Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To provide an automatic analyzer with improved reliability.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment comprises a sample container, a piercer, a detector, and a control unit. The sample container accommodates a sample and has an opening that is sealed by a cap. The piercer pierces the cap by the tip thereof. The detector detects dirt on the cap. The control unit controls piercing movement of the piercer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2D

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and drawings relate to an automated analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] In an automated analyzer, for example, when analyzing blood collected from a subject as a sample, a method is used in which the sample contained in the blood collection tube, which serves as the sample container, is sampled while the stopper (hereinafter referred to as the cap) is still attached. In this method, a piercer, which is a needle-shaped hollow tube, is used. For example, when a hole is made in the cap by the piercer, a sampling probe moves within the piercer, reaches the sample container, and aspirates the sample from the sample container.

[0003] When blood is collected from a subject, blood may remain on the top surface of the cap that seals the opening of the sample container. If blood remains on the top surface of the cap, it may coagulate and form a blood clot. When a piercer pierces the cap, the piercer may drop the blood clot on the cap into the sample container. In this case, the blood clot that has fallen into the sample container may mix with the sample, affecting the test and preventing the automated analyzer from obtaining accurate measurement results. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-122852 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to improve the reliability of an automated analyzer. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment includes a sample container, a piercer, a detector, and a controller. The sample container is a container that contains a sample, and the opening of the container is sealed with a cap. The piercer pierces the cap with its tip. The detector detects contamination on the cap. The controller controls the piercing operation of the piercer. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is an explanatory diagram of the processing from punching to sampling as processing of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is an explanatory diagram of the processing from punching to sampling as processing of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is an explanatory diagram of the processing from perforation to sampling as processing of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is an explanatory diagram of a detection process using a piercer as a process of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a detector of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the detector of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure from punching to sampling as the processing procedure of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a screen in the notification process of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to other embodiments.

[0009] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG.

[0010] The analytical device 70 measures a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used in analyzing each test item, and generates standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 includes multiple units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. A processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

[0011] The processing device 90 includes an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 , and a memory circuit 60 .

[0012] The input device 50 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch panel, and is used to input data to set analysis parameters for each test item, test identification information for the test sample, and test items.

[0013] The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 30.

[0014] The storage circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0015] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data processing function 31 and a control function 32. The control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data processing function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item.

[0016] For example, the standard data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data for determining the blood clotting time, iron content, etc. by testing a test sample (blood), and the test data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data resulting from measuring the blood clotting time or colorimetric measurement. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data on the measurement results of the blood clotting time, iron content, etc. derived from the test data and the standard data, and the analysis data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data on the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving the analysis data that represents the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition.

[0017] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuitry 30 is recorded in the form of a computer-executable program in the storage circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 30 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the storage circuitry 60. In other words, the processing circuitry 30 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 30 of FIG.

[0018] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 30, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors, and have each processor execute a program to realize the function.

[0019] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit 60. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0020] The configuration of the analyzer 70 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes a test sample (blood) including a blood coagulation test item. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 performs colorimetric measurement and measurement of coagulation time on blood collected from a subject.

[0021] The analyzer 70 includes a reaction vessel table, a reagent storage, a sampling probe, a reagent dispensing probe, and a photometry unit (not shown).

[0022] The reaction vessel table is a reaction vessel and rotatably holds a plurality of reaction vessels arranged on the circumference.

[0023] The reagent storage holds a plurality of reagent containers arranged circumferentially in a refrigerated state. The reagent containers in the reagent storage contain reagents containing components that react with components for each test item contained in a specimen (hereinafter referred to as a sample). The reagent storage has a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers for each test item.

[0024] The sampling probe dispenses the sample from the sample container moved to the sampling position. Specifically, the sampling probe aspirates the sample from the sample container located at the sampling position for each test item and dispenses the sample in an amount set as an analysis parameter for that test item into a reaction container located at the sample dispensing position on the reaction container table. The sampling probe is then washed.

[0025] The reagent dispensing probe dispenses the reagent from the reagent container that has been moved to the reagent aspirating position. Specifically, the reagent dispensing probe aspirates the reagent from the reagent container located at the reagent aspirating position and dispenses the amount of reagent set as an analysis parameter for the test item into the reaction container located at the reagent dispensing position on the reaction container table. The reagent dispensing probe is then washed.

[0026] The photometry unit measures the mixture by irradiating light onto the reaction vessel containing the mixture of sample and reagent inside the reaction vessel. Specifically, the photometry unit irradiates light onto the reaction vessel at the measurement position as it rotates, and detects the light that has passed through the mixture of sample and reagent inside the reaction vessel due to this irradiation. The photometry unit 9 then processes the detected signal to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, and outputs them to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The reaction vessel is then washed.

[0027] For example, this embodiment employs CTS (Closed Tube Sampling), which is a method for sampling a sample contained in a blood collection tube, which is a sample container, with the cap still attached when analyzing blood collected from a subject (examinee) as a sample.

[0028] In the CTS, a needle-shaped hollow tube called a piercer is used. For example, when a hole is made in the cap by the piercer (when the cap is perforated), a sampling probe moves inside the piercer in the axial direction of the piercer, reaching into the sample container and aspirating the sample in the sample container.

[0029] Here, when blood is collected from a subject, that is, when blood is collected, blood may remain on the upper surface of the cap that seals the opening of the sample container.

[0030] For example, when collecting blood, a medical professional such as a nurse attaches a blood collection tube (sample container) to a blood collection tube holder to which a blood collection needle is attached (or which is connected to the blood collection needle via a tube). At this time, the needle installed in the blood collection tube holder pierces the cap that seals the top of the sample container. Before blood collection, the air pressure inside the sample container is set to negative pressure according to the specified blood collection volume. By utilizing the pressure difference with the venous pressure of the subject, the subject's blood flows from the blood collection needle attached to the blood collection tube holder, through the needle inside the blood collection tube holder, and into the sample container. After blood collection is completed, when the medical professional removes the sample container from the blood collection tube holder, blood (sample) leaking from the needle inside the blood collection tube holder may adhere to the top surface of the cap.

[0031] If blood remains on the top surface of the cap, it may coagulate and form a blood clot. When the piercer pierces the cap, the piercer may drop the blood clot on the cap into the sample container. In this case, the blood clot that falls into the sample container may mix with the sample, affecting the test and preventing the automated analyzer from obtaining accurate measurement results.

[0032] Specifically, blood flowing into a sample container is typically separated into serum (not containing blood cell components) and clots (containing blood cell components) using a centrifuge for biochemical testing. Similarly, blood is separated into plasma (not containing blood cell components) and clots (containing blood cell components) for coagulation testing. At this time, the serum and plasma are present in the upper layer of the sample container. If the piercer pierces the cap and drops the clots on the cap into the sample container, the blood cells may reenter the serum and plasma present in the upper layer of the sample container, potentially preventing the automated analyzer from obtaining accurate measurement results.

[0033] Therefore, in this embodiment, the automatic analyzer 1 is configured as follows to improve the reliability. The automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment includes a sample container, a piercer, a detector, and a control function 32. The sample container is a container that contains a sample, and the opening of the container is sealed with a cap. The piercer pierces the cap with its tip. The detector detects dirt on the cap. The control function 32 controls the piercing operation of the piercer.

[0034] The above-described configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2D.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 2A, the analytical device 70 further includes a sample container 2, a sampling probe 10, a cap 3, a piercer 20, and a detector 75.

[0036] The sample container 2 is the sample container described above. For example, the sample container 2 contains a sample 100, which is blood collected from a subject. The opening of the sample container 2 is sealed by a cap 3. The cap 3 is composed of a cap body and a pierceable portion. The cap body is, for example, a rigid body made of plastic. The pierceable portion is, for example, an elastic body such as rubber fitted into the center of the cap body. The sample container 2 is an example of a specimen container, and the specimen is an example of a sample.

[0037] The piercer 20 is a needle-shaped hollow tube. Specifically, the piercer 20 is a cylindrical member whose open tip is beveled to form a sharp point.

[0038] The sampling probe 10 is the sampling probe described above. The sampling probe 10 is movable inside the piercer 20 in the axial direction of the piercer 20. The processing of the detector 75 will be described later.

[0039] Next, the procedure from piercing to sampling in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0040] 2A, a sample 100, which is the blood of a subject, is contained in a sample container 2, and the opening is sealed with a cap 3. When a piercer 20 descends from above the sample container 2, the tip of the piercer 20 pierces the pierced portion of the cap 3 attached to the top of the sample container 2.

[0041] Next, the tip of piercer 20 is inserted into the portion to be pierced in cap 3, causing piercer 20 to make a hole in the portion to be pierced in cap 3 and then descend while pushing open the hole in the portion to be pierced. Then, as shown in FIG. 2B , piercer 20 penetrates the portion to be pierced in cap 3 and stops.

[0042] Next, the sampling probe 10 descends and moves inside the stopped piercer 20 in the axial direction of the piercer 20. Then, in Fig. 2C, the detector 75 determines that the liquid level has been detected when the tip of the sampling probe 10 descends from above the liquid level and approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level of the sample 100 in the sample container 2, and the sampling probe 10 aspirates the sample 100 in the sample container 2 for each test item and dispenses the amount of sample 100 set as an analysis parameter for that test item into the reaction container.

[0043] Specifically, the detector 75 is electrically connected to the sampling probe 10, and detects the liquid level in the sample container 2 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the sampling probe 10 approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level in the sample container 2. When the liquid level in the sample container 2 is detected, the sampling probe 10 aspirates the sample 100 in the sample container 2 and discharges the aspirated sample 100 into the reaction container.

[0044] For example, as shown in FIG. 3A, the detector 75 includes a liquid level detection circuit 75a for detecting the liquid level of the sample 100 in the sample container 2 based on changes in capacitance. Specifically, the liquid level detection circuit 75a includes a bridge circuit composed of four resistive elements R1 to R4. In the bridge circuit, a sinusoidal voltage V is applied to the terminal connecting the resistive elements R1 and R2, and the terminal connecting the resistive elements R3 and R4 is connected to ground. A capacitance element Cs is connected between the terminal connecting the resistive elements R1 and R3 (hereinafter referred to as the shield terminal Ts) and ground, and a capacitance element Cp is connected between the terminal connecting the resistive elements R2 and R4 (hereinafter referred to as the probe terminal Tp) and ground. Furthermore, twisted lead wires L1 and L2 are connected to the shield terminal Ts and the probe terminal Tp, respectively. The lead wire L1 is floating and is connected to, for example, a floating ground. The sampling probe 10 is connected to the lead wire L2.

[0045] The capacitors Cs and Cp have stray capacitance due to factors such as the routing of the lead wires L1 and L2. However, because the lead wires L1 and L2 are twisted together, environmentally dependent capacitance changes due to factors such as the routing of the lead wires L1 and L2 can be canceled out, allowing the liquid level detection circuit 75a to have a wide dynamic range. The liquid level detection circuit 75a outputs a change in the variable capacitor Cx as an output signal from the probe terminal Tp. That is, the probe terminal Tp connected to the sampling probe 10 via the lead wire L2 is used as the output terminal of the liquid level detection circuit 75a. For example, the liquid level detection circuit 75a outputs a change in capacitance between the capacitance when the tip of the sampling probe 10 is in proximity to or in contact with the sample 100 (the liquid level in the sample container 2) and the capacitance when the tip of the sampling probe 10 is not in proximity to or in contact with the sample 100 as an output signal from the probe terminal Tp. The detector 75 then detects the sample 100 in response to the output signal from the liquid level detection circuit 75a.

[0046] In this way, by electrically connecting the liquid level detection circuit 75a of the detector 75 and the sampling probe 10, the liquid level detection circuit 75a detects the liquid level in the sample container 2 using the sampling probe 10. Here, by electrically connecting the liquid level detection circuit 75a of the detector 75 and the piercer 20, the liquid level detection circuit 75a can detect the liquid level using the piercer 20. In other words, the detector 75 can perform liquid level detection using the sampling probe 10 or the piercer 20 with a single liquid level detection circuit 75a.

[0047] Liquid level detection using piercer 20 will now be described. For example, liquid level detection circuit 75a of detector 75 is electrically connected to piercer 20. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3B , in liquid level detection circuit 75a, twisted lead wires L3 and L4 are connected to connector CN, and the aforementioned lead wires L1 and L2 are connected to lead wires L3 and L4 via connector CN, respectively. In this case, lead wire L3 is connected to floating ground. Piercer 20 is also connected to lead wire L4. That is, in detector 75, lead wire L2 connected to sample probe 10 and lead wire L4 connected to piercer 20 share probe terminal Tp, and lead wires L1 and L3 share shield terminal Ts, so that piercer 20 and sample probe 10 are at the same potential.

[0048] As a result, even when the piercer 20 is used, the liquid level detection circuit 75a outputs the change in variable capacitor Cx as an output signal from the probe terminal Tp, just as when the sample probe 10 is used. That is, the probe terminal Tp connected to the piercer 20 via the lead wire L4 and the connector CN is used as the output terminal of the liquid level detection circuit 75a. For example, in the detector 75, the liquid level detection circuit 75a outputs, as an output signal, from the probe terminal Tp, the change in capacitance between the capacitance when the tip of the piercer 20 is close to or in contact with the liquid surface and the capacitance when the tip of the piercer 20 is not close to or in contact with the liquid surface. The detector 75 then detects the liquid level in response to the output signal output from the liquid level detection circuit 75a.

[0049] 2D , a sample 100, which is the blood of a test subject, is contained in the sample container 2, and the opening is sealed with the cap 3. However, contaminants 110 may be attached to the upper surface of the cap 3. Examples of contaminants 110 include a residual sample in which the sample 100 remains on the upper surface of the cap 3, and other specimens or solutions that are attached to the upper surface of the cap 3 in addition to the residual sample. For example, in the case of a residual sample, the residual sample (blood) coagulates to form a blood clot. Therefore, in this embodiment, by electrically connecting the liquid level detection circuit 75a of the detector 75 to the piercer 20, the detector 75 can detect the contaminant 110 on the cap 3 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the piercer 20 approaches or comes into contact with the contaminant 110.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by setting the piercer 20 and the sample probe 10 to the same potential, the detector 75 can use the piercer 20 to detect stains 110 on the cap 3 as a liquid level detection, while preventing the following erroneous detection. For example, assuming an event in which the tip of the sample probe 10 contacts the inner wall of the piercer 20, the detector 75 may erroneously detect the inner wall of the piercer 20 as the liquid level in the sample container 2 due to a change in capacitance when the tip of the sampling probe 10 contacts the inner wall of the piercer 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, by setting the piercer 20 and the sample probe 10 to the same potential, even if the sample probe 10 contacts the inner wall of the piercer 20, the detector 75 will not erroneously detect the inner wall of the piercer 20 as the liquid level in the sample container 2. In this way, the detector 75 can use the piercer 20 to detect the liquid level, while preventing the above-mentioned erroneous detection.

[0051] When the detector 75 detects the stain 110 on the cap 3, it notifies the user by outputting the fact that the stain 110 has been detected to the output device 40. For example, the detector 75 displays information on the display urging the user to remove the stain 110 on the cap 3. In response to the notification of the information, the user removes the stain 110 on the cap 3 and sets the sample container 2 from which the stain 110 has been removed in the automated analyzer 1 so that the sample 100 will be dispensed.

[0052] In this manner, in this embodiment, by notifying the user that the detector 75 has detected the contamination 110, the piercing of the cap 3 with the contamination 110 attached thereto can be stopped before the piercer 20 pierces the cap 3. This makes it possible to prevent the contamination 110 from falling into the sample container 2.

[0053] Next, the procedure for dispensing a sample as a process of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment.

[0055] 4, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the analysis device 70 to execute a detection process using the piercer 20. That is, the control function 32 controls the piercing operation of the piercer 20. In this case, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 lowers the piercer 20 from above the sample container 2.

[0056] 4, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the detector 75 to detect whether or not dirt 110 is present on the cap 3. Here, the detector 75 detects the dirt 110 based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the piercer 20 approaches or comes into contact with the dirt 110 on the cap 3. Here, if the detection result of the detector 75 indicates that dirt 110 is not present on the cap 3 (step S102; No), step S103, described below, is executed. On the other hand, if the detection result of the detector 75 indicates that dirt 110 is present on the cap 3 (step S102; Yes), step S105, described below, is executed.

[0057] In step S103 of FIG. 4 , the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the analyzer 70 to execute a detection process using the sample probe 10. That is, the control function 32 controls the piercing operation of the piercer 20. In this case, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 lowers the piercer 20 and inserts the tip of the piercer 20 into the portion to be pierced in the cap 3 attached to the top of the sample container 2, thereby forming a hole in the portion to be pierced in the cap 3. Furthermore, the drive device 80 lowers the piercer 20 while widening the hole in the portion to be pierced, and stops the piercer 20 when the piercer 20 penetrates the portion to be pierced in the cap 3. At this time, the drive device 80 lowers the sampling probe 10 and moves it axially inside the stopped piercer 20. Then, under the control of the control function 32, the driving device 80 causes the detector 75 to detect whether or not the tip of the sampling probe 10 is in contact with the liquid level in the sample container 2. Here, the detector 75 detects the liquid level based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the sampling probe 10 approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level in the sample container 2. If the detector 75 detects the liquid level, step S104, which will be described later, is executed.

[0058] 4, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 controls the drive device 80, and the drive device 80 causes the analysis device 70 to execute the dispensing process under the control of the control function 32. In this case, the drive device 80 lowers the sampling probe 10, causing the sampling probe 10 to aspirate the sample 100 in the sample container 2 and discharge the aspirated sample 100 into the reaction container.

[0059] On the other hand, if dirt 110 is present on the upper surface of cap 3, in step S105 of FIG. 4, control function 32 of processing device 90 controls the piercing operation of piercer 20 and also executes notification processing.

[0060] First, in step S105, when the detector 75 detects contamination 110, the control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to stop the piercing operation of the piercer 20. The drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, raises the piercer 20.

[0061] Furthermore, in step S105, if the detector 75 detects dirt 110, the control function 32 notifies the user that dirt 110 has been detected, as a notification process. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the control function 32 displays a screen 200 on the display urging the user to remove the dirt 110 from the cap 3, stating, "There is dirt on the cap. Please remove the dirt." In this manner, in this embodiment, by notifying the user that the detector 75 has detected dirt 110, the piercing of the cap 3 with the dirt 110 can be stopped before the piercer 20 pierces the cap 3. This prevents the dirt 110 from falling into the sample container 2.

[0062] Here, in step S105, the input device 50 may receive a user instruction to perform a piercing operation while the piercing operation is stopped. For example, when the user receives a notification that dirt 110 has been detected, the user removes the dirt 110 adhering to the cap 3. After removing the dirt 110 from the cap 3, the user issues a piercing instruction using the input device 50. At this time, the input device 50 receives the user instruction to perform a piercing operation. The control function 32 resumes the piercing operation that has been stopped in response to the piercing instruction received by the input device 50. In this case, the above-described step S101 is executed, the control function 32 controls the piercing operation of the piercer 20, and the drive device 80 lowers the piercer 20 from above the sample container 2 under the control of the control function 32.

[0063] As explained above, in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the sample container 2 is a container that contains a sample 100, the opening of which is sealed with the cap 3, the piercer 20 pierces the cap 3 with its tip, the detector 75 detects dirt 110 on the cap 3, and the control function 32 controls the piercing operation of the piercer. In this embodiment, if dirt 110 is detected, the sample 100 is dispensed into a sample container 2 from which the dirt 110 has been removed by the user. Therefore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment can obtain accurate measurement results when measuring a mixture of the sample 100 and a reagent in a reaction container. In other words, this embodiment can improve the reliability of the automated analyzer 100.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the reliability of the automatic analyzer can be improved.

[0065] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Automatic analyzer 2 sample containers 3 Cap 10 Sampling Probe 20 Piasa 32 Control Functions 75 detectors 100 samples 110 Dirt

Claims

1. a sample container containing a sample, the opening of which is sealed with a cap; a piercer that pierces the cap with its tip; a detector that detects liquid adhering to the cap as dirt; a control unit that controls the piercing operation of the piercer when the detector detects the contamination; Equipped with the detector is used for detecting the liquid level by a probe that moves inside the piercer in the axial direction of the piercer and aspirates the sample contained in the sample container, and is electrically connected to the piercer so as to be used for detecting the liquid level by the piercer. Automatic analyzer.

2. the detector detects the contamination when the tip of the piercer comes into proximity with or into contact with the contamination. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

3. the detector is electrically connected to the piercer and detects the contamination based on a change in capacitance when the tip of the piercer comes close to or into contact with the contamination on the cap; The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 .

4. the detector is electrically connected to the probe and detects the liquid level in the specimen container based on a change in capacitance when a tip of the probe approaches or comes into contact with the liquid level; The piercer and the probe are at the same potential. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3 .

5. When the stain is detected by the detector, the control unit notifies the user that the stain has been detected. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The control unit stops the punching operation when the detector detects the dirt. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. an input unit that accepts a punching instruction from a user while the punching operation is stopped; Further provided with The control unit restarts the stopped punching operation in response to the punching instruction. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6.

Images