Automated analyzers, programs, and methods

Abstract

To improve the accuracy of the analysis. [Solution] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment comprises a reagent dispensing probe, a heater, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The reagent dispensing probe dispenses a reagent. The heater heats the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe. The storage unit stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe. The determination unit determines the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid heated by the heater before the dispensing of the reagent and discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of the dispensed reagent stored in the storage unit.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an automatic analyzer, a program and a method. [Background Art]

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, in order to maintain analysis accuracy, it is required to dispense a reagent at a stable temperature. For this reason, automatic analyzers sometimes use a reagent dispensing probe having a heater for heating the reagent. In a dispensing operation, the reagent dispensing probe can aspirate a reagent kept cold in a reagent storage, heat the reagent to a predetermined temperature by the heater, and dispense the reagent at the predetermined temperature into a reaction vessel.

[0003] Here, when measuring a mixed liquid of a sample and a reagent in a reaction vessel in consecutive analysis cycles, the reagent held in the reagent dispensing probe is constantly heated by the heater. On the other hand, in an idle cycle where there is no scheduled dispensing operation within a predetermined period of time, the power consumed by the heater is wasted. Therefore, in an automatic analyzer, the temperature control of the heater is stopped, and the temperature control of the heater is started in the first analysis cycle after the idle cycle. However, there is a possibility that the temperature environment provided by the heater differs between the case of measurement in consecutive analysis cycles and the case of measurement in the first analysis cycle after an idle cycle. If the temperature environment provided by the heater is different, it may affect analysis accuracy. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2023-113026 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] One of the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to improve analytical accuracy. However, the problems solved by the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment comprises a reagent dispensing probe, a heater, a storage unit, and a determination unit. The reagent dispensing probe dispenses a reagent. The heater heats the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe. The storage unit stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe. The determination unit determines the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid heated by the heater before the reagent is dispensed and discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of the dispensed reagent stored in the storage unit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [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 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analytical apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reagent dispensing probe and reagent dispensing unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the process performed by the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments of the automated analyzer, program, and method will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the embodiments are not limited to those described below. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment generally applies to other embodiments as well.

[0009] 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 2, a drive unit 4, and a processing unit 10.

[0010] The analyzer 2 measures a mixture of standard samples for each test item, test samples (biological samples such as blood and urine) collected from a subject, and reagents used for the analysis of each test item, and generates standard data and test data. The analyzer 2 is equipped with multiple units for dispensing samples, dispensing reagents, etc., and the drive unit 4 drives each unit of the analyzer 2. The processing unit 10 controls the drive unit 4 to operate each unit of the analyzer 2.

[0011] The processing unit 10 includes an input device 5, an output device 6, a processing circuit 9, and a storage circuit 8.

[0012] The input device 5 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch key panel, and is used for inputting information to set the analysis parameters for each test item, inputting information to set the test identification information and test items for the test sample, etc.

[0013] The output device 6 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 9. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 9.

[0014] The memory circuit 8 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as RAM (Random Access Memory) or flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or optical disc.

[0015] The processing circuit 9 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the processing circuit 9 performs data processing functions 91 and control functions 92. The control function 92 controls the drive unit 4 to operate each unit of the analyzer 2. The data processing function 91 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analyzer 2 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

[0016] For example, the standard data generated by analyzer 2 represents data (calibration curve or standard curve) for determining the amount or concentration of a substance, and the test data generated by analyzer 2 represents data resulting from the measurement of the test sample. Furthermore, the calibration data output from processing circuit 9 represents data representing measurement results such as the amount or concentration of a substance derived from the test data and standard data, and the analysis data output from processing circuit 9 represents data representing a positive or negative judgment result. In other words, the calibration data is data used to derive the analysis data representing a positive or negative judgment result.

[0017] Here, for example, each processing function performed by the components of the processing circuit 9 is recorded in the memory circuit 8 in the form of a program that can be executed by a computer. The processing circuit 9 is a processor that reads each program from the memory circuit 8 and executes it to realize the function corresponding to each program. In other words, the processing circuit 9, in the state where each program has been read, will have the functions shown in the processing circuit 9 of Figure 1.

[0018] In Figure 1, it is assumed that each processing function described below is realized by a single processing circuit 9. However, it is also acceptable to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors, with each processor executing a program to realize the functions.

[0019] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to circuits such as, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and programmable logic devices (e.g., a Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD), a Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), and a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). When the processor is, for example, a CPU, the processor implements its functions by reading and executing a program stored in the storage circuit 8. On the other hand, when the processor is, for example, an ASIC, instead of storing the program in the storage circuit 8, the program is directly incorporated into the circuit of the processor. It should be noted that each processor of the present embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit for each processor, and a plurality of independent circuits may be combined to configure one processor to implement its functions. Furthermore, a plurality of components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into one processor to implement the functions thereof.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of the configuration of the analyzer 2 of FIG. 1.

[0021] The analyzer 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a constant temperature unit 202, a rack sampler 203, and reagent storage 204 and 205.

[0022] The reaction disk 201 holds a plurality of reaction vessels 2011 arranged in an annular shape. The reaction disk 201 conveys the plurality of reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 is alternately rotated and stopped at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as analysis cycles) by the driving device 4.

[0023] The constant temperature unit 202 stores a heat medium set to a predetermined temperature, and increases the temperature of the mixed solution contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat medium.

[0024] The rack sampler 203 holds a plurality of sample containers. The sample containers store samples such as standard samples for each test item and test samples. The rack sampler 203 movably supports a sample rack 2031 capable of holding a plurality of sample containers. FIG. 2 shows a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers arranged in parallel.

[0025] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a conveyance area that conveys the sample rack 2031 from a loading position where the sample rack 2031 is loaded to a recovery position where the measured sample rack 2031 is recovered. In the conveyance area, the plurality of sample racks 2031 aligned in the widthwise direction are moved in the direction D1 shown in FIG. 2 by the drive device 4.

[0026] Further, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a pull-in area for pulling the sample rack 2031 from the conveyance area in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample suction position. The sample suction position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotation trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the pull-in area, the conveyed sample rack 2031 is moved in the direction D2 shown in FIG. 2 by the drive device 4.

[0027] Further, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area for returning the sample rack 2031 holding the sample container from which the sample has been aspirated back to the conveyance area. In the return area, the sample rack 2031 is moved in the direction D3 shown in FIG. 2 by the drive device 4.

[0028] Multiple reagent containers 100 are arranged in reagent cabinets 204 and 205. Each reagent container 100 contains a reagent that reacts with the components of each test item contained in the sample. Although not shown in Figure 2, reagent cabinets 204 and 205 are covered by removable reagent covers. Reagent cabinets 204 and 205 are equipped with reagent racks, which are turntables that rotatably hold the reagent containers 100 for each test item. The reagent racks are rotated and stopped by the drive unit 4 for each analysis cycle.

[0029] At least one of the multiple reagent containers 100, reagent container 100d, contains a dummy reagent. The dummy reagent is, for example, pure water. The dummy reagent is not used in the analysis of the sample and is a fluid that is cooled and stored at approximately the same temperature as the reagents in the reagent chamber. The use of the dummy reagent will be described later.

[0030] The analyzer 2 further includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210, reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, an electrode unit 212, a photometric unit 213, a washing unit 214, and a stirring unit 215.

[0031] A reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined location on the reagent storage units 204 and 205. The reagent aspiration positions in reagent storage units 204 and 205 are, for example, located at the intersection of the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 and the movement trajectories of the openings of the reagent containers 100, which are arranged in a ring shape on the reagent racks of reagent storage units 204 and 205.

[0032] The sample dispensing arm 206 is positioned between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is driven by a drive device 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0033] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 206 rotates. The opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is located on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207. In addition, a sample discharge position is provided on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 for discharging the sample drawn by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction vessel 2011. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0034] Furthermore, the sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive unit 4 and moves vertically either directly above the opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203, or at the sample dispensing position. The sample dispensing probe 207 also aspirates a sample from the sample container located directly below it, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 also dispenses the aspirated sample to the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the sample dispensing position, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs the series of aspiration and dispensing operations once, for example, during one analysis cycle.

[0035] The reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210 are, for example, provided between the reaction disk 201 and the reagent storage compartments 204 and 205, respectively. The reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210 are provided by a drive device 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. Each of the reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210 holds a reagent dispensing probe 209 and 211 at one end.

[0036] The reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 rotate along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory in conjunction with the rotation of the reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210, respectively. Reagent aspiration positions for aspirating reagents and dummy reagents are provided on the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211. Additionally, reagent dispensing positions for dispensing the reagents aspirated by the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 into the reaction vessel 2011 are set on the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, respectively. The reagent dispensing positions on the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 correspond to the intersections of the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201, respectively. Similarly, dummy reagent discharge positions are set on the rotational trajectories of reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, respectively, for discharging the dummy reagent drawn up by the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 into a drainage channel (not shown). The dummy reagent discharge positions correspond to the intersections of the rotational trajectories of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 and the drainage channel.

[0037] The reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 are each driven by the drive unit 4 and move vertically at the reagent aspiration position, reagent discharge position, or dummy reagent discharge position on the rotational trajectory of the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9, each aspirate a reagent from the reagent container 100 located directly below the reagent aspiration position. Similarly, the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9, each discharge the aspirated reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the reagent discharge position. Likewise, the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9, each aspirate a dummy reagent from the reagent container 100d located directly below the reagent aspiration position. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9, each discharge the aspirated dummy reagent into a drainage channel located directly below the dummy reagent discharge position. The reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 each perform a series of dispensing operations, including aspiration and discharge of the reagent or dummy reagent, once, for example, during one analysis cycle.

[0038] The electrode unit 212 measures the electrolyte concentration of the mixture of sample and reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The electrode unit 212 has an ion-selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode. Under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9, the electrode unit 212 measures the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode for the mixture containing the ions to be measured. The electrode unit 212 outputs the measured potential data as standard data or test data to the data processing function 91 of the processing device 10.

[0039] The photometric unit 213 optically measures predetermined components in a mixture of sample and reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The photometric unit 213 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 213 irradiates light from the light source under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9. The irradiated light enters the reaction vessel 2011 from the first side wall and exits from the second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometric unit 213 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 using the photodetector. Specifically, for example, the photodetector detects light that has passed through the mixture of standard sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2011 and generates standard data, expressed as absorbance, etc., based on the intensity of the detected light. The photodetector also detects light that has passed through the mixture of test sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2011 and generates test data, expressed as absorbance, etc., based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 213 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the data processing function 91 of the processing unit 10.

[0040] The cleaning unit 214 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 after the measurement of the mixed liquid has been completed by the electrode unit 212 or the photometric unit 213. The cleaning unit 214 is equipped with a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) that supplies cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction vessel 2011. The cleaning unit 214 is also equipped with cleaning nozzles that discharge the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump into the reaction vessel 2011 and suck up the mixed liquid and cleaning liquid from inside the reaction vessel 2011.

[0041] The stirring unit 215 is located near the outer circumference of the reaction disk 201. The stirring unit 215 has a stirring bar, which is used to stir the mixture of sample and reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011 located at the stirring position on the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, the stirring unit 215 stirs the mixture of sample and reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011.

[0042] The drive unit 4 drives each unit of the analyzer 2.

[0043] The drive unit 4 is equipped with a mechanism to drive the rack sampler 203 of the analyzer 2, moving each sample container. The drive unit 4 is also equipped with a mechanism to drive the reagent racks of the reagent storage rooms 204 and 205, rotating and moving each reagent container 100 within the reagent storage rooms 204 and 205. Furthermore, the drive unit 4 is equipped with a mechanism to drive the reaction disk 201, rotating and moving each reaction vessel 2011 within the reaction disk 201.

[0044] Furthermore, the drive unit 4 is equipped with a mechanism for rotating and moving the sample dispensing arm 206 up and down, moving the sample dispensing probe 207 between the sample container and the reaction vessel 2011, and dispensing the sample onto the sample dispensing probe 207. In other words, the drive unit 4 causes the sample dispensing probe 207 to draw the sample from the sample container and discharge the sample into the reaction vessel 3.

[0045] Furthermore, the drive unit 4 is equipped with a mechanism for rotating and moving the reagent dispensing arms 208 and 210 up and down, moving the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 between the reagent container 100 and the reaction vessel 2011, respectively, and dispensing reagents to the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211. In other words, the drive unit 4 causes the reagent dispensing probes 209 and 211 to draw reagents from the reagent container 100 in the reagent storage rooms 204 and 205, respectively, and discharge the reagents into the reaction vessel 2011. The drive unit 4 is also equipped with a mechanism for driving the stirring unit 215, moving the stirring bar into the reaction vessel 2011. The drive unit 4 is equipped with a mechanism for driving the stirring bar, causing the sample and reagents in the reaction vessel 2011 to be stirred.

[0046] The control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive unit 4 to operate each unit of the analysis device 2.

[0047] The overall configuration of the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment has been described above. With this configuration, the analytical accuracy is improved.

[0048] In the automated analyzer 1, at each analysis cycle, which is a predetermined time interval, multiple reaction vessels 2011 move a predetermined distance and then stop, and then repeatedly move to the washing position, sample dispensing position, and reagent dispensing position in that order. For example, when a reaction vessel 2011 stops at the washing position, it is washed using the washing unit 214. Then, when the washed reaction vessel 2011 stops at the reagent dispensing position, the sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 2011 using the sample dispensing probe 207. When the reaction vessel 2011 with the dispensed sample stops at the reagent dispensing position, the reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 2011 using the reagent dispensing probe (e.g., reagent dispensing probe 209). After that, the mixture of sample and reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel 2011 is measured using the photometric unit 213. When the reaction vessel 2011 after measurement stops at the washing position, it is washed, and the analysis of the test items for the sample is completed. Here, each of the sample dispensing probes 207 and reagent dispensing probes is washed after each analysis cycle. They are also washed after each sample and reagent dispensing.

[0049] In the automated analyzer 1, it is required to dispense reagents at a stable temperature in order to maintain analytical accuracy. For this reason, the automated analyzer 1 may use a reagent dispensing probe (e.g., reagent dispensing probe 209) equipped with a heater for heating the reagents. In the dispensing operation, this reagent dispensing probe can draw up reagents that have been kept cool in a reagent storage room (e.g., reagent storage room 204), heat them to a predetermined temperature using the heater, and dispense the reagents at that predetermined temperature into the reaction vessel 2011.

[0050] Here, when measuring the mixture of sample and reagent in reaction vessel 2011 in a continuous analysis cycle, the reagent held in the reagent dispensing probe is continuously heated by the heater. On the other hand, in idle cycles where there is no scheduled dispensing operation within a predetermined time, the power consumed by the heater is wasted, so the automatic analyzer 1 stops the heater temperature control and starts the heater temperature control in the first analysis cycle after the idle cycle. However, the temperature environment provided by the heater may differ between measurements in a continuous analysis cycle and measurements in the first analysis cycle after an idle cycle. If the temperature environment provided by the heater differs, it may affect the accuracy of the analysis.

[0051] Therefore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment comprises a reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents, a heater for heating the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe, a memory unit, and a determination unit. The memory unit stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe. The determination unit determines the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid heated by the heater before dispensing the reagent and discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of dispensed reagent stored in the memory unit. In the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the analytical accuracy is improved by keeping the temperature environment during reagent use as consistent as possible. These processes will be described in detail below.

[0052] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reagent dispensing probe and reagent dispensing unit shown in Figure 2. Although reagent dispensing probe 209 is shown in Figure 3, reagent dispensing probe 211 has a similar configuration, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0053] As shown in Figure 3, the reagent dispensing probe 209 is equipped with a nozzle 2091. The nozzle 2091 is, for example, a flow channel tube molded from glass and has an opening at its lower end. The lower end of the nozzle 2091 corresponds to the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 209. The upper end of the nozzle 2091 is held by the reagent dispensing arm 208.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the aforementioned analytical apparatus 2 is equipped with a heater 2092 and a sensor 2093.

[0055] The heater 2092 corresponds to, for example, a heating element and is positioned along the nozzle 2091. The heater 2092 is also wrapped around the part containing the reagent, along the nozzle 2091. The material of the heating element is, for example, nichrome wire and iron-chromium wire. The sensor 2093 is, for example, a temperature sensor. Examples of temperature sensors include thermistors, resistance thermometers, thermocouples, and temperature sensor ICs.

[0056] For example, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 causes the reagent in the reagent container 100, or the dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d, to be aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209. The reagent dispensing probe 209 contains the fluid in the nozzle 2091 so that it fits into the part around which the heater 2092 is wrapped. The heater 2092 heats the reagent or dummy reagent as fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe 209, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9.

[0057] The sensor 2093 is positioned, for example, near the center of the nozzle 2091. The sensor 2093 measures the temperature of the surrounding area. For example, the sensor 2093 measures the temperature at a predetermined location on the heater 2092. The sensor 2093 outputs the measured temperature as temperature information to the processing circuit 9. The temperature information from the sensor 2093 is used in the processing circuit 9 for temperature control to control the temperature of the fluid in the nozzle 2091 to a target temperature (for example, 37°C). Examples of temperature control include PI control (proportional-integral control) and PID control (proportional-integral-derivative control).

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, the analytical apparatus 2 described above is further equipped with a reagent dispensing unit 2080.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the reagent dispensing unit 2080 includes a tube 2081, a syringe 2082, a plunger 2083, a tank 2084, a pump 2085, and an on / off valve 2086.

[0060] Tube 2081 is elastic, and one end of tube 2081 is connected to the other end opposite the tip of the reagent dispensing probe 209. Syringe 2082 is connected to the other end of tube 2081. Plunger 2083 fits into an opening provided at the lower end of syringe 2082.

[0061] The on-off valve 2086 opens and closes the flow path connecting the syringe 2082 and the pump 2085. The on-off valve 2086 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0062] For example, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 causes the reagent in the reagent container 100, or the dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d, to be aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0063] Specifically, when a reagent or dummy reagent is aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive unit 4 to close the on / off valve 2086, thereby closing the flow path between the syringe 2082 and the pump 2085. The control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive unit 4 to drive the plunger 2083 in the direction of arrow L1, so that the reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates the reagent in the reagent container 100 or the dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d at the reagent aspiration position.

[0064] Here, when the reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive device 4 to drive the plunger 2083 in the direction of arrow L2, thereby causing the reagent dispensing probe 209 to dispense the reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the reagent dispensing position.

[0065] Furthermore, when dispensing dummy reagent using the reagent dispensing probe 209, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive device 4 to drive the plunger 2083 in the direction of arrow L2, causing the reagent dispensing probe 209 to dispense the dummy reagent into the drainage channel located at the dummy reagent dispensing position.

[0066] Furthermore, when the dispensing of reagent or dummy reagent is complete, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 controls the drive unit 4 to open the on / off valve 2086, thereby opening the flow path between the syringe 2082 and the pump 2085.

[0067] Pump 2085 is driven by drive unit 4 and supplies internal water to reagent dispensing probe 209. Tank 2084 stores internal water used inside the automated analyzer 1. The internal water is, for example, pure water. Another example of how the internal water is used inside the automated analyzer 1 is that it is used as a heat transfer medium stored in the constant temperature unit 202 shown in Figure 2.

[0068] Here, as described above, the reagent dispensing unit 2080 draws dummy reagent using the reagent dispensing probe 209, but it can also supply internal water stored in the tank 2084 into the reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0069] For example, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 causes the internal water to be supplied by the reagent dispensing unit 2080. Specifically, the control function 92 controls the drive device 4 to open the on / off valve 2086, causing the pump 2085 to draw in the internal water stored in the tank 2084, and supplying the drawn-in internal water to the reagent dispensing probe 209 via the syringe 2082 and tube 2081. The heater 2092 heats the internal water as a fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe 209, under the control of the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9. The reagent dispensing unit 2080 is an example of a "supply device," and the control function 92 is an example of a "control unit."

[0070] Here, the memory circuit 8 in Figure 1 stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 as a history of reagent quantities. The control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 determines the amount of dummy fluid based on the amount of dispensed reagent stored in the memory circuit 8. The dummy fluid is a fluid that is heated by the heater 2092 before the reagent is dispensed and is also the fluid discharged from the reagent dispensing probe 209. The memory circuit 8 is an example of a "memory unit," and the control function 92 is an example of a "determination unit." The dummy reagent and internal water mentioned above are examples of "dummy fluids."

[0071] For example, the memory circuit 8 stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle as a history of reagent quantities. The control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 determines the amount of dummy fluid based on the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle, which is stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0072] Thus, in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the temperature environment during reagent use is kept as consistent as possible. As a result, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can improve analytical accuracy.

[0073] Next, we will describe a process in which a dummy reagent or internal water is used as the dummy fluid. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment.

[0074] First, in step S101 of Figure 4, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 confirms the inspection items for the received sample. Specifically, the control function 92 determines whether the time until the dispensing operation of the received sample is less than a predetermined time. That is, the control function 92 determines whether there is a scheduled dispensing operation within the predetermined time. Here, the control function 92 may manage the time by the number of cycles or by the actual time.

[0075] If a dispensing operation is scheduled within a predetermined time (step S101; Yes), the process executed by the automatic analyzer 1 proceeds to step S102 in Figure 4. In this case, in step S102, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 starts temperature control of the heater 2092.

[0076] On the other hand, if there is no scheduled dispensing operation within the predetermined time (step S101; No), the automated analyzer 1 proceeds to step S106 in Figure 4. In this case, in step S106, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 stops the temperature control of the heater 2092.

[0077] The time until the sample used for the determination is dispensed may be set by the user, or it may be set based on the information of the reagents used.

[0078] Here, after the control function 92 starts temperature control of the heater 2092 in step S102, in step S103 of Figure 4, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 determines whether to use dummy reagent or internal water as the dummy fluid. For example, the control function 92 determines whether the remaining amount of dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d of the reagent storage 204 exceeds a predetermined amount. For example, the reagent container 100d of the reagent storage 204 is provided with a weight sensor (not shown), and this weight sensor determines whether the remaining amount of dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, and outputs the determination result to the processing circuit 9.

[0079] Here, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 determines to use the dummy reagent as the dummy fluid when it receives a determination result from the weight sensor indicating that the remaining amount of the dummy reagent exceeds a predetermined amount (step S103; No).

[0080] In this case, in step S104 of Figure 4, the control function 92 determines the amount of dummy fluid (dummy reagent) based on the amount of dispensed reagent stored in the memory circuit 8. For example, the control function 92 determines the amount of dummy fluid (dummy reagent) based on the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle stored in the memory circuit 8. For example, suppose that the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle is "150 μL" as part of the reagent volume history stored in the memory circuit 8. Therefore, before dispensing the reagent, the control function 92 draws the determined amount "150 μL" of dummy reagent from the reagent container 100d using the reagent dispensing probe 209. Then, the control function 92 heats the drawn dummy reagent to a predetermined temperature using the heater 2092, and discharges the dummy reagent at the predetermined temperature into the drainage channel located at the dummy reagent discharge position using the reagent dispensing probe 209. Thus, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can improve analytical accuracy by keeping the temperature environment during reagent use as consistent as possible.

[0081] On the other hand, when the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 receives a determination result from the weight sensor indicating that the remaining amount of dummy reagent is below a predetermined amount, it determines that internal water will be used as the dummy fluid (step S103; Yes).

[0082] In this case, in step S105 of Figure 4, the control function 92 determines the amount of dummy fluid (internal water) based on the amount of dispensed reagent stored in the memory circuit 8. For example, the control function 92 determines the amount of dummy fluid (internal water) based on the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle stored in the memory circuit 8. Then, before dispensing the reagent, the control function 92 has the reagent dispensing unit 2080 supply the determined amount of internal water. The control function 92 then heats the supplied internal water to a predetermined temperature using the heater 2092, and discharges the internal water at the predetermined temperature into the drainage channel located at the dummy reagent discharge position using the reagent dispensing probe 209. In this way, the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can improve analytical accuracy by keeping the temperature environment during reagent use as consistent as possible.

[0083] In this embodiment, in step S103, the decision of whether to use a dummy reagent or internal water as the dummy fluid is made based on the remaining amount of the dummy reagent. However, the type of dummy fluid may be set by the user.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the remaining amount of dummy fluid is below a predetermined amount, dummy fluid is added at at least one of the following timings: startup operation, shutdown operation, measurement preparation operation, pause operation, and measurement during an available cycle. For example, the aforementioned weight sensor (not shown) provided in the reagent container 100d of the reagent storage 204 determines whether the remaining amount of dummy reagent in the reagent container 100d is below a predetermined amount. If the weight sensor determines that the remaining amount of dummy reagent is below a predetermined amount, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 notifies the user that the remaining amount of dummy reagent is below a predetermined amount. In this case, dummy reagent is added at at least one of the following timings: startup operation, shutdown operation, measurement preparation operation, pause operation, and measurement during an available cycle.

[0085] Furthermore, while dummy reagents and internal water are given as examples of dummy fluids, washing water from the washing position may also be used. For example, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 causes the washing water from the washing position to be aspirated by the reagent dispensing probe 209 before dispensing the reagent, heats the aspirated washing water to a predetermined temperature by the heater 2092, and then discharges the washing water at the predetermined temperature into a drainage channel located at the dummy reagent discharge position using the reagent dispensing probe 209.

[0086] In the embodiment described above, the control function 92, as the determination unit, uses the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle as the history of reagent amounts stored in the memory circuit 8 to determine the flow rate of the dummy fluid. However, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the memory circuit 8 stores the amount of reagent used during calibration and the amount of reagent set for the test item as the history of reagent amounts. Therefore, the control function 92 may determine the amount of dummy fluid based on the amount of reagent used during calibration stored in the memory circuit 8, or it may determine the amount of dummy fluid based on the amount of reagent set for the test item stored in the memory circuit 8. Whether to use the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle, the amount of reagent used during calibration, or the amount of reagent set for the test item may be set by the user, for example.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the dummy fluid may be placed in the reagent dispensing probe 209, heated, and dispensed in one cycle, or it may be placed two or more times based on the reagent usage history of two or more previous entries stored in the memory circuit 8. Additionally, the dummy fluid may be placed in the reagent dispensing probe 209, heated, and dispensed a set number of times. For example, this number may be set by the user or by information about the reagents to be used.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the amount of dummy fluid is corrected based on the temperature of the fluid used as the dummy fluid (internal water, dummy reagent). For example, the control function 92 of the processing circuit 9 corrects the amount of dummy fluid contained in the reagent dispensing probe 209 and heated by the heater 2092 according to the temperature of the fluid used as the dummy fluid.

[0089] For example, suppose a dummy reagent is used as the dummy fluid, and the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle was "100 μL". In this case, the control function 92 determines that the temperature of the dummy reagent is "5°C", the same as the temperature of the reagent, since the dummy reagent is stored in the reagent storage room 204, just like the reagent. The control function 92 then determines that the amount of dummy reagent to be used as the dummy fluid is "100 μL", the same as the amount of reagent "100 μL" in the previous analysis cycle.

[0090] On the other hand, let's assume that internal water is used as the dummy fluid, and that the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe 209 in the previous analysis cycle was "100 μL". Furthermore, let's assume that the temperature of the internal water is "15°C" based on the temperature environment of the tank 2084. When 100 μL of dummy fluid at "5°C" is heated for a predetermined period, the latter heats up more easily than when 100 μL of dummy fluid at "15°C" is heated for a predetermined period, resulting in different temperature environments after heating. Therefore, the control function 92 decides to contain an amount of internal water greater than "100 μL", for example, "120 μL" of internal water, within the reagent dispensing probe 209. This correction process ensures that the temperature environment within the reagent dispensing probe 209 is equalized.

[0091] In this embodiment, the actual temperature of the dummy reagent and internal water may be obtained using a temperature sensor, and the above correction process may be performed.

[0092] According to at least one embodiment described above, the accuracy of the analysis can be improved.

[0093] 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]

[0094] 1 Automatic analyzer 8 Memory circuit 92 Control Functions 2092 Heater

Claims

1. A reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents, A heater for heating the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe, A storage unit that stores the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe, A determination unit determines the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid heated by the heater before the reagent is dispensed and discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of dispensed reagent stored in the memory unit. An automated analyzer equipped with the following features.

2. The determination unit determines the amount of the dummy fluid based on the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe in the previous analysis cycle stored in the memory unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

3. The determination unit determines the amount of the dummy fluid based on the amount of reagent used during calibration stored in the memory unit, or the amount of reagent set for the test item. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

4. A reagent storage room is provided, in which multiple reagent containers are arranged and at least one of the reagent containers contains a dummy reagent. A control unit that aspirates the dummy reagent as the dummy fluid from at least one reagent container using the reagent dispensing probe, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

5. A tank for storing internal water used inside the automated analyzer, A supply device that supplies the internal water stored in the tank into the reagent dispensing probe, A control unit that supplies the internal water as the dummy fluid using the supply device, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The amount of the dummy fluid is corrected based on the temperature of the fluid used as the dummy fluid. The automated analyzer according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The dummy fluid is introduced into the reagent dispensing probe, heated, and dispensed a set number of times. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

8. If a dispensing operation is scheduled within a predetermined time, the control unit will initiate temperature control of the heater. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The control unit, if there is no scheduled dispensing operation within the predetermined time, will stop the temperature control of the heater. The automated analyzer according to claim 8.

10. If the remaining amount of the dummy fluid is below a predetermined amount, the dummy fluid is added at at least one of the idle cycles during startup, shutdown, measurement preparation, pause, and measurement. The automated analyzer according to claim 4 or 5.

11. A reagent storage room is provided, in which multiple reagent containers are arranged and at least one of the reagent containers contains a dummy reagent. A tank for storing internal water used inside the automated analyzer, A supply device that supplies the internal water stored in the tank into the reagent dispensing probe, A control unit which, when the remaining amount of the dummy reagent in the reagent storage exceeds a predetermined amount, draws the dummy reagent from at least one reagent container as the dummy fluid using the reagent dispensing probe, and when the remaining amount of the dummy reagent in the reagent storage is less than or equal to the predetermined amount, supplies the internal water as the dummy fluid using the supply device, The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising:

12. A computer mounted on an automated analyzer comprising a reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents, a heater for heating the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe, and a storage unit for storing the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe, A step of determining the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid that is heated by the heater before dispensing the reagent and is discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of the dispensed reagent stored in the memory unit. A program that executes the command.

13. A method performed by an automated analyzer comprising a reagent dispensing probe for dispensing reagents, a heater for heating the fluid held in the reagent dispensing probe, and a storage unit for storing the amount of reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing probe, A step of determining the amount of dummy fluid, which is a fluid that is heated by the heater before dispensing the reagent and is discharged from the reagent dispensing probe, based on the amount of the dispensed reagent stored in the memory unit. A method that includes this.

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