Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The present invention provides a technology capable of efficiently processing a plurality of types of analyses. An automated analysis device according to the present invention comprises: a mechanism for performing analyses of a plurality of analysis classifications for a specimen; a processor that receives specimen analysis request information based on input by a user, and performs an analysis process by controlling the mechanism so as to perform an analysis operation of a specified analysis classification on the basis of the analysis request information; and a storage device that stores evaluation setting information for prioritizing the analysis request information pertaining to the order of analysis. For a plurality of information elements pertaining to analysis, the evaluation setting information (score table 50) has an evaluation value (score), which reflects the degree of priority pertaining to the order of analysis, that is set for each value for each information element. The plurality of information elements include a specimen classification and an analysis classification. For a received plurality of pieces of the analysis request information, the processor calculates the evaluation value of each piece of the analysis request information on the basis of the evaluation setting information, and determines the order of priority assigned to an analysis process in accordance with the evaluation value.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] Traditionally, automated analyzers with individual dedicated configurations were used for each test classification item (in other words, each type of analysis), such as biochemistry, immunology, electrolytes, coagulation, etc. However, in recent years, a type of automated analyzer equipped with mechanisms that enable a single automated analyzer to handle multiple types of measurements, analyses, tests, etc. (these are sometimes collectively referred to as analysis) has been developed. For example, there are automated analyzers equipped with a module for biochemistry analysis, a module for immunology analysis, a common module, etc. A common module is a mechanism that can be used commonly regardless of the type of analysis.

[0003] Here, JP 2014-9972 A (Patent Document 1) describes that an apparatus that measures multiple test category items within a single apparatus is equipped with a setting means for setting the priority of samples to be measured in test category units of biochemistry, immunology, electrolytes, and coagulation, and a control unit that determines the measurement order of the test items of the samples based on the priority of these test category units and the priority of the sample measurement category (urgent, emergency, general). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-9972 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In order to realize multiple types of analysis functions such as biochemistry and immunology in one automatic analyzer and to further miniaturize the device, it is necessary to share the mechanisms used for each analysis function as much as possible rather than dedicating them to each function. However, in the case of an automatic analyzer configured to share mechanisms in this way, there is a possibility that contention will occur over the mechanisms to be used when performing each analysis type for multiple analysis requests. If this contention occurs, it may result in an extension of the test time and deterioration of samples and reagents over time.

[0006] Furthermore, in order to efficiently process multiple analysis requests in such an automatic analyzer, there are various pieces of information and perspectives related to the analysis process, such as the sample type, remaining sample amount, etc., in addition to the analysis type. Conventionally, when multiple analysis requests are assigned to analysis processes (corresponding multiple mechanisms), there is room for improvement in order to realize more efficient assignment by comprehensively considering multiple pieces of information and perspectives.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for efficiently processing a plurality of types of analyses in an automatic analyzer that incorporates the functions of the plurality of types of analyses in a single device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A representative embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: The automated analyzer of the embodiment includes a mechanism for performing a plurality of analysis types of samples, a processor that receives sample analysis request information based on a user's input and controls the mechanism to perform an analysis operation of a specified analysis type based on the analysis request information to perform an analysis process of the analysis, and a storage device that stores evaluation setting information for prioritizing the analysis request information related to the order of the analyses, the evaluation setting information sets an evaluation value reflecting a priority related to the order of the analyses for each value of each information element for a plurality of information elements related to the analyses, the plurality of information elements including at least a sample type and the analysis type, and the processor calculates an evaluation value for each analysis request information for the plurality of analysis request information received based on the evaluation setting information and determines a priority order for allocation to the analysis process according to the evaluation value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to a representative embodiment of the present invention, an automatic analyzer that implements the functions of multiple types of analysis in one device can efficiently process multiple types of analyses. Problems, configurations, effects, etc. other than those described above will be described in the description of the embodiment of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an automatic analyzer. [Diagram 2] An example of the functional block configuration of an automatic analyzer. [Diagram 3] 13 is an example of multiple information elements used for prioritization in analytical processing. [Figure 4] 13 is an example of a score table used for prioritizing analysis processing. [Diagram 5] Other examples of score sheet configurations. [Figure 6] Other examples of score sheet configurations. [Figure 7] Main processing flow. [Figure 8]An example of analysis request information. [Figure 9] An example of analysis request information score. [Figure 10] 13 shows an example of assignment in input order in a comparative example to the embodiment. [Figure 11] Example of priority allocation. [Figure 12] 13 is an example of a screen showing the score sheet setting function in variant example 1. [Figure 13] 13 is an example of a screen showing the score sheet setting function in variant example 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same parts are generally given the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations are omitted. In the drawings, the representation of each component may not show the actual position, size, shape, range, etc., in order to facilitate understanding of the invention. For the purpose of explanation, when describing processing by a program, the program, functions, processing units, etc. may be described as the main body, but the main body as hardware for them is a processor, or a controller, device, computer, system, etc., configured with the processor, etc. A computer executes processing according to a program read onto a memory while appropriately using resources such as a memory and a communication interface by a processor. This realizes a predetermined function, processing unit, etc. The processor is configured with a semiconductor device such as a CPU or a GPU. The processor is configured with a device or circuit capable of performing a predetermined calculation. The processing is not limited to software program processing, but can also be implemented by a dedicated circuit. The dedicated circuit can be an FPGA, an ASIC, a CPLD, etc. The program may be installed in the target computer as data in advance, or may be distributed as data from a program source to the target computer and installed. The program source may be a program distribution server on a communication network, or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a memory card). The program may be composed of multiple modules. The computer system is not limited to one device, but may be composed of multiple devices. The computer system may be composed of a client-server system, a cloud computing system, an IoT system, etc. Various data and information are represented and implemented, for example, in tables and lists, but are not limited to these. In addition, expressions such as identification information, identifiers, IDs, names, and numbers are mutually interchangeable.

[0012] [Assignments, etc.] As an example of a conventional automatic analyzer, as in the example of Patent Document 1, there is a function of combining multiple elements such as specimen classification and test classification items to prioritize analysis. The specimen classification (in other words, specimen type) is, for example, a classification such as emergency or general. The test classification item is an analysis type such as biochemistry, immunology, electrolyte, etc. In such an automatic analyzer, when multiple analysis requests for multiple samples are received, the order in which the analysis processes should be performed for the multiple analysis requests is determined based on the concept of priority or priority order. The automatic analyzer determines the order in which the multiple analysis requests are assigned to analysis processes, taking into account elements such as specimen type and analysis type. Hereinafter, such a concept may be referred to as prioritization.

[0013] In the prior art, a decision tree is used as a general technical means / method for the above-mentioned prioritization. A decision tree is a method of analysis using a tree structure (in other words, a tree diagram). A decision tree has a structure in which, for example, an element A branches into, for example, two elements B1 and B2, and element B1 branches into, for example, two elements C1 and C2. In a more detailed example, element A is a specimen type, and branches into either general (element B1) or emergency (element B2).

[0014] In an automatic analyzer, the information elements that must be considered in the analysis process are becoming more diverse and complex. This makes it difficult to prioritize using the above-mentioned decision tree method, especially in an automatic analyzer that has multiple analysis types implemented in one device. Furthermore, even if prioritization is performed using this method, efficient allocation (in other words, analysis reservation) is not necessarily possible.

[0015] Therefore, in the embodiment of the automatic analyzer, which is configured to be able to perform multiple types of analysis within a single automatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer prioritizes multiple analysis requests, incorporates multiple information elements that are becoming increasingly diverse and complex, and achieves efficient allocation, thereby shortening testing time and suppressing deterioration of samples and reagents over time.

[0016] The automated analysis device of the embodiment applies a means / method using scores (in other words, evaluation values) described below as a technical means / method for achieving complex prioritization based on multiple factors. This solves the problems that arise when applying a decision tree in the embodiment. That is, the embodiment makes prioritization easier and more efficient.

[0017] <Embodiment Mode> An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 11. The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment is an automatic analyzer equipped with mechanisms capable of performing a plurality of analysis types. The automatic analyzer according to the embodiment prioritizes the order of analysis processing for a plurality of pieces of analysis request information for a plurality of samples, and allocates (in other words, reserves) the pieces for analysis processing. At that time, the automatic analyzer according to the embodiment calculates a score (in other words, an evaluation value) for each piece of analysis request information based on a predetermined score table that is defined in consideration of a predetermined plurality of types of information elements related to the analysis processing, and prioritizes the pieces based on the score. This score is an evaluation value for determining prioritization that is calculated in consideration of various information elements (particularly the priority and order of priority of the information elements).

[0018] In this score table (in other words, the setting information for prioritization evaluation), scores or score calculation methods are specified for the items and values ​​of multiple information elements, taking into consideration the priority and order of priority. For example, one of the information elements is the analysis type, and the priority differs depending on the analysis type. A score is set according to the priority, taking into consideration that the cycle time of the mechanism used differs depending on the analysis type. For example, one of the information elements is the remaining amount of specimens or the remaining amount of reagents, and the priority differs depending on the remaining amount of specimens or the remaining amount of reagents. A score is set according to the priority, taking into consideration the priority between the information elements. For example, the priority is assigned in the order of high to low, such as specimen type, analysis type, remaining amount of specimen, or remaining amount of reagent. This makes it possible to comprehensively and holistically improve the efficiency of analysis.

[0019] [Automatic analyzer] Fig. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to an embodiment. Fig. 1 shows the main components of the automatic analyzer 1 as viewed from the top of a housing 101. Note that a control unit, an operation unit, a memory unit, and other units mounted inside or outside the housing 101 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2 and other figures. A user (for example, an operator such as a laboratory technician) operates and uses the automatic analyzer 1 to perform analysis and other tasks.

[0020] The automatic analyzer 1 is equipped with, on the top surface of the housing 101, a sample disk 102, a sample dispensing mechanism 104, a reagent storage unit 105, a reagent dispensing mechanism 108 for biochemical analysis, a reagent dispensing mechanism 109 for immunological analysis, a reaction disk (incubator) 110, a first reaction vessel transport unit 117, a reaction vessel disposal hole 113, an incubator block 114, a reaction liquid stirring unit 115, a reaction vessel tray 116, a second reaction vessel transport unit 119, an immunological detection unit 120, an stirring unit 122, a biochemical detection unit 123, a reaction cell cleaning mechanism 124, an electrolyte analysis unit 125, etc.

[0021] The sample disk 102 is a sample container holding mechanism, and multiple sample containers 103 can be arranged in a ring shape. The sample containers 103 are containers for storing samples. When dispensing a sample, the sample disk 102 rotates, and the target sample container 103 is transported to an access position (in other words, a dispensing position, a sample aspirating position) of the sample dispensing mechanism 104.

[0022] The sample dispensing mechanism 104 includes a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. The sample dispensing mechanism 104 moves between a sample suction position on the sample disk 102 and a sample discharge position on the reaction disk 110 by the rotation drive mechanism and the vertical drive mechanism.

[0023] The reagent storage 105 comprises a reagent disk 106 and a reagent bottle holder 107. Generally, the reagent storage has a cooling function to increase the on-board stability of the reagent. The reagent holders 107 are arranged in a double ring on the reagent disk 106, and are capable of holding a plurality of reagent bottles. The reagent bottles hold containers that contain reagents. The reagent disk 106 has a rotation drive mechanism, and moves each reagent bottle to a predetermined position on the circumference by rotation.

[0024] The automatic analyzer 1 of the embodiment is provided with a reagent dispensing mechanism 108 for biochemical analysis and a reagent dispensing mechanism 109 for immunological analysis. These mechanisms are examples of mechanisms for each type of analysis. Each of these reagent dispensing mechanisms (reagent dispensing mechanism 108 and reagent dispensing mechanism 109) is configured with a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a dispensing probe. Each reagent dispensing mechanism rotates and descends to the position of a predetermined type of reagent bottle on the reagent disk 106, and aspirates a predetermined amount of reagent. After aspirating the reagent, each reagent dispensing mechanism rises, then rotates and descends to the reagent discharge destination, and discharges the reagent. The reagent discharge destination is, for example, a predetermined reaction vessel on the reaction disk 110 in the case of biochemical analysis, and a reaction vessel installed at the reagent discharge position 111 in the case of immunological analysis.

[0025] An arm 112 (also called a stirrer), which is a magnetic particle stirring arm serving as stirring means, is set on the reagent disk 106. The arm 112 moves to an upper region of a reagent bottle containing the magnetic particle solution to be stirred, lowers a magnetic particle stirring element of the arm 112, and stirs the magnetic particle solution by rotating the magnetic particle stirring element. In order to prevent spontaneous precipitation of the magnetic particles in the magnetic particle solution, the arm 112 performs this stirring immediately before dispensing the reagent.

[0026] [Analysis type] The automated analyzer 1 of the embodiment has three analysis types (in other words, test classification items): immunoanalysis, biochemical analysis, and electrolyte analysis. Each analysis type will be described below.

[0027] [Immune analysis] The flow of immunoanalysis performed by the automatic analyzer 1 is, for example, as follows. The following describes the order of the processes (corresponding steps and operations) that constitute the immunoanalysis. The order of the immunoanalysis process is roughly as follows: sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, reaction, and detection.

[0028] The first reaction container transport unit 117 has a drive mechanism for three axes, namely, the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The X-axis and the Y-axis are horizontal directions, and the Z-axis is vertical directions. The first reaction container transport unit 117 moves above the reaction container disposal hole 113, the incubator block 114, the reaction liquid mixing unit 115, and the reaction container tray 116. The first reaction container transport unit 117 moves the reaction container from the reaction container tray 116 to the sample discharge position 118. The sample dispensing mechanism 104 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample into the reaction container placed at the sample discharge position 118. After that, the reaction container into which the sample has been discharged is moved to the reagent discharge position 111 by the second reaction container transport unit 119.

[0029] The second reaction vessel transport unit 119 is configured with a rotation drive mechanism, a vertical drive mechanism, and a reaction vessel gripping mechanism. The second reaction vessel transport unit 119 has a function of moving the reaction vessel to each reaction vessel installation position provided on the rotation track. Each reaction vessel installation position is the position of the reaction liquid mixing unit 115, the sample discharge position 118, etc.

[0030] The reagent dispensing mechanism 109 for immunological analysis dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into a reaction vessel placed at a reagent discharge position 111. Next, the reaction vessel is moved to the position of a reaction liquid mixing unit 115 by a second reaction vessel transport unit 119. After the reaction liquid is mixed at the position of the reaction liquid mixing unit 115, the reaction vessel is moved to an incubator block 114 by a first reaction vessel transport unit 117. The incubator block 114 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature in order to promote the reaction between the specimen and the reagent. When the reaction process between the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel on the incubator block 114 is completed, the reaction vessel is moved to a specimen discharge position 118 by the first reaction vessel transport unit 117.

[0031] Thereafter, the reaction container is moved by the second reaction container transport unit 119 to a reaction liquid suction position 121 provided closer to the second reaction container transport unit 119 in the immunodetection unit 120 (lower on the Y-axis of the drawing). The reaction liquid in the reaction container is then suctioned into a detection section in the immunodetection unit 120, and a reaction signal is measured in the detection section (in other words, an optical measurement mechanism). After the reaction signal is measured, the reaction container is moved by the second reaction container transport unit 119 to a sample discharge position 118, and then discarded into the reaction container disposal hole 113 by the first reaction container transport unit 117.

[0032] [Biochemical analysis] The flow of biochemical analysis performed by the automatic analyzer 1 is, for example, as follows: The processing order of biochemical analysis is roughly the following order: sample dispensing, reagent dispensing, reaction, and detection.

[0033] First, the specimen dispensing mechanism 104 dispenses a predetermined amount of specimen into a predetermined reaction vessel on the reaction disk 110. Then, the reaction disk 110 rotates, and moves the reaction vessel into which the specimen has been discharged to an access position of the reagent dispensing mechanism 108. The reagent dispensing mechanism 108 dispenses a predetermined amount of reagent into the reaction vessel into which the specimen has been discharged. Next, the reaction disk 110 rotates, and moves the reaction vessel into which the specimen and reagent have been discharged to an installation position of the mixing unit 122. Then, the specimen and reagent in the reaction vessel are stirred by the mixing unit 122.

[0034] Similarly to the incubator block 113, the reaction disk 110 is adjusted to an appropriate temperature in order to promote the reaction between the specimen and the reagent. When the reaction process between the specimen and the reagent on the reaction disk 110 is completed, the reaction disk 110 rotates and moves the reaction vessel containing the reaction liquid after the reaction is completed to the installation position of the biochemical detection unit 123. Then, the reaction signal is measured by a detection unit (in other words, an optical measurement mechanism) in the biochemical detection unit 123. After the reaction signal is measured, the reaction liquid is discharged from the reaction vessel by the reaction vessel washing mechanism 124.

[0035] [Electrolyte analysis] The flow of electrolyte analysis in the automatic analyzer 1 is, for example, as follows: The processing order of electrolyte analysis is, in general, sample dispensing and detection.

[0036] First, the specimen dispensing mechanism 104 dispenses a predetermined amount of specimen into a predetermined reaction vessel on the reaction disk 110. After that, the reaction disk 110 rotates, and moves the reaction vessel into which the specimen has been discharged to an access position of the electrolyte analyzing unit 125. Then, a detection unit (in other words, an optical measurement mechanism) in the electrolyte analyzing unit 125 performs measurement. After the measurement, the specimen is discharged from the electrolyte analyzing unit 125.

[0037] The automated analyzer 1 according to the embodiment includes various mechanisms as described above (including the components in FIG. 1). The mechanisms refer to objects that include physical parts, hardware and circuits for driving, etc. Note that some of the mechanisms may include software programs, etc.

[0038] [Function block] Fig. 2 shows an example of a functional block configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 in Fig. 1. Fig. 2 mainly shows components related to control and processing. In Fig. 2, the mechanisms described above are collectively referred to as an analysis operation unit 20, which is a part that performs operations related to analysis. Processing related to analysis (information processing, signal processing, arithmetic processing, etc.) is described as being performed mainly by a processing unit 13 of a control unit 10.

[0039] In the analysis operation section 20 of the automatic analyzer 1, the multiple mechanisms are divided into a biochemical analysis mechanism 21, an immunological analysis mechanism 22, and an electrolyte analysis mechanism 23, which are mechanisms for each analysis type, and a common mechanism 24, which is a mechanism that can be used in common regardless of the analysis type. The biochemical analysis mechanism 31 is a mechanism used only for biochemical analysis. Examples of the biochemical analysis mechanism 21 include the reagent dispensing mechanism 108 for biochemical analysis and the immune detection unit 120. Examples of the immunological analysis mechanism 22 include the reagent dispensing mechanism 109 for immune analysis. Examples of the electrolyte analysis mechanism 23 include the electrolyte analysis unit 125. The common mechanism 24 is a mechanism that is used in common for biochemical analysis, immunological analysis, and electrolyte analysis as appropriate. Examples of the common mechanism 24 include the specimen disk 102, specimen dispensing mechanism 104, and reagent storage 105.

[0040] The automatic analyzer 1 includes a control unit 10 and an operation unit 30 in addition to an analysis operation unit 30. A storage device 40 is connected to or built into the control unit 10. The storage device 40 is, for example, a non-volatile storage device. The storage device 40 may be, for example, a hard disk or a memory card, or a database server on a communication network. The control unit 10, the analysis operation unit 20, the operation unit 30, and the storage device 40 are connected by a predetermined communication interface or signal line, and are capable of inputting, outputting, and communicating signals and data with each other. Each unit may be connected via a communication network such as a LAN.

[0041] The control unit 10 controls the overall operation of the automatic analyzer 1. The control unit 10 controls the analysis of each analysis type. In other words, the control unit 10 is a controller. The control unit 10 is implemented, for example, with a hardware board and a computer system. The control unit 10 includes a processor, memory, a communication interface, a bus, etc., which are not shown. The processor is, for example, composed of a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The processor executes a predetermined process according to a computer program read into the memory. This realizes the functions of each unit, such as the acquisition unit 11.

[0042] The control unit 10 may be configured mainly as hardware using a dedicated circuit board, or may be configured mainly as software using a computer system. When configured mainly as hardware, it can be realized by integrating multiple arithmetic units that execute processing on a wiring board, or in a semiconductor chip or package. When configured mainly as software, it can be realized by executing a program for executing the desired arithmetic processing in a computer equipped with a high-speed general-purpose CPU or the like.

[0043] When the control unit 10 has a program (i.e., a computer program that causes the processor of the control unit 10 to execute processing), the program is stored in a predetermined location. For example, the program may be stored in the storage device 40, in a memory in the control unit 10, or in a separate external recording medium. The program may be distributed from a server or the like on a communication network and installed in the automatic analyzer 1. The program may also be updated as appropriate, thereby making it possible to upgrade the configuration of an existing automatic analyzer 1 (particularly the control unit 10).

[0044] Various devices, circuits, and computers may be connected by wired or wireless communication, and data and information may be transmitted and received as appropriate. The control unit 10 and the operation unit 30 may be configured as a computer system using multiple computers. For example, the acquisition unit 11 and the decision unit 12, and the processing unit 13 may be configured as separate computer systems that communicate with each other.

[0045] The operation unit 30 is a part operated by a user. The operation unit 30 can be implemented, for example, by a PC or the like. The operation unit 10 includes an input device 31, a display device 32, and the like, or these are externally connected. The input device 31 is, for example, a device such as a mouse or a keyboard. The display device 32 is, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation unit 10 includes a processor, a memory, a communication interface, and the like, which are not shown. The operation unit 30 and the control unit 10 may be configured as an integrated computer system. The operation unit 30 may be configured as a client computer, and the control unit 10 as a server computer. The user can operate the input device 31 while viewing information on a screen including a graphical user interface (GUI) displayed on the display device 32 of the operation unit 10 to input instructions, settings, and the like to the system of this automatic analyzer 1.

[0046] The storage device 40 has a storage unit 41 configured with a memory area and the like. The control unit 10 controls the storage unit 41. A score table 50, which will be described later, is set and stored in advance in the storage unit 41. The control unit 10 reads and writes the score table 50 in the storage unit 41 as appropriate using the acquisition unit 11. Note that although one or more score tables 50 can be set, the embodiment will be described assuming that only one score table 50 is used.

[0047] The storage device 40 or the control unit 10 also stores setting information such as temperature ranges corresponding to each mechanism of the analysis operation unit 20, for example.

[0048] The control unit 11 has an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, and a processing unit 13 as more detailed components. The acquisition unit 11 receives a plurality of analysis request information for a plurality of samples, and acquires a score for each analysis request from the score table 50 in the storage unit 41 based on the analysis request information. The determination unit 12 prioritizes the plurality of analysis request information based on the acquired scores, and assigns (in other words, reserves) the analysis processing (corresponding mechanisms, cycle times, etc.) in the processing unit 13, thereby determining the processing order of each analysis request. The processing unit 13 executes the analysis processing for the plurality of analysis requests according to the processing order determined as the analysis reservation. The processing unit 13 gives an analysis instruction to the analysis operation unit 20. The mechanism of the analysis operation unit 20 performs an operation such as measurement according to the analysis instruction, and returns the measurement result, etc. The processing unit 13 creates analysis result information for the analysis processing based on the measurement result, etc., and gives it to the operation unit 30.

[0049] [Processing and operation of each part] The following describes the processing and operations between the control unit 10, the operation unit 30, the storage device 40, and the analysis operation unit 20 in Fig. 2. Note that the arrows in the drawing represent examples of connections between the various units and transmission of data and information, but are not limited to these.

[0050] A user operates the input device 31 of the operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 requests information from the control unit 10. The control unit 10 transmits information such as a screen to the operation unit 30. The operation unit 10 displays a screen including a GUI on the display screen of the display device 32 based on information from the control unit 10. The user inputs analysis request information on the screen of the display device 32. The screen has predetermined items for analysis request, and the user inputs information by selecting information for each item. Information input by the user as analysis request information includes information identifying the sample to be analyzed, information specifying the items to be analyzed, information specifying the dilution ratio, and the like. The operation unit 30 transmits analysis request information configured based on the information input on the screen to the control unit 10.

[0051] In the embodiment, the case where multiple pieces of analysis request information for multiple samples are generated during the same period (in other words, roughly the same timing) is taken into consideration, and the function capable of dealing with this is provided. A specific example is when a user inputs multiple pieces of analysis request information for multiple samples on the above screen. In this case, the multiple pieces of analysis request information are initially simply arranged in the order in which they were input. The control unit 10 determines and controls an appropriate processing order for these multiple pieces of analysis request information by prioritizing them based on the score table 50.

[0052] The control unit 10 enters and holds a plurality of pieces of analysis request information received from the operation unit 30 in a queue or the like in memory in the order of input (in other words, in the order of acceptance).

[0053] Storage device 40 stores at least one score table 50 in storage unit 41. In the embodiment, score table 50 is one score table 50 that is initially set in advance by the operator of automatic analysis device 1. The information content of this score table 50 is fixed.

[0054] The acquisition unit 11 of the control unit 10 acquires the score of the analysis request information from the score table 50 in the storage unit 41 of the storage device 40 based on the analysis request information notified from the operation unit 30. At this time, the acquisition unit 11 transmits information (shown as N-th information) corresponding to an information element of the score table 50 in the analysis request information to the storage unit 41, and acquires the score corresponding to the N-th information from the score table 50 in the storage unit 41. Similarly, the acquisition unit 11 acquires all of the multiple N-th information (N=1 to M) for each analysis request information. The acquisition unit 11 may extract information included as an attribute from the analysis request information, and perform a search process or the like on the score table 50 in the storage unit 41 using the information as the N-th information.

[0055] The acquisition unit 11 tally up the scores for each piece of analysis request information by adding up the scores for each piece of Nth information (corresponding information element). This allows a score for each piece of analysis request information to be obtained. The acquisition unit 11 notifies the determination unit 12 of the scores for the analysis request information (score for each piece of analysis request information).

[0056] The determination unit 12 obtains a score for each of the multiple pieces of analysis request information notified by the acquisition unit 11. The determination unit 12 prioritizes the multiple pieces of analysis request information using the scores. Specifically, the determination unit 12 prioritizes the multiple pieces of analysis request information in descending order of score. The determination unit 12 assigns the prioritized multiple pieces of analysis request information to analysis processing (corresponding mechanisms, cycles, etc.) of the processing unit 13. In other words, the determination unit 12 makes an analysis reservation for the multiple pieces of analysis request information. In this way, the determination unit 12 determines the processing order for the multiple pieces of analysis request information.

[0057] As a modified example, the determination unit 12 may determine the priority order of the analysis request information, and the processing unit 13 may actually allocate the analysis processes.

[0058] The control unit 10, particularly the processing unit 13, transmits appropriate analysis instructions to each mechanism required for the analysis operation in the analysis operation unit 20. Each mechanism performs an operation such as measurement based on the drive or the like according to the analysis instructions, and returns information such as the measurement result. In particular, the measurement corresponds to the operation in the immune detection unit 120, the biochemical detection unit 123, or the electrolyte analysis unit 125.

[0059] The processing unit 13 receives information such as the measurement results notified from the mechanism of the analysis operation unit 20, performs data processing according to the analysis type, and calculates and stores analysis result information. At the same time, the processing unit 13 notifies the operation unit 30 of the analysis result information requested by the user. The operation unit 30 displays the analysis result information on the screen of the display device 32.

[0060] After inputting multiple pieces of analysis request information, the user presses, for example, a start button on the screen. This triggers the automatic analyzer 1 to start the analysis operation. Based on this start, the control unit 10 prioritizes the multiple pieces of analysis request information described above based on the score table 50, and allocates them to analysis processing (in other words, reserves them). Thereafter, the processing unit 13 performs the analysis processing using the analysis operation unit 20 in the processing order according to the analysis reservation information.

[0061] [Information element] In the embodiment, information, elements, viewpoints, etc. that are considered and used for prioritizing analysis request information and determining the analysis processing order will be described. For the sake of explanation, these information, elements, viewpoints, etc. may be collectively referred to as information elements.

[0062] FIG. 3 shows a table summarizing examples of information elements that are considered and used for prioritizing analysis request information and determining the analysis processing order in the automated analyzer 1 of the embodiment. In the table of FIG. 3, multiple vertical rows show items of multiple information elements, and the horizontal rows show values ​​(multiple values) for each information element. The items of the multiple information elements are illustrated with symbols such as E1 for identification. The items of the multiple information elements include E1: sample type, E2: analysis type, E3: consecutive same sample, E4: remaining amount of sample, E5: presence or absence of dilution of sample, E6: time after sample installation, E7: remaining amount of reagent, and E8: time after reagent installation. The "Nth information" in FIG. 2 above corresponds to these information elements.

[0063] The specimen type E1 is a type of specimen, and has four values, for example, “urgent”, “reference material”, “quality control”, and “general”. The values ​​may be expressed as 0, 1, 2, 3, etc., as appropriate.

[0064] Analysis type E2 is the above-mentioned test classification item, and has three values: "immunology", "electrolyte", and "biochemistry".

[0065] The same sample continuity E3 is an item that indicates whether the subsequent sample is the same sample or a different sample when two samples are consecutive, that is, the preceding sample (in other words, the first sample) and the subsequent sample (in other words, the second sample, the target sample), and has two values: "same sample" and "different sample."

[0066] The remaining sample amount E4 is the remaining amount of the sample (target sample) in the sample container, and the value is divided into two values, for example, "large" and "small."

[0067] The presence or absence of dilution of specimen E5 indicates the presence or absence of dilution of the specimen (target specimen), and indicates a case where the value is classified into two values, "yes" and "no."

[0068] The time after sample placement E6 is the time after the sample (target sample) is placed, and the value is divided into two values, for example, "long" and "short." The target sample refers to the same sample that is the subject of analysis. Placing the sample refers to placing a sample container containing the sample on the sample disk 102 or the like.

[0069] The remaining amount of reagent E7 is the remaining amount of the reagent (target reagent) in the reagent container, and the value is divided into two values, for example, "large" and "small".

[0070] The time after reagent installation E8 is the time after the reagent (target reagent) is installed, and the value is divided into two values, for example, "long" and "short". Note that the above-mentioned target reagent refers to the same reagent used for the sample to be analyzed. Installation of a reagent refers to the placement of a reagent container containing the reagent in the reagent storage cabinet 105.

[0071] In the table of FIG. 3, the concept of priority (first priority) is applied to multiple information element items in the vertical direction, and they are arranged in order of high to low first priority. This first priority is the priority among information elements. Also, in the table of FIG. 3, the concept of priority (second priority) is applied to the values ​​of information elements in the horizontal direction, and they are arranged in order of high to low second priority. This second priority is the priority among the values ​​(multiple values) of information elements.

[0072] The sample type E1 is provided to control the priority of the analysis process according to the sample type. For example, if the value of the sample type in the analysis request information is "urgent," the priority is set high, and if it is "general," the priority is set low. A high priority means that the target sample is given an earlier or higher priority in the analysis process.

[0073] The analysis type E2 is provided to control the priority and priority of the analysis process according to the analysis type. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 has a different operating period (in other words, cycle time) for each analysis type (described in detail later). The automatic analyzer 1 is configured to have a different operating period for each analysis type E2 (immunology, electrolyte, biochemistry) in response to the difference in flow of each analysis type described above. For example, the cycle time for immunoanalysis is longer than the cycle time for biochemistry analysis. In other words, the analysis process corresponding to an analysis request for one sample occupies a longer cycle time in the case of immunoanalysis. Therefore, when assigning sample analysis request information to the cycle time of the analysis type, it is more difficult to assign it to the cycle time for immunoanalysis than to the cycle time for biochemistry analysis.

[0074] Therefore, one example of prioritization using the above information elements is prioritization of multiple analysis request information for multiple samples in response to the case where the operation cycle differs for each analysis type. Specifically, in the example of analysis type E2 in the table of Figure 3, the more difficult the assignment, the higher the priority is, and the easier it is to assign, the lower the priority is.

[0075] Similarly, for other information elements, when analysis request information is assigned to analysis processing (corresponding mechanisms, cycle times, etc.), the priority or precedence can be controlled to a high or low level based on the concept of each information element.

[0076] Regarding the remaining sample amount E4 and the remaining reagent amount E7, the lower the remaining amount, the higher the priority. Also, the deterioration of the reagent and the sample progresses with the passage of time after installation. Therefore, regarding the time after sample installation E6 and the time after reagent installation E8, the longer the time, the higher the priority can be considered.

[0077] In the table of FIG. 3, the information elements in the vertical direction are arranged in order of first priority. Specifically, in this example, the priority transitions from high to low in the order of sample type E1 to time after reagent installation E8. In this example, the sample type E1 is given the highest priority, followed by the analysis type E2. The sample type E1 is given the highest priority because of the magnitude of the impact on customer requirements and analysis accuracy. The analysis type E2 is given the second highest priority because of the impact on analysis time and the aforementioned competition between mechanisms. The same sample continuity E3, remaining sample amount E4, whether or not the sample is diluted E5, and time after sample installation E6 are given the next highest priority because of the impact on analysis accuracy related to the sample. The remaining reagent amount E7 and time after reagent installation E8 are given the second highest priority because of the impact on the reagent as a consumable, and are the lowest priority among information elements.

[0078] The automatic analyzer 1 also has a function for grasping (in other words, detecting or calculating) values ​​of predetermined information elements (e.g., remaining sample amount E4, remaining reagent amount E7, time since each installation, etc.) handled in the score sheet 50, and also stores values ​​and information grasped by this function. Details of this function are not limited, and known technical means and methods can be applied. As an example, the time since sample installation E6 can be grasped by measuring the time from the time the sample container is installed on the sample disc 102, etc., using a clock.

[0079] [Score Table] Fig. 4 shows an example of the configuration of a score table 50 used for prioritizing analysis request information and determining the analysis processing order, corresponding to the case where the information elements and priority concepts of Fig. 3 are used. In this score table 50, scores are defined in accordance with the high and low priorities of Fig. 3.

[0080] In the configuration of score table 50 in Fig. 4, scores are entered into cells of a matrix according to the items and values ​​of multiple information elements (E1 to E8) in Fig. 3. In this score table 50, the values ​​of the information elements (values ​​such as "urgent" in Fig. 3) are not shown to avoid complication, but in reality, scores according to the values ​​of the information elements are set in advance.

[0081] As shown in the figure, in this score table 50, the higher the priority (first priority and second priority) of the information element, the higher the score is set for the item and value. For example, in the row of specimen type E1, scores of about 10,000 digits are set, such as 30,000, 20,000, 10,000, and 0, in descending order of second priority, according to the four horizontal values. In the row of analysis type E2 below, scores of about 10,000 digits are set, such as 2,000, 1,000, and 0, in descending order of second priority, according to the three horizontal values. Similarly, smaller scores are set for information elements located lower vertically.

[0082] In the row of E3, where the same specimen is consecutive, the value "same specimen" is set to 500, and the value "different specimen" is set to 0. This score is set with the idea that when the same specimen is consecutive, higher priority is given to them.

[0083] In the row of the remaining sample amount E4, in this example, a score calculation formula corresponding to multiple values ​​is set, instead of the two values ​​of large / small. The calculation formula is set, for example, as "add 10 for every 1 μL used." The amount of sample used and the remaining sample amount have a predetermined relationship. For example, if the amount used in the analysis of the target sample is 10 μL, the score for this item is 10×10=100. In addition, when specifying the above-mentioned two values ​​of large / small, for example, the amount of sample used may be divided into two values ​​by a threshold value, and the score may be specified as X for the value "large" and Y for the value "small." Such a score calculation formula is set based on the idea that the smaller the remaining sample amount, the higher the priority.

[0084] In the row E5 for specimen dilution, the score is set to 100 if "yes" and 0 if "no." Such scores are set with the idea that dilution is given higher priority.

[0085] In the row of sample installation time E6, in this example, a score calculation formula corresponding to multiple values ​​is set, rather than the two values ​​of long / short. The calculation formula is set, for example, as "add 10 for every hour that has passed." For example, if the time since the installation of the target sample is 2 hours, the score for this item is 2 x 10 = 20. This score calculation formula is set based on the idea that the longer the time since the sample installation, the higher the priority.

[0086] In this example, in the row of the remaining amount of reagent E7, a score calculation formula corresponding to multiple values ​​is set, rather than the two values ​​of large / small. The calculation formula is set, for example, as "100-reagent remaining amount (%)". For example, if the remaining amount of the target reagent is 20% of the maximum amount, the score for this item is 100-20=80. This score calculation formula is set based on the idea that the smaller the remaining amount of the reagent used in the analysis of the target sample, the higher the priority.

[0087] In the row of the time since reagent installation E8, in this example, a score calculation formula according to multiple values ​​is set, rather than the two values ​​of long / short. The calculation formula is set, for example, as "add 10 for each day that passes." This score calculation formula is set with the idea that the longer the time since reagent installation, the higher the priority.

[0088] In the score table 50 of FIG. 4, the first priority between information element items in the vertical direction is set so that the score changes at the digit level depending on whether it is high or low. When a large difference is to be made in the first priority between information elements in the vertical direction, it is possible to set the score group for each information element so that the digit level is changed, as in this example. In this way, generally speaking, the higher the first priority of an information element is, the higher the score becomes, which greatly affects prioritization. Furthermore, the score is also adjusted to be large or small within the digit depending on the horizontal value in each information element item, which affects prioritization. In this way, by setting the score so that it is greatly changed at the digit level depending on the first priority between information elements, it is possible to prevent, for example, operation at an unintended priority level.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of a score table 50 that is more abstract than that shown in FIG. 4. The score table 50 can be implemented as a data structure such as a table. The vertical rows of the score table 50 are items of multiple information elements, and the horizontal columns are values ​​for each information element item. A score or a score calculation formula according to the value of the information element is set in each cell of the matrix. For example, the first information element item has values ​​from the first value to the fourth value, and a score is set for each value. For example, the score for the first value is score S11, and the score for the second value is score S12. Also, for example, the fourth information element item is set to a score calculation formula with the value of the fourth information element as a parameter. Note that a prescribed format other than the score calculation formula may be a computer program or the like that implements an algorithm that uses the value of the information element as a parameter.

[0090] In the score table 50 of FIG. 5, the above-mentioned priorities (first priority and second priority) are not explicitly held, but are reflected in the scores or the set values ​​of the calculation formula.

[0091] 6 shows a modified score table 50, in which the above-mentioned priorities (first priority and second priority) are explicitly set and held as one data item. For example, in the first information element item, a score (S11, etc.) and a priority (P11, etc.) are set for each horizontal value. Similarly, in score tables of other configuration examples, a first priority data item may be explicitly set and held for each vertical information element item.

[0092] In a modified example, when calculating the score for each analysis request information, a standard score and a priority value may be used to calculate the score according to the value of the information element. For example, a standard score (a score that does not reflect the priority) according to the value of the information element is first referenced. Next, the standard score is multiplied by a priority value according to the value of the information element as, for example, a weight or coefficient. This results in a score that reflects the priority.

[0093] A score table that holds priorities as described above is also useful in cases where the user can edit and set the score table, such as in Modification 1 described below.

[0094] [Processing flow] Fig. 7 shows a process flow relating to prioritization of analysis request information and determination of the analysis processing order as a main process flow by the control unit 10 (corresponding processor) in the automated analyzer 1 of the embodiment. The flow in Fig. 7 has steps S101 to S107. This process flow is executed for a plurality of analysis request information received during a certain period, for example. In the drawing, N of the Nth information is a number for identifying an item among the plurality of information elements in the scorecard 50 described above.

[0095] The acquisition unit 11 acquires a score from the score table 50 for one or more information elements (N=1 to M) related to each requested item (item such as test, analysis, or measurement in a specified analysis type) of the analysis request information of the specimen, and totals all the acquired scores for each analysis request information unit. For example, for one analysis request information, a score according to the value is acquired for each of the eight information elements E1 to E8 related to the analysis request information, and these eight scores are summed up. In the embodiment, the totalization is performed by addition, but is not limited to this. In a modified example, the totalization may be performed by weighting the scores for each information element using a weight according to the first priority between the information elements, or the like.

[0096] When the acquisition unit 11 completes tallying up the scores for all information element values ​​of a certain analysis request information (i.e., calculating the score for each request item), it similarly tallies up the scores for the next analysis request information in the order of receipt. The acquisition unit 11 obtains multiple scores for all of the multiple analysis request information.

[0097] The determination unit 12 determines the order of analysis processing by the processing unit 13 for multiple pieces of analysis request information based on the scores acquired by the acquisition unit 11. In other words, the determination unit 12 determines the allocation of analysis processing (mechanisms, cycle times, etc.) for each piece of analysis request information.

[0098] The determination unit 12 reserves the analysis process of the processing unit 13 so that the analysis process is started with the highest score among the multiple scores of the multiple analysis request information. Similarly, the determination unit 12 reserves the analysis process of the processing unit 13 so that the analysis process is started with the highest score for each analysis request information in descending order of score. The control unit 10 repeats such processing and operation in the same manner until the analysis reservations for all the multiple analysis request information currently received are completed. When new analysis request information is received at a different time, the control unit 10 performs the same processing.

[0099] The flow of FIG. 7 is an implementation example of the above-mentioned process. First, in step S101, the acquisition unit 11 of the control unit 10 acquires a score according to the N-th information (value of information element) related to the analysis request information from the score table 50 of the storage unit 41 based on the received analysis request information. N is 1 at first, and is incremented by 1 each time the loop is repeated, up to the number (M) of values ​​of the information elements (N=1 to M). In step S102, the acquisition unit 11 adds the score of the acquired N-th information to the score for each analysis request information (request item unit). In step S103, the acquisition unit 11 checks whether all information elements related to the analysis request information have been evaluated, in other words, whether scores for all items have been acquired from the score table 50, and if not yet completed (No), the process returns to step S101 and is repeated in the same manner. If the score counting for all information elements has been completed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S104.

[0100] In step S104, the acquisition unit 11 checks whether all the analysis request information has been evaluated, in other words, whether multiple scores have been obtained for all the analysis request information (corresponding request items), and if not yet completed (No), returns to step S101 and repeats the same process for the next analysis request information. If all evaluations have been completed, that is, if scores have been obtained for all the analysis request information (Yes), proceeds to step S105.

[0101] In step S105, the determination unit 12 rearranges all of the multiple pieces of analysis request information received during a certain period in descending order of score. In other words, the process up to this rearrangement corresponds to prioritizing the multiple pieces of analysis request information (particularly, assigning a priority order as the first stage).

[0102] In step S106, the determination unit 12 assigns each piece of analysis request information (corresponding request item) to the analysis processing (mechanism, cycle time, etc.) of the processing unit 13 in order of highest score (order after the above sorting). This assignment (in other words, reservation) corresponds to the determination of the processing order for each request item. Note that in the middle of the processing flow, this corresponds to a primary decision or tentative reservation, and the processing order may change appropriately between request items depending on the assignment of the processing order for other subsequent request items.

[0103] In step S107, the determination unit 12 checks whether the above allocation has been completed for all analysis request information, and if not (No), returns to step S106 and repeats the same process. If completed (Yes), the process up to this point corresponds to the completion of prioritization of multiple analysis request information (particularly, as the second stage, determining the actual processing order and analysis reservation). This ends the flow of Fig. 6. From the perspective of the processing unit 13, it is possible to start analysis processing in the processing order according to the prioritized analysis reservation information after the above flow process.

[0104] [Analysis request information] FIG. 8 shows, in the form of a table, a specific example of a plurality of pieces of analysis request information (especially the information elements related thereto) input by a user on the screen during a certain period of time. A specific example of the above-mentioned process will be described below. The table in FIG. 8 has columns of number (#), specimen, specimen type, analysis type, same specimen consecutive, whether specimen is diluted or not, time since specimen installation, remaining amount of reagent, and time since reagent installation. The number (#) indicates the input order and row number of the analysis request information. The specimen column indicates an ID for identifying the specimen. The columns from specimen type to time since reagent installation correspond to the information element items (E1, E2, E3, E5, E6, E7, E8) of the score table 50 described above. In this example, the remaining amount of specimen E4 is not taken into consideration.

[0105] In this example, there are 20 pieces of analysis request information, #1 to #20, input in this manner at almost the same time. In this example, all sample types E1 are normal (N). Analysis types E2 are roughly classified into the three types mentioned above (immunology, electrolyte, biochemistry), but in this example, there are further detailed classifications such as "biochemistry 1" and "biochemistry 2". For example, even within the same category of biochemical analysis, they are classified into "biochemistry 1" and "biochemistry 2" according to differences in the detailed analysis contents. For example, "biochemistry 1" and "biochemistry 2" are both performed using the biochemical analysis mechanism 21 in FIG. 2, but the detailed measurement contents are different.

[0106] For the same consecutive samples E3, for example, sample A in the request #=1 is the first request and there is no previous sample to compare it to, so it is considered to be a "different sample." Sample A in the next request #=2 is the same as the sample in the previous #=1, so it is also considered to be the "same sample." Similarly, for example, sample B in the request #=9 is different from sample A in the previous #=8, so it is also considered to be a "different sample." As for the time since sample placement E6, in this example, both are less than one hour, so it is 0.

[0107] [Score and Priority] FIG. 9 shows an example of scores for each request item obtained from score table 50 (FIG. 4) based on the multiple (20) pieces of analysis request information in FIG. 8. The table on the left shows the scores in input order (#), and the table on the right shows the scores sorted by the determination unit 12 in order of score. In other words, this score order corresponds to the priority order (first stage prioritization) related to the analysis process. In the table on the left, the "priority order" column is a number assigned from 1 in order of highest score, and the same priority order number is assigned when the scores are the same. The table on the right shows the contents sorted based on the "priority order" numbers.

[0108] In this example, as shown in the table on the right, priority level=1 is the analysis request information with input order (#)=13. Priority level=2 is the two analysis request information with #=5,16. The 20 pieces of analysis request information are in order of priority {13,(5,16),17,6,(8,19),(7,18),20,2,(4,12,15),(3,11,14),(1,10),9}. The order in parentheses is the same. Note that, for two or more pieces of analysis request information with the same priority level, the following allocation may be made in order of input order, for example.

[0109] An example of how the score is calculated for each analysis request information item is as follows, for example, for analysis request information item #=17. The analysis request information item #=17 has sample=D, sample type E1="general (N)", analysis type E2="immunotherapy 4", same consecutive sample E3="same", sample dilution E5="none", time since sample installation E6=0, remaining amount of reagent E7="65%", and time since reagent installation E8=3. As a result, the scores for each information element item of analysis request information item #=17 are {0, 2000, 500, 0, 0, 35, 3}, which are tallied (summed up) to 2538.

[0110] [Comparison example: Analysis reservation] Figures 10 and 11 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of allocation (in other words, reservation) to analysis processes for the multiple (20) pieces of analysis request information and scores shown in Figures 8 and 9. The table in Figure 10 is an example of allocation in input order as a comparative example, and the table in Figure 11 is an example of allocation according to priority order in the embodiment.

[0111] First, in the table of FIG. 10, the horizontal axis corresponds to cycle time (operation period) in the time direction, and one cell corresponds to one cycle time unit (a unit occupying a certain amount of time). On the vertical axis, the first row indicates cycle time identification information. The second row indicates a biochemical analysis cycle when the analysis type is biochemistry. The third row indicates an electrolyte analysis cycle when the analysis type is electrolyte. The fourth row indicates an immune analysis cycle when the analysis type is immune. The fifth row indicates the order in which the analysis request information (corresponding request items) was assigned and reserved.

[0112] Each cell is left blank if there is no assignment. Each cell contains information on the assigned sample and analysis type if there is an assignment. For example, in a row of a biochemistry analysis cycle, the notation "A1" indicates that an analysis process for a requested item of sample = A and analysis type = "biochemistry 1" has been assigned. This analysis process for "A1" is assigned to a cycle time of one cell in the biochemistry analysis cycle. Similarly, in a row of an electrolyte analysis cycle, the notation "A1" indicates that an analysis process for a requested item of sample = A and analysis type = "electrolyte 1" has been assigned. This analysis process for "A1" is assigned to a cycle time of three cells in the electrolyte analysis cycle. Similarly, in a row of an immunology analysis cycle, the notation "A1" indicates that an analysis process for a requested item of sample = A and analysis type = "immunology 1" has been assigned. This analysis process for "A1" is assigned to a cycle time of five cells in the immunology analysis cycle.

[0113] As mentioned above, the cycle time for each analysis type (biochemistry, electrolyte, immunology) is different; in a specific example, as shown in the figure, biochemistry analysis has one cycle time (e.g., 10 seconds), electrolyte analysis has three cycle times (e.g., 30 seconds), and immunology has five cycle times (e.g., 50 seconds). The shorter the cycle time of an analysis type, the more opportunities there are to reserve an analysis (in other words, it is easier to allocate), while biochemistry, electrolyte, and immunology have the fewest opportunities (in other words, it is more difficult to allocate). Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 11 described below, analysis request information is controlled by the above-mentioned score so that the longer the cycle time of an analysis type, the higher the priority and precedence.

[0114] In the comparative example, the processor assigns analysis processes for each sample analysis request information to analysis process cycles as shown in FIG. 10 in accordance with the input order (#) in the table of FIG. 8. First, the request item with #=1 is sample=A, analysis type="biochemistry 1", and is assigned to cycle time 1 of the biochemical analysis cycle as "A1". In the row of the reservation order, "1" is written corresponding to this. Next, the request item with #=2 is sample=A, analysis type="biochemistry 2", and is assigned to cycle time 2 of the biochemical analysis cycle as "A2". In the row of the reservation order, "2" is written corresponding to this. Similarly, the request items with #=3,4 are assigned to cycle times 3 and 4 as "A3" and "A4".

[0115] Next, the request item #=5 has sample A, analysis type = "Immunology 1", and is assigned as "A1" to the cycle time of 5 cells from 6 to 10 of the immunological analysis cycle. At this time, since "A1" of "Biochemistry 1" has already been assigned to cycle time 1, "A1" of "Immunology 1" is not assigned at the same time, but "A1" of "Immunology 1" is assigned to cycle time 6, which is available after cycle time 1. Next, the request item #=6 has sample A, analysis type = "Immunology 2", and is assigned as "A2" to the cycle time of 5 cells from 11 to 15 of the immunological analysis cycle.

[0116] Next, the request item #=7 is sample=A, analysis type="Electrolyte 1", and is assigned as "A1" to the cycle time of three cells from 7 to 9 in the electrolyte analysis cycle. Next, the request item #=8 is sample=A, analysis type="Electrolyte 2", and is assigned as "A2" to the cycle time of three cells from 10 to 12 in the electrolyte analysis cycle.

[0117] Next, the requested item #=9 has specimen=B, analysis type="biochemistry 1", and is assigned as "B1" to cycle time 5 of the biochemical analysis cycle. Next, the requested item #=10 has specimen=C, analysis type="biochemistry 1", and is assigned as "C1" to cycle time 8 of the biochemical analysis cycle. In this case, cycle times 6 and 7 after "B1" of the biochemical analysis cycle are free, but at the same time, they have been used by "A1" of electrolyte analysis and "A1" of immunoanalysis, so the next cycle time 8 is used. Next, the requested item #=11 has specimen=C, analysis type="biochemistry 3", and is assigned as "C3" to cycle time 9 of the biochemical analysis cycle. Next, the requested item #=11 has specimen=C, analysis type="biochemistry 4", and is assigned as "C4" to cycle time 12 of the biochemical analysis cycle. In this case, similarly, cycle times 10 and 11 have already been used by other analysis types, so cycle time 12 is used. Next, the request item #=13 has sample=C, analysis type="Immunology 3", and is assigned as "C3" to the cycle time of 5 cells from 16 to 20 of the immunology analysis cycle.

[0118] Next, the request item #=14 has sample=D, analysis type=“biochemistry 3”, and is assigned as “D3” to cycle time 13 of the biochemistry analysis cycle. Next, the request item #=15 has sample=D, analysis type=“biochemistry 4”, and is assigned as “D4” to cycle time 14 of the biochemistry analysis cycle.

[0119] Next, the request item #=16 has sample=D, analysis type=“Immunology 1”, and is assigned as “D1” to the cycle time of 5 cells from 21 to 25 of the immunological analysis cycle. Next, the request item #=17 has sample=D, analysis type=“Immunology 4”, and is assigned as “D4” to the cycle time of 5 cells from 26 to 30 of the immunological analysis cycle.

[0120] Next, the request item #=18 is sample=D, analysis type=“Electrolyte 1”, and is assigned as “D1” to the cycle time of three cells from 19 to 21 of the electrolyte analysis cycle. Next, the request item #=19 is sample=D, analysis type=“Electrolyte 2”, and is assigned as “D2” to the cycle time of three cells from 22 to 24 of the electrolyte analysis cycle. Next, the request item #=20 is sample=D, analysis type=“Electrolyte 3”, and is assigned as “D3” to the cycle time of three cells from 25 to 27 of the electrolyte analysis cycle.

[0121] The allocation of the 20 pieces of analysis request information as described above results in the table shown in Figure 10. In this allocation of the comparative example, cycle times 1 to 30 are used overall. Note that in the reservation order rows, "empty" indicates that there is no allocation that starts with that cycle time.

[0122] [Implementation method: Analysis reservation] Allocation in the embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The determination unit 12 allocates each analysis request information (corresponding request item) to an analysis operation cycle of each mechanism based on the priority determined based on the score table 50. In the time series, the head part of an analysis request of any one of the analysis types is allocated to a certain cycle time.

[0123] The control unit 10 (processor) assigns the analysis process for each sample analysis request information to the analysis process cycle as shown in FIG. 11 (similar to FIG. 10) in order according to the priority order in the table on the right side of FIG. 9. First, the request item with priority order=1 (#=13) is sample=C, analysis type=“immune 3”, and is assigned as “C1” to the cycle time of 5 cells from 1 to 5 of the immune analysis cycle. In the row of the reservation order, “1” is written correspondingly. Next, the request items with priority order=2 (#=5,16) are sample=A, analysis type=“immune 1” and sample=D, analysis type=“immune 1”. The one with #=5 is assigned as “A1” to the cycle time of 5 cells from 6 to 10 of the immune analysis cycle. The one with #=16 is assigned as “D1” to the cycle time of 5 cells from 11 to 15 of the immune analysis cycle.

[0124] Next, the request item with priority level 4 (#=17) is sample D, analysis type "Immunology 4", and is assigned as "D4" to the cycle time of 5 cells from 16 to 20 in the immunological analysis cycle. Next, the request item with priority level 5 (#=6) is sample A, analysis type "Immunology 2", and is assigned as "A2" to the cycle time of 5 cells from 21 to 25 in the immunological analysis cycle.

[0125] Next, there are two request items with priority level 6 (#=8,19): Sample A, Analysis Type = "Electrolyte 2" and Sample D, Analysis Type = "Electrolyte 2". The #=8 request item is assigned as "A2" to the cycle time of three cells from 4 to 6 in the electrolyte analysis cycle. In this case, the cycle time of 1 has already been used for the immunological analysis, so the cycle time of 4, which comes after that, is used. The #=19 request item is assigned as "D2" to the cycle time of three cells from 7 to 9 in the electrolyte analysis cycle. Next, there are two request items with priority level 8 (#=7,18): Sample A, Analysis Type = "Electrolyte 1" and Sample D, Analysis Type = "Electrolyte 1". The #=7 request item is assigned as "A1" to the cycle time of three cells from 10 to 12 in the electrolyte analysis cycle. The #=18 request item is assigned as "D1" to the cycle time of three cells from 13 to 15 in the electrolyte analysis cycle.

[0126] Next, the request item with priority level 10 (#=20) is sample D, analysis type "Electrolyte 3", and is assigned as "D3" to the cycle time of three cells from 19 to 21 of the electrolyte analysis cycle. In this case, the cycle time of 16 has already been used for the immunological analysis, so the cycle time of 19, which comes after that, is used.

[0127] Next, the requested item with priority level=11 (#=2) is sample=A, analysis type="biochemistry 2", and is assigned as "A2" to cycle time 2 of the biochemical analysis cycle. Next, the requested items with priority level=12 (#=4,12,15) are sample=A, analysis type="biochemistry 4", sample=C, analysis type="biochemistry 4", and sample=D, analysis type="biochemistry 4". #=4 is assigned as "A4" to cycle time 3 of the biochemical analysis cycle. #=12 is assigned as "C4" to cycle time 5 of the biochemical analysis cycle. #=15 is assigned as "D4" to cycle time 8 of the biochemical analysis cycle.

[0128] Next, there are three request items with priority level = 15 (# = 3, 11, 14): Sample = A, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 3", Sample = C, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 3", and Sample = D, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 3". # = 3 is assigned as "A3" to cycle time 9 of the biochemical analysis cycle. # = 11 is assigned as "C3" to cycle time 12 of the biochemical analysis cycle. # = 14 is assigned as "D3" to cycle time 14 of the biochemical analysis cycle.

[0129] Next, there are two requested items with priority level 18 (#=1,10): Sample A, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 1" and Sample C, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 1". #=1 is assigned as "A1" to cycle time 15 of the biochemical analysis cycle. #=10 is assigned as "C1" to cycle time 17 of the biochemical analysis cycle. Next, the requested item with priority level 20 (#=9) is Sample B, Analysis Type = "Biochemistry 1", which is assigned as cycle time 18 of the biochemical analysis cycle.

[0130] The allocation of the 20 pieces of analysis request information as described above results in the table shown in Fig. 11. In the allocation of this embodiment, cycle times 1 to 25 are used overall. This total cycle time for 25 cells is shorter than the total cycle time for 30 cells in the comparative example. That is, the embodiment has a more efficient allocation of analysis processing than the comparative example.

[0131] In the comparative example (FIG. 10), since the processing is simply in the order of input, for example, between "A1" in a biochemical analysis cycle and "A1" in an immunological analysis cycle, "A1" in the biochemical analysis is assigned earlier (cycle time of 1), while "A1" in the immunological analysis is assigned later (cycle time of 6). In contrast, in the embodiment (FIG. 11), for analysis type E2, immunological analysis has a higher priority than biochemical analysis, and the score is relatively larger. Therefore, in the embodiment, for example, between "A1" in a biochemical analysis cycle and "A1" in an immunological analysis cycle, "A1" in the immunological analysis is assigned earlier (cycle time of 6), while "A1" in the biochemical analysis is assigned later (cycle time of 15).

[0132] Also, for example, looking at biochemical analysis "C4" (analysis request information with #=12), while in the comparative example (FIG. 10) it is assigned to a cycle time of 12, in the embodiment (FIG. 11) it is assigned to a cycle time of 5, and the start time is earlier. In the analysis request information with #=12, for example, information elements include a relatively small amount of reagent remaining (45%) and a long time since reagent installation (8 hours). Therefore, based on score table 50 (FIG. 4), the analysis request information with #=12 has a relatively large score that reflects the low amount of reagent remaining and reagent deterioration, and therefore the priority is raised accordingly, and as a result it is assigned to an earlier cycle time.

[0133] Also, for example, looking at "C3" (analysis request information with #=13) for immunoassay, in the comparative example (Fig. 10) it is assigned to a cycle time of 16, whereas in the embodiment (Fig. 11) it is assigned to a cycle time of 1, and the start time is moved up. In the analysis request information with #=13, for example, information elements include a relatively small amount of reagent remaining (20%) and a long time since reagent installation (6 hours). Therefore, the analysis request information with #=12 has a relatively large score based on score table 50 (Fig. 4) that reflects a decrease in the amount of reagent remaining and reagent deterioration, and therefore has a higher priority, and as a result is assigned to an earlier cycle time.

[0134] In the above embodiment, when the determination unit 12 assigns the analysis request information to the analysis process based on the priority of the analysis request information, the determination unit 12 assigns the analysis request information to the mechanism or cycle time one by one in order according to the priority. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and as a modified example, it is also possible to assign a plurality of analysis request information to the mechanism or cycle time simultaneously in parallel according to the priority.

[0135] The above-mentioned analysis reservation information can be confirmed on the display screen of the operation unit 30, and is also saved as history information. The control unit 10 displays a screen of the analysis reservation information created in the above-mentioned analysis reservation (for example, a screen showing information content such as that shown in FIG. 11) on the display screen of the operation unit 30. Furthermore, the control unit 10 can also predict the time from start to finish for each sample analysis request information based on the analysis reservation information. For example, the control unit 10 calculates the start time, end time, required time, etc. of the analysis process as predicted time for each sample analysis request information, and displays them on the screen. This allows the user to see the predicted time information on the screen, making analysis work easier.

[0136] [Effects, etc.] As described above, according to the embodiment, in an automatic analyzer of a type that implements the analysis functions of multiple analysis types in a single unit, multiple pieces of analysis request information related to the analyses of multiple analysis types can be efficiently processed. According to the embodiment, in this type of automatic analyzer, delays due to contention between mechanisms used by each analysis type can be minimized, the time required for obtaining analysis results required in clinical diagnostic operations can be shortened, and deterioration of samples and reagents over time can be suppressed.

[0137] [Variation 1] The following modifications of the embodiment are also possible. The automated analyzer of the modified example (referred to as Modification 1) provides, as one of the user setting functions, a function that enables the user to edit and set the score table for the above-mentioned prioritization (in other words, setting information for prioritization evaluation). This allows the analysis processing order to be set in a way that satisfies the user's requests, etc., based on the score table edited and set by the user when prioritizing the analyses of multiple analysis types of multiple samples. This makes it possible to provide an automated analyzer that is easier for users to use.

[0138] In the first modification, a user (which may be a business person) can set and edit the scorecard 50 on the screen of the operation unit 30 as necessary. The scorecard 50 edited by the user can be saved in the memory unit 41 of FIG. 1. Multiple scorecards 50 can be saved in the memory unit 41. If there are multiple scorecards 50 in the memory unit 41, the scorecard 50 to be applied can be switched, for example, by the user's instructions or settings on the screen. The user can use multiple scorecards 40 as appropriate.

[0139] FIG. 12 shows an example of a screen in which the user can edit and set the score table 50 in the first modification. The control unit 10 provides a screen (e.g., a Web page) for editing and setting the score table 50 on the screen of the display device 32 of the operation unit 30. In the screen of FIG. 12, a field 1201 is provided at the top to enable setting and switching of the score table 50 that is normally used. At the bottom, a field 1202 for specifying the score table 50 to be edited by the user and an area 1203 for displaying the specified score table are provided. The user can edit the value and score of the information element of the desired cell in the score table displayed in the area 1203, for example, by operating the cursor 1204 of the mouse or by inputting from the keyboard. Alternatively, the user can edit the score calculation formula of the information element item by changing the parameter value. For example, in the case of the remaining sample amount E4 in FIG. 4, the part 10 in "add 10 for every 1 μL" can be changed to another value. After editing the score table on the screen, the user can update and save it by pressing the OK button. The user can save each edited score table by giving it a name.

[0140] In addition, in the first modification, if the score table 50 that the business operator has specified as an initial setting is set as the first score table, the first score table is held as unchangeable, and a score table that the user creates by editing based on the first score table is saved as the second score table. Also, in the case where there is a threshold value for classifying the values ​​of the information elements, the threshold value may be displayed on this screen, and the user may be allowed to set it.

[0141] According to the first modification, the user can change the priority of the items and values ​​of the desired information elements by editing the score table as described above. For example, it is possible to set the score higher so as to give a higher first priority to the desired information element among a plurality of information elements, or to set the score higher so as to give a higher second priority to the value of the desired information element. This allows the score table to be adjusted according to the user's environment, work, etc.

[0142] Examples of using multiple score tables by user settings include the following. In the environment in which the automatic analyzer 1 is used (for example, a hospital), the score table to be applied may be switched depending on the date, time, time zone, department, etc. For example, score table A is applied during the day, and score table B is applied at night. In the day, general outpatients are often handled, and inpatients are often handled at night. Therefore, score table A gives a higher priority to sample types and analysis types corresponding to outpatients, for example. Score table B gives a higher priority to sample types and analysis types corresponding to inpatients, for example. Also, score table B may give a higher priority to a larger amount of reagent remaining, for example, in order to suppress consumption of consumables and prevent consumables from running out. Also, score table B may give a higher priority to different samples than the same sample for consecutive items of the same sample. Also, the switching of application of such multiple score tables may be set by the user in advance on a screen. For example, the date, time, time zone, and department are displayed on the screen, and the score table to be applied can be selected and set for each date, time, time zone, and department.

[0143] Furthermore, the score table editing function as in variant example 1 can also be used by businesses when they initially set up, maintain, upgrade, etc. the score table. Businesses set the scores in the score table taking into consideration various information elements and priorities. For example, using the set score table, businesses can input various analysis request information and try to schedule an analysis as an experiment to check whether the results (e.g., the time required) are satisfactory. If the results are not satisfactory, the business can adjust the score table. In this way, a suitable score table can be set.

[0144] [Variation 2] Another modified example (hereinafter, Modified Example 2) is also possible as follows. In Modified Example 2, like Modified Example 1, the user is allowed to edit and set the scorecard 50. In particular, Modified Example 2 allows an operation to change the priority of a first priority between items in the vertical direction and a second priority between values ​​in the horizontal direction for a plurality of information elements in the scorecard 50. In Modified Example 2, when editing the scorecard 50, the user does not set score values ​​by directly inputting them into cells, but performs an operation to change the priority of items and values ​​of information elements. In response to this operation, the control unit 10 automatically determines the setting value of the score.

[0145] FIG. 13 shows an example of a screen related to the scorecard editing function in the second modified example. The screen in FIG. 13 has the same general configuration as FIG. 12, but differs in configuration points such as a first priority display 1301 and a second priority display 1302. On this screen, for example, when there are multiple value cells in an information element item, the value cells can be rearranged horizontally. For example, the user selects a desired cell with the mouse cursor 1303 and moves it left and right. This changes the arrangement of the multiple value cells in the information element item. This rearrangement corresponds to a change in the second priority for the information element value.

[0146] This screen also allows the user to rearrange the rows of multiple information elements vertically. For example, the user selects a desired information element item with the mouse cursor 1304 and moves it up or down. This changes the order of the rows of multiple information elements. This rearrangement corresponds to a change in the first priority between information elements.

[0147] For example, if the user wants to give higher priority to biochemistry than immunology for analysis type E2 (FIG. 3), the user selects the biochemistry cell and moves it to the position of the immunology cell on the left side. Accordingly, the immunology cell and the electrolyte cell are shifted one position to the right. As a result, the biochemistry cell has the highest priority among the analysis type E2. Depending on this second priority, the score setting values ​​of biochemistry, immunology, and electrolyte are automatically calculated and determined. This automatic calculation can be realized, for example, as follows. In one method, the control unit 10 automatically calculates the score setting update value by weighting addition that reflects the weight according to the priority to the basic score setting value that is initially set in advance. In another method, the score is determined according to the position of the value (corresponding cell) in the information element item. For example, in FIG. 4, for analysis type E2, it is {immunology=2000, electrolyte=1000, biochemistry=0}. If the biochemistry cell is moved to the leftmost immunology cell position, the resulting set of cells becomes {biochemistry=2000, immunology=1000, electrolytes=0}. Similar operations and calculations can be applied to the first priority between vertical information elements.

[0148] This screen also has check boxes 1305 for each information element on the right side of the score table area. On this screen, the user can set whether to apply (i.e., reflect in prioritization) each of the information element items (E1 to E8 described above) prepared in advance in the initial setting score table by turning the check boxes 1305 on / off. In the initial setting, all information element items are on (checked). For example, if the user wants to temporarily not reflect a certain information element item in the prioritization, the user turns the corresponding check box 1305 off. As a result, that information element item will no longer be reflected in the score of the analysis request information.

[0149] According to variant example 2, even if the user is, for example, a medical technician with little knowledge or experience and finds it difficult to consider and decide on an appropriate detailed score, a user-defined score table can be easily created simply by manipulating the items and value priorities of information elements when editing the initial setting score table.

[0150] In the conventional technology, when using setting information based on a decision tree to prioritize analysis requests, and when dealing with a variety of information elements, the structure of the decision tree becomes complex, and changing the setting information of the decision tree through design changes or user settings is complicated and extremely time-consuming. In contrast, when using a score table as in the embodiment and modified example, design changes and user settings become easier while dealing with a variety of information elements.

[0151] The present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiment, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present invention. In the embodiment, the analysis types are biochemistry, immunology, and electrolytes, but the present invention is not limited to these. The present invention can be similarly applied to other analysis types such as coagulation analysis and mass spectrometry.

[0152] In the embodiment, the score for each analysis request information is calculated by adding up the scores for each information element, but this is not limited to this. The score calculation may use arithmetic operations, functions, etc. For example, the score for each analysis request information may be totaled by multiplying the scores for each information element. A formula for calculating the score for each analysis request information may be defined in the score table, or the formula for calculating the score for each analysis request information may be editable on the screen of the user setting function. [Explanation of symbols]

[0153] 1...automatic analyzer, 10...control unit, 11...acquisition unit, 12...determination unit, 13...processing unit, 20...analysis operation unit (mechanism), 30...operation unit, 40...storage device, 41...storage unit, 50...score table.

Claims

1. a mechanism for performing a plurality of analytical types on the sample; a processor that receives sample analysis request information based on an input by a user, controls the mechanism to perform an analysis operation of a specified analysis type based on the analysis request information, and performs an analysis process of the analysis; a storage device that stores evaluation setting information for prioritizing the analysis request information related to the order of the analyses; Equipped with In the evaluation setting information, an evaluation value reflecting a priority related to an order of the analysis is set for each value of each information element for a plurality of information elements related to the analysis, The plurality of information elements include at least a sample type and an analysis type, the processor calculates an evaluation value for each of the plurality of pieces of analysis request information received based on the evaluation setting information, and determines a priority order for allocation to the analysis processing in accordance with the evaluation value. Automatic analyzer.

2. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, the processor determines and assigns an order of the analysis processes for the cycles of the mechanism in accordance with the priority order for the plurality of analysis request information; Automatic analyzer.

3. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The mechanism includes a dedicated mechanism used in each analysis operation for each analysis type, and a common mechanism used in common in the analysis operations for a plurality of analysis types, Each dedicated mechanism for each analysis type has a different cycle time required for the analysis operation depending on the analysis type; In the evaluation setting information, the evaluation value is set such that the priority is higher as the cycle time is longer according to the analysis type. Automatic analyzer.

4. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The plurality of analysis types include at least two of a biochemical analysis, an immunological analysis, and an electrolyte analysis; In the evaluation setting information, the evaluation value is set so that the priority differs depending on the analysis type. Automatic analyzer.

5. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The specimen types include at least an emergency specimen and a general specimen, In the evaluation setting information, the evaluation value is set so that the priority differs depending on the sample type. Automatic analyzer.

6. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, One information element in the plurality of information elements includes a same sample continuity, The value of the same sample succession has a value indicating whether the sample is the same sample or a different sample from the previous sample, the evaluation setting information is set so that the evaluation value is set as a value of the same sample continuity such that the same sample has a higher priority than the different samples; Automatic analyzer.

7. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The plurality of information elements include at least one of a remaining amount of the sample, a time since the sample was placed, and whether or not the sample is diluted; The evaluation setting information is set such that the priority is higher when the remaining amount of the sample is smaller, when the sample is diluted, or when the time since the sample was placed is longer. Automatic analyzer.

8. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The plurality of information elements include at least one of a remaining amount of a reagent used in the analysis of the sample and a time since the reagent was placed; In the evaluation setting information, the evaluation value is set so that the priority is higher as the remaining amount of the reagent is smaller or the time since the installation of the reagent is longer. Automatic analyzer.

9. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The plurality of information elements include at least the sample type, the analysis type, the remaining amount of the sample or the time since installation, and the remaining amount of a reagent used in the analysis of the sample or the time since installation, In the evaluation setting information, the evaluation values ​​are set so that the priority is changed from high to low in the order of the sample type, the analysis type, the remaining amount of the sample or the time since installation, and the remaining amount of a reagent used in the analysis of the sample or the time since installation. Automatic analyzer.

10. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The processor provides a screen for setting the evaluation setting information based on an operation by the user. Automatic analyzer.

11. 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, the storage device stores a plurality of pieces of evaluation setting information as the evaluation setting information; the processor provides a screen for switching evaluation setting information to be applied from among the plurality of pieces of evaluation setting information based on an operation by the user. Automatic analyzer.

12. The automatic analyzer according to claim 11, The processor provides a screen for setting the evaluation setting information to be applied according to date and time and time zone. Automatic analyzer.

13. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, the processor changes the priority or the evaluation value associated with the priority for an item or value of a specified information element in the evaluation setting information based on an operation of the user on the screen. Automatic analyzer.

14. The automatic analyzer according to claim 10, the processor changes application of a specified information element item in the evaluation setting information on / off based on an operation of the user on the screen. Automatic analyzer.

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