Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To enable users to understand the status of automated analyzers. [Solution] The automatic analyzer according to this embodiment comprises a reagent storage unit and a control unit. The reagent storage unit has a turntable that rotatably holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents that react with a sample, a first lid that covers the turntable from above, and a second lid that covers the portion not covered by the first lid from above and is openable and closable. The control unit displays icons on a display screen that indicate the types of the plurality of reagent containers in the reagent storage unit, categorized into a plurality of groups, and also displays information to identify the reagent container corresponding to the opening when the second lid is opened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, a reagent storage houses a plurality of reagent containers for storing reagents. Here, when the reagent runs out, the user needs to take measures such as replacing the reagent container. Also, since there is an expiration date for the use of the reagent, the user may want to know the status of the reagent. Further, in an automatic analyzer, a rack placement area houses a plurality of racks for holding a plurality of containers for storing samples. Here, the user may want to know the status of the samples, such as whether the samples in each container have been analyzed or are waiting to be analyzed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems 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 enable the user to grasp the status of the automatic analyzer. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be regarded as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment comprises a reagent storage unit and a control unit. The reagent storage unit has a turntable that rotatably holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents that react with a sample, a first lid that covers the turntable from above, and a second lid that covers the portion not covered by the first lid from above and is openable and closable. The control unit displays icons on a display screen that indicate the types of the plurality of reagent containers in the reagent storage unit, categorized into a plurality of groups, and also displays information to identify the reagent container corresponding to the opening when the second lid is opened. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the analyzer in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an example of a display screen for analyzing a sample as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a display screen for analyzing a sample as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of a display screen for performing sample analysis as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of a display screen for analyzing a sample as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an example of a display screen that shows the status of samples contained in each container of the sample container rack, as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a part of the configuration of the analyzer in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 shows an example of a display screen that shows the types of multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage area, as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a top view of the reagent storage compartment inside the analyzer in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a top view of the reagent storage compartment inside the analyzer in the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of a display screen that shows reagent containers accessible to the user from among multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage room, as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of icons indicating the type of reagent container as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 shows an example of the types of reagent containers used in the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of a display screen that shows the status of reagents for each measurement item contained in each of the multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage room, as part of the processing of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] The embodiments of the automated analyzer will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to those described below. Furthermore, the contents described in one embodiment generally apply similarly to other embodiments.

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The automated analyzer 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an analyzer 70, a drive unit 80, and a processing unit 90.

[0009] The analysis device 70 analyzes the components contained in the test sample by measuring the mixture of the standard sample for each test item and the test reagent used for analyzing the test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) and the test reagent for each test item, and generating standard data and test data. The analysis device 70 includes a plurality of units that perform sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, etc., and the drive device 80 drives each unit of the analysis device 70. The processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70.

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

[0011] The input device 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, buttons, a touch key panel, etc., and performs inputs for setting analysis parameters for each test item, inputs for setting test identification information and test items of the test sample, etc.

[0012] [[ID=I2]]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. The display is an example of a display unit.

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

[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. The control function 32 is an example of a control unit.

[0015] For example, the standard data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data for determining the clotting time, iron content, etc. of blood through the examination of a test sample (blood), and the test data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data of the results obtained by measuring the clotting time of blood and performing colorimetric measurement. Also, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing the measurement results such as the clotting time and iron content of blood derived from the test data and the standard data, and the analysis data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition. That is, the calibration data is data for deriving the analysis data representing the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition.

[0016] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuit 30 is recorded in the storage circuit 60 in the form of a program executable by a computer. The processing circuit 30 is a processor that reads out each program from the storage circuit 60 and executes it to realize the functions corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 30 in the state of having read out each program will have each function shown in the processing circuit 30 of FIG. 1.

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

[0018] In the above description, the term "processor" refers to circuits such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Units), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Devices (SPLDs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)). When the processor is a CPU, for example, it performs its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the memory circuit 60. On the other hand, when the processor is an ASIC, for example, instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60, the program is directly incorporated into the processor's circuit. In this embodiment, each processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; multiple independent circuits may be combined to form a single processor and perform its functions. Furthermore, the multiple components shown in Figure 1 may be integrated into a single processor to perform its functions.

[0019] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of the analyzer 70 in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. For example, the automated analyzer 1 analyzes a test sample (blood) that includes blood coagulation test items. Specifically, the automated analyzer 1 measures the coagulation time and performs colorimetric measurements on the blood collected from the test subject.

[0020] The analytical apparatus 70 is equipped with reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, which are reaction vessels. Reaction vessel tables 3 and 4 rotatably hold multiple reaction vessels arranged around a circumference. For example, reaction vessel table 3 is a reaction vessel table for colorimetric measurement, and reaction vessel table 4 is a reaction vessel table for solidification time measurement.

[0021] The analyzer 70 is further equipped with a reagent storage room 2. The reagent storage room 2 keeps a plurality of reagent containers arranged circumferentially cool and in storage. The reagent containers in the reagent storage room 2 contain reagents that contain components that react with the components of each test item contained in the sample (also called a sample). For example, the reagent containers in the reagent storage room 2 are arranged in concentric circles 2a and 2b (dotted lines in Figure 2) within the reagent storage room 2. The reagent storage room 2 has a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers for each test item.

[0022] In Figure 2, the analyzer 70 further comprises a sample container rack 100, sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21, and a sampling lane 310. The sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 each include a sampling arm (not shown), a sampling probe (not shown), and a sampling pump (not shown). In the example shown in Figure 2, the sampling arms of the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 are illustrated.

[0023] A sample container rack 100 is arranged in the sampling lane 310. For example, the sampling lane 310 is provided with a mechanism to move each of the multiple containers held in the sample container rack 100 to the sampling position. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the sampling lane 310 is achieved, for example, by a belt conveyor.

[0024] The sampling lane 310 is operated by the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. Specifically, the drive unit 80 transports the sample container rack 100 to the sampling lane 310 under the control of the control function 32.

[0025] In the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21, a sampling probe is provided at the tip of each sampling arm, and a sampling pump is connected to the sampling probe via a tube or the like. For example, the sampling arm supports the sampling probe so that it can rotate and move up and down. In the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21, the sampling probe moves along the trajectories 20a and 21a (dotted lines in Figure 2) by the rotation of the sampling arm, and rotates, for example, between the sampling position and the sample discharge position. Specifically, the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 are configured so that the sampling probe can aspirate liquid (sample) contained in the containers of the sample container rack 100, and so that the sampling probe can discharge the aspirated liquid onto the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4. For example, the sampling probe dispenses the sample from the container that has been moved to the sampling position. For example, in the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21, the sampling probe aspirates the sample from the container moved to the sampling position for each test item and discharges the amount of sample set as the analytical parameter for that test item into the reaction vessel located at the sample discharge position on the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4. The sampling pump causes the sampling probe to aspirate and discharge the sample.

[0026] The sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 are operated by the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the drive device 80 causes the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 to dispense samples under the control of the control function 32.

[0027] In Figure 2, the analyzer 70 is further equipped with reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11. Each reagent dispensing mechanism 10 and 11 comprises a reagent dispensing arm, a reagent dispensing probe (not shown), and a reagent dispensing pump (not shown). In the example shown in Figure 2, the reagent dispensing arms of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 are illustrated.

[0028] In reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, reagent dispensing probes are provided at the tips of reagent dispensing arms, and reagent dispensing pumps are connected to the reagent dispensing probes via tubes or the like. For example, the reagent dispensing arms support the reagent dispensing probes so that they can rotate and move up and down. In reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probes move along trajectories 10a and 11a (dotted lines in Figure 2) by the rotation of the reagent dispensing arms, respectively, and rotate, for example, between a reagent aspiration position and a reagent discharge position. The reagent dispensing probes dispense reagents from the reagent containers that have been moved to the reagent aspiration position. Specifically, in reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probes aspirate reagents from the reagent containers located at the reagent aspiration positions in circles 2a and 2b within the reagent storage room 2, respectively, and discharge an amount of reagent set as the analytical parameter for the test item into the reaction vessels located at the reagent discharge positions in the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4. The reagent dispensing pump causes the reagent dispensing probe to aspirate and dispense the reagent.

[0029] The reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 are operated by the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. Specifically, the drive unit 80 causes the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 to dispense reagents under the control of the control function 32.

[0030] A detergent storage unit (not shown) is provided inside or near the reagent storage unit 2, and this detergent storage unit contains detergent for cleaning the reagent dispensing probe during measurement. In the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probe is cleaned with the detergent in the detergent storage unit inside or near the reagent storage unit 2 after each reagent dispensing is complete. The detergent storage unit inside or near the reagent storage unit 2 is located on the trajectory 10a and 11a of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0031] The analyzer 70 further includes first and second stirring devices (not shown), first and second photometric units, and first and second reaction vessel cleaning units. The first and second stirring devices stir the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel located at the stirring position on the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, respectively. The first and second photometric units measure the mixture by irradiating the reaction vessel containing the stirred mixture with light. Specifically, the first and second photometric units irradiate light onto the reaction vessel at the measurement position, which is rotated by the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, respectively, and detect the light transmitted through the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel. The first and second photometric units then process the detected signals to generate standard data and test data represented as digital signals and output them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The first and second reaction vessel cleaning units clean the inside of the reaction vessel located at the cleaning position on the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, respectively. If the reaction vessels are disposable, the first and second reaction vessel cleaning units are not required.

[0032] The sampling lane 310 described above is part of the sample container rack transport mechanism. In Figure 2, the analyzer 70 further includes, in addition to the sampling lane 310, a front-loading sampler 300, a transport arm 5, a reading unit (not shown), a shift lane (switch lane) 311, and a return lane 312 as part of the sample container rack transport mechanism.

[0033] The front-loading sampler 300 is located on the front side of the automatic analyzer 1, specifically on the front side of the analyzer 70 (the lower side in Figure 2). The front-loading sampler 300 has an input lane into which a sample container rack 100, which holds multiple containers before sampling, is loaded. That is, the sample container rack 100 is loaded onto the front side of the analyzer 70. Here, in Figure 2, the front-loading sampler 300 shows one input lane as the rack input section, but there may be two or more input lanes. The front-loading sampler 300 moves the sample container rack 100 loaded into the input lane to a position where it can be transported by the transport arm 5. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the front-loading sampler 300 is achieved, for example, by a belt conveyor.

[0034] The front-loading sampler 300 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. Specifically, the drive unit 80 causes the sample container rack 100 to be transported to the front-loading sampler 300 under the control of the control function 32.

[0035] Each of the multiple containers held in the sample container rack 100 is marked with an optical label containing identification information (e.g., patient information, sample ID, etc.) for identifying the sample contained in the container. The optical label is, for example, a barcode.

[0036] The transport arm 5 is, for example, a robotic arm that moves the sample container rack 100. The transport arm 5 transports the sample container rack 100, which has been loaded into the front-loading sampler 300, to the reading position of the reading unit. The reading unit reads identification information from the optical label of the sample container rack 100 that has been transported to the reading position. If the optical label is a barcode, the reading unit is, for example, a barcode reader. The reading unit outputs the identified information it has read, such as patient information, sample ID, and sample identification information such as test items, to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. After the reading unit has completed the reading, the transport arm 5 positions the sample container rack 100 from the reading position to the starting end of the sampling lane 310.

[0037] In Figure 2, the return lane 312 is provided alongside the sampling lane 310 at a distance, and a shift lane 311 is provided at the end of the sampling lane 310 and the beginning of the return lane 312. The end of the sampling lane 310, the beginning of the return lane 312, and the shift lane 311 are located on the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1, specifically on the rear side of the analyzer 70 (upper side in Figure 2).

[0038] The sampling lane 310 moves the sample container rack 100, positioned at the beginning of the sampling lane 310, toward the sampling position, and after sampling, moves the sample container rack 100 to the end of the sampling lane 310 and positions it at the beginning of the shift lane 311. The shift lane 311 moves the sample container rack 100, positioned at the beginning of the shift lane 311, to the end of the shift lane 311 and positions it at the beginning of the return lane 312. The return lane 312 moves the sample container rack 100, positioned at the beginning of the return lane 312, to the end of the return lane 312. The end of the return lane 312 is the collection position for the sample container rack 100. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the shift lane 311 and the return lane 312 is achieved, for example, by a belt conveyor, similar to the sampling lane 310.

[0039] Specifically, the sampling lane 310, shift lane 311, and return lane 312 are operated by the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. More precisely, the drive unit 80, under the control of the control function 32, transports the sample container rack 100 from the front side (front side of the analyzer 70) of the automatic analyzer 1 to the rear side via the sampling lane 310, transports the sample container rack 100 from the sampling lane 310 to the return lane 312 via the shift lane 311, and transports the sample container rack 100 from the rear side (rear side of the analyzer 70) of the automatic analyzer 1 to the front side via the return lane 312. Note that the sampling lane 310, shift lane 311, and return lane 312 are examples of transport paths.

[0040] In Figure 2, the analytical apparatus 70 further includes a dedicated container rack 200, a dedicated lane 400, and a washing unit 500.

[0041] First, let's describe the dedicated container rack 200. The dedicated container rack 200 holds multiple containers. Each of the multiple containers held in the dedicated container rack 200 contains various solutions, such as a detergent solution for washing the sampling probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, and a buffer solution for mixing the sample. For example, the multiple containers held in the dedicated container rack 200 may contain at least one of the following: a detergent solution, a diluent, a buffer solution, a solution used for a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing calibration measurements of the automated analyzer 1. Here, the solution used for the control test with the sample could be, for example, deficient plasma or normal plasma. The solution for performing calibration measurements of the automated analyzer 1 could be, for example, blank water for correcting the calibration curve.

[0042] The dedicated lane 400 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. Specifically, the drive unit 80 transports the dedicated container rack 200 to the dedicated lane 400 under the control of the control function 32.

[0043] Each of the multiple containers held in the dedicated container rack 200 is fitted with an optical label containing identification information for identifying the various solutions contained in that container, such as detergent solutions, diluents, and buffer solutions. The optical label is, for example, a barcode.

[0044] The transport arm 5 transports the loaded dedicated container rack 200 to the reading position of the reader. For example, the dedicated container rack 200 is loaded into the leading position of the front-loading sampler 300, and the transport arm 5 transports the dedicated container rack 200 loaded into the leading position of the front-loading sampler 300 to the reading position of the reader. The reader reads identification information from the optical label of the dedicated container rack 200 transported to the reading position. If the optical label is a barcode, the reader is, for example, a barcode reader. The reader outputs the read identification information to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. After the reading by the reader is complete, the transport arm 5 positions the dedicated container rack 200 from the reading position to the starting end of the dedicated lane 400.

[0045] The dedicated lane 400 is a dedicated lane for transporting the dedicated container rack 200. For example, in Figure 2, the dedicated lane 400 is located between the sampling lane 310 and the return lane 312, alongside the sampling lane 310 and the return lane 312. The dedicated lane 400 moves the dedicated container rack 200, which is positioned at the starting end of the dedicated lane 400, toward, for example, a washing position or a dilution position. The movement of the dedicated container rack 200 toward the washing position or dilution position in the dedicated lane 400 is achieved, for example, by a belt conveyor.

[0046] The dedicated lane 400 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing unit 90. Specifically, the drive unit 80 transports the dedicated container rack 200 to the dedicated lane 400 under the control of the control function 32.

[0047] In the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21, the sampling probes, each attached to the tip of the sampling arm, move along trajectories 20a and 21a (dotted lines in Figure 2) to a washing position and a dilution position, respectively, as the sampling arm rotates. Specifically, the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 are configured so that the sampling probes can draw liquids (various solutions) contained in the containers of the dedicated container rack 200. For example, the sampling probe performs a washing operation using the detergent solution in the container of the dedicated container rack 200, which has been moved to the washing position, to wash the sampling probe itself.

[0048] The cleaning operation of the sampling probe is controlled by the control function 32 of the processing device 90. For example, the drive device 80 causes the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 to perform the cleaning operation of the sampling probe through the control function 32. Specifically, the control function 32 controls the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 to perform the cleaning operation of the sampling probe by drawing up the detergent solution held in the container of the dedicated container rack 200 with the sampling probe and discharging it in the cleaning unit 500.

[0049] Furthermore, the following operations are performed by the control function 32 of the processing device 90. For example, the control function 32 controls the sample dispensing mechanisms 20 and 21 to perform at least one of the following operations: dispensing a diluent held in a container of the dedicated container rack 200 into a reaction vessel using a sampling probe; dispensing a buffer held in a container of the dedicated container rack 200 into a reaction vessel using a sampling probe; and dispensing a solution for calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer 1 held in a container of the dedicated container rack 200 into a reaction vessel using a sampling probe.

[0050] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment.

[0051] In step S101 of Figure 3, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 outputs a display screen to the output device 40 for operating each unit of the analyzer 70 to perform sample analysis, as part of the display processing. That is, the control function 32 displays a display screen for performing sample analysis on the display. In this case, the control function 32 receives instructions to perform sample analysis on the screen.

[0052] Next, in step S102 of Figure 3, when the control function 32 of the processing device 90 receives an instruction from the user to perform sample analysis, it controls the drive unit 80 to operate each unit of the analyzer 70, as described above. In other words, the control function 32 controls the analyzer 70.

[0053] In the automated analyzer 1, as described above, the reagent storage room 2 is equipped with multiple reagent containers for holding reagents. When a reagent runs out, the user needs to take action such as replacing the reagent container. Also, since reagents have expiration dates, the user may want to know the status of the reagents. Therefore, in step S101 of Figure 3, it is desirable that the user be able to know the status of the reagents as, for example, the status of the automated analyzer 1.

[0054] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 1, as described above, the front-loading sampler 300 is equipped with multiple sample container racks 100 that hold multiple containers for holding samples. Here, the user may want to know the status of the samples, such as whether the samples in each container have been analyzed or are awaiting analysis. Therefore, in step S101 of Figure 3, it is desirable that the user be able to know the status of the samples as, for example, the status of the automated analyzer 1.

[0055] Therefore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured as follows so that the user can understand the status of the automated analyzer 1. The automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment comprises an analyzer 70 that performs analysis of a sample and a control function 32. The analyzer 70 is an example of an analysis means. The control function 32 acquires a status for each measurement item indicating whether at least one of the reagent that reacts with the sample, the calibration curve of the reagent, and the quality control of the reagent is abnormal. On the display screen (the display screen in Figure 16 described later), it displays a first display area that displays multiple measurement items with multiple icons and a second display area that displays detailed information of the selected measurement item, and also displays a mark indicating the status on the icon.

[0056] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a reagent storage room 2 and a control function 32. The reagent storage room 2 has a turntable that rotatably holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents that react with a sample, a first lid that covers the turntable from above, and a second lid that covers the portion not covered by the first lid from above and is openable and closable. The control function 32 displays icons indicating the types of reagent containers in the reagent storage room on a display screen (the display screen of Figure 10 described later), categorized into a plurality of groups, and also displays information to identify the reagent container corresponding to the opening when the second lid is opened.

[0057] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a rack storage area (front-loading sampler 300) on which multiple sample container racks 100 for holding multiple containers for storing samples are mounted, and a control function 32. The control function 32 displays the sample container racks 100 mounted on the front-loading sampler 300 in a first orientation on the display screen (the display screen in Figure 8, described later), and displays icons indicating the status of the samples stored in each of the multiple containers of the sample container racks 100, corresponding to the position of each container.

[0058] Furthermore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes an analyzer 70 for analyzing a sample and a control function 32. The analyzer 70 is an example of an analysis means. The control function 32 displays multiple types of display screens for analyzing a sample (display screens shown in Figures 5 to 8, 10, and 16, described later) by switching between them using tabs, and also displays an analysis operation control icon on each of the multiple types of display screens to control at least one operation of the analyzer 70, such as starting, stopping, or interrupting the analysis of the sample.

[0059] The following describes an example of a display screen shown during processing by the automated analyzer according to this embodiment.

[0060] First, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 displays the display screen shown in Figure 4 on the display as a display screen for performing sample analysis. In the example shown in Figure 4, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed on the display screen. In addition, the sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab in the display screen of Figure 4 are displayed: "Analysis Request / Results", "Sample Status", "Item Status", "Reagent Storage", "Calibration Curve", "Quality Control", "Daily Maintenance", and "Operation History".

[0061] For example, in the display screen shown in Figure 4, if the user selects the "Analysis Request / Results" tab, which is a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, a display screen showing the analysis request and analysis results for each test item (each measurement item) will be displayed. In the example shown in Figure 5, a display screen showing the analysis request and analysis results for measurement items such as "PT-t" and "PTT-n" will be displayed.

[0062] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 4, for example, if the "Settings" tab is selected by the user, the sub-tabs of the "Settings" tab, namely "Item Master," "Reagent Master," "Device Operation Settings," "Environment Settings," and "User Management," will be displayed.

[0063] In the display screen shown in Figure 4, for example, if the "Home" tab is selected by the user, a status indicating whether each item is normal or abnormal will be displayed. In the examples shown in Figures 6 and 7, the items such as "Measurement Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Status," "Reagent Status," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control Status," and "Daily Maintenance Status" are displayed as icons corresponding to the "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Status," "Reagent Status," "Calibration Curve Status," "Quality Control Status," and "Daily Maintenance Status" tabs in Figure 4, respectively, and a status indicating whether it is normal or abnormal is displayed above these icons.

[0064] For example, if there is an abnormality in the "Item Status" or "Daily Maintenance Status" items, the display screen in Figure 6 will show the status "Ready" above the icons for "Measurement Status," "Reagent Status," "Reagent Status," "Calibration Curve Status," and "Quality Control Status," indicating that they are normal, while the icons for "Item Status" and "Daily Maintenance Status" will show the status "Error" and "Warning," respectively, indicating that they are abnormal. If there is an abnormality in at least one item, the subtabs of the "Analysis" tab, namely "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History," will not be displayed on the display screen in Figure 6.

[0065] On the other hand, if there are no abnormalities in any of the items, the status "Ready" indicating that everything is normal will be displayed at the top of the icons "Measurement Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Status," "Reagent Status," "Calibration Curve Status," "Quality Control Status," and "Daily Maintenance Status" on the display screen in Figure 7. In this case, since there are no abnormalities in any of the items, the subtabs of the "Analysis" tab, namely "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History," will be displayed on the display screen in Figure 7.

[0066] As described above, for example, in the display screen of Figure 4, the "Analysis" tab's subtabs, "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History," are displayed. For example, the "Sample Status" tab is a tab for the user to select a display screen (see Figure 8) that shows the status of the samples contained in each container of the sample container rack 100. The "Item Status" tab is a tab for the user to select a display screen (see Figure 16) that shows the status of the reagents for each measurement item contained in each of the multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage 2. The "Reagent Storage" tab is a tab for the user to select a display screen (see Figure 10) that shows the types of multiple reagent containers in the reagent storage 2. In this way, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 displays multiple tabs corresponding to each of the multiple types of display screens when displaying the display screen of Figure 4 on the display as a display screen for performing sample analysis.

[0067] Here, the tabs displayed on the display screen in Figure 4 and on the various other display screens are set according to user information. For example, when a user performing analysis logs into the automatic analyzer 1, the control function 32 of the processing unit 90 displays the "Analysis" tab on the display screen in Figure 4 according to the user information of the user performing the analysis. However, when a user performing maintenance work logs into the automatic analyzer 1, the control function 32 does not display the "Analysis" tab on the display screen in Figure 4 or on the various other display screens according to the user information of the user performing maintenance work. In this way, the control function 32 identifies the user operating the automatic analyzer 1 (analyzer 70) and sets the tabs to be displayed on the display screen in Figure 4 and on the various other display screens according to the user information of the identified user.

[0068] Furthermore, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 displays analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" on multiple types of display screens to control the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70, respectively. The analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are icons for starting, stopping, and pausing the operation of the analyzer 70, respectively. At this time, the control function 32 displays the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" in the same position on each of the multiple types of display screens. As an example of multiple types of display screens, the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are displayed in the lower right position on the display screens in Figures 5 to 8, 10, and 16. Examples of the display screens in Figures 8, 10, and 16 will be described later.

[0069] Figure 8 is an example of a display screen showing the status of samples contained in each container of the sample container rack 100. For example, if the user selects the "Sample Status" tab, a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, in the display screens of Figures 4 to 7, the display screen shown in Figure 8 will be displayed. In the upper display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed as multiple first tabs in the first display position, and the "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History" tabs, which are sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab, are displayed as multiple second tabs corresponding to the selected first tab in the second display position. In addition, the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are displayed in the lower right display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 to control the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70, respectively.

[0070] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 8, the function corresponding to the selected second tab is displayed in the third display position.

[0071] Specifically, the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 shows the sample container rack 100, which is a shuttle rack (SHTL) mounted on the front-loading sampler 300, and each of the multiple containers in the sample container rack 100 is displayed as an icon. The front-loading sampler 300 is an example of a rack storage area. The icons indicate the status of the samples contained in the containers. For example, the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 shows the sample container racks 100 with rack IDs "P0010" to "P0101", which are awaiting analysis, and the sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0001", which has completed analysis. Specifically, in the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8, the status of the samples is displayed, indicating that the samples in multiple containers of sample container rack 100 with rack IDs "P0010" to "P0101" are awaiting analysis, and the status is displayed indicating that the analysis of the samples in multiple containers of sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0001" has been completed.

[0072] Furthermore, the display area in the upper right of the display screen in Figure 8 shows the order in which the samples in the multiple containers of the sample container rack 100 were sampled. Specifically, it shows that the samples in the first to fifth containers of the sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0001" were sampled in the following order: the sample in the first container, the sample in the second container, the sample in the third container, the sample in the fourth container, and the sample in the fifth container.

[0073] Furthermore, the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 shows the sample container racks 100, which are shuttle racks (SHTLs) transported along the transport paths (sampling lane 310, shift lane 311, and return lane 312), and each of the multiple containers in the sample container racks 100 is displayed as an icon. For example, the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 shows the sample container racks 100 with rack IDs "P0002", "S0002", and "P0003" that were transported along the sampling lane 310. Specifically, the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 shows the sample status, indicating that in the sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0002", a reading error occurred in the fourth container out of the first to fifth containers in the sample container rack 100, but the analysis of the samples in the other first to third and fifth containers has been completed. Furthermore, the sample status indicates that sample container rack 100 with "S0002" is a rack that holds containers for samples related to urgent specimen testing or priority measurement. Additionally, the sample status indicates that, for sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0003", the analysis of the samples in the first and second containers of the first to fifth containers in that sample container rack 100 has been completed, an error occurred in the measurement of the sample in the third container, the sample in the fourth container is subject to re-examination, and the sample in the fifth container is currently being measured (analyzed).

[0074] Furthermore, in the display screen of Figure 8, the lower display area of ​​the screen displays a dedicated container rack 200 that holds multiple containers, which is a shuttle rack (SHTL) transported to another transport path (dedicated lane 400), and each of the multiple containers in the dedicated container rack 200 is displayed as an icon. As described above, the multiple containers in the dedicated container rack 200 contain at least one of the following: detergent solution, diluent, buffer solution, solution used for control testing with a sample, and solution for performing calibration measurements of the automated analyzer 1. For example, the lower display area of ​​the display screen of Figure 8 displays the dedicated container racks 200 with rack IDs "C3002" and "C5002" that have been transported to the dedicated lane 400. Specifically, the lower display area of ​​the display screen of Figure 8 indicates that the dedicated container racks 200 with rack IDs "C3002" and "C5002" are calibration racks and hold containers that contain solutions for performing calibration measurements of the automated analyzer 1.

[0075] Furthermore, sample information is displayed in the area between the upper tab area of ​​the display screen in Figure 8 and the lower shuttle rack (SHTL) area of ​​the same display screen. For example, in the display screen of Figure 8, sample information is displayed for the sample in the fifth container (position No. 5) of the sample container rack 100 with rack ID "P0003". For example, the sample information includes rack ID "P0003", position No. 5, slot number "12", request number "A1234", sample ID "ID1234", and analysis status "Analysis in progress".

[0076] As described above, the transport arm 5 transports, for example, the sample container rack 100 mounted on the front-loading sampler 300 (rack storage area) to the reading position of the reading unit, and the reading unit reads identification information from the optical label of the sample container rack 100 transported to the reading position. After the reading unit completes the reading, the transport arm 5 places the sample container rack 100 from the reading position to the starting end of the transport path (sampling lane 310). Here, as shown in Figure 9, the transport arm 5 reverses the sample container rack 100, which was mounted on the front-loading sampler 300 in a first orientation, to a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, and places it at the starting end of the sampling lane 310. The sampling lane 310 transports the sample container rack 100, which is placed at the starting end of the sampling lane 310, toward the sampling position. The transport arm 5 is an example of a moving mechanism.

[0077] The sample container rack 100, positioned in the second orientation, is transported to the sampling position, then from the front side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the front side of the analyzer 70) to the rear side. As the sample container rack 100 is transported from the shift lane 311 to the return lane 312, it is reversed to the first orientation, and the transport arm 5 returns the sample container rack 100 to the front-loading sampler 300 in the first orientation.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the control function 32 of the processing apparatus 90 displays the sample container rack 100 mounted on the front-loading sampler 300 in a first orientation on the display screen of Figure 8, and displays icons indicating the status of the samples contained in each of the multiple containers of the sample container rack 100, corresponding to the position of each container. In addition, even when the sample container rack 100 is reversed to a second orientation by the transport arm 5, the control function 32 displays the sample container rack 100 in the first orientation on the display screen of Figure 8, and displays icons indicating the status of the samples contained in each of the multiple containers of the sample container rack 100, corresponding to the position of each container.

[0079] Figure 10 is an example of a display screen showing the types of multiple reagent containers in the reagent cabinet 2. For example, in the display screens of Figures 4 to 8, if the user selects the "Reagent Cabinet" tab, which is a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, the display screen shown in Figure 10 will be displayed. In the upper display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 10, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed as multiple first tabs in the first display position, and the "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Cabinet," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History" tabs, which are sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab, are displayed as multiple second tabs corresponding to the selected first tab in the second display position. In addition, the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are displayed in the lower right display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 10 to control the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70, respectively.

[0080] Furthermore, in the display screen of Figure 10, the function corresponding to the selected second tab is displayed in the third display position. Specifically, in the center of the display screen of Figure 10, the types of multiple reagent containers in the reagent cabinet 2 are displayed as icons. First, the arrangement of the multiple reagent containers in the display screen of Figure 10 will be explained, and then the icons will be described later.

[0081] Figures 11 and 12 are top views of the reagent cabinet 2. As shown in Figure 12, the reagent cabinet 2 has a turntable 2C that rotatably holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged circumferentially. Also, as shown in Figure 11, the reagent cabinet 2 has a lid 2A that covers most of the turntable 2C from above, and a lid 2B that covers the portion of the turntable 2C not covered by lid 2A from above. Lid 2B is openable and closable. Lids 2A and 2B are examples of a first lid and a second lid, respectively. For example, the reagent containers in the reagent cabinet 2 are arranged in concentric circles 2a and 2b (dotted lines in Figures 11 and 12) within the reagent cabinet 2. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the plurality of reagent containers are classified into multiple groups. In the examples shown in Figures 10 to 12, the reagent storage unit 2 can hold 36 reagent containers as multiple reagent containers. If 12 reagent containers are considered as one group, the 36 reagent containers are classified into multiple groups, A to C.

[0082] For example, the turntable 2C is removable from the opening when the lid 2B of the reagent cabinet 2 is opened, and is equipped with multiple reagent trays for holding multiple reagent containers. Here, groups A to C are classified for each reagent tray. Specifically, each reagent tray is marked with identification information "A", "B", and "C" to identify it. A reagent tray marked with identification information "A" holds 12 reagent containers classified as group A. Similarly, a reagent tray marked with identification information "B" holds 12 reagent containers classified as group B, and a reagent tray marked with identification information "C" holds 12 reagent containers classified as group C.

[0083] In the example shown in Figure 12, when lid 2B is opened, the reagent containers classified as group A are exposed. That is, in Figure 12, the reagent containers of group A are the reagent containers accessible to the user. In this case, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 displays icons indicating the types of multiple reagent containers in the reagent cabinet 2 on the display screen of Figure 10, arranged in a manner classified as groups A to C. At this time, the control function 32 displays the identification information "A", "B", and "C" for the reagent trays so that the reagent trays corresponding to groups A, B, and C can be identified on the display screen of Figure 10. Here, in the examples shown in Figures 10 and 12, when lid 2B is opened, the reagent containers classified as group A are exposed as one of the groups A to C. That is, the reagent containers classified as group A are exposed as the reagent containers corresponding to the opening when lid 2B of the reagent cabinet 2 is opened. In this case, the control function 32 displays on the display screen of Figure 10 the 12 reagent containers classified as group A, which are accessible to the user. For example, the control function 32 displays on the display screen of Figure 10 at least one of either a mark or highlighting to identify the 12 reagent containers classified as group A.

[0084] Here, the position of the marks and highlights does not need to perfectly coincide with the opening of lid 2B. For example, the opening may be slightly larger than the size of the reagent tray.

[0085] The rotation of the multiple reagent containers is controlled by the control function 32 of the processing device 90. For example, the drive device 80 rotates the turntable 2C under the control of the control function 32. The control function 32 stops the multiple reagent containers at predetermined positions when the turntable 2C is rotated. For example, if the lid 2B is open and 12 reagent containers classified as group A are exposed, and the control function 32 rotates the turntable 2C 240 degrees (or -120 degrees) and stops it, then the reagent containers classified as group B, as one of the other groups A to C, will be exposed. That is, the control function 32 controls the rotation of the turntable 2C so that the central part of the reagent tray holding the selected group B reagent containers stops at the central part of the opening when the lid 2B of the reagent storage 2 is opened, thereby exposing the reagent containers classified as group B as the reagent containers corresponding to that opening. In this case, the control function 32 displays at least one of either a mark or highlighting on the display screen to identify the 12 reagent containers classified as group B. Also, for example, if the lid 2B is left open and the 12 reagent containers classified as group A are exposed, and the control function 32 rotates the turntable 2C 120 degrees and stops it, the reagent containers classified as group C will be exposed as one of the other groups from groups A to C. That is, the control function 32 controls the rotation of the turntable 2C so that the central part of the reagent tray holding the selected group C reagent containers stops at the central part of the opening when the lid 2B of the reagent cabinet 2 is opened, thereby exposing the reagent containers classified as group C as the reagent containers corresponding to that opening. In this case, the control function 32 displays at least one of either a mark or highlighting on the display screen to identify the 12 reagent containers classified as group C.

[0086] Furthermore, when the rotation of the turntable 2C opens the lid 2B, the control function 32 displays on the display screen the reagent containers corresponding to the openings of each of the two groups if two groups correspond to the openings. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 13, with the lid 2B open and 12 reagent containers classified as group A exposed, if the control function 32 rotates the turntable 2C 300 degrees (or -60 degrees) and stops, then 6 reagent containers classified as group A and 6 reagent containers classified as group B will be exposed as the other group among groups A to C. In this case, the control function 32 displays on the display screen at least one of the following to identify the 12 reagent containers classified as group A and B: a mark or highlighting. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 13, if the control function 32 rotates the turntable 2C 60 degrees (or -300 degrees) and stops with the lid 2B open and the 12 reagent containers classified as group A exposed, then the 6 reagent containers classified as group C and the 6 reagent containers classified as group A will be exposed as one of the other groups from groups A to C. In this case, the control function 32 will display at least one of the following on the display screen to identify the 12 reagent containers classified as group C and A: a mark or highlighting.

[0087] The reagent containers are classified into three groups, A to C, but they may be classified into more than three groups. In this case, the control function 32 will indicate that when the turntable 2C rotates and the lid 2B is opened, two or more groups may correspond to the opening. In this case, the control function 32 will display on the display screen the reagent containers corresponding to the openings of the two or more groups.

[0088] As described above, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 displays icons indicating the types of reagent containers in the reagent storage room 2 on the display screen of Figure 10, categorized into groups A to C. As shown in Figure 14, for example, the icons represent the type of reagent container, the remaining amount of reagent contained in the reagent container, and the status of the reagent. The reagent contained in the reagent container is displayed in the center of the icon, and a remaining amount gauge indicating the remaining amount of the reagent is displayed at the top of the icon. The remaining amount gauge is displayed according to the amount of reagent contained in the reagent container. For example, when the amount of reagent contained in the reagent container is 100%, the remaining amount gauge is displayed at its maximum (shaded area in Figure 10), and as the amount of reagent decreases, the remaining amount gauge is displayed at a lower level.

[0089] The status of the reagent is displayed below the icon. For example, below the icon, the status of the reagent is displayed as an illustration, such as "prepared for measurement," "unavailable for measurement," "low volume warning," "preparing for measurement," or "in use for measurement." For example, in the lower display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 10, an "All Legends" button is displayed. When the "All Legends" button is pressed by the user, a pop-up screen is displayed as shown in Figure 15, showing information about the reagent's status, including an illustration indicating the reagent's status and the meaning of that illustration (prepared for measurement, unavailable for measurement, low volume warning, preparing for measurement, in use for measurement, etc.).

[0090] Figure 16 is an example of a display screen that shows the status of reagents for each measurement item contained in each of the multiple reagent containers in the reagent cabinet 2. For example, in the display screens of Figures 4 to 8 and Figure 10, if the user selects the "Item Status" tab, which is a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, the display screen shown in Figure 16 will be displayed. In the upper display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 16, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed as multiple first tabs in the first display position, and the "Analysis Request / Results", "Sample Status", "Item Status", "Reagent Cabinet", "Calibration Curve", "Quality Control", "Daily Maintenance", and "Operation History" tabs, which are sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab, are displayed as multiple second tabs corresponding to the selected first tab in the second display position. In addition, the analysis operation control icons "START", "STOP", and "PAUSE" are displayed in the lower right display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 16 to control the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70, respectively.

[0091] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 16, the function corresponding to the selected second tab is displayed in the third display position.

[0092] Specifically, in the display area on the left side of the display screen in Figure 16, multiple measurement items are displayed using multiple icons. Specifically, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 acquires, for each measurement item, the reagent that reacts with the sample, the calibration curve of the reagent, and a status indicating whether or not the quality control of the reagent is abnormal, as reagent information, calibration curve information, and quality control information, respectively, and displays icons representing the reagent information, calibration curve information, and quality control information for each measurement item on the display screen in Figure 16.

[0093] In the display screen shown in Figure 16, the icons representing reagent information will display a "Warning" status mark if there is an abnormality, and will not display a "Warning" status mark if there is a normal condition. For example, if the amount of reagent remaining is low, the icon representing the reagent information will display a "Warning" status mark, and if there is no reagent remaining, the icon representing the reagent information will display an "Error" status mark. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 16, since there is no reagent remaining for the measurement items "PT-n" and "MIX-D", the icons representing the reagent information will display an "Error" status mark.

[0094] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 16, the icons indicating calibration curve information will display a "Warning" status if there is an abnormality, and will not display a "Warning" status if there is a normal condition. For example, if the expiration date of the calibration curve has passed, a "Warning" status mark will be displayed on the icon indicating reagent information, and if the expiration date of the calibration curve has significantly passed, a "Error" status mark will be displayed on the icon indicating reagent information. Specifically, in the example shown in Figure 16, the expiration dates of the calibration curves for measurement items "PT-n," "APTT-t," and "MIX-D" have passed, so a "Warning" status mark is displayed on the icons indicating calibration curve information, and for measurement item "Fgb-t," the expiration date of the calibration curve has significantly passed, so a "Error" status mark is displayed on the icon indicating calibration curve information.

[0095] Furthermore, in the display screen shown in Figure 16, the icon indicating quality control information displays a "Warning" status mark if there is an abnormality, and does not display the mark if there is a normal condition. For example, in quality control, a sample (control) used to manage the accuracy of specimen testing is used periodically to ensure that accurate measurement results are always obtained. Therefore, if accurate measurement results cannot be obtained, a "Warning" status mark is displayed on the icon indicating quality control information.

[0096] Furthermore, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 causes a second display area to appear in the display screen of Figure 16, separate from the first display area which displays multiple measurement items using multiple icons. This second display area displays detailed information about the measurement items selected by the user. For example, the control function 32 causes the second display area to display text information about the status of the reagents. For example, the second display area is the area between the first display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 16 and the area in the lower right of the display screen where the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are displayed.

[0097] For example, in the second display area of ​​the display screen in Figure 16, the reagent for the measurement item selected by the user, the calibration curve for that reagent, and the status indicating whether or not the quality control of that reagent is abnormal are displayed as text information. For example, in the text information of the display screen in Figure 16, the reagent information includes information about each reagent "R1", "R2", "R3", and "R4", such as "reagent lot", "expiration date", and "remaining number of tests / remaining volume (mL)", the calibration curve information is "expiration date", and the quality control information is "control name" and "status".

[0098] For example, if a user selects the icon for the measurement item "PT-n," the status of the reagent for the measurement item "PT-n" will be displayed as text information. In the example shown in Figure 16, the reagent information shows that the expiration date of reagent "R2" has passed and there is no reagent remaining. Therefore, along with the text information for reagent "R2," including "Expiration Date" and "Remaining Tests / Remaining Volume (mL)," a mark indicating the status "Error" is displayed. Similarly, in the calibration curve information, since the expiration date has passed, a mark indicating the status "Warning" is displayed along with the text information for "Expiration Date."

[0099] Although not shown in the diagrams, for example, in the display screens of Figures 4-8, 10, and 16, if the user selects the "Calibration Curve" tab, which is a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, a display screen related to the calibration curve will be displayed. In this case, in the upper display area of ​​the display screen, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed as multiple first tabs in the first display position, and the "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History" tabs, which are sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab, are displayed in the second display position, corresponding to the selected first tab. In addition, the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" for controlling the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70 are displayed in the lower right display area of ​​the display screen. Furthermore, the functions corresponding to the selected second tab are displayed in the third display position on the display screen.

[0100] Although not shown in the diagrams, for example, in the display screens of Figures 4-8, 10, and 16, if the user selects the "Quality Control" tab, which is a sub-tab of the "Analysis" tab, a display screen related to quality control will be shown. In this case, in the upper display area of ​​the display screen, the "Home" tab, the "Analysis" tab, and the "Settings" tab are displayed as multiple first tabs in the first display position, and the "Analysis Request / Results," "Sample Status," "Item Status," "Reagent Storage," "Calibration Curve," "Quality Control," "Daily Maintenance," and "Operation History" tabs, which are sub-tabs of the "Analysis" tab, are displayed in the second display position as multiple second tabs corresponding to the selected first tab. In addition, the analysis operation control icons "START," "STOP," and "PAUSE" are displayed in the lower right display area of ​​the display screen to control the start, stop, and interruption of sample analysis by the analyzer 70, respectively. In addition, the functions corresponding to the selected second tab are displayed in the third display position on the display screen.

[0101] According to at least one embodiment described above, the user can understand the status of the automated analyzer.

[0102] While several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1 Automatic analyzer 32 Control Functions 70 Analyzer

Claims

1. A reagent cabinet comprising a turntable that rotatably holds a plurality of reagent containers containing reagents that react with a sample, a first lid that covers the turntable from above, and a second lid that covers the portion not covered by the first lid from above and is openable and closable, A control unit that displays icons indicating the types of the multiple reagent containers in the reagent cabinet on the display screen, categorized into multiple groups, and also displays a display for identifying the reagent container corresponding to the opening when the second lid is opened. An automated analyzer equipped with the following features.

2. The control unit provides at least one of the following as an indicator for identifying the reagent container corresponding to the opening: a mark or an emphasis. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

3. The turntable is provided with a plurality of reagent trays that can be removed from the opening. Each of the aforementioned reagent trays is equipped with reagent containers classified into the aforementioned groups. The automated analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The reagent tray is inscribed with identification information for identifying the reagent tray, The control unit displays the identification information on the display screen so that the reagent tray corresponding to the group can be identified. The automated analyzer according to claim 3.

5. The control unit controls the rotation of the turntable such that the central portion of the reagent tray, which holds the reagent containers of the selected group, stops at the central portion of the opening. The automated analyzer according to claim 3 or 4.

6. When the rotation of the turntable opens the second lid and two or more of the groups correspond to the opening, the control unit displays on the display screen the identification of the reagent container corresponding to each of the two or more grooves. An automated analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images