Automated analysis device and method

Abstract

To install a solution used for a probe even at a position not accessible by a user.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment measures a mixed solution of a sample and a reagent and analyzes a component included in the sample, and comprises a first conveyance path, a second conveyance path, a sample dispensation mechanism, and a control unit. The first conveyance path conveys a first container rack that holds a container for storing the sample. The second conveyance path conveys a second container rack that holds a container for storing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used for a control test with the sample, and a solution for calibration measurement of the device. The sample dispensation mechanism allows the probe to suck the liquid inside the container in the first container rack and the liquid in the container in the second container rack. The control unit controls operation of the first conveyance path, second conveyance path, and sample dispensation mechanism.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in the present specification and drawings are directed to an automated analyzer. and methods Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Automated analyzers are provided with a detergent reservoir that contains detergent for cleaning sample dispensing probes, reagent dispensing probes, and the like. When a detergent shortage occurs, the user must refill the detergent reservoir, so the detergent reservoir is installed in a location that is accessible to the user. However, depending on the layout of the automated analyzer, it may be necessary to install the reservoir that contains the detergent used for the probe in a location that is inaccessible to the user. In this case, the same problem can occur not only with detergents but also with solutions such as diluents. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-133784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to provide a solution to be used in a probe even in a location that is inaccessible to the user. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent to analyze components contained in the sample. The automated analyzer includes a first transport path, a second transport path, a sample dispensing mechanism, and a control unit. The first transport path transports a first container rack that holds containers containing the sample. The second transport path transports a second container rack that holds containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for cleaning a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used in a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing calibration measurements on the automated analyzer. The sample dispensing mechanism includes the probe and is configured to aspirate liquids contained in containers in the first container rack and the second container rack. The control unit controls the operation of the first transport path, the second transport path, and the sample dispensing mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an analyzer in the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the procedure for using a shuttle rack as a processing procedure of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment is not limited to the following embodiment. Furthermore, the content described in one embodiment is, in principle, also applicable to other embodiments.

[0008] 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of an automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG.

[0009] The analytical device 70 analyzes the components contained in the test samples by measuring a mixture of a standard sample for each test item or a test sample (biological sample such as blood or urine) collected from a subject and a reagent used to analyze each test item, and generating standard data and test data. The analytical device 70 includes multiple units that dispense samples, dispense reagents, etc., and a drive device 80 drives each unit of the analytical device 70. A processing device 90 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analytical device 70.

[0010] The processing device 90 includes an input device 50 , an output device 40 , a processing circuit 30 , and a memory circuit 60 .

[0011] The input device 50 is equipped with input devices such as a keyboard, mouse, buttons, and touch panel, and is used to input data to set analysis parameters for each test item, test identification information for the test sample, and test items.

[0012] The output device 40 includes a printer and a display. The printer prints the data generated by the processing circuit 30. The display is a monitor such as a liquid crystal display panel, and displays the data generated by the processing circuit 30.

[0013] The storage circuit 60 is, for example, a semiconductor memory element such as a random access memory (RAM) or a flash memory, or a storage device such as a hard disk or an optical disk.

[0014] The processing circuit 30 controls the entire system. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the processing circuit 30 executes a data processing function 31 and a control function 32. The control function 32 controls the drive device 80 to operate each unit of the analysis device 70. The data processing function 31 processes the standard data and test data generated by the analysis device 70 to generate calibration data and analysis data for each test item. The control function 32 is an example of a control unit.

[0015] For example, the standard data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data for determining blood clotting time, biochemical component concentrations, etc. by testing a test sample (blood), and the test data generated by the analyzer 70 represents data resulting from measuring blood clotting time or colorimetric measurement. Furthermore, the calibration data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing measurement results of blood clotting time, biochemical component concentrations, etc. derived from the test data and the standard data, and the analytical data output from the processing circuit 30 represents data representing the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition. In other words, the calibration data is data for deriving analytical data representing the determination result of the presence or absence of a pathological condition.

[0016] Here, for example, each processing function executed by the components of the processing circuitry 30 is recorded in the form of a computer-executable program in the storage circuitry 60. The processing circuitry 30 is a processor that realizes the function corresponding to each program by reading and executing each program from the storage circuitry 60. In other words, the processing circuitry 30 in a state where each program has been read has each function shown in the processing circuitry 30 of FIG.

[0017] In FIG. 1, it is assumed that each of the processing functions described below is realized by a single processing circuit 30, but it is also possible to configure a processing circuit by combining multiple independent processors, and have each processor execute a program to realize the function.

[0018] The term "processor" used in the above description refers to a circuit such as a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (e.g., a simple programmable logic device (SPLD), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA)). If the processor is a CPU, for example, the processor realizes its function by reading and executing a program stored in a memory circuit 60. On the other hand, if the processor is an ASIC, for example, the program is directly embedded in the processor circuit instead of storing the program in the memory circuit 60. Note that each processor in this embodiment is not limited to being configured as a single circuit, but may be configured as a single processor by combining multiple independent circuits to realize its function. Furthermore, multiple components in FIG. 1 may be integrated into a single processor to realize its function.

[0019] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the analyzer 70 in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. For example, the automatic analyzer 1 analyzes a test sample (blood) including a blood coagulation test item. Specifically, the automatic analyzer 1 measures the coagulation time and colorimetric measurement of blood collected from a subject.

[0020] The analyzer 70 is equipped with reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, which are reaction vessels. The reaction vessel tables 3 and 4 rotatably hold a plurality of reaction vessels arranged on a circumference. For example, the reaction vessel table 3 is a reaction vessel table for measuring clotting time, and the reaction vessel table 4 is a reaction vessel table for colorimetric measurements. The reaction vessel tables 3 and 4 are examples of a coagulation reaction vessel holder and a colorimetric reaction vessel holder.

[0021] The analyzer 70 further includes a reagent storage 2. The reagent storage 2 keeps a plurality of reagent containers arranged circumferentially cool and holds them. The reagent containers in the reagent storage 2 contain reagents containing components that react with components for each test item contained in a specimen (also called a sample). For example, the reagent containers in the reagent storage 2 are arranged in concentric circles 2a and 2b (dotted line portions in FIG. 2) in the reagent storage 2. The reagent storage 2 has a turntable that rotatably holds the reagent containers for each test item.

[0022] 2, the analyzer 70 further includes a sample container rack 100, a sample dispensing mechanism 20, and a sampling lane 310. The sample dispensing mechanism 20 includes a sample dispensing arm (not shown), a sample dispensing probe (not shown), and a sample dispensing pump (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing arm of the sample dispensing mechanism 20 is illustrated.

[0023] A sample container rack 100 is arranged in the sampling lane 310. For example, the sampling lane 310 is provided with a mechanism for moving each of the multiple containers held in the sample container rack 100 to a sampling position. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the sampling lane 310 is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0024] The sampling lane 310 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the driving device 80, under the control of the control function 32, transports the sample container rack 100 to the sampling lane 310. The sample container rack 100 is an example of a first container rack.

[0025] In the sample dispensing mechanism 20, a sample dispensing probe is provided at the tip of each sample dispensing arm, and a sample dispensing pump is connected to the sample dispensing probe via a tube or the like. For example, the sample dispensing arm supports the sample dispensing probe so that it can rotate and move up and down. In the sample dispensing mechanism 20, each sample dispensing probe moves on a trajectory 20a (the dotted line in Figure 2) by rotation of the sample dispensing arm, and rotates, for example, between a sampling position and a sample dispensing position. Specifically, the sample dispensing mechanism 20 is configured so that the sample dispensing probe can aspirate a liquid (sample) contained in a container in the sample container rack 100 and can discharge the aspirated liquid onto the reaction container tables 3 and 4. For example, the sample dispensing probe dispenses a sample from a container moved to the sampling position. For example, in the sample dispensing mechanism 20, the sample dispensing probe aspirates the sample from a container moved to the sampling position for each test item, and dispenses the amount of sample set as the analysis parameter for that test item into a reaction container positioned at the sample dispensing position on the reaction container tables 3 and 4. The sample dispensing pump causes the sample dispensing probe to aspirate and dispense the sample.

[0026] The sample dispensing mechanism 20 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the driving device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the sample dispensing mechanism 20 to dispense the sample.

[0027] 2, the analyzer 70 further includes reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11. The reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 include a reagent dispensing arm, a reagent dispensing probe (not shown), and a reagent dispensing pump (not shown). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the reagent dispensing arms of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 are illustrated.

[0028] In the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, a reagent dispensing probe is provided at the tip of each reagent dispensing arm, and a reagent dispensing pump is connected to the reagent dispensing probe via a tube or the like. For example, the reagent dispensing arm supports the reagent dispensing probe so that it can rotate and move up and down. In the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probe moves along trajectories 10a and 11a (dotted lines in FIG. 2 ) as the reagent dispensing arm rotates, for example, between a reagent aspirating position and a reagent dispensing position. The reagent dispensing probe dispenses reagent from a reagent container that has been moved to the reagent aspirating position. Specifically, in the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probe aspirates reagent from a reagent container located at the reagent aspirating position in circles 2a and 2b in the reagent storage 2, and dispenses an amount of reagent set as an analysis parameter for the test item into a reaction container located at the reagent dispensing position on the reaction container tables 3 and 4. The reagent dispensing pump causes the reagent dispensing probe to aspirate and dispense the reagent.

[0029] The reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 operate under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11 to dispense the reagent.

[0030] A detergent reservoir (not shown) is provided in or near the reagent reservoir 2, and this detergent reservoir contains detergent for cleaning the reagent dispensing probe during measurement. In the reagent dispensing mechanisms 10 and 11, the reagent dispensing probe is cleaned with detergent in the detergent reservoir 2 or in the detergent reservoir near the reagent reservoir 2 after each dispense of reagent. The detergent reservoir in or near the reagent reservoir 2 is located on the trajectory 10a, 11a of the reagent dispensing probe.

[0031] The analyzer 70 further includes first and second stirrers, first and second photometers, and a reaction vessel cleaning unit (not shown). The first and second stirrers each stir a mixture of sample and reagent in a reaction vessel positioned at the stirring position on the reaction vessel table 4. The first and second photometers measure optical changes in the mixture by irradiating the reaction vessel containing the mixture with light. Specifically, the first and second photometers irradiate the reaction vessel at the measurement position, which is rotated by the reaction vessel tables 3 and 4, with light, and detect the light transmitted through the mixture of sample and reagent in the reaction vessel. The first and second photometers then process the detected signals to generate standard data and test data represented by digital signals, which are then output to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. The reaction vessel cleaning unit cleans the inside of a reaction vessel positioned at the cleaning position on the reaction vessel table 4.

[0032] The above-mentioned sampling lane 310 is part of a sample container rack transport mechanism. In Fig. 2, the analyzer 70 further includes, in addition to the sampling lane 310, a front-loading sampler 300 (hereinafter referred to as the front-mounted sampler 300) arranged on the front side of the automatic analyzer 1, a transport arm 5, a reading unit (not shown), a switch lane 311 (hereinafter referred to as the lane switching unit 311), and a return lane 312 (hereinafter referred to as the return lane 312) as sample container rack transport mechanisms.

[0033] The front-mounted sampler 300 is provided on the front side of the automatic analyzer 1, specifically on the front side of the analyzer 70 (the lower side in FIG. 2). The front-mounted sampler 300 has an input slot into which a sample container rack 100 holding a plurality of containers before sampling is inserted. That is, the sample container rack 100 is inserted on the front side of the analyzer 70. Here, the front-mounted sampler 300 moves the sample container rack 100 inserted in the input slot to a position where it can be transported by the transport arm 5. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the front-mounted sampler 300 is achieved by, for example, a robot arm.

[0034] The front-mounted sampler 300 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the front-mounted sampler 300 to transport the sample container rack 100.

[0035] An optical label including identification information (e.g., patient ID information, sample ID, etc.) for identifying the sample contained in the container is attached to each of the multiple containers held in the sample container rack 100. The optical label is, for example, a barcode.

[0036] The transport arm 5 is, for example, a robot arm that moves the sample container rack 100. The transport arm 5 transports the sample container rack 100 placed in the front-mounted sampler 300 to a reading position of the reading unit. The reading unit reads identification information from the optical label of the sample container rack 100 transported to the reading position. If the optical label is a barcode, the reading unit is, for example, a barcode reader. The reading unit outputs the read identification information, such as patient ID information, sample ID, and test item, to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. After the reading unit has completed reading, the transport arm 5 positions the sample container rack 100 from the reading position to the start of the sampling lane 310.

[0037] 2, the return lane 312 is provided alongside the sampling lane 310 at an interval, and a lane switching unit 311 is provided at the end of the sampling lane 310 and the start of the return lane 312. The end of the sampling lane 310, the start of the return lane 312, and the lane switching unit 311 are provided on the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1, specifically, on the rear side of the analyzer 70 (upper side in FIG. 2).

[0038] The sampling lane 310 moves the sample container rack 100 arranged at the start of the sampling lane 310 toward the sampling position, and moves the sample container rack 100 after sampling to the end of the sampling lane 310 and places it at the start of the lane switching unit 311. The lane switching unit 311 moves the sample container rack 100 arranged at the start of the lane switching unit 311 to the end of the lane switching unit 311 and places it at the start of the return lane 312. The return lane 312 moves the sample container rack 100 arranged at the start of the return lane 312 to the end of the return lane 312. The end of the return lane 312 is the recovery position of the sample container rack 100. The movement of the sample container rack 100 in the lane switching unit 311 and the return lane 312 is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor, similar to the sampling lane 310.

[0039] That is, the sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, and return lane 312 operate under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, under the control of the control function 32, the drive device 80 causes the sampling lane 310 to transport the sample container rack 100 from the front side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the front side of the analyzer 70) to the rear side, causes the lane switching unit 311 to transport the sample container rack 100 from the sampling lane 310 to the return lane 312, and causes the return lane 312 to transport the sample container rack 100 from the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the rear side of the analyzer 70) to the front side. The sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, and return lane 312 are examples of a first transport path. The sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, and return lane 312 are examples of a forward transport path, a relay transport path, and a return transport path, respectively.

[0040] As described above, in the automatic analyzer 1, for example, a detergent storage unit (not shown) is provided in the reagent storage 2 or near the reagent storage 2, and this detergent storage unit contains detergent for cleaning the reagent dispensing probe. Here, if the detergent runs low, the user needs to replenish the detergent in the detergent storage unit, so the detergent storage unit is installed in a position that is accessible to the user.

[0041] However, depending on the layout of the automatic analyzer 1, it may be necessary to install a reservoir for containing a solution such as a detergent used in the probe in a location that is inaccessible to the user. For example, it may be necessary to install a reservoir for containing a solution such as a detergent or diluent used in the sample probe.

[0042] Therefore, the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is configured as follows so that a solution to be used for a probe can be placed even in a location that is inaccessible to the user. The automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment is an automated analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent to analyze components contained in the sample, and includes a first transport path (sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, and return lane 312), a second transport path, a sample dispensing mechanism 20, and a control function 32. The first transport path transports a first container rack (sample container rack 100) that holds containers containing samples. The second transport path transports a second container rack that holds containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for cleaning a sample dispensing probe that dispenses samples, a diluent for diluting the samples, a buffer solution for mixing the samples, a solution used in a control test with the samples, and a solution for performing calibration measurements on the automated analyzer 1. The sample dispensing mechanism 20 is equipped with a sample dispensing probe, and is configured so that the sample dispensing probe can aspirate liquid contained in containers in the sample container rack 100 and liquid contained in containers in the second container rack. The control function 32 controls the operation of the first transport path, the second transport path, and the sample dispensing mechanism 20. Here, the second container rack on the second transport path is transported from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 by the second transport path so that liquid contained in containers in the second container rack can be used in common for samples contained in containers in the sample container rack 100 on the first transport path.

[0043] The above configuration of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the analyzer 70 further includes a reciprocating rack 200, a dedicated lane 400, and a washing unit 500.

[0044] First, the reciprocating rack 200 will be described. The reciprocating rack 200 holds a plurality of containers. Each of the plurality of containers held in the reciprocating rack 200 contains various solutions, such as a detergent solution for cleaning a sample dispensing probe that dispenses samples, a diluent for diluting samples, and a buffer solution for mixing samples. For example, the plurality of containers held in the reciprocating rack 200 may contain at least one of a detergent solution, a diluent, a buffer solution, a solution used in a control test with a sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer 1. Here, examples of solutions used in a control test with a sample include deficient plasma and normal plasma. Examples of solutions used in a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer 1 include blank water for correcting a calibration curve.

[0045] The dedicated lane 400 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, transports the reciprocating rack 200 to the dedicated lane 400. The reciprocating rack 200 is an example of a second container rack.

[0046] Each of the multiple containers held in the reciprocating rack 200 is provided with an optical label containing identification information for identifying the various solutions contained in the container, such as a detergent solution, a diluent, a buffer solution, etc. The optical label is, for example, a barcode.

[0047] The transport arm 5 transports the reciprocating rack 200 that has been inserted to the reading position of the reading unit. For example, the reciprocating rack 200 is inserted into the leading position of the front-mounted sampler 300, and the transport arm 5 transports the reciprocating rack 200 that has been inserted into the leading position of the front-mounted sampler 300 to the reading position of the reading unit. The reading unit reads identification information from the optical label of the reciprocating rack 200 that has been transported to the reading position. If the optical label is a barcode, the reading unit is, for example, a barcode reader. The reading unit outputs the read identification information to the processing circuit 30 of the processing device 90. After the reading by the reading unit is completed, the transport arm 5 positions the reciprocating rack 200 from the reading position to the start of the dedicated lane 400.

[0048] The dedicated lane 400 is a dedicated lane for transporting the reciprocating rack 200. For example, in FIG. 2, the dedicated lane 400 is provided between the sampling lane 310 and the return lane 312 and alongside the sampling lane 310 and the return lane 312. The dedicated lane 400 moves the reciprocating rack 200 placed at the start of the dedicated lane 400, for example, toward a cleaning position or a dilution position. The movement of the reciprocating rack 200 in the dedicated lane 400 to the cleaning position or the dilution position is achieved by, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0049] The dedicated lane 400 operates under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. Specifically, the drive device 80, under the control of the control function 32, causes the reciprocating rack 200 to be transported along the dedicated lane 400. The dedicated lane 400 is an example of a second transport path.

[0050] In the sample dispensing mechanism 20, the sample dispensing probe attached to the tip of the sample dispensing arm moves to a washing position or a dilution position on a trajectory 20a (dotted line portion in FIG. 2) by rotation of the sample dispensing arm. Specifically, the sample dispensing mechanism 20 is configured so that the sample dispensing probe can aspirate liquids (various solutions) contained in containers of the reciprocating rack 200. For example, the sample dispensing probe performs a washing operation to wash itself using a detergent solution contained in a container of the reciprocating rack 200 that has been moved to the washing position.

[0051] The cleaning operation of the sample dispensing probe is performed under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. For example, the drive device 80 controls the control function 32 to cause the sample dispensing mechanism 20 to perform the cleaning operation of the sample dispensing probe. Specifically, the control function 32 controls the sample dispensing mechanism 20 to perform the cleaning operation of the sample dispensing probe by aspirating the detergent solution held in a container of the reciprocating rack 200 with the sample dispensing probe and discharging it with the cleaning unit 500.

[0052] The following operations are also performed under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90. For example, the control function 32 controls the sample dispensing mechanism 20 to perform at least one of the following operations: an operation of dispensing a dilution solution held in a container on the reciprocating rack 200 into a reaction container with the sample dispensing probe; an operation of dispensing a buffer solution held in a container on the reciprocating rack 200 into a reaction container with the sample dispensing probe; and an operation of dispensing a solution for performing calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer 1 held in a container on the reciprocating rack 200 into a reaction container with the sample dispensing probe.

[0053] As described above, in this embodiment, various solutions are stored in the containers of the reciprocating rack 200, and the reciprocating rack 200 is transported to the dedicated lane 400 arranged parallel to the sampling lane 310. As a result, in this embodiment, the sample dispensing mechanism 20, for example, aspirates the diluent from a container in the reciprocating rack 200 on the dedicated lane 400 along the trajectory 20a of the sample dispensing probe, then aspirates the sample from a container in the sample container rack 100 on the sampling lane 310 adjacent to the dedicated lane 400, and discharges the aspirated diluent and sample into the reaction container, thereby dispensing the diluent and sample into the reaction container at the same position. As described above, in this embodiment, the diluent can be directly dispensed into the reaction container to be measured, eliminating the need for multi-stage dispensing operations, such as dispensing the sample and diluent into a container (cell) separate from the reaction container to prepare a diluted sample, and then dispensing the diluted sample into the reaction container.

[0054] In addition, in this embodiment, by arranging the sample dispensing probe on the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the rear side of the analyzer 70), it is possible to reduce the risk of a user coming into contact with the sample dispensing probe while it is in operation. In addition, in this embodiment, by arranging the sample dispensing probe on the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1, it is possible to prevent a user from easily accessing the sample, for example, and to reduce the risk of mixing up specimens.

[0055] For example, the dedicated lane 400 moves the reciprocating rack 200, which has run out of various solutions such as detergent solution, diluent, and buffer solution, to the start of the dedicated lane 400 and places it at a recovery position. Here, when the reciprocating rack 200 returns to the start of the dedicated lane 400, the start of the dedicated lane 400 becomes the recovery position for the reciprocating rack 200. The movement of the reciprocating rack 200 back to the start is achieved, for example, by the belt conveyor of the dedicated lane 400 rotating in the reverse direction.

[0056] That is, under the control of the control function 32 of the processing device 90, the dedicated lane 400 transports the reciprocating rack 200 from the front side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the front side of the analyzer 70) to the rear side, and then transports the reciprocating rack 200 from the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 (the rear side of the analyzer 70) to the front side.

[0057] Next, a procedure for using the reciprocating rack 200 will be described as a process of the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment. FIG.

[0058] 3, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 determines, based on the test item and the number of tests, that various solutions such as detergent solution, diluent, buffer solution, etc., in the reciprocating rack 200 on the dedicated lane 400 are about to run short. Because the sample dispensing probe is washed and diluted after each measurement, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 can grasp the amount of various solutions such as detergent solution, diluent, buffer solution, etc., used in the reciprocating rack 200 according to the test item.

[0059] At this time, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 notifies the user with a screen that calls attention during measurement. For example, the control function 32 notifies the user by causing the output device 40 to output a screen that displays an attention such as "Please insert the reciprocating rack 200 into the front-mounted sampler 300." In this case, the control function 32 does not stop the measurement but puts it into a standby state, and the user places the reciprocating rack 200 in the front-mounted sampler 300. For example, the placement of the reciprocating rack 200 is determined by the user.

[0060] 3, the control function 32 of the processing device 90 moves the reciprocating rack 200 on the trajectory 20a of the sample dispensing probe. Specifically, the drive unit 80 drives the transport arm 5 under the control of the control function 32, thereby moving the reciprocating rack 200 arranged in the front-mounted sampler 300 to the dedicated lane 400. At this time, the drive unit 80 drives the dedicated lane 400 to position the reciprocating rack 200 on the trajectory 20a of the sample dispensing probe.

[0061] Next, in step S103 of FIG. 3 , the control function 32 of the processing device 90 causes the sample dispensing probe to use various solutions, such as detergent solution, diluent, and buffer solution, stored in the reciprocating rack 200. Specifically, under the control of the control function 32, the drive unit 80 causes the sample dispensing probe to be washed using the detergent solution stored in the reciprocating rack 200 arranged on the trajectory 20a of the sample dispensing probe, and causes the sample dispensing probe to dilute the sample using the diluent stored in the reciprocating rack 200. Here, under the control of the control function 32, the drive unit 80 drives the dedicated lane 400 to move the reciprocating rack 200, which has been emptied of various solutions, such as detergent solution, diluent, and buffer solution, to a recovery position. The reciprocating rack 200 that has finished being used is recovered from the recovery position.

[0062] As described above, in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, the sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, and return lane 312 transport the sample container rack 100, which holds containers containing samples. The dedicated lane 400 transports the reciprocating rack 200, which holds containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for cleaning the sample dispensing probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used for a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing calibration measurements on the automated analyzer 1. The sample dispensing mechanism 20 includes a sample dispensing probe, and is configured to aspirate liquids contained in containers in the sample container rack 100 and the reciprocating rack 200. The control function 32 controls the operation of the sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, return lane 312, the dedicated lane 400, and the sample dispensing mechanism 20. Here, the reciprocating rack 200 on the dedicated lane 400 is transported from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer 1 by the dedicated lane 400 so that the liquid contained in the container of the reciprocating rack 200 can be used in common for the samples contained in the containers of the sample container rack 100 on the first transport path (sampling lane 310, lane switching unit 311, return lane 312). Therefore, in the automatic analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, various solutions such as detergent solution, diluent, buffer solution, etc. used in the sample dispensing probe can be placed even in positions that are inaccessible to the user by using the reciprocating rack 200 and the dedicated lane 400.

[0063] Furthermore, in the automated analyzer 1 according to this embodiment, various solutions used in the sample dispensing probe, such as detergent solution, diluent, and buffer solution, can be placed using the reciprocating rack 200 and the dedicated lane 400, so that the storage units for these solutions do not need to be located in places that are inaccessible to users. This increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the automated analyzer 1, and allows for effective use of spaces where no storage units are placed.

[0064] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the solution used in the probe can be placed even in a location that is inaccessible to the user.

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

[0066] 1 Automatic analyzer 20 Sample dispensing mechanism 32 Control Functions 100 sample container racks 200 reciprocating mobile rack 310 Sampling lane (first transport path) 311 Switch lane (lane switching unit) (first conveying path) 312 Return lane (first transport path) 400 Dedicated lane (secondary transport path)

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and analyzes components contained in the sample, a first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds containers containing the samples; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used in a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, the probe being configured to be able to aspirate liquid contained in a container of the first container rack and liquid contained in a container of the second container rack; a control unit that controls the operation of the first transport path, the operation of the second transport path, and the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism; Equipped with the second container rack on the second transport path is transported from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer by the second transport path so that liquids contained in containers of the second container rack can be used in common for the samples contained in containers of the first container rack on the first transport path. Automatic analyzer.

2. An automatic analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and analyzes components contained in the sample, a first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds containers containing the samples; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used in a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, the probe being configured to be able to aspirate liquid contained in a container of the first container rack and liquid contained in a container of the second container rack; a control unit that controls the operation of the first transport path, the operation of the second transport path, and the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism; Equipped with the first transport path and the second transport path transport the first container rack and the second container rack, respectively, at least from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer. Automatic analyzer.

3. The first conveying path and the second conveying path are arranged side by side. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2 .

4. An automatic analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and analyzes components contained in the sample, a first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds containers containing the samples; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used in a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, the probe being configured to be able to aspirate liquid contained in a container of the first container rack and liquid contained in a container of the second container rack; a control unit that controls the operation of the first transport path, the operation of the second transport path, and the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism; a washing unit for washing the probe; Equipped with The control unit controlling the sample dispensing mechanism to perform a cleaning operation of the probe by aspirating the detergent solution contained in the container of the second container rack with the probe and discharging it with the cleaning unit; Automatic analyzer.

5. An automatic analyzer that measures a mixture of a sample to be measured and a reagent, and analyzes components contained in the sample, a first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds containers containing the samples; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding a container containing a detergent solution for washing the probe that dispenses the sample; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, configured so that the probe can aspirate the liquid contained in the container of the first container rack and the detergent solution contained in the container of the second container rack; a control unit that controls the operation of the first transport path, the operation of the second transport path, and the operation of the sample dispensing mechanism; An automatic analyzer comprising:

6. the second container rack on the second transport path is transported from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer by the second transport path so that liquids contained in containers of the second container rack can be used in common for the samples contained in containers of the first container rack on the first transport path. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 4.

7. a coagulation reaction vessel holder for holding a plurality of reaction vessels for coagulation measurement; a colorimetric reaction vessel holder for holding a plurality of reaction vessels for colorimetric measurement; Further provided with the sample dispensing mechanism is configured so that the probe can aspirate the liquid contained in the container of the first container rack, and is configured so that the liquid aspirated by the probe can be discharged into the coagulation reaction container holder and the colorimetric reaction container holder. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the first transport path and the second transport path are provided side by side and transport the first container rack and the second container rack, respectively, at least from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 7.

9. The first transport path is a forward transport path for transporting the first container rack from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer; a return transport path for transporting the first container rack from the rear side to the front side of the automatic analyzer; a relay conveying path that conveys the first container rack from the forward conveying path to the return conveying path; The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising:

10. a washing unit for washing the probe; Further provided with The control unit controlling the sample dispensing mechanism to perform a cleaning operation of the probe by aspirating the detergent solution contained in the container of the second container rack with the probe and discharging it with the cleaning unit; The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5.

11. The control unit an operation of dispensing the diluent contained in a container of the second container rack into a reaction container by the probe; an operation of dispensing the buffer solution contained in the container of the second container rack into a reaction container by the probe; an operation of dispensing a solution for performing a calibration measurement of the automatic analyzer contained in a container of the second container rack into a reaction container using the probe; and controlling the sample dispensing mechanism to perform at least one of the following operations. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 6.

12. A first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds a container containing a sample to be measured; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used for a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of an automatic analyzer; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, the probe being configured to be able to aspirate liquid contained in a container of the first container rack and liquid contained in a container of the second container rack; In an automatic analysis in which a mixed solution of the sample and a reagent is measured to analyze components contained in the sample, A method for transporting the second container rack on the second transport path from the front side to the rear side of the automatic analyzer via the second transport path so that the liquid contained in the container of the second container rack can be used in common with the samples contained in the container of the first container rack on the first transport path.

13. A first transport path for transporting a first container rack that holds a container containing a sample to be measured; a second transport path for transporting a second container rack holding containers containing at least one of a detergent solution for washing a probe that dispenses the sample, a diluent for diluting the sample, a buffer solution for mixing the sample, a solution used for a control test with the sample, and a solution for performing a calibration measurement of an automatic analyzer; a sample dispensing mechanism including the probe, the probe being configured to be able to aspirate liquid contained in a container of the first container rack and liquid contained in a container of the second container rack; In an automatic analysis in which a mixed solution of the sample and a reagent is measured to analyze components contained in the sample, The method, wherein the first transport path and the second transport path transport the first container rack and the second container rack, respectively, at least from the front side to the rear side of the automated analyzer.

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