the user having to determine whether the air bubbles / foreign objects have been removed.

[0170] Furthermore, in the automatic analyzer 1a, the user can freely set the conditions for starting and stopping the bubble / foreign matter removal process, which allows the user to set the conditions for starting and stopping the bubble / foreign matter removal process according to the situation of the facility, for example.

[0171] The first and second embodiments described above can be modified as needed by changing some of the configurations or functions of the automatic analyzer 1 (1a). Therefore, some modifications of the above-described embodiments will be described below as other embodiments. Differences from the above-described embodiments will be mainly described below, and detailed descriptions of commonalities with the contents already described will be omitted. The modifications described below may be implemented individually or in appropriate combinations.

[0172] (Variation 1) In the second embodiment described above, a configuration was described in which it was determined whether a reaction vessel 2011 was to be used for cell blank value measurement or sample measurement based on the number of times sample measurements were performed. In this modified example, a configuration will be described in which a specific reaction vessel 2011 from among a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 is set as the reaction vessel 2011 for cell blank value measurement.

[0173] In this modification, no sample is dispensed into a specific reaction vessel 2011 set for cell blank value measurement, and water is always dispensed therein to measure the cell blank value. The control function 81a determines whether or not air bubbles / foreign matter have been detected from the measurement result of the cell blank value.

[0174] In this modification, the cell blank values ​​of the reaction vessels 2011 other than the reaction vessel 2011 set for cell blank value measurement may be measured in accordance with instructions from the user.

[0175] According to this modification, it is possible to improve the efficiency of sample measurement and also to detect air bubbles / foreign matter.

[0176] (Variation 2) In the above-described first and second embodiments, the automatic analyzer 1 (1a) is described as having an input interface 4, a display 5, a printer 6, a memory circuit 7, and a processing circuit 8 (8a), but the configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 (1a) is not limited to this.

[0177] For example, the functions of the input interface 4, display 5, printer 6, memory circuitry 7, and processing circuitry 8 (8a) can be replaced by the functions of an information processing device such as a personal computer or workstation and an external printer for the automatic analyzer 1 (1a).

[0178] As an example, when an information processing device and an external printer are connected to the automatic analyzer 1, the functions of the input interface 4, display 5, printer 6, memory circuit 7, and processing circuit 8 can be replaced by the input interface, display, memory circuit, and processing circuit of the information processing device, respectively, and the function of the printer 6 can be replaced by the external printer.

[0179] Furthermore, if the functions of an information processing device and an external printer are substituted, the automatic analyzer 1 (1a) does not necessarily have to include the input interface 4, display 5, printer 6, memory circuitry 7, and processing circuitry 8.

[0180] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), 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)).

[0181] The processor realizes its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit. Note that instead of storing a program in the memory circuit 7, the program may be directly embedded in the processor circuit. In this case, the processor realizes its functions by reading and executing the program embedded in the circuit.

[0182] 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 functions.Furthermore, multiple components in each diagram may be integrated into a single processor to realize its functions.

[0183] Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the figure are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the figure. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0184] Furthermore, all or any part of the processing functions performed by each device may be realized by a CPU and a program analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware using wired logic.

[0185] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using a known method.In addition, the information including the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified.

[0186] The automatic analysis method described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a prepared control program on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This control program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. This control program can also be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, flexible disk (FD), CD-ROM, MO, or DVD, and executed by being read from the recording medium by a computer.

[0187] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the analytical accuracy can be improved.

[0188] Although several embodiments of the present invention 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, and modifications 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 described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0189] 1, 1a automatic analyzer 7 Memory circuit 81, 81a Control Functions 82 Analysis Function 83, 83a Display control function 201 Reaction Disk 201a Constant temperature bath 201b Suction port 201c outlet 206 Sample Dispensing Probe 208 First reagent dispensing probe 220 photometric unit 221 Air bubble / foreign matter removal unit 221a Pump 221b Degasser 221c filter 221d heater

Claims

1. A plurality of reaction vessels; a transport unit that transports the reaction vessels along a predetermined path; a thermostatic bath that maintains the plurality of reaction vessels at a constant temperature; a light source that irradiates a predetermined reaction vessel among the plurality of reaction vessels with light; a measurement unit that measures light transmitted through the predetermined reaction vessel and outputs a signal representing the measurement result; a discharge unit that discharges a liquid at least around the optical path of the light emitted from the light source; An automatic analyzer comprising:

2. the ejection unit includes an ejection port that is provided around a photometric window of the measurement unit and ejects the liquid. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. The liquid is contained in the thermostatic bath, a suction unit that sucks the liquid contained in the thermostatic bath through a suction port provided in the thermostatic bath; The apparatus further includes at least one of a degassing unit that removes air bubbles from the sucked liquid and a filter that removes foreign matter from the liquid, the ejection unit ejects the liquid from which at least one of air bubbles and foreign matter has been removed; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

4. the discharge unit discharges the liquid in synchronization with an operation of the transport unit to transport the plurality of reaction vessels. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

5. the discharge unit discharges the liquid at a speed faster than a transport speed at which the transport unit transports the plurality of reaction vessels. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4.

6. the measurement unit detects light transmitted through the reaction vessel containing water, The reaction vessel further includes a detection unit that detects the presence of at least one of air bubbles and foreign matter based on a detection result of light transmitted through the reaction vessel containing the water. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The measurement unit detects light transmitted through the reaction vessel containing water in parallel with detection of light transmitted through the reaction vessel containing a mixed liquid obtained by mixing a sample and a test reagent. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.

8. The device further includes a notification unit that notifies a user when the detection unit detects the presence of at least one of an air bubble and a foreign object. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.

9. a control unit that controls the ejection of the liquid by the ejection unit in accordance with a detection result of the detection unit, The automatic analyzer according to claim 7 .

10. the control unit performs control to stop the process of measuring the sample in accordance with the detection result of the detection unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 9.

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