Electrophoresis system, electrophoresis apparatus, electrophoresis analysis method, and electrophoresis analysis program

Abstract

To provide an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, a method for an electrophoresis analysis, and an electrophoresis analysis program that can easily distinguish the type of an abnormality when there is an abnormality in the result of an analysis of a measurement target separated by electrophoresis.SOLUTION: An electrophoresis system 100 includes an electrophoresis apparatus 101, an analyzer 102, and a display unit 52. The analyzer 102 displays, in a display unit 52, an abnormality detection display which can identify the type of a detected abnormality, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality of the electrophoresis apparatus 101, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in an analysis of a measurement target component, is detected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrophoresis system for performing electrophoresis, an electrophoresis apparatus, an electrophoresis analysis method, and an electrophoresis analysis program. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an electrophoresis system for performing electrophoresis is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The electrophoresis system described in Patent Document 1 includes an electrophoresis apparatus and an electrophoretic analysis apparatus. In the electrophoresis apparatus of this electrophoresis system, a DC voltage is applied to electrodes inserted into electrode chambers provided at both ends of a capillary, which is a flow path through which a sample to be measured flows for electrophoresis. When the DC voltage is applied to the electrodes to initiate electrophoresis, the sample moves by electrophoresis. The capillary is monitored through a detection window, and real waveform data showing changes over time in the fluorescence intensity from the moving sample is created and output to an electrophoretic analysis apparatus. The electrophoretic analysis apparatus analyzes the real waveform data output from the electrophoresis apparatus. Specifically, the electrophoretic analysis apparatus detects peak waveforms from the real waveform data and calculates the amount of DNA. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2018 / 181432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not described in Patent Document 1, abnormalities may occur in the operation of the electrophoresis device when measuring a target object by electrophoresis. Furthermore, even when there is no abnormality in the operation of the electrophoresis device, abnormalities may occur in the analysis of the target object components (DNA amount) based on the measured values ​​measured by the electrophoresis device. When an abnormality occurs in the electrophoresis device or in the analysis, abnormalities occur in the analysis results of the target object components. However, even if the analysis results are confirmed, it is not possible to determine what type of abnormality has occurred. Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results of a target object separated by electrophoresis, it is desirable to be able to easily identify the type of abnormality.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide an electrophoresis system, an electrophoresis apparatus, an electrophoresis analysis method, and an electrophoresis analysis program that can easily identify the type of abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results of a measurement object separated by electrophoresis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, an electrophoresis system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures analytes separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analytes; an analysis device that analyzes components of the analytes separated by electrophoresis based on measurement values ​​of the analytes measured by the measurement unit; and a display unit that displays analysis results of the analytes by the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the analytes, is detected, cause the display unit to display an abnormality detection indication, which is an indication that identifies the type of abnormality detected. The electrophoresis apparatus is configured to measure a plurality of measurement targets, and the analysis device is configured to display an abnormality detection display so that a measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the measurement targets is placed, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the measurement targets, displayed on the display unit. . An electrophoresis system according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures analytes separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analytes; an analysis device that analyzes components of the analytes separated by electrophoresis based on measurement values ​​of the analytes measured by the measurement unit; and a display unit that displays analysis results of the analytes by the analysis device, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the analytes, is detected, cause the display unit to display an abnormality detection indication, which is an indication that identifies the type of abnormality detected; The operating device is configured to measure a plurality of measurement objects, and the analysis device is configured to display an abnormality detection display when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected in any of the plurality of measurement objects, so that the measurement object in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified.The analysis device is configured to display, on the display unit, a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement objects is placed, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement objects, and to display an abnormality detection display in the well position display and gel image display displayed on the display unit so that the measurement object in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified.

[0008] The first aspect of this invention 3The electrophoresis device in this aspect includes a measurement unit that measures the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets, and is configured to display an abnormality detection display on a display unit that identifies the type of abnormality detected when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality of the device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement targets measured by the measurement unit, is detected. The apparatus is configured to measure a plurality of measurement targets, and is configured to display an abnormality detection display so that a measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the measurement targets is placed, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the measurement targets, displayed on the display unit. .

[0009] The first aspect of this invention 4 The electrophoretic analysis method in this aspect comprises: separating a sample by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the sample; Multiple The target substance was separated by electrophoresis based on the measured value. Multiple The method comprises: a step of analyzing the components of the measurement target; and a step of displaying an abnormality detection display on a display unit when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device that measures the measurement target separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement target, is detected, the abnormality detection display being a display that can identify the type of abnormality detected. The step of displaying the abnormality detection display includes a step of displaying the abnormality detection display so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of the multiple wells in which each of the multiple measurement targets displayed on the display unit is placed and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the multiple measurement targets displayed on the display unit. .

[0010] The first aspect of this invention 5 The electrophoretic analysis program in this aspect is a program for analyzing a sample separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the sample. Multiple The target substance was separated by electrophoresis based on the measured value. Multiple A step of analyzing the components of the measurement target, and a step of displaying an abnormality detection display on a display unit that identifies the type of abnormality detected when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus that measures the measurement target separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement target, is detected by a computer. The step of displaying the abnormality detection display includes a step of displaying the abnormality detection display so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of the multiple wells in which each of the multiple measurement targets displayed on the display unit is placed and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the multiple measurement targets displayed on the display unit. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] In the electrophoresis system according to the first aspect, the electrophoresis apparatus according to the second aspect, the electrophoresis analysis method according to the third aspect, and the electrophoresis analysis program according to the fourth aspect, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is a malfunction of the electrophoresis apparatus, and an analysis error, which is a malfunction in the analysis of the components of the measurement object, is detected, an abnormality detection indication, which is an indication that enables identification of the type of the detected abnormality, is displayed on the display unit. Thus, when an abnormality including at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected abnormality can be easily identified by visually checking the abnormality detection indication displayed on the display unit. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis, the type of the abnormality can be easily identified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an electrophoresis system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrophoretic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a chip provided with a channel for electrophoresis. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams showing examples of measurement values ​​acquired by a measurement unit. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a display on a display unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining well position indication. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a calibration curve. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a gel image display. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a change in the order of analysis results displayed in a gel image. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining selection of multiple measurement targets in well position display. [Figure 11]FIG. 1 is a diagram (flowchart) for explaining an electrophoretic analysis method according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] (Overall configuration of the electrophoresis system) An electrophoresis system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. Note that in Figures 5, 6, and 8 to 10, differences in color coding are indicated by differences in hatching.

[0015] 1, an electrophoresis system 100 according to this embodiment includes an electrophoresis device 101 and an analysis device 102. The analysis device 102 is an example of the "analysis device" and also an example of the "computer" in the claims.

[0016] The electrophoresis device 101 measures components contained in the measurement targets by separating the measurement targets through electrophoresis using three chips 60a, 60b, and 60c. Specifically, in the electrophoresis device 101, the measurement targets pre-arranged on the plate 70 and the sample arrangement section 71 (see FIG. 2) are separated by electrophoresis in the flow channels 61 (see FIG. 3) provided in each of the chips 60a to 60c. The electrophoresis device 101 then measures the degree of separation (the degree of distribution of each component) of the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis.

[0017] <Configuration of Electrophoresis Apparatus> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 includes a supply unit 10, a voltage application unit 20, a measurement unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0018] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the supply unit 10 operates to supply the measurement target and a separation buffer to the flow channels 61 of the chips 60a, 60b, and 60c in order to perform electrophoretic measurement.

[0019] The measurement target includes, for example, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (Ribonucleic acid), or protein. The measurement target includes a measurement target specimen (sample) for which the degree of separation of each component by electrophoresis is measured, and a reference specimen (size standard) that serves as a reference for the electrophoretic measurement of the measurement target specimen. The measurement target specimen is a measurement target for which the degree of separation by electrophoresis, which is the measurement value 111 (see FIG. 4) measured by the measurement unit 30, is unknown. The reference specimen is a measurement target containing nucleic acid or protein for which separation characteristics such as molecular weight (chain length) are already known. In other words, the measurement target specimen is a measurement target with unknown components, and the reference specimen is a measurement target with known components.

[0020] The measurement targets are arranged on a plate 70 and a sample arrangement unit 71. The plate 70 has a plurality of wells 70a, which are arrangement positions where the measurement targets are arranged. For example, the plate 70 has 96 wells 70a arranged in an 8×12 grid. The operator arranges the plate 70 at a plate arrangement position inside the electrophoresis apparatus 101, with multiple types of measurement targets arranged in all or some of the multiple wells 70a. The measurement targets are arranged in the sample arrangement unit 71 separately from the plate 70. The sample arrangement unit 71 also has wells 71a, which are arrangement positions where the measurement targets are arranged. The wells 71a are arranged in a 3×12 grid.

[0021] The separation buffer is a separation medium that is filled into each of the flow channels 61 (see FIG. 3) of the chips 60a, 60b, and 60c before the measurement target is supplied. The separation buffer contains, for example, at least one of a pH buffer material and a water-soluble polymer (such as a cellulose-based polymer). The separation buffer is filled into a buffer container (not shown). The separation buffer may be placed on the plate 70 or the sample placement section 71. In the electrophoresis device 101, the measurement target is supplied and electrophoresis is performed in a state in which the flow channels 61 are filled with the separation buffer in advance.

[0022] 2, the supply unit 10 has a probe 11 and a pump 12. The supply unit 10 moves the probe 11 to supply the separation buffer and the measurement targets (measurement target sample and reference sample) placed on the plate 70 or the sample placement unit 71 to the chips 60a to 60c. The pump 12 adjusts the pressure for the probe 11 to suck in and discharge the separation buffer and the measurement targets.

[0023] 3, chips 60a to 60c each have a channel 61 therein. Chips 60a, 60b, and 60c have the same configuration. In the following description, chip 60a will be illustrated and described in detail, and chips 60b and 60c will not be described because they are similar to chip 60a.

[0024] Chip 60a is a microchip for electrophoresis in which a channel 61 for performing electrophoresis is provided inside a pair of combined flat plate-like members. Channel 61 includes a separation channel 62 and a preparation channel 63. Separation channel 62 and preparation channel 63 are provided so as to intersect with each other. Separation channel 62 is provided to separate the object to be measured by electrophoresis. Furthermore, preparation channel 63 is provided to guide the object to be measured to separation channel 62.

[0025] Furthermore, reservoir sections 64a and 64b, which are spaces for supplying and suctioning the separation buffer and the measurement target, are provided at both ends of the preparation flow channel 63. Similarly, reservoir sections 64c and 64d are provided at both ends of the separation flow channel 62. Electrodes 65a and 65b are disposed in the reservoir sections 64a and 64b provided at both ends of the preparation flow channel 63, respectively. Electrodes 65c and 65d are disposed in the reservoir sections 64c and 64d provided at both ends of the separation flow channel 62, respectively.

[0026] In the electrophoresis device 101, electrophoresis is performed by applying a voltage from a voltage application unit 20 to a plurality of electrodes 65a to 65d provided in a flow path 61. The magnitude of the voltage applied to the electrodes 65a to 65d is controlled by a control unit 40. Three voltage application units 20 (see FIG. 2) are provided corresponding to the chips 60a to 60c, respectively, so as to apply a DC voltage to the flow path 61 of each of the chips 60a to 60c. That is, a DC voltage is applied to the flow path 61 of the chips 60b and 60c by the voltage application unit 20, just like the chip 60a.

[0027] In the electrophoresis apparatus 101, when performing electrophoretic measurement in the chip 60a, first, the supply unit 10 fills the entire interior of the channel 61 (the separation channel 62 and the preparation channel 63) with a separation buffer. Then, the measurement object aspirated from, for example, a predetermined well 70a of a plate 70 is supplied to the reservoir 64a of the preparation channel 63 by the supply unit 10. Then, the voltage application unit 20 applies a predetermined voltage to the electrodes 65a to 65d, causing the measurement object to move inside the preparation channel 63 and to move to a position where the preparation channel 63 and the separation channel 62 intersect. Thereafter, the magnitude of the voltage applied to each of the electrodes 65a to 65d by the voltage application unit 20 is changed, causing the measurement object to move toward the electrode 65d (reservoir 64d) while being separated inside the separation channel 62 by electrophoresis.

[0028] At this time, in separation measurement by electrophoresis, the measurement target moves inside separation channel 62 at different speeds for each component contained in the measurement target, depending on the separation characteristics such as the molecular weight (chain length) of the component contained. In electrophoresis device 101, the components that arrive in order are measured at measurement position 66 in separation channel 62, thereby measuring the separation characteristics for each component of the measurement target. In this way, in electrophoresis device 101, the components contained in the measurement target are measured for each degree of separation (degree of migration).

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the measurement unit 30 measures the measurement target separated by electrophoresis in each of the channels 61 of the multiple (three) chips 60a to 60c. For example, the measurement unit 30 detects the fluorescence of the measurement target components separated by electrophoresis. The measurement unit 30 has an LED 31 (light-emitting diode) that irradiates a measurement position 66 (see FIG. 3) of the separation channel 62 with excitation light. The excitation light from the LED 31 is irradiated onto each component of the measurement target moving through the separation channel 62 while being separated by electrophoresis, and the component is excited to emit fluorescence. The measurement unit 30 measures the component of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis by measuring this fluorescence with a photomultiplier tube 32, for example, via an optical fiber and a filter member.

[0030] 4, photomultiplier tube 32 outputs a measurement signal indicating a measurement value 111 to control unit 40 in accordance with the intensity of the detected fluorescence. Measurement value 111 based on measurement by measurement unit 30 indicates a large value (peak) at the timing when the measurement target, which is moving while being separated by electrophoresis, passes measurement position 66 (see FIG. 3). As a result, the amount (concentration) and composition (size) are analyzed as the degree of distribution of each component contained in the measurement target, based on the magnitude and position (timing) of the peak for each component contained in the measurement target.

[0031] The electrophoresis apparatus 101 is provided with a washing mechanism (not shown). The electrophoresis apparatus 101 washes the chips 60a to 60c and each part including the supply unit 10 after each measurement of a measurement target. The electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to repeatedly perform measurements using each of the chips 60a to 60c multiple times by washing the measurement target and separation buffer remaining in the flow channel 61 with the washing mechanism. In this way, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 sequentially measures each of the multiple measurement targets placed in the multiple wells 70a and 71a.

[0032] The control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The control unit 40 is, for example, a microcomputer (microcontroller) having a processing device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage device such as a flash memory. The control unit 40 also includes a communication module and is configured to be able to communicate with the analysis device 102. Based on a drive signal from the analysis device 102, the control unit 40 controls the operation of each unit of the electrophoresis apparatus 101 so as to sequentially perform electrophoretic measurements of the multiple measurement targets placed on the plate 70 and the sample placement unit 71.

[0033] Specifically, the control unit 40 operates the supply unit 10 based on a drive signal from the analysis device 102, thereby sequentially supplying the measurement objects arranged in the wells 70a of the plate 70 to each of the chips 60a to 60c so that one type of measurement is performed for each chip. The control unit 40 then applies a voltage to the flow paths 61 of the chips 60a to 60c using the voltage application unit 20, thereby separating (moving) the measurement objects by electrophoresis. The control unit 40 also acquires measurement values ​​111 measured by the measurement units 30 provided corresponding to each of the chips 60a to 60c. The control unit 40 then acquires the measurement values ​​111 for each of the multiple wells 70a of the plate 70 and for each of the multiple wells 71a of the sample placement unit 71. The control unit 40 then outputs the measurement values ​​111 of the measurement objects measured by the measurement units 30 for each of the chips 60a to 60c to the analysis device 102 in real time.

[0034] Device error detection 1 and 2, the electrophoresis apparatus 101 also includes an abnormality detection unit 80. The abnormality detection unit 80 is configured to detect an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus 101. Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 80 includes a voltage detection unit 81, a current detection unit 82, and a temperature detection unit 83. The voltage detection unit 81 detects the voltage output from each of the multiple (three) voltage application units 20. The current detection unit 82 detects the current flowing through each of the flow paths 61 of the chips 60a to 60c due to the voltage applied by the voltage application units 20. The temperature detection unit 83 detects the temperature inside the chamber of the housing in which the chips 60a to 60c and the measurement target (the plate 70 and the sample placement unit 71) are placed. The voltage detection unit 81, the current detection unit 82, and the temperature detection unit 83 output detection signals indicating the detected voltage value, current value, and internal temperature, respectively, to the control unit 40.

[0035] Then, the control unit 40 detects an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device 101, based on the detection signals from the abnormality detection unit 80 (the voltage detection unit 81, the current detection unit 82, and the temperature detection unit 83). The control unit 40 is also configured to detect two types of apparatus errors with different degrees of importance: a serious error and a warning error.

[0036] Specifically, the control unit 40 stores preset abnormality determination thresholds and stable operating ranges in a storage device such as a flash memory. The control unit 40 detects a serious error, which is a relatively serious device error, when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the abnormality detection unit 80 exceeds a predetermined abnormality determination threshold, for example, based on detection signals sequentially acquired in response to device operation. When a serious error is detected, the control unit 40 halts measurement and stops the operation of the electrophoresis device 101. Furthermore, the control unit 40 detects a warning error, which is a relatively less serious device error, when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected by the abnormality detection unit 80 is not constant (unstable), for example, based on detection signals sequentially acquired in response to device operation. For example, the control unit 40 detects a warning error when the voltage, current, or internal temperature detected over a predetermined period of time fluctuates beyond a predetermined stable operating range. The control unit 40 does not halt measurement when a warning error is detected.

[0037] When a device error, such as a critical error or a warning error, is detected, the control unit 40 is configured to output a device error signal indicating that the device error has been detected to the analysis device 102. The device error signal includes information indicating whether a critical error or a warning error has been detected.

[0038] <Configuration of the analysis device> 1, the analysis device 102 includes an operation unit 51, a display unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a control unit 54. The analysis device 102 is a computer for analyzing components of a measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on a measurement value 111 of the measurement target measured by the electrophoresis device 101. The analysis device 102 is configured to be able to communicate with the electrophoresis device 101, and is configured to acquire the measurement value 111 and an apparatus error signal acquired by the electrophoresis device 101.

[0039] The operation unit 51 receives input operations from an operator and outputs an operation signal based on the received input operations to the control unit 54. The operation unit 51 is, for example, a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse.

[0040] Display unit 52 is, for example, a monitor such as a liquid crystal display. Display unit 52 displays information input under the control of control unit 54. Display unit 52 also displays the analysis results of the measurement target performed by control unit 54 of analysis device 102. Details of the display on display unit 52 will be described later.

[0041] Storage unit 53 is configured with a storage device such as a hard disk drive or an SSD (Solid State Drive). Storage unit 53 stores measurement values ​​111 acquired by electrophoresis apparatus 101. Storage unit 53 also stores electrophoresis analysis program 53a for operating control unit 54. Storage unit 53 also stores various parameters such as preset setting values ​​or setting values ​​(measurement conditions) input by an operator.

[0042] The control unit 54 is a computer including a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The control unit 54 controls each part of the analysis device 102 by executing a program (electrophoresis analysis program 53a) stored in the storage unit 53. The control unit 54 is also configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis device 101 via a communication module (not shown).

[0043] (Details of control by analysis device) The control unit 54 transmits a drive signal for operating the electrophoresis apparatus 101 to the control unit 40. Specifically, the control unit 54 acquires various parameters for performing electrophoresis based on input operations received by the operation unit 51. For example, based on input operations on the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 acquires well information indicating the wells 70a and 71a in which the measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target sample) to be measured are placed, measurement condition information including information indicating the magnitude and time of the applied voltage, and schedule information indicating the measurement order of the measurement targets placed in the multiple wells 70a and 71a. Note that the well information, measurement condition information, and schedule information may be selected from a database previously stored in the storage unit 53. The control unit 54 then transmits a drive signal including the acquired well information, measurement condition information, schedule information, and the like to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The control unit 54 then acquires measurement values ​​111 acquired under the control of the control unit 40 based on the transmitted drive signal from the control unit 40 in real time as the measurement progresses.

[0044] 5, the control unit 54 analyzes the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. The control unit 54 then displays the analysis results of the measurement object on the display unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 54 analyzes the size (separation index value) of each component of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. For example, if the measurement object is DNA, the analyzed size is represented by the chain length (number of base pairs) of the DNA. The control unit 54 is then configured to display a well position display 52a, a measurement waveform display 52b, a peak table 52c, and a gel image display 52d on the display unit 52.

[0045] The well position display 52a indicates the position of each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a in which each of the multiple measurement targets is placed. In the well position display 52a, the positions of each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a are displayed in a grid pattern corresponding to the arrangement of the wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern. For example, the positions of the 96 wells 70a (8 x 12) are displayed as squares (rectangles) arranged in a grid pattern of 8 columns A to H and 12 rows 1 to 12. Furthermore, the positions of the 3 x 12 wells 71a are displayed as squares (rectangles) arranged in a grid pattern of 8 columns A to H and 3 rows X1 to X3.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, in the well position display 52a, wells 70a or 71a in which measurement targets are placed are represented by circles inside squares arranged in a grid pattern. Two overlapping circles indicate that the measurement targets placed in the same well 70a or 71a will be measured multiple times. For example, in the example of the well position display 52a in FIG. 6, measurement targets to be measured multiple times are placed at positions X1A and X2A in well 71a, and measurement targets to be measured only once are placed at positions X1B-X3B, X1C-X3C, and X1D-X3D in well 71a. The arrangement of the measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target samples) in the multiple wells 70a and 71a is set based on input operations to the operation unit 51 or data stored in the memory unit 53. For example, measurement targets that are different types of reference samples are placed at the positions X1A and X2A in well 71a. Measurement targets, which are measurement target samples of unknown size, are placed at positions X1B to X3B, X1C to X3C, and X1D to X3D of the well 71a.

[0047] 5, the measurement waveform display 52b is a waveform (electropherogram) showing the time-series values ​​of the acquired measurement values ​​111. Specifically, the measurement waveform display 52b is expressed based on the time-series values ​​of the acquired measurement values ​​111, with the horizontal axis representing size and the vertical axis representing the signal strength (measurement value 111) of the measurement in the measurement unit 30. The measurement waveform display 52b also displays a numerical value indicating the size of the separated component of the measurement target.

[0048] Here, the measurement target separated by electrophoresis is mixed with an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference for analyzing the components of the measurement target. That is, in measurement by electrophoresis, an internal standard marker substance that serves as a reference for the minimum and maximum values ​​of size (chain length) measured by electrophoresis is supplied to the flow path 61 together with the measurement target. Specifically, the internal standard marker substance is arranged in each of the wells 70a and 71a in a state mixed with each measurement target. The internal standard marker substance has a lower limit marker (hereinafter referred to as LM) and an upper limit marker (hereinafter referred to as UM). LM is measured by the measurement unit 30 as a size value that is sufficiently smaller than that of the measurement target. And UM is measured by the measurement unit 30 as a size value that is sufficiently larger than that of the measurement target. That is, LM is a size that is sufficiently smaller than that of the reference sample and the measurement target sample, and UM is a size that is sufficiently larger than that of the reference sample and the measurement target sample.

[0049] In electrophoretic measurements, the same LM and UM are mixed with both the reference sample and the target sample. Then, based on the LM and UM measured when the reference sample is measured and the LM and UM measured when the target sample is measured, the size of the target sample is analyzed by comparing the measurement values ​​111 of the reference sample and the target sample. Which of the multiple target samples placed in wells 70a and 71a is the reference sample is set in advance. When multiple reference samples are placed in wells 70a or 71a, the reference sample to be used for analysis of the target sample is set in advance for each target sample.

[0050] 7, when analyzing the measurement of a measurement target by electrophoresis, a calibration curve 112 is created based on measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring a reference sample. Specifically, first, a reference sample serving as a reference for the measurement target is measured by electrophoresis. Then, the analysis device 102 detects peaks from the waveform of the measurement value 111 of the measured reference sample. Then, based on the detected LM, UM, and each peak of each component, the size of the LM is set to 0 and the size of the UM is set to a predetermined value, and the ratio is obtained between the time (timing) when the lower limit marker (LM) and the upper limit marker (UM) are detected by the measurement unit 30 and the time (timing) when each component contained in the reference sample, whose size is known in advance, is detected by the measurement unit 30. A calibration curve 112 is created with the horizontal axis representing "migration time index" and the vertical axis representing "size." The migration time index is an index that expresses the time (timing) at which each component of the measurement object is measured as a percentage, for example, when the measurement unit 30 measures the measurement object, with the time (timing) at which LM is measured being 0 and the time (timing) at which UM is measured being 100.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 5 , the analyzer 102 (controller 54) analyzes the size of a target sample based on measurement values ​​111 obtained by electrophoresis of a target sample of unknown size containing LM and UM, and the generated calibration curve 112. Specifically, the analyzer 102 detects peaks from a waveform generated based on measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring the target sample of unknown size. The analyzer 102 then detects LM and UM from the detected peaks and analyzes the sizes corresponding to the peaks from the calibration curve 112 of the reference sample based on the relative time ratios (migration time indices) of peaks between LM and UM. The analyzer 102 then displays the sizes corresponding to each detected peak on the measurement waveform display 52b. The analyzer 102 also displays specific numerical values ​​of the sizes and migration time indices corresponding to the detected peaks on the peak table 52c.

[0052] The gel image display 52d shows the analysis results (sizes) of each of the multiple measurement targets. Specifically, the gel image display 52d displays, as multiple analysis results, displays (images) showing the distribution of each component (size) of the multiple measurement targets analyzed by the analyzer 102 for each measurement of the measurement targets using the chips 60a to 60c. The analysis results in the gel image display 52d show the size of each analyzed component of the measurement targets using multiple horizontal bars (band patterns, ladders). Furthermore, in the analysis results in the gel image display 52d, multiple horizontal bars are arranged at positions corresponding to the peaks of the waveform of the measurement values ​​111 according to the size, with LM at the bottom and UM at the top. Furthermore, in the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 52d, the positions indicating LM and UM are shown to be in the same position. For example, in the analysis results in the gel image display 52d, pixel values ​​are set according to the magnitude of the measurement values ​​111 (signal intensity), and the magnitude of the measurement values ​​111 is represented by different shades of color.

[0053] 8, in this embodiment, the gel image display 52d displays, for each analysis result, a well number 93a indicating the well 70a or 71a in which the corresponding measurement target is located, and a measurement order number 93b indicating the measurement order. The well number 93a and measurement order number 93b are displayed for each electrophoretic measurement (each measurement result). The well number 93a is represented by the same notation as the positions of the wells 70a and 71a in the well position display 52a. The measurement order number 93b indicates the order of measurements performed by the electrophoresis device 101. For example, the analysis device 102 displays multiple analysis results in the gel image display 52d, arranged horizontally in ascending order of the measurement order number 93b.

[0054] Furthermore, the analyzer 102 acquires measurement values ​​111 in real time from the electrophoresis device 101 as the measurement progresses, and analyzes each measurement target as the measurement of the measurement target is completed. The analyzer 102 then displays images showing the analysis results of the measurement targets in order of completion on the gel image display 52d. Note that when multiple measurements are performed on a measurement target placed in the same well 70a or 71a, the analysis results created for each measurement are displayed side by side.

[0055] Furthermore, the analysis device 102 is configured to display a chip number 93c in the gel image display 52d. The chip number 93c is a number display of 1 to 3 indicating each of the chips 60a to 60c. In the analysis of the measurement values ​​111 obtained by measuring each of the chips 60a to 60c, the chip number 93c is displayed only for the analysis results of the reference sample that serves as the reference for generating the calibration curve 112 in the gel image display 52d.

[0056] 5, the analysis device 102 (controller 54) is configured to display on the display unit 52 a measurement waveform display 52b and a peak table 52c corresponding to one analysis result selected from among the multiple analysis results in the gel image display 52d. Specifically, the operation unit 51 accepts a selection operation to select one analysis result from among the images showing the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 52d. The analysis device 102 is configured to display on the display unit 52 the measurement waveform display 52b and the peak table 52c corresponding to the selected analysis result based on the selection operation accepted by the operation unit 51. The display unit 52 may also display text information indicating the positions of the wells 70a and 71a corresponding to the selected analysis result, the type of measurement target (reference sample or measurement target sample), the number of the chip 60a to 60c used in the measurement, and the like.

[0057] 6 and 8, the analysis device 102 displays a selection indicator 91 indicating the selected analysis result on the display unit 52. In the gel image display 52d, the selection indicator 91 is displayed as a blue frame surrounding the outside of the selected analysis result. In the well position display 52a, the selection indicator 91 is displayed so as to indicate a square at a position corresponding to the well 70a or 71a in which the measurement target corresponding to the selected analysis result is placed. As in the gel image display 52d, the selection indicator 91 in the well position display 52a is displayed as a blue frame surrounding the outside of the displayed square.

[0058] <Standby display> As shown in FIG. 8 , in this embodiment, the analyzer 102 is configured to display a standby indicator 94 on the display unit 52, indicating a measurement target among multiple measurement targets that is awaiting measurement. Specifically, the analyzer 102 displays the standby indicator 94 in the gel image display 52d to indicate a measurement target that has not yet been measured but is scheduled to be measured. The standby indicator 94 is displayed in the order of measurement, similar to the image showing the analysis results of measurement targets for which analysis has been completed. The standby indicator 94 includes, for example, an hourglass icon image. Furthermore, the analyzer 102 colors the squares in the well position display 52a corresponding to wells 70a or 71a in which measurement targets that have been completed are located with a gray background, and the squares in the wells 70a or 71a in which measurement targets awaiting measurement are located with a blue background. Furthermore, the analyzer 102 colors the standby indicator 94 in the gel image display 52d, indicating a measurement target awaiting measurement, with a blue background, similar to the well position display 52a. In addition, the analysis device 102 flashes a circular display inside a square at the corresponding position on the well position display 52a to indicate the well 70a or 71a in which the measurement target currently being measured using the chip 60a to 60c is located.

[0059] <Abnormality detection display> The control unit 54 is also configured to detect an analysis error when an abnormality occurs in the analysis of the measurement object. For example, the control unit 54 detects an analysis error when, in the analysis of a reference sample, a calibration curve 112 cannot be generated because a peak cannot be detected from the acquired measurement value 111 (measurement waveform display 52b) or because LM or UM cannot be detected. Similarly, the control unit 54 detects an analysis error when, in the analysis of a measurement object sample, a calibration curve 112 of the set reference sample cannot be generated or a size cannot be calculated based on the acquired measurement value 111. That is, an analysis error is also detected when the electrophoresis apparatus 101 is operating normally, separate from the above-mentioned apparatus error caused by the electrophoresis apparatus 101.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8 , in this embodiment, the analyzer 102 (controller 54) is configured to display an abnormality detection indicator on the display unit 52 when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected in any of the multiple measurement targets. The abnormality detection indicator includes at least one of an analysis error indicator 92a, a serious error indicator 92b, and a warning error indicator 92c. Specifically, the analyzer 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection indicator on the well position indicator 52a and the gel image indicator 52d displayed on the display unit 52 so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified when at least one of an apparatus error signal is acquired from the electrophoresis apparatus 101 and an analysis error is detected in the analysis of the measurement target. The abnormality detection indicator is displayed for each of the multiple wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in the well position indicator 52a. The abnormality detection indicator is also displayed for each of the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image indicator 52d.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the abnormality detection display is displayed in a different manner depending on the type of abnormality detected. That is, the abnormality detection display displays differently depending on whether an analysis error or an apparatus error is detected. The abnormality detection display also displays differently depending on the severity of the detected apparatus error (serious error or warning error). The abnormality detection display is displayed in a color-coded manner according to the type of abnormality detected, and with an icon image so that the type of abnormality can be identified.

[0062] Specifically, the analysis error display 92a is an icon image display indicating that an analysis error has been detected in the analysis of the measurement object. In the well position display 52a, the analysis error display 92a is an icon image displayed in the lower right portion of a square (rectangle) indicating the position of the well 70a or 71a in which the measurement object in which the analysis error was detected is located. The analysis error display 92a has a roughly triangular shape with an exclamation mark ("!") displayed inside. The background of the roughly triangle is yellow. Similarly, in the gel image display 52d, the analysis error display 92a is displayed in the lower right portion of the analysis result of the measurement object in which the analysis error was detected, among multiple analysis results displayed side by side.

[0063] Furthermore, the serious error display 92b is a display indicating that an apparatus error signal indicating that a serious error has been detected from the electrophoresis apparatus 101 during measurement of the measurement object. The warning error display 92c is a display indicating that an apparatus error signal indicating that a warning error has been detected during measurement of the measurement object has been detected from the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The serious error display 92b and the warning error display 92c are displayed as frames colored according to the severity of the apparatus error inside a square (rectangle) in the well position display 52a indicating the position of the well 70a or 71a in which the measurement object in which the apparatus error was detected is located. For example, if a serious error is detected, the serious error display 92b in a red frame is displayed. If a warning error is detected, the warning error display 92c in a yellow frame is displayed. Similarly, in the gel image display 52d, a serious error display 92b is displayed in a red frame within the inner part of the analysis results of the measurement object in which a serious error was detected, and a warning error display 92c is displayed in a yellow frame within the inner part of the analysis results of the measurement object in which a warning error was detected.

[0064] If both a serious error and a warning error are detected in the measurement of the same measurement object, only the serious error display 92b is displayed in both the well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d, and the warning error display 92c is not displayed. Also, if both an analysis error and an apparatus error are detected in the measurement and analysis of the same measurement object, the analysis error display 92a and either the serious error display 92b or the warning error display 92c are displayed simultaneously.

[0065] Furthermore, when an analysis result is selected in gel image display 52d in which an abnormality detection display including analysis error display 92a and at least one of serious error display 92b and warning error display 92c is displayed, selection display 91 is displayed simultaneously with the abnormality detection display for the selected analysis result. Similarly, in well position display 52a, the abnormality detection display and selection display 91 are displayed simultaneously in the display showing the position of well 70a or 71a.

[0066] <Sorting gel image display> 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the control unit 54 is configured to be able to change the order of the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 52d, based on an operation received by the operation unit 51. For example, the order of the gel image display 52d is changed by a drag operation using a pointing device such as a mouse of the operation unit 51. At this time, as the order of the gel image display 52d is changed, the displays of the abnormality detection indication, well number 93a, measurement order number 93b, and chip number 93c also move in the same way as the corresponding analysis results.

[0067] <Multiple well selection> Furthermore, in the analysis device 102, the control unit 54 is configured to be able to selectively output the analysis results of the multiple measurement targets placed in the wells 70 a and 71 a. For example, based on an input operation received by the operation unit 51, the control unit 54 outputs the analysis results of a measurement target selected from the multiple measurement targets placed in the wells 70 a and 71 a to a storage device (not shown) provided separately from the analysis device 102.

[0068] 10, analysis device 102 is configured to select, based on a selection operation received by operation unit 51, a selection operation that selects a predetermined area 95 from among a plurality of wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in well position display 52a so as to surround the predetermined area 95, for each of a plurality of measurement targets arranged in a plurality of wells 70a and 71a included in predetermined area 95. For example, predetermined area 95 is selected by a range selection operation using a pointing device such as a mouse of operation unit 51.

[0069] (Electrophoretic analysis method) Next, an electrophoretic analysis method using electrophoresis system 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 11. The control processing in steps 201 to 207 is performed by control unit 54 (analysis device 102) executing electrophoretic analysis program 53a stored in storage unit 53.

[0070] First, in step 201, measurement condition information for performing measurement is acquired. Specifically, well information indicating wells 70a and 71a in which measurement targets to be measured are placed, schedule information indicating the measurement order, information indicating the types of measurement targets (reference sample and measurement target) placed in wells 70a and 71a, and the like are acquired (set) together with measurement condition information including information indicating the magnitude and time of the voltage applied by voltage application unit 20. Note that this information may be acquired based on an input operation to operation unit 51, or may be acquired from information previously stored in memory unit 53 or the like.

[0071] Next, in step 202, a drive signal including the acquired measurement condition information is transmitted to the control unit 40 of the electrophoresis device 101. The drive signal includes the acquired well information, schedule information, etc., in addition to the measurement condition information. Based on this drive signal, in the electrophoresis device 101, measurements by electrophoresis using chips 60a to 60c are performed for each measurement target in the predetermined wells 70a and 71a in the set order.

[0072] Next, in step 203, measurement values ​​111 are obtained based on the measurement by the measurement unit 30 of the electrophoresis apparatus 101. The measurement values ​​111 are sequentially obtained in real time as the measurement progresses.

[0073] Next, in step 204, analysis is performed based on the acquired measurement values ​​111. Specifically, based on the acquired measurement values ​​111, the components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis are analyzed.

[0074] Next, in step 205, based on the analysis of the components to be measured, a gel image display 52d is displayed on the display unit 52. The gel image display 52d is also displayed on the display unit 52 together with a well position display 52a, a measurement waveform display 52b, and a peak table 52c.

[0075] Next, in step 206, it is determined whether or not at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error has been detected. If it is determined that at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error has been detected, the process proceeds to step 207. If it is not determined that at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error has been detected, the control process is terminated.

[0076] In step 207, if at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, an abnormality detection display, which is a display that allows the type of abnormality detected to be identified, is displayed on display unit 52. Specifically, if an analysis error is detected, an analysis error display 92a, which is an icon image indicating the analysis error, is displayed in the corresponding analysis result in gel image display 52d and at the position indicating well 70a or 71a in which the corresponding measurement target is placed in well position display 52a. Then, if an apparatus error is detected, either a serious error display 92b or a warning error display 92c, depending on the severity of the apparatus error, is displayed in the corresponding analysis result in gel image display 52d and at the position indicating well 70a or 71a in which the corresponding measurement target is placed in well position display 52a.

[0077] The control processes in steps 203 to 207 are performed each time a measurement is performed on a measurement target placed in well 70a or 71a on one chip 60a (60b or 60c). That is, when measurement and analysis of a measurement target placed in a predetermined well 70a or 71a are completed, measurement and analysis are performed on a new measurement target placed in the next well 70a or 71a. Furthermore, measurements on each of chips 60a to 60c are performed simultaneously.

[0078] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0079] As described above, in the electrophoresis system 100 and electrophoresis device 101 of this embodiment, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device 101, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement target, is detected, an abnormality detection display, which is a display that allows the type of the detected abnormality to be identified, is displayed on the display unit 52. In this way, when an abnormality including at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected abnormality can be easily identified by visually checking the abnormality detection display displayed on the display unit 52. As a result, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis, the type of the abnormality can be easily identified.

[0080] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, further effects can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0081] That is, in this embodiment, as described above, electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to output an apparatus error signal indicating that an apparatus error has been detected to analyzer 102, and analyzer 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection indication on display unit 52 at least when the apparatus error signal is acquired from electrophoresis apparatus 101 or when an analysis error is detected in the analysis of the components to be measured. With this configuration, an operator performing a measurement can easily recognize at least one of that an apparatus error has been detected by electrophoresis apparatus 101 and that an analysis error has been detected in the analysis by analyzer 102 by visually checking the abnormality detection indication displayed on display unit 52 by analyzer 102. As a result, by visually checking the abnormality detection indication displayed on display unit 52, the operator can easily recognize whether an apparatus error or an analysis error has been detected.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, analysis device 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection display on display unit 52 when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, the display mode of which varies depending on the type of abnormality detected. With this configuration, the abnormality detection display is displayed in a different manner depending on the type of abnormality detected, so that the operator can intuitively and easily identify the type of abnormality that has been detected by visually recognizing the difference in the display mode of the abnormality detection display.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when an apparatus error is detected, the analyzer 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection display on the display unit 52, the display mode of which varies depending on the severity of the detected apparatus error. With this configuration, the abnormality detection display is displayed in a manner that varies depending on the severity of the apparatus error. Therefore, by visually checking the abnormality detection display, when an abnormality occurs in the electrophoresis apparatus 101, the operator can easily identify the type of apparatus error that has been detected and can also intuitively and easily identify the severity of the apparatus error.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, analysis device 102 is configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, cause display unit 52 to display an abnormality detection display that allows the type of abnormality to be identified by color coding according to the type of abnormality detected and by icon image display. With this configuration, when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, display unit 52 displays an abnormality detection display that allows the type of abnormality to be identified by color coding according to the type of abnormality detected and by icon image display, so that the operator can intuitively and more easily identify the type of abnormality that has been detected by visually checking at least one of the color coding and icon image display in the abnormality detection display.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to measure multiple measurement targets, and analyzer 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection indicator when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected in any of the multiple measurement targets, so that the measurement target in which the abnormality was detected can be identified. With this configuration, when an abnormality is detected in any of the multiple measurement targets, the operator can easily recognize which measurement target the abnormality was detected in and the type of abnormality detected by visually checking the abnormality detection indicator displayed on display unit 52.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, electrophoresis apparatus 101 is configured to sequentially measure a plurality of measurement targets, and analyzer 102 is configured to display on display unit 52 a standby display 94 indicating a measurement target that is awaiting measurement. This configuration makes it easy to distinguish between measurement targets for which measurement has been completed and measurement targets for which measurement is about to be performed. As a result, it is easy to distinguish between measurement targets in which an abnormality has been detected and measurement targets for which measurement has not yet been performed.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analyzer 102 is configured to display on the display unit 52 well position indicators 52a indicating the positions of the multiple wells 70a and 71a in which the multiple measurement targets are placed, and gel image indicators 52d showing the analysis results for each of the multiple measurement targets, and to display an abnormality detection indicator on the well position indicators 52a and gel image indicators 52d displayed on the display unit 52 so that measurement targets in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified. This configuration makes it easy to recognize what type of abnormality has been detected in which measurement target, in both the well position indicators 52a and the gel image indicators 52d. Therefore, the positions of the wells 70a and 71a in which the measurement targets in which an abnormality has been detected are easily compared with the analysis results in the gel image indicators 52d.

[0088] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analyzer 102 is configured to display an abnormality detection indication on the gel image display 52d, which includes the well numbers 93a indicating the wells 70a and 71a in which the measured analytes are placed and the measurement order number 93b indicating the measurement order. With this configuration, the well numbers 93a and measurement order number 93b are displayed on the gel image display 52d together with the abnormality detection indication. Therefore, if an abnormality is detected in the measurement and analysis of one of the multiple analytes, the position of the well 70a or 71a in which the analyte in question is placed and the measurement order can be easily recognized by visually checking the gel image display 52d.

[0089] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the analyzer 102 displays on the display unit 52 a gel image display 52d in which the analysis results of multiple measurement targets are displayed side by side. The analyzer 102 also displays an abnormality detection indication for each of the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 52d, and is configured to change the order of the multiple analysis results in the gel image display 52d. This configuration allows the order of the multiple analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display 52d to be changed, allowing the analysis results to be sorted by the type of abnormality detected. This makes it easy to compare multiple analysis results by the type of abnormality detected. Furthermore, the order of the multiple analysis results can be changed in the gel image display 52d, allowing only analysis results in which no abnormalities are detected to be displayed side by side. This makes it easy to compare normal analysis results in which no abnormalities are detected.

[0090] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, electrophoresis system 100 includes operation unit 51 that accepts input operations, and analyzer 102 is configured to display well position indicators 52a on display unit 52, which indicate the positions of each of multiple wells 70a and 71a in a grid pattern corresponding to multiple wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern, and to display an abnormality detection indicator when an abnormality is detected for each of multiple wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in well position indicator 52a. Based on a selection operation received by operation unit 51 to select a predetermined area 95 from the multiple wells 70a and 71a arranged in a grid pattern in well position indicator 52a by circumscribing it, analysis results for each of multiple measurement targets arranged in multiple wells 70a and 71a included in predetermined area 95 are selected. With this configuration, multiple wells 70a and 71a can be easily selected simultaneously by using operation unit 51 to select a predetermined area 95 in well position indicator 52a by circumscribing it. Therefore, the plurality of wells 70a and 71a can be selected more easily than when the plurality of wells 70a and 71a are selected one by one in order.

[0091] (Effects of the Electrophoretic Analysis Method and Electrophoretic Analysis Program According to the Present Embodiment) The electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a of this embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0092] The electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a of this embodiment, configured as described above, cause the display unit 52 to display an abnormality detection indication that identifies the type of abnormality detected when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus 101, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement object, is detected. As a result, when an abnormality including at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, the type of the detected abnormality can be easily identified by visually checking the abnormality detection indication displayed on the display unit 52. As a result, it is possible to provide an electrophoretic analysis method and electrophoretic analysis program 53a that, when an abnormality occurs in the analysis results of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis, makes it possible to easily identify the type of abnormality.

[0093] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than the above description of the embodiments, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0094] For example, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which analysis device 102 acquires measurement values ​​111 in real time as the measurement of the measurement object by electrophoresis device 101 progresses and sequentially analyzes the acquired measurement values ​​111, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, measurement values ​​111 acquired by measurement unit 30 of electrophoresis device 101 may be stored in memory unit 53 or the like, and analysis may be performed based on the stored measurement values ​​111. In other words, analysis by analysis device 102 may be performed at a timing separate from the measurement of the measurement object by electrophoresis device 101. In this case, measurement values ​​111 acquired for each measurement of the measurement object and detected abnormalities (apparatus errors or analysis errors) are associated and stored in memory unit 53 or the like.

[0095] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which the analyzer 102 that analyzes the components to be measured is provided separately from the electrophoresis device 101, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the electrophoresis device 101 and the analyzer 102 may be integrally formed. Similarly, only the display unit 52 may be integrally formed with the electrophoresis device 101. Furthermore, the display unit 52 may be disposed separately from both the electrophoresis device 101 and the analyzer 102, spaced apart from each other.

[0096] In the above embodiment, the analysis error indicator 92a, which indicates that an analysis error has been detected, is displayed as an icon image, and the serious error indicator 92b and warning error indicator 92c, which indicate that an apparatus error has been detected, are displayed in different colors according to their importance. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the analysis error indicator 92a, serious error indicator 92b, and warning error indicator 92c may all be displayed as icon images so as to be distinguishable from one another, or may be displayed in different colors so as to be distinguishable from one another. Furthermore, the serious error indicator 92b and warning error indicator 92c may have a common form. Furthermore, the abnormality detection indicator may be displayed as text information that identifies the type of abnormality.

[0097] In the above embodiment, when at least one of an apparatus error and an analysis error is detected, an abnormality detection indication is displayed on both the well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an abnormality detection indication may be displayed on only one of the well position display 52a and the gel image display 52d.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the standby display 94 is displayed on the gel image display 52d, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the standby display 94 may not be displayed on the gel image display 52d, and only the well position display 52a may display an indication that measurement is waiting.

[0099] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a serious error, which is an apparatus error of relatively high importance, is detected when the voltage value, current value, or internal temperature detected by the abnormality detection unit 80 is greater than a predetermined abnormality determination threshold, and a warning error, which is an apparatus error of relatively low importance, is detected when the voltage value, current value, or internal temperature detected by the abnormality detection unit 80 is not constant (unstable), but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a serious error may be detected when a communication error, detection of a liquid leak, a shortage of various liquids, etc. is detected.

[0100] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which chips 60a to 60c are provided with preparation channels 63 for guiding the measurement target to separation channel 62, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, chips 60a to 60c may be configured to have only separation channel 62 without including preparation channel 63. Furthermore, instead of a shape in which separation channel 62 and preparation channel 63 intersect so as to penetrate each other (a cross shape), preparation channel 63 may be configured to intersect separation channel 62 in a T-shape.

[0101] In the above embodiment, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to measure each of a plurality of (three) chips 60a to 60c, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, one or two chips may be used to measure the measurement target, or four or more chips may be used. Furthermore, even when the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to measure each of the three chips 60a to 60c, it may be configured to specify (select) only one or two chips to perform the measurement.

[0102] In the above embodiment, the electrophoresis device 101 is configured to perform microchip electrophoresis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electrophoresis device 101 may be configured to perform capillary electrophoresis without using a microchip.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the measurement value 111 of the measurement object is obtained by detecting fluorescence, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the separated components of the measurement object may be detected by coloring with a reagent.

[0104] [Aspect] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0105] (Item 1) an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the measurement object by the analysis device, The electrophoresis system is configured such that, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components to be measured, is detected, an abnormality detection display, which is a display that can identify the type of abnormality detected, is displayed on the display unit.

[0106] (Item 2) the electrophoresis device is configured to output an apparatus error signal to the analysis device, the apparatus error signal indicating that the apparatus error has been detected; 2. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to display the abnormality detection indication on the display unit when at least one of the following occurs: the device error signal is acquired from the electrophoresis device; and the analysis error is detected in the analysis of the components to be measured.

[0107] (Item 3) 3. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, cause the display unit to display the abnormality detection indication, the display format of which varies depending on the type of abnormality detected.

[0108] (Item 4) 4. The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when an apparatus error is detected, cause the display unit to display the abnormality detection display, the display format of which varies depending on the severity of the detected apparatus error.

[0109] (Item 5) 5. The electrophoresis system according to item 3 or 4, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, cause the display unit to display the abnormality detection indication, which allows the type of abnormality to be identified by at least one of color coding according to the type of abnormality detected and displaying an icon image.

[0110] (Item 6) the electrophoresis device is configured to measure a plurality of the measurement targets, 6. The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected in any of the plurality of measurement objects, display the abnormality detection display so that the measurement object in which the abnormality was detected can be identified.

[0111] (Item 7) the electrophoresis device is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of measurement targets, 7. The electrophoresis system according to item 6, wherein the analyzer is configured to cause the display unit to display a standby display indicating a measurement target among the plurality of measurement targets that is waiting to be measured.

[0112] (Item 8) The analysis device a well position display indicating the position of each of the plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets is placed, and a gel image display indicating the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets, and 8. The electrophoresis system according to item 6 or 7, wherein the anomaly detection indication is displayed in the well position indication and the gel image indication displayed on the display unit so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified.

[0113] (Item 9) Item 9. The electrophoresis system according to item 8, wherein the analyzer is configured to display the abnormality detection indication in the gel image display including a well number indicating the well in which the measured measurement target is placed and a measurement order number indicating the measurement order.

[0114] (Item 10) The analysis device The gel image display in which the analysis results of the plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side is displayed on the display unit, and 10. The electrophoresis system according to item 8 or 9, wherein the anomaly detection display is displayed for each of the plurality of analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display, and the order of the plurality of analysis results in the gel image display is changeable.

[0115] (Item 11) further comprising an operation unit for receiving input operations, The analysis device The well position display indicating the positions of each of the plurality of wells in a grid pattern is displayed on the display unit so as to correspond to the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern, and The well position display is configured to display the abnormality detection display when an abnormality is detected for each of the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern, 11. The electrophoresis system according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the system is configured to select the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets arranged in the plurality of wells included in a predetermined area based on a selection operation received by the operation unit to select a predetermined area from among the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern in the well position display.

[0116] (Item 12) a measurement unit that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object, An electrophoresis device configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement object measured by the measurement unit, display an abnormality detection display on a display unit that identifies the type of abnormality detected.

[0117] (Item 13) analyzing components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on measurements of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object; an electrophoretic analysis method comprising: when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus that measures the object to be measured that has been separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the object to be measured, is detected, displaying an abnormality detection display on a display unit that identifies the type of abnormality that has been detected.

[0118] (Item 14) analyzing components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on measurements of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object; and when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus that measures the object to be measured that has been separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the object to be measured, is detected, displaying an abnormality detection display on a display unit that identifies the type of abnormality that has been detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 30 Measuring part 51 Operation section 52 Display section 52a Well position indicator 52d Gel image display 53a Electrophoresis analysis program 61 Flow path 62 Separation channel 70a, 71a wells 93a Well number 93b Measurement order number 94 Standby display 95 areas 100 Electrophoresis System 101 Electrophoresis apparatus 102 Analytical equipment (computer) 111 measurements

Claims

1. an electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the analyte separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the analyte; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the measurement object by the analysis device, the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components to be measured, display an abnormality detection display, which is a display that can identify the type of the detected abnormality, on the display unit; the electrophoresis device is configured to measure a plurality of the measurement targets, The analysis device is configured to display the abnormality detection display so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets is placed, which is displayed on the display unit, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets, which is displayed on the display unit.

2. the electrophoresis device is configured to output an apparatus error signal to the analysis device, the apparatus error signal indicating that the apparatus error has been detected; 2. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to display the abnormality detection indication on the display unit when the device error signal is acquired from the electrophoresis device or when an analysis error is detected in the analysis of the component to be measured.

3. 3. The electrophoresis system according to claim 1, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, cause the display unit to display the abnormality detection indication, the display format of which varies depending on the type of abnormality detected.

4. The electrophoresis system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when an apparatus error is detected, display the abnormality detection display on the display unit in a manner that differs depending on the severity of the detected apparatus error.

5. 5. The electrophoresis system according to claim 3, wherein the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected, cause the display unit to display the abnormality detection indication, which allows the type of abnormality to be identified by at least one of color coding according to the type of abnormality detected and displaying an icon image.

6. the electrophoresis device is configured to sequentially measure the plurality of measurement targets, The electrophoresis system according to claim 1 , wherein the analyzer is configured to cause the display unit to display a standby display indicating a measurement target among the plurality of measurement targets that is waiting to be measured.

7. An electrophoresis device including a measurement unit that measures the measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; an analyzer that analyzes components of the measurement target separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement values ​​of the measurement target measured by the measurement unit; a display unit that displays the analysis results of the measurement object by the analysis device, the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis device, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components to be measured, display an abnormality detection display, which is a display that can identify the type of the detected abnormality, on the display unit; the electrophoresis device is configured to measure a plurality of the measurement targets, the analysis device is configured to, when at least one of the device error and the analysis error is detected in any of the plurality of measurement objects, display the abnormality detection indication so as to enable identification of the measurement object in which an abnormality has been detected; The analysis device a well position display indicating the position of each of the plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets is placed, and a gel image display indicating the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets, and An electrophoresis system configured to display the abnormality detection indication so that the measurement object in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in the well position indication and the gel image indication displayed on the display unit.

8. 8. The electrophoresis system according to claim 7, wherein the analyzer is configured to display the abnormality detection indication in the gel image display including a well number indicating the well in which the measured measurement target is placed and a measurement order number indicating the measurement order.

9. The analysis device The gel image display in which the analysis results of the plurality of measurement targets are displayed side by side is displayed on the display unit, and 9. The electrophoresis system according to claim 7, wherein the abnormality detection indication is displayed for each of the plurality of analysis results displayed side by side in the gel image display, and the order of the plurality of analysis results in the gel image display is changeable.

10. further comprising an operation unit for receiving input operations, The analysis device The well position display indicating the positions of each of the plurality of wells in a grid pattern is displayed on the display unit so as to correspond to the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern, and The well position display is configured to display the abnormality detection display when an abnormality is detected for each of the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern, The electrophoresis system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the system is configured to select the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets arranged in the plurality of wells included in the predetermined area based on a selection operation received by the operation unit to select a predetermined area from the plurality of wells arranged in a grid pattern in the well position display.

11. a measurement unit that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement object, When at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the apparatus, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement object separated by electrophoresis based on the measurement value of the measurement object measured by the measurement unit, is detected, an abnormality detection display, which is a display that can identify the type of abnormality detected, is displayed on the display unit, configured to measure a plurality of said measurement targets, An electrophoresis apparatus configured to display the abnormality detection display so that a measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified in at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets is placed, displayed on the display unit, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets, displayed on the display unit.

12. analyzing components of the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis based on measured values ​​obtained by measuring the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; and when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement object, is detected, displaying an abnormality detection display, which is an indication that the type of abnormality detected can be identified, on a display unit; The electrophoretic analysis method includes a step of displaying the abnormality detection display so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified on at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets displayed on the display unit is placed, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets displayed on the display unit.

13. analyzing components of the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis based on measured values ​​obtained by measuring the plurality of measurement targets separated by electrophoresis in a flow path including a separation flow path for separating the measurement targets; and when at least one of an apparatus error, which is an abnormality in the electrophoresis apparatus that measures the measurement object separated by electrophoresis, and an analysis error, which is an abnormality in the analysis of the components of the measurement object, is detected, displaying an abnormality detection display, which is an indication that enables identification of the type of abnormality detected, on a display unit; an electrophoretic analysis program, the step of displaying the abnormality detection display including a step of displaying the abnormality detection display so that the measurement target in which an abnormality has been detected can be identified on at least one of a well position display showing the position of each of a plurality of wells in which each of the plurality of measurement targets displayed on the display unit is placed, and a gel image display showing the analysis results of each of the plurality of measurement targets displayed on the display unit.

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