Automatic analysis device

Abstract

An automated analysis device 101 is provided with a determining unit 118f which causes a probe 201 to descend in a direction of a reagent 205, stops the descending of the probe 201 at a first position PT that is higher, by a first prescribed value Db, than a liquid level value P0 assumed to be a height of a liquid level, determines that there is no abnormality in the reagent 205 if the liquid level is not detected by an electrostatic capacitance sensor 206 at the first position PT, and determines that there is an abnormality in the reagent 205 if the liquid level is detected by the electrostatic capacitance sensor 206 up to the arrival at the first position PT. The present invention thus provides an automated analysis device with which it is possible to reduce the consumption of consumables that occurs when a reagent is registered, in comparison with a conventional device.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that can detect with high accuracy false detections in liquid level detection caused by bubbles that form on the liquid surface. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-112380 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Traditionally, the abnormality detection function for automated analyzers has been required mainly for expensive large-scale automated analyzers installed in large-scale facilities in developed countries, but in recent years, there has been a demand for the introduction of small, inexpensive automated analyzers, and at the same time, there is also a demand for small automated analyzers in emerging countries where there is a high demand for them.

[0005] In emerging countries, it is more difficult to obtain pure water of the quality required for automatic analyzers than in developed countries, and the skills of laboratory technicians tend to be low. As a result, automatic analyzers are required to have low water consumption and high usability features.

[0006] Therefore, in addition to reducing the initial cost of introducing the equipment, there is a need to reduce running costs for consumables, etc., and there is also a demand for the equipment to be equipped with a usability function that automatically detects whether or not bubbles have been mixed into the reagent.

[0007] On the other hand, when applying the bubble detection method of Patent Document 1, there is a problem that extra cleaning water is consumed to wash the probe after the bubble detection operation, or if the probe is equipped with a disposable tip at the tip, an extra tip is consumed.

[0008] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer that can reduce consumption of consumables that occurs during reagent registration compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example is characterized by comprising a probe that dispenses liquid contained in a container, a detection unit that detects the liquid level of the liquid, and a determination unit that lowers the probe toward the liquid and stops the descent of the probe at a first position that is higher by a first predetermined value than a liquid level value that is assumed to be the height of the liquid level, and determines that there is no abnormality in the liquid if the liquid level is not detected by the detection unit at the first position, and determines that there is an abnormality in the liquid if the liquid level is detected by the detection unit before reaching the first position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, the consumption of consumables that occurs when registering reagents can be reduced compared to the conventional art. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the device configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a dispensing unit in the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an abnormality detection method using the actual liquid level detection position. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an anomaly detection method using theoretical liquid level information of the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment. [Figure 5]1 shows a bubble detection workflow when a disposable tip is used in the automatic analyzer of Example 1. [Figure 6] 10 shows a bubble detection workflow when using a probe in the automatic analyzer of Example 2. [Figure 7] 10 shows a part of the workflow for bubble detection when using an installed reagent in the automated analyzer of Example 3. [Figure 8] 10 shows a part of the workflow for bubble detection when using an installed reagent in the automated analyzer of Example 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An embodiment of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings used in this specification, identical or corresponding components are designated by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated description of these components may be omitted.

[0013] Example 1 A first embodiment of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0014] First, the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 101 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a simplified plan view of the automatic analyzer.

[0015] figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 101 includes a reagent disk 103, an RFID reader / writer 105, a dispensing unit 106, a washing tank 108, an incubator (reaction disk) 110, a chip sensor 112, a transport device 116, an interface 117, a control device 118, and the like.

[0016] In the automated analyzer 101 shown in Figure 1, reaction vessels 109 that dispense dispensed solutions are arranged circumferentially in an incubator 110. The reaction vessels 109 are common to all reactions and are disposable. The incubator 110 is controlled by a driving mechanism such as a motor so that the incubator 110 rotates a distance equivalent to the number of a predetermined number of reaction vessels 109 in one cycle.

[0017] The device is provided with a reagent disk 103 on which a plurality of reagent containers 102 are placed. The reagent containers 102 are composed of a row of three reagent bottles 104. An IC tag 119 capable of contactless information communication using RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) is attached to the outer wall of the reagent container 102, and an RFID reader / writer 105 for reading information from the IC tag 119 is provided on the axis side of the reagent disk 103.

[0018] In the automatic analyzer 101, the RFID reader / writer 105 reads the unique reagent information, such as the initial reagent filling amount, recorded on the IC tag 119, and the judgment unit 118f of the control device 118 judges whether the reagent container 102 is acceptable or not, and records the result in the memory unit 118d.

[0019] At least an item ID unique to the reagent item, a sequence ID unique to the reagent container 102, and a usage history parameter for determining whether the reagent container 102 is unused are written to the IC tag 119 attached to the reagent container 102. The usage history parameter includes two types of information: unused and in use. A reagent information file containing reagent information is stored in advance in the memory unit 118d of the control device 118, and the reagent information file describes the item ID of the reagent and the amount of reagent filled in the reagent bottle 104 according to the reagent item.

[0020] A dispensing unit 106 that can rotate and move up and down is installed between the incubator 110 and the reagent disk 103, and is equipped with a probe 201 that can access the inside of the reagent bottle 104. Because there is a strong need to prevent contamination between reagents in the dispensing unit 106, dispensing is performed using disposable tips 111.

[0021] The configuration of the dispensing unit 106 is shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, the dispensing unit 106 is composed of a probe 201, an arm 202, and an arm shaft 203, and the arm shaft 203 is fixed to a base 204. This allows the probe 201 to rotate in the θ direction around the arm shaft 203, and further allows the probe 201 to move up and down in the Z direction. As a result, the probe 201 moves in an arc around the rotation shaft, and performs a dispensing operation in which the reagent 205 contained in the reagent bottle 104 of the reagent container 102 is sucked up and dispensed into the reaction container 109.

[0022] 2, the probe 201 is provided with a capacitance sensor 206 in the arm 202 for detecting a change in capacitance when the tip of the disposable tip 111 comes into contact with the reagent 205 in the reagent container 102, making it possible to confirm the height position of the liquid surface. For this reason, the probe 201 is made of a conductive metal material, while the disposable tip 111 is made of a conductive resin material.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1, a tip sensor 112 for detecting the presence or absence of a disposable tip 111 attached to the probe 201 is provided around the movement trajectory of the probe 201 of the dispensing unit 106 .

[0024] Also on the trajectory of the probe 201 are aspiration position 107 for reagent from three reagent bottles 104 on the reagent disk 103, a dispensing position on the incubator 110, a washing tank 108 for cleaning a disposable tip 111 attached to the tip of one of the probes 201, a tip supply position 113 for attaching an unused disposable tip 111 to the tip of the probe 201, and a tip disposal position 114 for disposing of a used disposable tip 111 attached to the tip of the probe 201 in a disposal box.

[0025] A plurality of unused disposable tips 111 are arranged on a magazine 115, and a transport device 116 that operates in the X, Y, and Z directions is provided to transport the disposable tips 111 from the magazine 115 to a tip supply position 113.

[0026] In the dispensing unit 106, after the reagent is aspirated by the disposable tip 111 attached to the probe 201, the specimen and the reagent that have been dispensed into the reaction vessel 109 in advance at a different timing are stirred and mixed by the aspirating and dispensing operation of the probe 201 or the disposable tip 111 in the reaction vessel 109 placed in the incubator 110. The reaction vessel 109 containing the reaction liquid in which the specimen and the reagent are mixed is maintained at a predetermined temperature by the incubator 110, and the reaction is promoted for a predetermined time.

[0027] A spectrophotometer (not shown) for biochemical testing is arranged around the incubator 110. The spectrophotometer measures the absorbance of the reaction solution by irradiating a light source onto the reaction solution, in which a sample and a reagent are mixed, and detecting the transmitted light obtained by separating the light.

[0028] Furthermore, the reaction liquid that has been reacted for a predetermined time in the incubator 110 can be transported by a detector syringe (not shown) to a detection mechanism for immunoassay (not shown) for measurement. In immunoassays, methods for detecting labeled substances include those based on electrochemiluminescence and chemiluminescence, and the structures and physical properties of the second liquid container, labeled substance, and detection region that are suitable for each are selected, and the amount of luminescence resulting from the luminescence reaction of the labeled substance is measured using a photomultiplier tube as a detector.

[0029] The reaction vessel 109 for which the absorbance measurement has been completed in the incubator 110 is discarded at the tip disposal position 114 by the transport device 116. The reaction vessel 109 containing the reaction solution that has been reacted for a predetermined time in the incubator 110 is moved to the detection mechanism, and the reaction vessel 109 for which the measurement has been completed by the detection mechanism is also moved to the tip disposal position 114 by the transport device 116 and discarded at the tip disposal position 114.

[0030] Each unit in the above-mentioned automatic analyzer 101 is connected to a control device 118 via an interface 117 .

[0031] The control device 118 is a computer equipped with a CPU, memory, etc., and is connected to the devices within the above-described automatic analyzer 101, and controls the operation of each device and mechanism within the automatic analyzer 101. Note that in Fig. 1, for simplicity of illustration, the connections between each mechanism constituting the automatic analyzer 101 and the control device 118 are omitted.

[0032] The control device 118 is composed of an operation unit 118a, a control unit 118b, a display unit 118c, a storage unit 118d, a calculation unit 118e, and a determination unit 118f.

[0033] The operation unit 118a is an operation device such as a keyboard or a mouse that is operated by the user of the automatic analyzer 101 when inputting some kind of instruction to the device.

[0034] The control unit 118b controls the rotational driving of the incubator 110, the rotational operation of the reagent disk 103, the driving of the dispensing unit 106 including the probe 201, the reagent suction and reagent discharge operations, etc. The control of the operation of each device by the control unit 118b is executed based on various programs recorded in the storage unit 118d.

[0035] The control processes for the operations executed by control unit 118b may be integrated into one program, or may be divided into multiple programs, or may be a combination of these. Also, some or all of the programs may be realized by dedicated hardware or may be modularized.

[0036] The display unit 118c is a display device such as a liquid crystal display that displays to the operator various information about the automatic analyzer 101, such as an input screen for various parameters and settings, analytical test data for the initial test or retest, measurement results, reagent information, etc. The display unit 118c may be a touch panel type that also serves as the control unit 118b.

[0037] The memory unit 118d is composed of a storage medium such as an HDD or SSD that stores various programs used to measure the sample, as well as various parameters input via the operation unit 118a, information on the sample to be measured (such as sample type information), measurement results, etc.

[0038] The storage unit 118d also stores information necessary for controlling the automatic analyzer 101, the current status of the automatic analyzer 101, and the like, and affects the operation of the control device 118. In this embodiment, the storage unit 118d stores information necessary for controlling the automatic analyzer 101, the current status of the automatic analyzer 101, and the like, and affects the operation of the control device 118. b The first position P is higher by T Information on the first position P T A second position P F , second position P F a third position P that is higher by a third predetermined value than H , third position P H It is assumed that information such as a fourth position that is higher than the first position by a third predetermined value is stored.

[0039] The calculation unit 118e performs calculation processing to determine the concentration of a predetermined component in the specimen from the detection results of the spectrophotometer and the detection mechanism. Information If the reading is performed normally, it is determined whether the reagent container 102 can be used for sample measurement. If the determination is performed normally, the reagent container 102 is registered in the memory unit 118d.

[0040] In this embodiment, in particular, the determining unit 118f moves the probe 201 downward in the direction of the reagent 205, and determines whether the liquid level is lowered from a liquid level value P0 assumed to be the height of the liquid level to a first predetermined value D b The first position P is higher by T At this point, the probe 201 stops descending and returns to the first position P T When the capacitance sensor 206 does not detect the liquid level at the first position P, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the reagent 205. T If the capacitance sensor 206 detects the liquid level before reaching this level, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the reagent 205. Details of this will be described later.

[0041] The above is the configuration of the automatic analyzer 101.

[0042] Although FIG. 1 does not explain the sample dispensing position, for example, a reagent container and a sample container containing a sample can be stored on a single disk.

[0043] Furthermore, the configuration is not limited to storing the data on the same disk, but each can be stored on a separate dedicated disk. In this case, the dispensing unit can be provided with one or more dedicated dispensing units for dispensing reagents and one or more dedicated dispensing units for dispensing specimens, and it is desirable that the dispensing units dedicated to specimens and the dispensing units dedicated to reagents are arranged so that their operations do not overlap, or that the operating parameters are set accordingly.

[0044] 1, the configuration of the automatic analyzer 101 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 1, and it may be an analyzer that performs analysis of various analysis items, such as an immunoanalyzer that performs analysis of immune analysis items, a biochemical analyzer that performs analysis of biochemical analysis items, etc. Furthermore, it may be an analyzer that is separately equipped with an analyzer that measures other analysis items, for example, electrolytes.

[0045] Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 101 is not limited to a configuration with a single analysis module as shown in Figure 1, but can be configured with two or more analysis modules capable of measuring various identical or different analysis items and preprocessing modules that perform preprocessing connected by a conveying device.

[0046] Next, the details of how the dispensing unit 106 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the reagent in the reagent bottle 104 when registering the reagent will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and subsequent figures.

[0047] First, the abnormality detection method using the actual liquid level detection position will be explained using FIG.

[0048] <Abnormality detection method using actual liquid level detection position> When detecting the liquid level, the probe 201 moves to the top of its vertical movement range (P max ) to the liquid surface of the reagent 205 directly below it, and stops descending when it detects the liquid surface. max ) to the liquid level detection position (P d ) at a distance D d Let's say.

[0049] Top point (P max ) to the lowest point (P min ) at a distance D m In this case, the descending distance D r =D m -D d holds true. D m Since is a fixed value predefined on the device, D d From D r can be obtained.

[0050] The shape of the reagent container 102 is defined, and the liquid level detection position (P d ) can be converted into the filling amount (V) of the reagent 205 by a conversion formula. Using the above relational expression, the initial filling amount V0 of the reagent 205 is converted into the initial liquid level position (P0) obtained from the known initial filling amount V0 of the reagent 205, and the actual liquid level detection position (P d ) and abnormalities in the liquid level can be determined from the difference.

[0051] For example, the difference threshold is P d -When P0≧3[mm] is specified, P d If -P0=5 [mm], it is determined that the actual filling volume is greater than the initial filling volume. In this case, it is identified as an abnormal rise in the liquid level due to the inclusion of bubbles, and is determined to be an abnormality.

[0052] Next, the abnormality detection method using theoretical liquid level information, which is a feature of this embodiment, will be described with reference to FIG.

[0053] <Anomaly detection method using theoretical liquid level information> In the anomaly detection method using the actual liquid level detection position described above, the probe 201 must be brought into contact with the liquid surface to detect the liquid level. Therefore, the tip of the probe 201 must be washed every time after the liquid level is detected to prevent the reagent 205 adhering to the probe 201 from being mixed into other reagent bottles 104 and causing carryover.

[0054] When performing anomaly detection with a disposable tip 111 attached to the tip of the probe 201, one or more disposable tips 111 are consumed. Furthermore, to prevent the reagent 205 adhering to the disposable tip 111 from being mixed into other reagent bottles 104 and causing carryover, the disposable tip 111 must be replaced for each reagent bottle 104. Alternatively, the tip of the disposable tip 111 must be washed with a cleaning solution. In the case of a probe 201 that does not have a disposable tip 111 attached to its tip (the embodiment of Example 2 described below), the probe 201 must also be washed each time the liquid level is detected to prevent carryover between reagent bottles 104.

[0055] Therefore, there is a disadvantage that the consumption of disposable tips 111 and the time required to replace disposable tips 111, or the consumption of cleaning water and the time required for cleaning with cleaning water, increases according to the number of reagent bottles 104 that are subject to abnormality detection.

[0056] The anomaly detection using theoretical liquid level information shown in Figure 4, which can solve the above-mentioned problems, measures the distance the liquid level has fallen before detection (D d ) instead of the initial filling volume V0, the liquid level P0 is calculated from the bubble determination distance D b The sum of P0+D b Position P T (1st position P T ) is converted into a motor drive amount, and the lowering operation is performed by that drive amount.

[0057] For example, the bubble detection distance D b If P0 is set to 3 mm, the probe 201 descends from the liquid surface to a position 3 mm higher than P0. Therefore, the probe 201 will not come into contact with the reagent 205 in the reagent bottle 104 until it stops after the downward movement. If the liquid level is not detected while this downward movement is being performed, the determination unit 118f determines that there is no abnormality in the reagent bottle 104, that there are no bubbles or liquid film, and that the reagent is normal, and it is clear that there are no problems with registration or use.

[0058] The determining section 118f determines whether the narrow portion of the entrance of the reagent bottle 104 (first position P T A second position P F ) to the first position P T If the liquid level is detected between the reagent 205 and the liquid level ..., it is highly likely that bubbles have formed in the reagent 205, and it is determined that an abnormality has occurred.

[0059] Furthermore, the determination unit 118f determines whether the second position P F a third position P that is higher by a third predetermined value than H and the second position P FIf the liquid level is detected between the narrow part of the entrance of the reagent bottle 104 and the narrow part of the entrance of the reagent bottle 104, it is highly likely that a film-like bubble (film, liquid film) of the reagent 205 has formed in the narrow part of the entrance of the reagent bottle 104, so it is determined that there is an abnormality.

[0060] The determination unit 118f is located at a position higher than the entrance of the reagent bottle 104 (third position P H A fourth position (P max )) to the inlet of the reagent bottle 104 (third position P H ), it is determined that there is a hovering problem, that is, that there is an abnormality in the capacitance sensor 206, which is the liquid level detection mechanism.

[0061] Here, since the initial filling amount V0 varies depending on the type of reagent, it is desirable to use information read from the IC tag 119, and it is assumed that the initial filling amount V0 varies depending on the type of reagent.

[0062] In addition, the first position P T And the second position P F , third position P H Although the value may not be changed depending on the type of reagent, it may be changed depending on the type of reagent or the shape of the reagent bottle 104, and is not particularly limited.

[0063] Next, the procedure for registering a reagent using an anomaly detection method that utilizes theoretical liquid level information will be explained using Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram of the bubble detection workflow when using disposable tips.

[0064] In an automatic analyzer 101 such as that of this embodiment, it is necessary to have the device recognize and register reagent containers 102 corresponding to the items to be measured for a sample, so as shown in Figure 5, a reagent registration operation is started (step (hereinafter referred to as "S") 101). Note that the reagent containers 102 are assumed to be composed of three reagent bottles 104 as described above.

[0065] When registering a reagent for the first time, the user places the reagent container 102 on the reagent disk 103 and starts reagent registration, then the reagent disk 103 rotates and the reagent container 102 is transported to the position of the RFID reader / writer 105, and the RFID reader / writer 105 begins reading the IC tag 119 of the reagent container 102 (S102).

[0066] Thereafter, the determination unit 118f determines whether the unique information has been successfully read and whether the read item ID matches the item ID previously stored in the storage unit 118d (S103). If it is determined that they match, the process proceeds to S105. On the other hand, if it is determined that they do not match, the process proceeds to S104, where an alarm is displayed on the display unit 118c (S104), and the registration process is completed.

[0067] If it is determined in S103 that there is a match, the determination unit 118f can read out the reagent filling amount specific to the reagent item, update the information in the IC tag 119 (S105), and determine whether the reagent is registered for the first time (S106). If it is determined that the reagent is not registered for the first time, the reagent registration process is terminated.

[0068] On the other hand, if it is determined that this is the first registration, the process proceeds to S107, where the process proceeds to bubble detection operation (S107).

[0069] When the bubble detection operation starts, the probe 201 is moved to the tip supply position 113 and the disposable tip 111 is attached (S108).

[0070] Next, the probe 201 with the disposable tip 111 attached thereto moves to the position of the tip sensor 112, and the presence or absence of the disposable tip 111 is determined (S109). If it is determined that the disposable tip 111 is not attached, the reagent registration process is terminated.

[0071] On the other hand, if it is determined that a disposable tip 111 is attached, the probe 201 is moved to the aspirating position of the first reagent bottle 104 in the reagent container 102 and is lowered by an amount corresponding to the amount of reagent filled in the first reagent bottle 104 (S110).

[0072] It is determined whether or not the liquid level is detected from the start of the lowering operation to the end of the lowering operation (S111). If it is determined that the liquid level is not detected, it is determined that there are no bubbles in the reagent bottle 104, and the process proceeds to S112, where the probe 201 ascends to return to the highest point, and it is determined whether or not the next reagent bottle 104 needs to be registered (S112).

[0073] If it is determined that the next reagent bottle 104 needs to be registered, the process proceeds to S113, where the second reagent bottle 104 is moved to the aspirating position (S113). Next, the reagent disk 103 rotates to move the second reagent bottle 104 to the aspirating position of the second reagent bottle 104, and the process returns to S109, where the disk moves to the tip sensor 112 and determines whether or not a tip is present (S109), and the second reagent bottle 104 is again registered. trial The nozzle is lowered by an amount corresponding to the amount of medicine filled (S110).

[0074] As with the first reagent bottle 104, if the liquid level is not detected from the start of the lowering operation to the end of the lowering operation (no in S111), it is determined that no bubbles have been mixed into the second reagent bottle 104. Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the next reagent bottle 104 needs to be registered (S112), the bottle is moved to the suction position (S113), and a determination is made as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the third reagent bottle 104 (S109 to S111).

[0075] When the liquid level is not detected from the first reagent bottle 104 to the third reagent bottle 104 and it is determined that no bubbles have been mixed in, that is, when it is determined in S112 that the next reagent bottle 104 does not need to be registered, the relevant reagent container 102 is registered in the device as being in a state that can be used for measurement (S114), and the reagent registration operation is terminated.

[0076] In this way, even when multiple reagent containers 102 are registered, if the reagent registration is successful through the above-described process, the probe 201 starts the bubble detection operation for the first reagent bottle 104 of the second reagent container 102 without discarding the disposable tip 111. Similarly, if there are third or more reagents, the same disposable tip 111 can be used to perform bubble detection.

[0077] On the other hand, if it is determined in S111 that the liquid level has been detected even though it theoretically should not have been detected, that is, if the liquid level is detected due to the presence of foam or film in any of the reagent bottles 104, or if it is determined that the reagent container 102 is hovering, the process proceeds to S115, the relevant reagent container 102 is not registered and is masked (S115), and the probe 201 moves to the tip disposal position 114 to discard the used disposable tip 111 (S116).

[0078] Furthermore, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 118c (S117), indicating that bubbles have been detected in the corresponding reagent container 102, and a message is displayed urging the user to remove the reagent container 102, visually check that bubbles or film have been mixed in, remove them, and re-register the container.

[0079] Thereafter, it is determined whether there are any reagent containers 102 that require initial registration other than the reagent container 102 that has been subjected to bubble detection (S118), and if the bubble detection operation has not been performed, reagent registration must be continued. In this case, the reagent disk 103 is rotated and moved to the suction position of the relevant reagent bottle 104 (S119), after which the process returns to S108, an unused disposable tip 111 is grasped from the magazine 115 by the transport device 116 and placed at the tip supply position 113, and the probe 201 is moved to the tip supply position 113 to attach the disposable tip 111 (S108), and bubble detection of the reagent containers 102 for which bubble detection operation has not been performed is started (S109 and subsequent steps).

[0080] On the other hand, if it is determined in S118 that bubble detection has been completed for all of the reagent containers 102, the reagent registration operation is terminated.

[0081] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0082] The automatic analyzer 101 of the first embodiment described above includes a probe 201 that dispenses a reagent 205 contained in a container, a capacitance sensor 206 that detects the liquid level of the reagent 205, and a measuring device that measures the liquid level by lowering the probe 201 toward the reagent 205 and measuring the liquid level from a liquid level value P0 that is assumed to be the height of the liquid level to a first predetermined value D b The first position P is higher by T At this point, the probe 201 stops descending and returns to the first position P T When the capacitance sensor 206 does not detect the liquid level at the first position P, it is determined that there is no abnormality in the reagent 205. T and a determining unit 118f that determines that there is an abnormality in the reagent 205 when the capacitance sensor 206 detects the liquid level before the liquid level reaches the predetermined value.

[0083] According to this configuration, when a function for performing bubble detection during reagent registration is provided, the frequency with which the probe 201 is cleaned or the disposable tip 111 is replaced during reagent registration can be reduced compared to conventional methods, thereby reducing consumption of consumables compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the time required for cleaning the tip of the probe 201 or the time required for replacing the disposable tip 111 each time a determination is made can be reduced, thereby reducing delays in testing compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, since the function for performing bubble detection during reagent registration can be provided, bubble determinations can be prevented from being made after the start of measurement, further preventing delays in testing.

[0084] Furthermore, the determination unit 118f determines whether the first position P T A second position P F and the first position P T When the liquid level is detected between the first position P and the second position P, it is determined that bubbles are occurring in the reagent 205. F a third position P that is higher by a third predetermined value than H and the second position PF When the liquid level is detected between the reagent bottle 104 and the container, it is determined that a film of the reagent 205 has formed on the container, and it is also possible to determine what kind of abnormality has occurred inside the reagent bottle 104.

[0085] Furthermore, the determination unit 118f determines whether the third position P H A fourth position and a third position P H When the liquid level is detected between the liquid level detection function and the capacitance sensor 206, it is determined that the liquid level detection function is abnormal, and it is also possible to determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the capacitance sensor 206.

[0086] <Example 2> The automatic analyzer of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows a bubble detection workflow when a probe is used in the automatic analyzer of the second embodiment.

[0087] The automatic analyzer of this embodiment is configured such that the disposable tip 111 is not attached to the tip of the probe 201 of the dispensing unit 106 of the automatic analyzer 101 described in the first embodiment, and the probe 201 comes into direct contact with the reagent 205.

[0088] The procedure for registering a reagent using an anomaly detection method that utilizes theoretical liquid level information in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] S201 to S206 shown in FIG. 6 are the same as those in the first embodiment. in These steps are the same as steps S101 to S106 in FIG. 5 which were previously described.

[0090] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, a bubble determination parameter check is performed (S207), and the bubble detection operation is started (S208) without determining whether or not the disposable tip 111 is attached, unlike Fig. 5. S208 is the same as S107, and S209 to S213 are the same as S110 to S114.

[0091] If it is determined in S210 that the liquid level has been detected even though it should not have been detected in theory, the probe 201 is washed (S214), and the corresponding reagent container 102 is masked without being registered (S215). S216 to S218 are the same as S117 to S119.

[0092] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment, and details thereof will be omitted.

[0093] Even in a configuration in which the disposable tip 111 is not attached to the tip of the probe 201 and the probe 201 is in direct contact with the reagent 205, as in the automatic analyzer of Example 2, effects substantially similar to those of the automatic analyzer 101 of Example 1 described above can be obtained.

[0094] As a modified example of the second embodiment, the following configurations can be mentioned.

[0095] A first bubble detection operation is performed on each reagent bottle 104, and after it is determined that a bubble has been detected (yes in S210), the process does not proceed to S214, but the probe 201 is returned to the uppermost point and a second bubble detection operation is performed on the reagent bottle 104 in which a bubble was detected. If no bubble is detected in the second detection operation, the determination unit 118f determines that the bubble has been eliminated by the first bubble detection, and does not mask the reagent in the corresponding reagent bottle 104.

[0096] Furthermore, the bubble detection distance D b For example, a reagent containing a small amount of surfactant is less likely to form large bubbles in the reagent bottle 104, so D b By changing the value from 3 mm to 2 mm, it becomes possible to detect even finer bubbles. In this case, a bubble determination parameter check is performed for each reagent before the bubble determination operation starts, and the determination threshold value corresponding to the reagent item is read out and the bubble determination operation is performed.

[0097] Example 3 The automated analyzer of Example 3 will be described with reference to Figures 7 and 8. Figures 7 and 8 show the workflow of bubble detection when a fixed reagent is used.

[0098] In the configurations of Examples 1 and 2, the probe 201 descends to a position a predetermined distance above the expected liquid level, and if the probe 201 does not detect the liquid level during the descending movement, it is determined that no bubbles have been mixed in. As a prerequisite for this determination, the filling amount information of the reagent bottle 104 is stored in the memory unit 118d or the IC tag 119 attached to the reagent bottle 104.

[0099] However, if the actual filling volume is significantly less than the information, accurate bubble detection will be impossible. For example, a reagent for evaluating instrument installation may be used across different automated analyzers as an indicator for determining whether the instrument was in a normal or abnormal state at the time of installation. This reagent is called an installation reagent.

[0100] When an installed reagent has been used in another device, the actual remaining amount of reagent may be less than the reagent filling amount information stored in the IC tag 119, which may result in a discrepancy with the information stored in the IC tag 119. When determining whether such an installed reagent has been used, it is more convenient to actually detect the liquid level as shown in Figure 3 and update the actual remaining amount, rather than stopping the reagent at a position a predetermined distance above the liquid level as shown in Figure 4.

[0101] Therefore, in this embodiment, the information area of the IC tag 119 of the reagent bottle 104 is one Whether the reagent 205 is a general measurement item reagent or a fixed reagent is defined in advance, and the control unit 118b selects a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into direct contact with the reagent 205 (see FIG. 3) and a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into direct contact with the reagent 205 at the first position P T The mode in which the signal is stopped is switched to the mode in which the signal is stopped (see Figure 4).

[0102] The procedure for registering a reagent using an abnormality detection method that switches the bubble detection operation method for each item in the automatic analyzer of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0103] S301 to S305 shown in FIG. 7 are the same as S101 to S105 shown in FIG.

[0104] Next, the determination unit 118f determines whether the target reagent container 102 is an installed reagent based on the read unique information (S306). If it is determined that the target reagent container 102 is not an installed reagent, the process proceeds to S307. S307 to S320 are the same as S106 to S119.

[0105] On the other hand, if it is determined that the reagent is an installed reagent, the process proceeds to S321 shown in FIG. 8, and the bubble determination operation of Start (S321).

[0106] First, the disposable tip 111 is attached (S322), the presence or absence of the disposable tip 111 is determined (S323), and the probe 201 is lowered until it reaches the liquid surface (S324).

[0107] Next, it is determined whether or not the liquid level has been detected (S325), and if not detected, the process proceeds to S330. On the other hand, if detected, the liquid level detection position (P d ) and the initial liquid level position (P0) is determined to be equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (preferably a value calculated by adding a predetermined error to the liquid level estimated based on the number of uses up to now) (S326), and if it is determined that the difference is less than the predetermined threshold, the process proceeds to S327, where it is determined whether or not registration of the next reagent bottle 104 is necessary (S327). If it is determined that registration of the next reagent bottle 104 is necessary, the process proceeds to S328, where the second reagent bottle 104 is moved to the aspirating position (S328), and a similar determination is made (S323, etc.).

[0108] On the other hand, if it is determined in S327 that registration of the reagent bottle 104 is not necessary, the corresponding installed reagent is registered in the storage unit 118d as being available for measurement (S329), and the reagent registration operation is terminated.

[0109] If the liquid level is not detected in S325 or if the difference is determined to be equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold in S326, the determination unit 118f does not register the installed reagent but masks it (S330), and the control unit 118b moves the probe 201 to the tip disposal position 114 to discard the used disposable tip 111 (S331). Furthermore, an alarm is displayed on the display unit 118c (S332), and the registration process is completed.

[0110] The other configurations and operations are substantially the same as those of the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment, and details thereof will be omitted.

[0111] The automatic analyzer of the third embodiment also provides substantially the same effects as the automatic analyzer of the first embodiment described above.

[0112] The control unit 118b also controls a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into direct contact with the reagent 205, and a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into direct contact with the reagent 205 at the first position P T By switching between this mode and the mode in which the pump stops, the bubble detection function can be implemented, which can reduce the consumption of consumables, and it is also possible to perform bubble detection for reagents where there is a discrepancy between the initial filling amount information and the actual remaining amount of liquid, such as reagents used for device inspection.

[0113] Furthermore, the control unit 118b selects a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into direct contact with the reagent 205 and a mode in which the probe 201 is brought into contact with the first position P T By switching between the stop mode and Disappear In addition to the bubble detection function that can reduce the consumption of consumables, bubble detection can also be performed on reagents for which there is a discrepancy between the initial filling amount information and the actual remaining amount, such as reagents for device inspection.

[0114] In addition, the configuration of switching between a mode in which the probe 201 directly contacts the liquid to detect whether or not there is an abnormality, as in this embodiment, and a mode in which the probe 201 directly contacts the liquid without using a disposable tip 111, as in Example 2, can also be applied to a configuration in which the probe 201 directly contacts the liquid without using a disposable tip 111.

[0115] <Other> It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. The above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to an embodiment having all of the described configurations.

[0116] It is also possible to replace part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, or to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment, or to add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of each embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment.

[0117] For example, either a unit to which a disposable tip 111 is attached, such as the dispensing unit 106 of the first embodiment, or a dispensing unit in which the probe 201 comes into direct contact with the liquid, such as the dispensing unit of the second embodiment, may be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 101…Automatic analyzer 102...Reagent container 103...Reagent disk 104...Reagent bottle 105...RFID reader / writer 106...Dispensing unit 107…Suction position 108...Cleaning tank 109...Reaction vessel 110…Incubator 111...Disposable tip (consumable tip) 112...Chip sensor 113...Chip supply position 114...Tip disposal position 115...Magazine 116...Transportation device 117...Interface 118...Control device 118a...Operation unit 118b...Control unit 118c…Display section 118d...Storage section 118e...Calculation section 118f…Judgment section 119…IC tag 201...Probe 202...Arm 203...Arm axis 204...base 205...Reagents 206...Capacitance sensor (detection unit)

Claims

1. a probe for dispensing a liquid contained in a container; a detection unit that detects the liquid level; a determination unit that lowers the probe toward the liquid, stops the descent of the probe at a first position that is higher by a first predetermined value than a liquid level value that is assumed to be the height of the liquid level, and determines that there is no abnormality in the liquid when the liquid level is not detected by the detection unit at the first position, and determines that there is an abnormality in the liquid when the liquid level is detected by the detection unit before the liquid level reaches the first position. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, Further, a control unit for controlling the operation of the probe is provided. The control unit switches between a mode in which the probe is brought into direct contact with the liquid and a mode in which the probe is stopped at the first position. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, The control unit switches between a mode in which the probe is brought into direct contact with the liquid and a mode in which the probe is stopped at the first position depending on the type of the liquid. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The determination unit When the liquid level is detected between the first position and a second position that is higher than the first position by a second predetermined value, it is determined that bubbles are occurring in the liquid; When the liquid level is detected between the second position and a third position that is higher than the second position by a third predetermined value, it is determined that a film of the liquid is formed on the container. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, The determination unit When the liquid level is detected between the fourth position, which is higher than the third position by a third predetermined value, and the third position, it is determined that the liquid level detection function is abnormal. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, A consumable tip is attached to the tip of the probe. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

7. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The probe is in direct contact with the liquid without a consumable tip attached to the tip of the probe. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

8. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, The control unit switches the mode based on whether the type of the liquid is an installed reagent or not. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, Further provided is a storage unit that stores information about the first position. An automatic analyzer characterized by:

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