Automatic analyzer and method for operating the automatic analyzer

Abstract

This automated analyzing device comprises: a diluent flow passage 1033 and an internal standard solution flow passage 1043 from a diluent accommodating bottle 1032 and an internal standard solution accommodating bottle 1042 to a dilution tank 1010; a measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 from the dilution tank 1010 to an analyzing unit 1092; a first temperature regulating unit 1091 which performs temperature regulation of the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 and the analyzing unit 1092; a second temperature regulating unit 1036 which is controlled for temperature regulation independently of the first temperature regulating unit 1091, and which performs temperature regulation of the diluent flow passage 1033 and the internal standard solution flow passage 1043; and a thermal insulation mechanism 1037, 1095 provided between the first temperature regulating unit 1091 and the second temperature regulating unit 1036. The present invention thereby provides an automated analyzing device and a method for operating an automated analyzing device with which it is possible for a temperature regulation state of a measuring system to be improved in comparison with a conventional example.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a method for operating an automatic analyzer. [Background technology]

[0002] As an example of a temperature control system for an electrolyte analyzer that can perform accurate measurements without being affected by the outside air temperature, Patent Document 1 describes a system in which a sample temperature control block is installed in the flow path from the sample suction nozzle to the electrode block, sensors are installed in various locations to measure the temperature of the electrode block, the sample temperature control block, and the outside air, and the output of heaters installed in each block is controlled according to the outside air temperature so that the temperatures of the ion selective electrode, reference electrode, reference electrode internal liquid, sample, and calibration liquid when they reach each electrode flow path are the same. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-93252 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Ion-selective electrodes are used in a wide range of fields, including biology, medicine, and the environment, because they can rapidly quantify the concentration of target ions. In particular, in the medical field, where there is a close relationship between metabolic reactions in living organisms and ion concentrations, they have become widely used in recent years because quantifying specific ions (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride) contained in biological samples such as blood and urine can be used to diagnose conditions such as hypertension, kidney disease, and neurological disorders.

[0005] Furthermore, electrolyte concentrations in living organisms are usually maintained within a narrow range, and even slight changes in concentration can have significant consequences. Therefore, ion-selective electrodes require extremely high measurement accuracy, and various technologies are being developed to minimize measurement errors.

[0006] Furthermore, in clinical settings, there is a need to analyze a large number of specimens consecutively.

[0007] Many electrolyte measurement devices use a method called the ion-selective electrode method, which measures the electrolyte concentration in a sample by measuring the potential difference between an ion-selective electrode and a reference electrode. The ion-selective electrode has an ion-sensitive membrane that generates a potential difference in response to ionic components.

[0008] This potential varies depending on the electrolyte concentration in the sample. To maintain a reference potential, the reference electrode is configured to be in contact with a solution called a reference electrode solution. For example, a highly concentrated KCl aqueous solution is used as the reference electrode solution.

[0009] In addition, a flow cell type device can be formed to achieve high throughput as an ion-selective electrode or reference electrode. In this flow cell type device, a flow channel for supplying the sample to be measured is provided inside the housing, and a sensitive membrane is provided in contact with the flow channel.

[0010] In the field of clinical testing, two methods are known for quantifying the concentrations of electrolytes contained in biological samples such as blood, particularly serum, plasma, and urine: the non-dilution method and the dilution method. The non-dilution method involves measuring the biological sample as a specimen without diluting it. On the other hand, the dilution method involves diluting a predetermined amount of the biological sample with a predetermined amount of diluent, and then measuring the diluted specimen liquid (diluted biological sample) using an ion-selective electrode method or the like.

[0011] The dilution method requires a small amount of sample solution, the concentrations of coexisting substances such as proteins and lipids in the measurement solution are low, and the influence of contamination by coexisting substances is small, so it is possible to achieve high stability in the ion-selective electrode method.

[0012] The current mainstream electrolyte measurement device for biological testing is a measurement method that combines the flow cell ion-selective electrode method with the dilution method. A container called a dilution tank is used to dilute the sample. The diluted biological sample prepared in the dilution tank is sent through piping to the flow cell ion-selective electrode, where the sample is measured.

[0013] Generally, electrolyte analysis modules can measure more accurately when the difference between the temperature of the measurement section (electrode) and the temperature of the liquid sent to the electrode is small. Therefore, to ensure analytical performance, a liquid at a constant temperature may be circulated around the flow path and analysis module to control the temperature collectively.

[0014] Furthermore, in order to make it possible to easily replace the measuring part (electrode), which is a consumable item, the entire analysis module is not covered with a temperature control mechanism, but rather the area around the measuring part (electrode) is made movable and openable, and an insulating material is simply attached to the lid.

[0015] However, in such a structure, a temperature gradient occurs in the portion of the measuring part (electrode) close to the lid, which may cause the temperature control state to become unstable in part.

[0016] The present invention provides an automatic analyzer and an operating method for an automatic analyzer that can improve the temperature control state of a measurement system compared to conventional methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] The present invention includes multiple means for solving the above-mentioned problems, and one example thereof includes a dispensing section used to dispense a sample, an analysis module that analyzes the sample dispensed by the dispensing section, a storage section that stores a liquid used to analyze the sample, a first flow path from the storage section to the dispensing section, a second flow path from the dispensing section to the analysis module, a first temperature control section that controls the temperature of the dispensing section, the second flow path, and the analysis module, a second temperature control section that is temperature-controlled independently of the first temperature control section and controls the temperature of the first flow path, and a thermal insulating material provided between the first temperature control section and the second temperature control section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the temperature control state of the measurement system compared to the prior art. Objects, configurations and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an automatic electrolyte analyzer according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing one state of the dilution tank of the automatic electrolyte analyzer according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a sample analysis process in an automatic electrolyte analyzer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a sample measurement process in a sample analysis process in an automatic electrolyte analyzer according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Examples of the automatic analyzer and the operating method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the examples described below, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept.

[0021] Furthermore, in the drawings used in this specification, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated description of these components may be omitted.

[0022] (1-1) Equipment configuration First, the overall configuration of an automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the schematic configuration of an automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 according to this embodiment.

[0023] The automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus for measuring the concentration of ions contained in a sample, and includes a dilution tank 1010, a sample dispensing mechanism 1020, a diluent dispensing mechanism 1030, an internal standard dispensing mechanism 1040, a liquid delivery mechanism 1050, a reference electrode liquid delivery mechanism 1060, an analysis unit 1092 that performs ion concentration analysis, a measurement control device 1100, and a dilution tank waste liquid mechanism 1200.

[0024] In the following description, an example in which the present invention is applied to an automatic electrolyte analyzer will be shown, but the present invention can also be applied to other automatic analyzers.

[0025] The measurement control device 1100 is a part that controls the analytical operations of each device within the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000, and can be configured as a computer having input devices such as a display, keyboard, and mouse, a storage unit, a CPU, memory, etc., and may be configured as a single computer or as separate computers, and is not particularly limited.

[0026] The measurement control device 1100 controls the operation of each device based on various programs stored in a storage device. The control processes for the operations executed by the measurement control device 1100 may be integrated into a single program, or may be separated into multiple programs, or may be a combination of these. Some or all of the programs may be implemented using dedicated hardware, or may be modularized.

[0027] The specimen dispensing mechanism 1020 sucks the specimen 1021 into the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022. Thereafter, the measurement control device 1100 brings the tip of the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022 into contact with the inner wall surface of the dilution tank 1010, and discharges all or part of the sucked specimen 1021.

[0028] The dilution tank 1010 is a container-like part used for dispensing a sample.

[0029] In addition to diluting the specimen, the specimen can also be drawn directly into the analysis unit 1092. In this case, the dilution tank 1010 does not exist, and the first temperature adjustment unit 1091, which will be described later, also adjusts the temperature of the specimen 1021.

[0030] The analytical section 1092 is the part that analyzes the sample dispensed in the dilution tank 1010, and is equipped with a flow cell type chloride ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Cl-ISE") 1071, a flow cell type potassium ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "K-ISE") 1072, a flow cell type sodium ion selective electrode (hereinafter referred to as "Na-ISE") 1073, a flow cell type liquid junction 1080, and a flow cell type reference electrode 1090.

[0031] The first temperature control unit 1091 is a metal box that controls the temperature by heating the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis unit 1092, and is equipped with a cover 1094, a cover 1093, an insulating mechanism 1095, etc., and keeps the vicinity of the measurement unit, such as the analysis unit 1092, the dilution tank 1010, and the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, warm by radiant heat.

[0032] The cover 1094 is a component that encloses the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis unit 1092, and is capable of heat exchange with the first temperature control unit 1091, and is formed using a material with good heat conductivity, such as metal or resin with a metal plate or metal mesh or the like provided on the inside.

[0033] The cover 1093 is a heat insulating material that covers the cover 1094 and prevents heat transfer from the opening of the first temperature adjustment section 1091.

[0034] The heat insulating mechanism 1095 is combined with the cover 1093 and is a substantially box-shaped heat insulating material that houses the analysis unit 1092 and the dilution tank 1010. The heat insulating mechanism 1095 is provided between the first temperature adjustment unit 1091 and the second temperature adjustment unit 1036.

[0035] The automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 can also be equipped with a specimen container 1023 for storing a specimen 1021, a diluent bottle 1032 for storing a diluent 1031, which is a liquid used in analyzing the specimen, an internal standard bottle 1042 for storing an internal standard 1041, which is a liquid used in analyzing the specimen, a reference electrode solution 1061, and a reference electrode solution bottle 1062. The automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 can also be equipped with a waste liquid reservoir 1059.

[0036] The diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 includes a diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 and a diluent flow path 1033, and supplies diluent 1031 from a diluent storage bottle 1032 to the dilution tank 1010. The diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 is further connected to a flow path that is omitted for convenience of illustration.

[0037] Similarly, the internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1040 includes an internal standard solution dispensing nozzle 1044 and an internal standard solution flow path 1043 , and supplies an internal standard solution 1041 from an internal standard solution containing bottle 1042 to the dilution tank 1010 .

[0038] The second temperature adjustment unit 1036 includes a temperature adjustment mechanism 1035 that serves as a heat source for the second temperature adjustment unit 1036, and an insulating mechanism 1037 that insulates the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 from the surroundings. The second temperature adjustment unit 1036 is temperature-controlled independently of the first temperature adjustment unit 1091, and is a metal box that adjusts the temperatures of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043 using heat from the temperature adjustment mechanism 1035. While a metal box is used in this embodiment, the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 may have a plate-like structure that contacts the diluent flow path 1033 and the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 as long as it can transfer heat from the temperature adjustment mechanism 1035 to the diluent flow path 1033. Furthermore, the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 is not limited to metal, and any material with high thermal conductivity may be used.

[0039] Of these, the insulation mechanism 1037 is provided between the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036, and together with the insulation mechanism 1095, ensures that the temperature adjustments of the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 are performed independently of each other.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1, the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043 are introduced into the first temperature control unit 1091 covered by the insulating mechanisms 1037, 1095 without being exposed to the atmosphere after passing through the second temperature control unit 1036. Basically, the insulating mechanisms 1037, 1095 are tightly attached so that the portions of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043 downstream of the second temperature control unit 1036 are desirably positioned within the insulating mechanisms 1037, 1095 or within a space whose temperature is controlled by the first temperature control unit 1091.

[0041] The liquid delivery mechanism 1050 includes a test solution suction nozzle 1052 that forms a flow path from the dilution tank 1010 to the analysis unit 1092, and a mechanism for driving the test solution suction nozzle 1052 in the vertical direction. The test solution suction nozzle 1052 is connected to the above-mentioned vertical driving mechanism. A flow path (not shown) is also connected to the test solution suction nozzle 1052.

[0042] The waste liquid mechanism 1200 for the dilution tank includes a waste liquid trap 1201, a vacuum pump 1202, a solenoid valve 1203, a waste liquid flow path 1204, a waste liquid nozzle 1205 that forms the tip of the waste liquid flow path 1204, and a vertical drive mechanism (not shown) for the waste liquid nozzle 1205. The vacuum pump 1202 is located downstream of the waste liquid trap 1201, and introduces the waste liquid sucked from the waste liquid nozzle 1205 through the solenoid valve 1203 that is in an open state into the waste liquid trap 1201. The waste liquid temporarily stored in the waste liquid trap 1201 is transferred to the waste liquid reservoir 1059 by a waste liquid transfer mechanism (not shown).

[0043] The tip of the test solution suction nozzle 1052 can be positioned near the deepest part 1012 (shown in FIG. 2) of the dilution tank 1010 by a dedicated vertical drive mechanism. Similarly, the tip of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 can also be positioned near the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 by a dedicated vertical drive mechanism.

[0044] Fig. 2 schematically shows a state in which only the tip portion of the test solution suction nozzle 1052 is arranged near the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010. Fig. 3 schematically shows a state in which both the tip portion of the test solution suction nozzle 1052 and the tip portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are arranged near the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010. Fig. 4 shows a state in which only the tip portion of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is arranged near the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010.

[0045] In this embodiment, the test solution suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are arranged at positions facing each other (at positions 180° apart) across a vertical line that is the rotation axis of the dilution tank 1010. In this embodiment, the test solution suction nozzle 1052 and the waste liquid nozzle 1205 are moved up and down parallel to the vertical line by their respective dedicated vertical drive mechanisms.

[0046] In this embodiment, a plurality of flow paths for the calibration liquid or the like may be provided as needed, similar to the second temperature adjusting section 1036 and the heat insulating mechanism 1037 .

[0047] In addition, in the example shown in Figure 1, the temperature of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043 is controlled by the second temperature control unit 1036, the temperature control mechanism 1035, and the heat insulation mechanism 1037 for heat insulation, but the second temperature control unit 1036, the temperature control mechanism 1035, and the heat insulation mechanism 1037 for heat insulation may be separately provided for each of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard liquid flow path 1043.

[0048] Furthermore, the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 are each assumed to have appropriate calibration curves for the outside air temperature and the controlled temperature, and the controlled temperature is controlled based on the outside air temperature of the environment in which the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 is installed.

[0049] Furthermore, the first temperature adjustment unit 1091 and the second temperature adjustment unit 1036 are controlled by an on / off control pattern selected based on at least one of the timing of liquid transfer and the amount of liquid transfer.

[0050] (1-2) Measurement operation FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operations executed in the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000.

[0051] The operations performed in the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 are executed automatically and continuously by a program provided in the measurement control device 1100. In this embodiment, after the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 is started, an initialization step 11000 and a calibration step 12000 are performed, followed by a measurement step 13000 repeated the same number of times as the number of samples, and a decision step 14000 is performed to determine whether or not all or some of the samples have been measured, followed by a shutdown step 15000.

[0052] After the stop step 15000 is performed, it is determined whether or not the next sample is present in the next sample presence determining step 16000. If it is determined in the next sample presence determining step 16000 that the next sample is present, the process returns to the measurement step 13000.

[0053] If it is determined in the next sample presence / absence determining step 16000 that the next sample is not present, a shutdown step 17000 is performed.

[0054] (1-2-1) Initialization process 11000 The initialization process 11000 includes preparations such as startup and cleaning of each component mechanism that constitutes the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000. As part of the initialization, the measurement control device 1100 sends reference electrode solution 1061 to flow cell-type liquid junction 1080 via reference electrode 1090. The measurement control device 1100 also dispenses internal standard solution 1041 into dilution tank 1010 and sends it to flow cell-type liquid junction 1080 via Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073. This liquid sending conditions each ISE.

[0055] (1-2-2) Calibration process 12000 The calibration process 12000 consists of a low-concentration standard solution measurement process, a high-concentration standard solution measurement process, a calibration solution measurement process, a calibration curve creation process, etc. The measurement procedures for low-concentration standard solutions, high-concentration standard solutions, and calibration solutions are the same as those for measurement process 13000, which will be described later. Standard solutions and calibration solutions of each concentration are measured in the same way as samples, and the electromotive force of each ISE is recorded.

[0056] In the calibration curve creation process, the measurement control device 1100 calculates the slope sensitivity from the electromotive force measurement results of two standard solutions of high and low concentrations. The measurement control device 1100 calculates the concentration of the internal standard solution based on the slope sensitivity and the electromotive force of the internal standard solution. The measurement control device 1100 also calculates the concentration of the calibration solution based on the electromotive force measurement results and the slope sensitivity of the calibration solution.

[0057] Furthermore, the measurement control device 1100 calculates an offset correction value based on the difference between the true concentration (displayed value) of the calibration solution and the calculated concentration of the calibration solution. The slope sensitivity and the offset correction value are called a "calibration curve."

[0058] (1-2-3) Measurement process 13000 The measurement process 13000 mainly comprises a specimen measurement process 13100, an internal standard solution measurement process (not shown), and a specimen concentration calculation process 13300.

[0059] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an overview of the specimen measurement process 13100. In Figure 6, the specimen measurement process 13100 includes a dilution tank waste liquid process 13110, a specimen dispensing process 13120, a diluent dispensing process 13130, a test solution introducing process 13140, a dilution tank cleaning process 13150, a potential measuring process 13160, and a specimen concentration calculating process 13300. Each process of the specimen measurement process 13100 will be described in detail below.

[0060] In the dilution tank waste liquid process 13110, the measurement control device 1100 operates the dilution tank waste liquid mechanism 1200 to discharge the liquid (internal standard solution 1041, diluent 1031, system water (not shown), etc.) inside the dilution tank 1010. Note that the solenoid valve 1203 is closed until this process is started. The solenoid valve 1203 is basically closed in processes other than the dilution tank waste liquid process. When the solenoid valve 1203 is opened, the inside of the waste liquid flow path 1204 and the waste liquid trap 1201 is evacuated and reduced in pressure by the action of the vacuum pump 1202. On the other hand, when the solenoid valve 1203 is closed, the pressure inside the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is maintained at atmospheric pressure.

[0061] After the start of the measurement process 13000, the measurement control device 1100 drives the vertical drive mechanism to immerse the tip of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 in the dilution tank 1010 (see FIG. 4). More specifically, the tip of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is positioned approximately 1 mm in the radial direction (horizontal direction) from the deepest part 1012 of the dilution tank 1010 and 0.5 mm vertically above the surface of the dilution tank 1010. In this state, the measurement control device 1100 opens the solenoid valve 1203 to provide a reduced pressure environment to the dilution tank 1010 through the waste liquid nozzle 1205.

[0062] The liquid inside the dilution tank 1010 is discharged into the waste liquid trap 1201 through the waste liquid nozzle 1205, the waste liquid flow path 1204, and the solenoid valve 1203. After about one second of discharge, the measurement and control device 1100 closes the solenoid valve 1203 and cuts off the reduced pressure. This causes the pressure inside the waste liquid nozzle 1205 to return to atmospheric pressure. Finally, the measurement and control device 1100 drives the vertical drive mechanism (not shown) to position the tip of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 vertically above the dilution tank 1010 (see FIG. 2). In other words, the tip of the waste liquid nozzle 1205 is moved outside the dilution tank 1010.

[0063] In the specimen dispensing step 13120, the measurement control device 1100 uses the specimen dispensing mechanism 1020 to suck the specimen 1021 into the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022. Thereafter, the measurement control device 1100 brings the tip of the specimen dispensing nozzle 1022 into contact with the inner wall surface of the dilution tank 1010, and discharges all or part of the sucked specimen 1021.

[0064] In the diluent dispensing step 13130, the measurement control device 1100 uses the diluent dispensing mechanism 1030 to dispense the diluent 1031 through the diluent dispensing nozzle 1034 toward the specimen 1021 from a position above the specimen 1021 dispensed into the dilution tank 1010.

[0065] The diluent 1031 spirals along the inner surface of the dilution tank 1010, entraining the specimen 1021 and flowing into the inner bottom of the dilution tank 1010. The specimen 1021 is diluted by the diluent 1031, and the two are uniformly mixed. In this diluent dispensing step 13130, a diluted sample in which the specimen 1021 is diluted with the diluent 1031 at a predetermined ratio (hereinafter referred to as the "dilution ratio") is obtained in the dilution tank 1010. In this embodiment, the dilution ratio is 31 times. The diluted sample is a type of sample solution and is called a "sample solution."

[0066] In the test solution introducing step 13140, the measurement control device 1100 uses a dedicated vertical drive mechanism (not shown) to immerse the test solution suction nozzle 1052 in the sample solution in the dilution tank 1010 (see FIG. 2). In steps other than the test solution introducing step 13140, this vertical drive mechanism basically positions the test solution suction nozzle 1052 vertically above the dilution tank 1010, with the tip of the test solution suction nozzle 1052 protruding outside the dilution tank 1010.

[0067] Next, the measurement control device 1100 links the liquid delivery mechanism 1050 with the reference electrode liquid delivery mechanism 1060 to deliver the reference electrode liquid 1061 to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 via the reference electrode 1090 .

[0068] Next, the measurement control device 1100 sends the sample solution in the dilution tank 1010 as a measurement solution through the Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 in this order to the flow cell type liquid junction 1080. At the junction of the flow paths inside the flow cell type liquid junction 1080, the measurement solution and the reference electrode solution 1061 come into contact with each other, forming a free-flow type liquid junction, and the potential becomes measurable.

[0069] Thereafter, the measurement control device 1100 discharges the liquid between the flow cell type liquid junction 1080 and the liquid delivery mechanism 1050 into the waste liquid reservoir 1059. After the liquid delivery is completed, the measurement control device 1100 uses the vertical drive mechanism for the test solution suction nozzle 1052 to lift the test solution suction nozzle 1052 from the dilution tank 1010.

[0070] In the dilution tank cleaning step 13150, the measurement control device 1100 first performs the same operation as in the dilution tank waste liquid step 13110 described above to discharge the sample solution remaining in the dilution tank 1010. Next, the measurement control device 1100 controls the dilution liquid dispensing mechanism 1030 and the internal standard liquid dispensing mechanism 1040 to dispense system water into the dilution tank 1010 through the sample dispensing nozzle 1022 using a syringe pump (not shown) connected to the sample dispensing nozzle 1022, thereby cleaning the dilution tank 1010. Instead of system water, the dilution liquid 1031 or the internal standard liquid 1041 can also be dispensed. Alternatively, the dilution liquid 1031, the internal standard liquid 1041, and the system water can be dispensed and mixed to clean the dilution tank 1010.

[0071] In the potential measurement process 13160, the measurement control device 1100 measures and records the electromotive forces of the flow cell type Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, and Na-ISE 1073 relative to the reference electrode 1090 using the built-in voltage amplifier, AD converter, microcomputer, etc.

[0072] After this, an analyte concentration calculation step 13300 is executed. In the analyte concentration calculation step 13300, the measurement control device 1100 calculates the concentration ratio between the analyte and the internal standard based on the difference in electromotive force between the diluted analyte in each ISE and the internal standard, which was calculated in the potential measurement step 13160 of the analyte measurement step 13100 and the internal standard measurement step, and the slope sensitivity and dilution factor (31 in this embodiment) calculated in the calibration step 12000 (FIG. 5), which is a calibration curve creation step. The measurement control device 1100 multiplies this concentration ratio by the concentration of the internal standard calculated in the calibration step 12000 to calculate the analyte concentration (before offset correction). The measurement control device 1100 calculates the analyte concentration (after offset correction) by adding the offset correction value to the analyte concentration.

[0073] Through the above procedure, the measurement control device 1100 determines the concentrations of Cl, K, and Na in the sample and reports the results to the user.

[0074] (1-2-4) Judgment process 14000 and shutdown process 15000 Returning to the explanation of Figure 5, after the measurement step 13000, the measurement control device 1100 executes a determination step 14000 to determine whether or not all or part of the samples have been measured, and if all or part of the samples have been measured, executes a shutdown step 15000.

[0075] The temperature control mechanism 1035 and the insulating mechanism 1037 may be thermally separated by a physical space, or by using insulating material, physical contact may occur between the waste liquid nozzle 1205, diluent dispensing nozzle 1034, test solution suction nozzle 1052, Cl-ISE 1071, K-ISE 1072, Na-ISE 1073, flow cell type liquid junction 1080, and flow cell type reference electrode 1090.

[0076] If the shutdown step 15000 is completed and there is no next specimen, the device shutdown step 17000 is then carried out to prepare for power cutoff.

[0077] Next, the effects of this embodiment will be described.

[0078] The automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 of the present embodiment described above includes a dilution tank 1010 used to dispense a sample, an analysis unit 1092 that analyzes the sample dispensed in the dilution tank 1010, a dilution solution 1031 used in the analysis of the sample, a dilution solution containing bottle 1032 that contains an internal standard solution 1041, an internal standard solution containing bottle 1042, a dilution solution flow path 1033 from the dilution solution containing bottle 1032 and the internal standard solution containing bottle 1042 to the dilution tank 1010, and an internal standard solution flow path 1034. 043, a measurement solution suction nozzle 1052 from the dilution tank 1010 to the analysis unit 1092, a first temperature adjustment unit 1091 that adjusts the temperatures of the dilution tank 1010, the measurement solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis unit 1092, a second temperature adjustment unit 1036 that is temperature-controlled independently of the first temperature adjustment unit 1091 and adjusts the temperatures of the dilution solution flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043, and heat insulating mechanisms 1037, 1095 provided between the first temperature adjustment unit 1091 and the second temperature adjustment unit 1036.

[0079] This makes it possible to reduce the influence of temperature control by the second temperature control unit 1036 on the dilution tank 1010, the test solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis unit 1092, whose temperatures are controlled by the first temperature control unit 1091, compared to conventional devices, thereby making it possible to more steadily control the temperature of the measurement unit (electrodes) than conventional devices. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the generation of a temperature gradient with the reagents (dilution solution 1031, internal standard solution 1041) that have passed through the second temperature control unit 1036 for preheating than conventional devices, thereby improving the stability of analytical performance.

[0080] Furthermore, the portions of the diluent flow path 1033 and the internal standard solution flow path 1043 downstream of the second temperature control unit 1036 are placed within the insulation mechanisms 1037, 1095 or within a space whose temperature is controlled by the first temperature control unit 1091, so that temperature changes in the temperature-controlled reagents (diluent 1031, internal standard solution 1041) can be avoided as much as possible, enabling more stable analysis.

[0081] Furthermore, the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 each have a calibration curve for the temperature control temperature relative to the outside air temperature of the environment in which the automatic electrolyte analyzer 1000 is installed, and by controlling the temperature control temperature independently based on the outside air temperature, it is possible to more appropriately control two regions that are desirably controlled with different response speeds.

[0082] Furthermore, at least one of the first temperature control unit 1091 and the second temperature control unit 1036 is controlled by an on / off control pattern selected based on at least one of the timing of liquid delivery or the amount of liquid delivery, thereby preventing the temperature control state of the measurement unit (electrode) from becoming partially unstable and causing a temperature gradient with the reagent that has passed through the preheat unit, thereby further improving the stability of analytical performance.

[0083] Furthermore, by providing a cover 1094 that surrounds the dilution tank 1010, the test solution suction nozzle 1052, and the analysis section 1092 and that allows heat exchange with the first temperature control section 1091, heat is transferred to the cover 1094 simply by controlling the temperature using the first temperature control section 1091, and the temperature of the analysis section 1092 can be controlled more efficiently by radiant heat.

[0084] Furthermore, since the cover 1094 has a metal portion, it can be made to have shielding properties from electromagnetic waves, and can protect the inside of the first temperature control section 1091, particularly the analysis section 1092, from electromagnetic waves, thereby enabling even more accurate analysis to be achieved.

[0085] <Other> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and applications are possible. The above-described embodiment has been described in detail to clearly explain the present invention, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to having all of the described configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1000...Electrolyte automatic analyzer 1010...Dilution tank (dispensing section) 1012...Deepest part 1020...Sample dispensing mechanism 1021...Specimen 1022...Sample dispensing nozzle (dispensing part) 1023...Specimen container 1030...Dilution liquid dispensing mechanism 1031...Diluted solution 1032...Dilution solution storage bottle (storage section) 1033...Dilution fluid flow path (first flow path) 1034...Dilution liquid dispensing nozzle 1035…Temperature control mechanism 1036...Second temperature control section 1037...Thermal insulation mechanism (insulation material) 1040...Internal standard solution dispensing mechanism 1041...Internal standard solution 1042...Internal standard solution bottle (container) 1043...Internal standard solution flow path (first flow path) 1044...Internal standard solution dispensing nozzle 1050...liquid transfer mechanism 1052...Measurement solution suction nozzle (second flow path) 1059...Waste liquid reservoir 1060...Reference electrode solution delivery mechanism 1061...Reference electrode solution 1062...Reference electrode solution bottle 1071...Cl-ISE (chloride ion selective electrode) 1072...K-ISE (potassium ion selective electrode) 1073...Na-ISE (sodium ion selective electrode) 1080…liquid junction 1090…Reference electrode 1091...1st temperature control section 1092...Analysis unit (analysis module) 1093...Cover 1094...Cover (storage lid) 1095...Thermal insulation mechanism (insulation material) 1100...Measurement and control device 1200... Wastewater mechanism for dilution tank 1201...Waste liquid trap 1202...Vacuum pump 1203...Solenoid valve 1204...Waste fluid flow path 1205...Waste liquid nozzle

Claims

1. a dispensing unit used to dispense a sample; an analysis module that analyzes the sample dispensed by the dispensing unit; a container for containing a liquid used in analyzing the sample; a first flow path from the storage unit to the dispensing unit; a second flow path from the dispensing unit to the analysis module; a first temperature control unit that controls the temperatures of the dispensing unit, the second flow path, and the analysis module; a second temperature control unit that is temperature-controlled independently of the first temperature control unit and controls the temperature of the first flow path; a heat insulating material provided between the first temperature adjustment unit and the second temperature adjustment unit. Automatic analyzer.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, A portion of the first flow path downstream of the second temperature control unit is disposed within a heat insulating material or within a space whose temperature is controlled by the first temperature control unit. Automatic analyzer.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The first temperature control unit and the second temperature control unit each have a calibration curve of the temperature control temperature relative to the outside air temperature of the environment in which the automatic analyzer is installed, and the temperature control temperature is independently controlled based on the outside air temperature. Automatic analyzer.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 3, At least one of the first temperature adjustment unit and the second temperature adjustment unit is controlled by an on / off control pattern selected based on at least one of the timing of sending the liquid and the amount of the liquid sent. Automatic analyzer.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, The apparatus further includes a storage lid that encloses the dispensing unit, the second flow path, and the analysis module and is capable of heat exchange with the first temperature control unit. Automatic analyzer.

6. The automatic analyzer according to claim 5, The storage lid has a metal portion. Automatic analyzer.

7. a dispensing unit used to dispense a sample; an analysis module that analyzes the sample dispensed by the dispensing unit; a storage unit that stores a liquid used in analyzing the sample, The dispensing unit, the second flow path from the dispensing unit to the analysis module, and the analysis module and the first flow path from the storage unit to the dispensing unit are independently temperature-controlled by disposing a heat insulating material therebetween. How to operate an automatic analyzer.

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