Automated analyzer and automated analyzer

Abstract

To suppress the decline in analytical accuracy. [Solution] The automated analyzer of the embodiment comprises a reagent storage unit, an automatic reagent loading mechanism, a dispensing mechanism, and a control unit. The reagent storage unit stores a plurality of reagent bottles. The automatic reagent loading mechanism transfers the reagent bottles from the reagent input unit to the reagent storage unit. The dispensing mechanism dispenses the reagents contained in the reagent bottles stored in the reagent storage unit. The control unit waits for the dispensing mechanism to dispense until a waiting time has elapsed from a reference time corresponding to the time the reagent bottles have been transferred to the reagent storage unit by the automatic reagent loading mechanism and installed in the reagent storage unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings relate to an automatic analyzer and an automatic analysis method.

Background Art

[0002] Reagents used in automatic analyzers include those stored under refrigeration and those stored at room temperature, and some reagents are prone to foaming. In clinical laboratories, in order to prevent the deterioration of the reagent contained in the reagent bottle installed in the reagent storage of the automatic analyzer, the reagent bottle may be taken out of the reagent storage and stored in a refrigerator after the inspection routine is completed, instead of being left temporarily installed in the reagent storage. In this case, when resuming the inspection routine, the reagent bottle is taken out of the refrigerator and installed in the reagent storage again.

[0003] Some automatic analyzers are equipped with an automatic reagent loading mechanism that transports reagent bottles from a reagent input section to the reagent storage for installation. In an automatic analyzer equipped with an automatic reagent loading mechanism, a waiting time during which the reagent bottle is kept on standby at the reagent input section before transportation may occur so as not to reduce throughput.

[0004] In an automatic analyzer, if reagent bottles that remain installed in the reagent storage are mixed in the reagent storage with reagent bottles that have been stored in a refrigerator or kept on standby at the reagent input section, there may be differences in the temperature of the reagents used for inspection. In this case, for example, if the temperature of the reagent differs between the time of calibration and the time of sample measurement, it may cause a decrease in analysis accuracy.

[0005] Immediately after a reagent bottle is installed in the reagent storage, liquid level fluctuation of the reagent in the reagent bottle or foaming of the reagent may occur. When liquid level fluctuation or foaming of the reagent occurs, there is a risk that the extracted amount of the reagent to be extracted becomes unstable. If the extracted amount of the reagent to be extracted becomes unstable, it may cause a decrease in analysis accuracy.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7189054 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve is to suppress the decrease in analytical accuracy. However, the problems that the embodiments disclosed herein and in the drawings aim to solve 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]

[0008] The automated analyzer of this embodiment comprises a reagent storage unit, an automatic reagent loading mechanism, a dispensing mechanism, and a control unit. The reagent storage unit stores a plurality of reagent bottles. The automatic reagent loading mechanism transfers the reagent bottles from the reagent input unit to the reagent storage unit. The dispensing mechanism dispenses the reagents contained in the reagent bottles stored in the reagent storage unit. The control unit waits for the dispensing mechanism to dispense until a waiting time has elapsed from a reference time corresponding to the time the reagent bottles have been transferred to the reagent storage unit and installed in the reagent storage unit by the automatic reagent loading mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A block diagram showing an example of an automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the analytical mechanism. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by automated analyzer 1. [Figure 4] A diagram showing an example of a display 6 that shows reagent information. [Figure 5] This figure shows another example of display 6 showing reagent information. [Figure 6]This figure shows another example of display 6 showing reagent information. [Figure 7] This figure shows another example of display 6 showing reagent information. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes the automated analyzer and automated analyzer method of the embodiment with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an automated analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. The automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes, for example, an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, a display 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9.

[0012] Analytical mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample, with reagents used for various test items set for the sample. The test items are set for the sample used in the test using the reagents. Analytical mechanism 2 measures various properties of the sample-reagent mixture, such as absorbance, and generates standard data and test data associated with the measured absorbance. Analytical mechanism 2 measures the sample-reagent mixture and generates standard data and test data associated with, for example, electrode potential.

[0013] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analysis data by analyzing the generated standard data and test data. The analysis circuit 3 reads an operation program from the memory circuit 8 and generates calibration data and analysis data according to the read operation program. For example, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data that shows the relationship between the standard data and the standard values ​​set in advance for the standard sample, based on the standard data.

[0014] The analysis circuit 3 generates analytical data based on the test data and the calibration data for the corresponding test item. The analytical data includes data that correlates concentration values ​​with enzyme activity values, and data that records the concentration of a desired ion in the sample over time. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analytical data to the control circuit 9.

[0015] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by, for example, gears, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, and a lead screw. The drive mechanism 4 rotates the reaction disk 104, which will be described later, by a predetermined rotation angle. The predetermined rotation angle is, for example, the angle of rotation in one cycle, which will be described later. The drive mechanism 4 rotates the reagent rack of the reagent storage room 102, which will be described later.

[0016] The input interface 5 accepts input operations, for example, from the operator, to set the analysis parameters of each test item related to the sample for which measurement has been requested via the hospital network NW. The input interface 5 can be implemented, for example, by a mouse, keyboard, or touchpad, which receives instructions by touching the operating surface. The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9, which converts the instructions corresponding to the input operations from the operator into electrical signals and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9.

[0017] In this specification, the term "input interface" is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse or keyboard. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an input operation from an external input device located separately from the device and outputs this electrical signal to a control circuit is also included as an example of an input interface.

[0018] Display 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and displays data representing the items to be displayed, received from the control circuit 9. This data includes data from the reagent storage window, washing window, and confirmation window. Display 6 also displays the waiting time and reference waiting time, which will be explained later, as part of the reagent information.

[0019] The display 6 corresponds to, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, a plasma display, and the like. The display 6 may be equipped with a touch panel. In this case, the display 6 may have the function of the input interface 5. The display 6 is an example of a display unit.

[0020] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, an in-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with a HIS (Hospital Information System) via the in-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via a test department system connected to the in-hospital network NW.

[0021] The storage circuit 8 includes, for example, a processor-readable recording medium such as a RAM (Random Access Memory), a semiconductor memory element such as a flash memory, a hard disk, an optical disk, and the like. The storage circuit 8 is not necessarily implemented by a single storage device. The storage circuit 8 may be implemented by, for example, a plurality of storage devices.

[0022] The storage circuit 8 stores a test order input by an operator, or a test order received via the in-hospital network NW by the communication interface 7, and the like. The order information includes a sample ID (reagent name), test items required for the sample to be measured, and a measurement sequence related to the test. The storage circuit 8 stores various setting values for causing a series of operations of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1 to be executed in one cycle. The storage circuit 8 stores an operation program to be read by the control circuit 9. The storage circuit 8 is an example of a storage unit.

[0023] Memory circuit 8 stores a reagent library for multiple reagents. The reagent library associates reagent information with bottle information. Reagent information includes, for example, reagent name, barcode ID, reagent type, number of remaining warning tests, waiting time, and number of days after initial use. Bottle information includes information such as expiration date, lot number, and bottle number.

[0024] The control circuit 9 functions as the central control of the automated analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 achieves these functions, for example, by having a hardware processor execute a program stored in the memory circuit 8. The control circuit 9 outputs control signals to the drive mechanism 4 to drive each part of the analysis mechanism 2, for example. The control circuit 9 may also include a memory that stores at least a portion of the data stored in the memory circuit 8, for example. The control circuit 9 is an example of a control unit.

[0025] A hardware processor refers to circuits such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), and programmable logic devices (e.g., Simple Programmable Logic Device (SPLD) or Complex Programmable Logic Device (CPLD), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 8, the program may be directly embedded within the hardware processor's circuitry. In this case, the hardware processor performs its functions by reading and executing the program embedded within the circuitry. A hardware processor is not limited to being configured as a single circuit; it may be configured as a single hardware processor by combining multiple independent circuits to perform each function. Multiple components may also be integrated into a single hardware processor to perform each function.

[0026] Figure 2 shows an example configuration of the analytical mechanism shown in Figure 1. In Figure 2, the first side 114, the second side 116, the third side 138, and the fourth side 140 define the outer boundary of the analytical mechanism 2. The first side 114 and the second side 116 face each other, and the third side 138 and the fourth side 140 face each other.

[0027] The analysis mechanism 2 includes, for example, a reagent storage unit 102, a reaction disk 104, a reagent input unit 118, and an automatic reagent loading mechanism 125. The reagent storage unit 102 and the reaction disk 104 have different rotation axes as drive mechanisms. Both rotation axes are aligned vertically.

[0028] The reaction disk 104 is positioned above the reagent storage 102, at a distance from the reagent storage 102. At least a portion of the installation area of ​​the reaction disk 104, viewed from above, overlaps with the installation area of ​​the reagent storage 102. The reagent storage 102 and the reaction disk 104 may be positioned adjacent to each other, for example, on the same plane, without overlapping when viewed from above.

[0029] The reagent cabinet 102 keeps multiple reagent bottles 224a to n refrigerated. Reagent bottles 224a to n contain reagents that react with predetermined components contained in a standard sample or a test sample. In the following description, when multiple reagent bottles 224a to n are not distinguished, they will be referred to as reagent bottle 224.

[0030] The reagent storage compartment 102 is structured in such a way that it is difficult for the operator to directly access it, regardless of whether the device is operating or stopped, because the reaction disk 104 is located above it. This means that the operator cannot easily take reagent bottles in and out of the reagent storage compartment 102. A rotatable reagent rack is provided inside the reagent storage compartment 102. The reagent rack holds multiple reagent bottles 224a to n arranged in a ring shape. The reagent rack is rotated by a drive mechanism 4.

[0031] Each of the reagent bottles 224a to n contains at least one type of reagent. In the case of a reagent bottle containing two types of reagents, one container (the outer annular sequence containers 208a to n, described later) contains the first reagent, and the other container (the inner annular sequence containers 210a to n, described later) contains the second reagent, which is paired with the first reagent. The following section will describe the case of a reagent bottle containing two types of reagents. Each of the reagent bottles 224a to n has a barcode affixed to it, which is a sequence of numbers associated with information such as the reagent name and bottle type.

[0032] The reagent storage container 102 includes, for example, outer annular array containers 208a-n that move along a first annular path 209 and inner annular array containers 210a-n that move along a second annular path 211. The circles formed by the first annular path 209 and the second annular path 211 are concentric circles.

[0033] The reaction disk 104 holds multiple reaction tubes 108a to n arranged in a ring. The reaction disk 104 is driven by a drive mechanism 4, which alternately rotates and stops at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as one cycle), for example, 4.5 seconds. The multiple reaction tubes 108a to n are formed of, for example, glass. In the following description, the path along which the reaction tubes 108a to n move is called the reaction tube ring path. When multiple reaction tubes 108a to n are not distinguished, they are referred to as reaction tube 108.

[0034] The reagent loading section 118 is provided on the first side surface 114 of the analysis mechanism 2. The reagent loading section 118 has a mounting rack 120 having multiple transport devices 124a to n for transporting multiple sample containers, and multiple slots 122a to n for receiving multiple reagent bottles 224a to n. In the following description, if the multiple transport devices 124a to n are not distinguished, they will be referred to as transport device 124, and if the multiple slots 122a to n are not distinguished, they will be referred to as slot 122.

[0035] Either a transport device 124 or a reagent bottle 224 is inserted into slot 122 in the mounting rack 120. The transport device 124 holds six sample containers, but the number of sample containers it holds is not limited to this. The sample containers are affixed with barcodes consisting of a sequence of numbers associated with information such as a patient ID.

[0036] The reagent loading section 118 is the area where the user loads the transport device 124 and reagent bottles 224 into the automated analyzer 1 from outside the analyzer 1, or removes them from the automated analyzer 1 after use in testing. The user is, for example, a doctor or laboratory technician performing the test. The reagent bottles 224 containing the reagents are stored, for example, in a refrigerator located outside the automated analyzer 1. When performing the test, the user takes the reagent bottles 224 from the refrigerator and loads them into the reagent loading section 118.

[0037] Reagent bottles 224 placed in the reagent dispensing unit 118 are transported to the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 by the automatic reagent loading mechanism 125, and then placed on the reagent racks in the reagent storage unit 102 by the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222. Reagent bottles 224 containing reagents used in testing are transported from the reagent storage unit 102 to the reagent dispensing unit 118 by the automatic reagent loading mechanism 125. The user removes the transported reagent bottles 224 from the reagent dispensing unit 118 and stores them, for example, in a refrigerator.

[0038] The reagent automatic loading mechanism 125 includes, for example, a positioner 126 and an arm 130. The positioner 126 transports the transporter 124 and reagent bottles 224. The arm 130 is attached to the positioner 126. The arm 130 engages with the transporter 124 and reagent bottles 224.

[0039] The positioner 126 and arm 130 retrieve either the transport device 124 or the reagent bottle 224 inserted into the slot 122. The positioner 126 and arm 130 then transport the retrieved transport device 124 to either the first transport device shuttle 134 or the second transport device shuttle 136 and place it there. The positioner 126 and arm 130 then transport the retrieved reagent bottle 224 to the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 located at the entrance / exit opening 102H of the reagent storage unit 102, and then operate to allow the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 to place it on the reagent rack in the reagent storage unit 102.

[0040] The positioner 126 has a barcode reader for reading barcodes attached to each of the multiple sample containers held by the reagent bottle 224 and the transporter 124. The barcode reader reads the barcodes attached to each of the multiple sample containers held in the transporter 124a, for example, when the positioner 126 moves the transporter 124a.

[0041] The barcode reader reads the barcode attached to reagent bottle 224, for example, when the positioner 126 transfers reagent bottles 224a to n. The barcode reader generates barcode information based on the read barcode and outputs the generated barcode information to the control circuit 9.

[0042] The sample containers and reagent bottles 224 may have other identifiers affixed to them in lieu of or in addition to barcodes. The identifiers affixed to the sample containers and reagent bottles may be, for example, two-dimensional codes such as QR codes (registered trademarks), or IC tags using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification). If RF tags are affixed, the positioner 126 may have a reader compatible with the IC tags.

[0043] The analysis mechanism 2 has a first transport shuttle 134 and a second transport shuttle 136 positioned near the second side surface 116. The arm 130 engages with the transport 124. The transport 124 is transferred to the first transport shuttle 134 or the second transport shuttle 136 by the rotation of the arm 130 and the movement of the positioner 126.

[0044] The first transport shuttle 134 has a first track section 142 extending from a first side 114 to a second side 116. The first track section 142 has a track device composed of, for example, a belt and a chain. The first transport shuttle 134 has a first motor 146 on the second side 116 side for driving the first track section 142. The first transport shuttle 134 has a first sensor 150 on the first side 114 side.

[0045] The second transport shuttle 136 is positioned adjacent to the first transport shuttle 134. The second transport shuttle 136 has a second track section 144 extending from the first side 114 to the second side 116. The second track section 144 has, for example, a track device. The second transport shuttle 136 has a second motor 148 on the second side 116 side for driving the second track section 144. The second transport shuttle 136 has a second sensor 152 on the first side 114 side.

[0046] The first transport shuttle 134 can transport the transport device 124 (here, transport device 124a) placed on the first track section 142 to any desired location. The second transport shuttle 136 can transport the transport device 124 (here, transport device 124c) placed on the second track section 144 to any desired location.

[0047] The analysis mechanism 2 has a reagent bottle transport mechanism 222. The reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 inserts and removes reagent bottles from an inlet / outlet opening 102H provided in the reagent storage 102. The reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 has an arm (not shown). The arm of the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 engages with the reagent bottle 224 (here, reagent bottle 224a) placed in the inlet / outlet opening 102H.

[0048] The reagent bottle 224 is removed from the entrance / exit opening 102H by the operation of the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 and placed in the reagent storage room 102. After the test is completed, for example, the reagent bottle 224 placed in the reagent storage room 102 is removed from the entrance / exit opening 102H by the operation of the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222 and transported to the reagent input section 118 by the automatic reagent loading mechanism 125.

[0049] The analytical mechanism 2 includes a first pipetting mechanism 160, a second pipetting mechanism 170, and a third pipetting mechanism 180. The first pipetting mechanism 160 is provided, for example, inside the reagent storage 102 and outside the reaction disk 104. The second pipetting mechanism 170 is provided, for example, on the side circumference of the reaction disk 104. The third pipetting mechanism 180 is provided, for example, outside the reagent storage 102. The positions in which each of the first pipetting mechanism 160, the second pipetting mechanism 170, and the third pipetting mechanism 180 is provided are not limited to the above positions.

[0050] The first pipetting mechanism 160 has a first reagent dispensing arm 161. The first reagent dispensing arm 161 is vertically movable and has a pivot shaft extending vertically attached to one end. The first reagent dispensing arm 161 is vertically movable and rotatable around the vertical axis by a drive mechanism 4. The first reagent dispensing arm 161 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 162 at the other end. The first pipetting mechanism 160 is an example of a dispensing mechanism.

[0051] The first reagent dispensing probe 162 rotates along a first arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 161 rotates. A first reagent aspiration position 160P1 is provided on the first rotational trajectory where the first reagent dispensing probe 162 aspirates the first reagent from the reagent bottle (outer annular arrangement container). The upper surface of the first reagent aspiration position 160P1 in the reagent storage 102 is open. The first reagent aspiration position 160P1 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the first rotational trajectory and the first annular path 209.

[0052] A first reagent dispensing position 160P2 is provided on the first rotational trajectory for dispensing the first reagent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 162 into the reaction vessel. The first reagent dispensing position 160P2 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the first rotational trajectory and the annular path of the reaction tube. A washing position may be provided on the first rotational trajectory at a position different from the first reagent aspiration position 160P1 and the first reagent dispensing position 160P2 for washing the first reagent dispensing probe 162. A washing tank for washing the first reagent dispensing probe 162 may be provided at the washing position.

[0053] The first reagent dispensing probe 162, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates the first reagent from the outer annular array container located directly below the first reagent aspiration position 160P1. The first reagent dispensing probe 162, in accordance with the control circuit 9, dispenses the aspirated first reagent into the reaction tube located directly below the first reagent dispensing position 160P2. The first pipetting mechanism 160 performs this series of aspiration and dispensing operations (dispensing operation) once, for example, during one cycle.

[0054] The second pipetting mechanism 170 has a second reagent dispensing arm 171. The second reagent dispensing arm 171 is vertically movable and has a vertically extending pivot shaft attached to one end. The second reagent dispensing arm 171 is vertically movable and rotatable around the vertical axis by a drive mechanism 4. The second reagent dispensing arm 171 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 172 at the other end. The second pipetting mechanism 170 is an example of a dispensing mechanism.

[0055] The second reagent dispensing probe 172 rotates along a second arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 171 rotates. A second reagent aspiration position 170P1 is provided on the second rotational trajectory where the second reagent dispensing probe 172 aspirates the second reagent from the reagent bottle (inner annular arrangement container). The upper surface of the second reagent aspiration position 170P1 in the reagent storage 102 is open. The second reagent aspiration position 170P1 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the second rotational trajectory and the second annular path 211.

[0056] A second reagent dispensing position 170P2 is provided on the second rotational trajectory for dispensing the second reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 172 into the reaction vessel. The second reagent dispensing position 170P2 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the second rotational trajectory and the annular path of the reaction tube. A washing position may be provided on the second rotational trajectory at a position different from the second reagent aspiration position 170P1 and the second reagent dispensing position 170P2 for washing the second reagent dispensing probe 172. A washing tank for washing the second reagent dispensing probe 172 may be provided at the washing position.

[0057] The second reagent dispensing probe 172, under the control of the control circuit 9, aspirates the second reagent from the outer annular array container located directly below the second reagent aspiration position 170P1. The second reagent dispensing probe 172, under the control of the control circuit 9, dispenses the aspirated second reagent into the reaction tube located directly below the second reagent discharge position 170P2. The second pipetting mechanism 170 performs this dispensing operation, for example, once per cycle.

[0058] The third pipetting mechanism 180 has a sample dispensing arm 181. The sample dispensing arm 181 is vertically movable and has a vertically extending pivot axis attached to one end. The sample dispensing arm 181 is vertically movable and rotatable around the vertical axis by a drive mechanism 4. The sample dispensing arm 181 holds a sample dispensing probe 182 at the other end. The third pipetting mechanism 180 is an example of a dispensing mechanism.

[0059] The sample dispensing probe 182 rotates along a third arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 181 rotates. A first sample aspiration position 180P1 and a second sample aspiration position 180P2 are provided on the third rotational trajectory, where the sample dispensing probe 182 aspirates the sample from the sample container.

[0060] The first sample aspiration position 180P1 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the third rotational trajectory and the first track section 142. The second sample aspiration position 180P2 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the third rotational trajectory and the second track section 144. A sample discharge position 180P3 is provided on the third rotational trajectory for discharging the sample aspirationd by the sample dispensing probe 182 to the reaction vessel. The sample discharge position 180P3 corresponds, for example, to the intersection of the third rotational trajectory and the annular path of the reaction tube.

[0061] A washing position for washing the sample dispensing probe 182 may be provided at a position on the third rotational trajectory different from the first sample aspiration position 180P1, the second sample aspiration position 180P2, and the sample discharge position 180P3. A washing tank for washing the sample dispensing probe 182 may be provided at the washing position.

[0062] The sample dispensing probe 182, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates a sample from a sample container located directly below the first sample aspiration position 180P1 or from a sample container located directly below the second sample aspiration position 180P2. The sample dispensing probe 182, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated sample into a reaction tube located directly below the sample discharge position 180P3. The third pipetting mechanism 180 of the sample dispensing probe 182 performs this dispensing operation, for example, once per cycle.

[0063] The analysis mechanism 2 further comprises an electrode unit, a photometric unit, a cleaning unit, and a stirring unit. The electrode unit measures the electrolyte concentration of the mixture of sample and reagent discharged into the reaction tube. The photometric unit optically measures predetermined components in the mixture. The cleaning unit cleans the inside of the reaction tube after the measurement of the mixture has been completed in the electrode unit or the photometric unit. The stirring unit has a stirring bar, which is used to stir the sample, reagent, and mixture contained in the reaction tube located directly below the stirring position on the reaction disk 104.

[0064] Next, the functions of the control circuit 9 according to this embodiment will be described. The control circuit 9 shown in Figure 1 realizes the functions corresponding to the operation program stored in the memory circuit 8 by executing the program. The control circuit 9 includes, for example, a system control function 91, an acquisition function 92, a reception function 93, an adjustment function 94, and a display control function 95.

[0065] In this embodiment, a case is described in which the system control function 91, acquisition function 92, reception function 93, adjustment function 94, and display control function 95 are realized by a single processor, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, a control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the system control function 91, acquisition function 92, reception function 93, adjustment function 94, and display control function 95 may be realized by each processor executing an operation program.

[0066] The system control function 91 comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information, for example, input information received from the input interface 5. The control circuit 9 controls, for example, the rotation of the reagent rack and reaction disk 104 of the reagent storage 102, the rotation and dispensing of the first reagent dispensing probe 162, the rotation and dispensing of the second reagent dispensing probe 172, and the rotation and dispensing of the sample dispensing probe 182. The system control function 91 controls the transport operations of the positioner 126, the first transport shuttle 134, the second transport shuttle 136, and the reagent bottle transport mechanism 222.

[0067] The system control function 91 causes the automatic reagent loading mechanism 125 to wait for a waiting period to elapse after the reagent bottle 224 has been placed in the reagent storage 102 before dispensing by the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 can be performed. The time it takes for the reagent bottle 224 to be placed in the reagent storage 102 corresponds to a reference time corresponding to the time it was placed in the reagent storage 102. The reference time may be the time it takes for the reagent bottle 224 to be placed in the reagent storage 102, or it may be an appropriate time based on the time it takes for the reagent bottle 224 to be placed in the reagent storage 102.

[0068] The acquisition function 92 acquires the waiting time stored in the memory unit. The acquisition function 92 also acquires barcode information transmitted by a barcode reader provided on the positioner 126 in the reagent automatic loading mechanism 125. The barcode information corresponds to the barcode affixed to the reagent bottle 224 that has been placed in the reagent dispensing unit 118.

[0069] The acquisition function 92 reads reagent information corresponding to the acquired barcode information from the memory circuit 8 and acquires the waiting time included in the read reagent information. The acquired waiting time corresponds to the waiting time of the reagent contained in the reagent bottle 224 that is loaded into the reagent dispensing unit 118. The waiting time is set, for example, based on the type of reagent or the test item. The acquisition function 92 may use the acquired waiting time as the waiting time as is, or it may be used as a reference waiting time that serves as the basis for the waiting time set by the reception function 93 or the adjustment function 94. The acquisition function 92 is an example of an acquisition unit. The "type of reagent" that serves as the basis for setting the waiting time is not particularly limited, and the types of reagents may be divided at any granularity. For example, the waiting time may be set based on each reagent from each manufacturer, or it may be set based on reagents prepared by the user themselves. Furthermore, the waiting time may be set based on the lot number or batch number of the reagent, or the waiting time may be set for each reagent bottle.

[0070] The reception function 93 accepts input of the waiting time. The reception function 93 accepts, for example, specification information that specifies the waiting time, which is input from the input interface 5. The waiting time acquired by the acquisition function 92 is displayed on the display 6 by, for example, the display control function 95. The user operates the input interface 5 to adjust the waiting time displayed on the display 6 as needed. The input interface 5 generates specification information according to the operation and outputs it to the control circuit. The reception function 93 is an example of a reception unit.

[0071] The adjustment function 94 adjusts the waiting time based on the cooling status of the reagent bottle 224. The adjustment function 94 acquires cooling status information, for example, regarding the cooling status of the reagent bottle 224 to be placed in the reagent dispensing unit 118. The cooling status information includes, for example, placement time information regarding the placement time of the reagent bottle 224 in the reagent dispensing unit 118 and pre-dispensing storage location information regarding the storage location of the reagent bottle 224 before it is placed in the reagent dispensing unit 118.

[0072] The adjustment function 94, for example, increases the waiting time when the storage time is long, as the reagent bottle 224 approaches room temperature. The adjustment function 94 also increases the waiting time when the pre-loading storage location is a storage shelf for room temperature storage compared to when the pre-loading storage location is a refrigerator for refrigerated storage. In another example, the adjustment function 94 may acquire temperature information of the pre-loading storage location as pre-loading storage location information and adjust the waiting time based on that temperature. The adjustment function 94 is an example of an adjustment unit.

[0073] The display control function 95 displays the waiting time on the display unit. The display control function 95 displays the waiting time acquired by the acquisition function 92 and adjusted by the adjustment function 94 on the display 6. The display control function 95 displays the waiting time set for each reagent on the display 6. The display control function 95 may also display the waiting time set for each test item on the display 6. The display control function 95 displays information other than the waiting time, such as reagent information, on the display 6. The display control function 95 is an example of a display control unit.

[0074] Next, the processing of the automated analyzer 1 of the embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the automated analyzer 1. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 describes the process from when the reagent bottle is placed in the automated analyzer 1 until the dispensing of the sample and reagents begins.

[0075] In the automated analyzer 1, first, a reagent bottle 224 containing the reagents to be used for testing is placed into the reagent loading section 118 by the user (step S101). Next, a barcode reader provided on the positioner 126 of the automated reagent loading mechanism 125 reads the barcode information attached to the reagent bottle 224, generates barcode information, and outputs it to the control circuit 9. The acquisition function 92 acquires the output barcode information and reads the reagent information corresponding to the acquired barcode information from the storage circuit 8 (step S103).

[0076] Next, the system control function 91 determines whether or not there is a waiting time (not zero) included in the reagent information corresponding to the barcode information acquired by the acquisition function 92 (step S105). If it is determined that there is no waiting time, the system control function 91 proceeds to step S115. If the system control function 91 determines that there is a waiting time, the display control function 95 displays the reagent information acquired by the acquisition function 92 on the display 6 (step S107).

[0077] Figure 4 shows an example of a display 6 showing reagent information. The reagent information displayed on the display 6 includes information such as "reagent location," "reagent," "warning remaining test," "waiting time," "expiration date," and "stable period." Bottle information such as "lot number" and "bottle number" is also displayed as reagent information.

[0078] Figure 4 shows an example where a 10-minute waiting time is set as reagent information. If no waiting time is set, the "Waiting Time" field will display "0" or "-" to indicate that no waiting time is set. By operating the input interface 5, the user can change the content of each item of the reagent information while viewing the reagent information displayed on the display 6. The "Waiting Time" displayed on the display 6 is, for example, a standard waiting time displayed by the display control function 95, and is a time that can be changed by the reception function 93 or the adjustment function 94.

[0079] The user can, for example, set, cancel, or change the waiting time by operating the input interface 5. When the reagent time is set or adjusted by the user, the input interface 5 outputs the specified information corresponding to the user's input operation to the control circuit 9.

[0080] Next, the adjustment function 94 determines whether or not to adjust the waiting time based on the cooling status information (step S109). For example, the adjustment function 94 obtains information as cooling status information, such as whether the reagent bottle 224 was stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature. For example, if the reagent bottle 224 was stored in the refrigerator, the adjustment function 94 determines not to adjust the waiting time, and if it was stored at room temperature, it determines to increase the waiting time by a certain amount of time. The adjustment function 94 may also change and set the length of the waiting time based on the cooling status information. If it determines to adjust the waiting time, the adjustment function 94 adjusts and changes the waiting time (step S111).

[0081] If the adjustment function 94 determines that it does not need to adjust the waiting time, the reception function 93 then determines whether or not it has received the specified information transmitted by the input interface 5 (step S113). If it determines that it has received the specified information, the reception function 93 sets the waiting time based on the received specified information (step S111). If it determines that it has not received the specified time, it skips the process in step S111.

[0082] Next, the system control function 91 controls the automatic reagent loading mechanism 125 and the reagent bottle transport mechanism to transport the reagent bottles 224 loaded into the reagent input section 118 to the reagent storage 102 and place them there (step S115). Subsequently, the system control function 91 determines whether a set waiting time has elapsed since the reagent bottles 224 were placed there in the reagent storage 102 (step S117).

[0083] If the system control function 91 determines that the waiting time has not elapsed, it repeats the process in step S117, causing the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 to wait for dispensing. If the system control function 91 determines that the waiting time has elapsed, it enables the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 to start dispensing (step S119). In this way, the automated analyzer 1 completes the process shown in Figure 3.

[0084] In this embodiment, the automated analyzer 1 uses an automatic reagent loading mechanism 125 to delay dispensing by the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 until a waiting period has elapsed after the reagent bottles 224 have been transferred to the reagent storage room 102. Therefore, when dispensing by the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 begins, the reagents stored in the reagent storage room 102 are cooled and adjusted to a temperature suitable for testing. Consequently, a decrease in analytical accuracy can be suppressed.

[0085] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 1, after the reagent bottle 224 is transferred to the reagent storage 102, liquid surface shaking and foaming of the reagent may occur. In contrast, in the automated analyzer 1 of this embodiment, dispensing by the pipetting mechanisms 160, 170, and 180 is delayed until a waiting period has elapsed after the reagent bottle 224 has been transferred to the reagent storage 102. Therefore, time is secured for liquid surface shaking and foaming to subside, which can more effectively suppress the decrease in analytical accuracy.

[0086] The display control function 95 may display reagent information on the display 6 in other ways. Figures 5 to 7 show other examples of the display 6 with reagent information displayed. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the waiting time may be displayed for each test item, according to the reagent name and reagent amount of the first reagent and the second reagent.

[0087] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, an item list containing multiple test items may be generated, and the waiting time for the first reagent and the waiting time for the second reagent may be displayed for each test item. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, a fixed fixed waiting time may be set, and a screen may be displayed to select the test item to which the fixed display time should be applied to the first or second reagent.

[0088] According to at least one embodiment described above, the automatic analyzer has a reagent storage room for storing a plurality of reagent bottles, an automatic reagent loading mechanism for transporting the reagent bottles from a reagent input unit to the reagent storage room, a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagents contained in the reagent bottles stored in the reagent storage room, and a control unit that causes the dispensing mechanism to wait until a waiting time has elapsed from a reference time corresponding to the time the reagent bottles have been transported to the reagent storage room by the automatic reagent loading mechanism and installed in the reagent storage room. By having these components, a decrease in analytical accuracy can be suppressed.

[0089] An automated analyzer can be any medical analyzer that performs analysis on a sample (test sample) by mixing it with reagents contained in reagent bottles, such as a sample taken from a subject (e.g., a human or animal). Therefore, an automated analyzer is not specifically defined by the analysis method and includes, for example, biochemical analyzers, blood coagulation analyzers, immunoassay analyzers, and various chromatographic analyzers.

[0090] 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 carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made 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]

[0091] 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Analysis mechanism 3 Analysis circuit 4. Drive mechanism 5 Input Interfaces 6 displays 7. Communication Interface 8 Memory circuit 9. Control circuits 91 System control function 92 Acquisition function 93 Reception function 94 Adjustment function 95 Display control function 102 Reagent storage 102H Entry / exit opening 104 Reaction Disk 10⁸(10⁸a~10⁸n) reaction tube 114 First Aspect 116. Second Aspect 118 Reagent dispensing section 120 rack capacity 122 (122a~122n) Slot 124 (124a~124n) Transport equipment 125 Reagent Automatic Loading Mechanism 126 Positioner 130 Arm 134 First transport device shuttle 136 Second transport device shuttle 138 The Third Aspect 140 The Fourth Aspect 142 First Track Section 144 Second Track Section 146 First Motor 148 Second motor 150 First sensor 152 Second sensor 160 First pipetting mechanism 160 Pipetting mechanism 160P1 First reagent aspiration position 160P2 First reagent dispensing position 161 First reagent dispensing arm 162 First reagent dispensing probe 170 Second pipetting mechanism 170 Pipetting mechanism 170P1 Second reagent aspiration position 170P2 Second reagent dispensing position 171 Second reagent dispensing arm 172 Second reagent dispensing probe 180 Third pipetting mechanism 180 Pipetting mechanism 180P1 First sample aspiration position 180P2 Second sample aspiration position 180P3 Sample Dispensing Position 181 Sample dispensing arm 182 Sample dispensing probe 208a-n Outer ring array container 209 First circular route 210a-n Inner annular arrangement container 211 Second circular route 222 Reagent bottle transport mechanism 224 (224a~224n) Reagent Bottles NW (Hospital Network)

Claims

1. A reagent cabinet for storing multiple reagent bottles, An automatic reagent loading mechanism for transferring the reagent bottle from the reagent input unit to the reagent storage unit, A dispensing mechanism for dispensing reagents contained in reagent bottles stored in the reagent cabinet, The system includes a control unit that causes the dispensing mechanism to wait until a waiting period has elapsed from a standard time corresponding to the time the reagent bottles have been transferred to the reagent storage and installed in the reagent storage, and the dispensing mechanism has been put on hold. Automatic analyzer.

2. The waiting time is set based on the type of reagent. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned waiting time is set based on the test items set for the sample used in the test using the reagent. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

4. The system includes a storage unit that stores the aforementioned waiting time, The control unit includes an acquisition unit that acquires the waiting time stored in the storage unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

5. The control unit includes a display control unit that causes the waiting time to be displayed on the display unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 4.

6. The display control unit causes the waiting time for each reagent to be displayed on the display unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 5.

7. The display control unit causes the waiting time for each inspection item to be displayed on the display unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 5.

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the control unit further comprises an adjustment unit that adjusts the waiting time based on the cooling status of the reagent bottle.

9. The system includes an input interface for the user to input the aforementioned waiting time, The control unit includes a reception unit that receives input of the waiting time. The automated analyzer according to claim 1.

10. The system further includes a display control unit that displays a reference waiting time, which serves as the basis for the aforementioned waiting time, on the display unit. The automated analyzer according to claim 9.

11. An automated analyzer comprising a reagent compartment for storing multiple reagent bottles, an automatic reagent loading mechanism for transferring the reagent bottles from a reagent input unit to the reagent compartment, and a dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagents contained in the reagent bottles stored in the reagent compartment, The reagent automatic loading mechanism transfers the reagent bottle to the reagent storage and, until a waiting period elapses corresponding to the time the bottle is installed in the reagent storage, the dispensing mechanism is made to wait. Automatic analysis method.

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