Calibration curve display method and analytical apparatus

Abstract

To provide a calibration curve display method and an analyzer, with which it is possible to efficiently confirm a calibration curve and confirm accuracy management results using the calibration curve.SOLUTION: A calibration curve display method pertaining to the present invention includes: measuring a standard sample that contains a component of known concentration and is used for creating a calibration curve and creating a calibration curve 91 before approval, on the basis of the obtained measurement result and the known concentration of the component contained in the standard sample; measuring an accuracy management sample that contains a component of known concentration and converting concentration of the obtained measurement result using the calibration curve 91 before approval, thereby acquiring an accuracy management result 88 related to the component concentration contained in the accuracy management sample; and displaying a screen 801 that includes the calibration curve 91 before approval and the accuracy management result 88.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a calibration curve display method and an analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of clinical examinations, a specimen analyzer for measuring the concentration or the like of a specific substance contained in a specimen such as plasma, serum, or urine is known. In such a specimen analyzer, a calibration curve is used to convert data representing the characteristics of the specimen into a concentration. For example, a blood coagulation analyzer that analyzes the blood coagulation ability measures the coagulation time representing the coagulation characteristics of plasma as a specimen, and calculates the concentration of fibrinogen, coagulation factors, etc. contained in the specimen by applying the coagulation time to a calibration curve.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic analyzer capable of measuring a standard sample containing a component with a known concentration and creating a calibration curve based on the relationship between the measured value and the known concentration value. The automatic analyzer of Patent Document 1 can measure a patient specimen and a precision control sample, and calculate concentration data using a calibration curve. The automatic analyzer of Patent Document 1 can display a precision control screen in which the concentration data obtained by measuring the precision control sample is plotted in time series. An operator can confirm whether the automatic analyzer can analyze accurately by comparing the concentration data obtained by measuring the precision control sample with the average value and the SD value displayed on the precision control screen.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to use a calibration curve created based on the measurement results of standard samples for measuring specimens, the validity of the calibration curve must be confirmed and approved as a calibration curve that can be used for measuring specimens. When confirming the validity of the calibration curve, the operator checks the linearity of the calibration curve and the measurement results of the measured standard samples. Furthermore, in order to confirm that the concentration conversion is performed appropriately by the calibration curve, a quality control sample may be measured experimentally, and the concentration value obtained by applying the measurement result to the calibration curve is compared with the indicated value of the quality control sample to confirm that the calibration curve is producing appropriate analytical results. Once it is confirmed that the concentration value of the quality control sample is appropriate, the operator approves the calibration curve.

[0006] However, conventional automated analyzers, including those mentioned in Patent Document 1, had separate screens for displaying calibration curves and quality control results. As a result, users had to switch between the two screens to check the calibration curve and to check the analysis results of the quality control samples.

[0007] This invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a calibration curve display method and analytical apparatus that enable efficient verification of calibration curves and verification of quality control results using calibration curves. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] As a result of various studies, the inventors have found that the above objective can be achieved by the present invention described below.

[0009] A calibration curve display method according to one aspect of the present invention includes measuring a standard sample for creating a calibration curve, which contains components of known concentration; creating a pre-approval calibration curve based on the obtained measurement results and the known concentrations of components contained in the standard sample; measuring a quality control sample containing components of known concentration; obtaining quality control results regarding the component concentrations contained in the quality control sample by converting the obtained measurement results to concentrations using the pre-approval calibration curve; and displaying a screen that includes the pre-approval calibration curve and the quality control results obtained based on the pre-approval calibration curve.

[0010] In this configuration, since the pre-approval calibration curve and the quality control results are included on the same screen, the operator does not need to switch screens to confirm the validity of the pre-approval calibration curve based on the quality control results. As a result, the process of confirming the validity of the calibration curve can be made easier and more efficient.

[0011] In another embodiment, the screen includes a button for accepting an operation to approve the calibration curve. According to this embodiment, the validity of the calibration curve can be confirmed and then approved without switching screens.

[0012] In another embodiment, upon receiving an operation to approve a calibration curve, the unapproved calibration curve displayed on the screen is registered as the calibration curve to be used for measuring the sample. According to this embodiment, it becomes possible to measure the sample using the approved calibration curve.

[0013] In another embodiment, the screen further includes attribute information of the calibration curve before approval. According to this embodiment, the attribute information of the calibration curve can be checked and the validity of the calibration curve can be confirmed without switching screens.

[0014] In another embodiment, the quality control results and attribute information are displayed in a switchable manner according to the operator's actions. This embodiment allows for increasing the display area of ​​individual pieces of information on the screen while providing useful information for verifying the calibration curve on a single screen.

[0015] In another embodiment, the screen includes upper and lower limits for the quality control results. According to this embodiment, it is easy to confirm whether the quality control results are within an acceptable range.

[0016] In another embodiment, the screen includes a target value for the accuracy control result. In this embodiment, it is easy to check how much the accuracy control result deviates from the target value.

[0017] In another aspect, the screen includes, in addition to the accuracy management result, a time-series display of a plurality of accuracy management results obtained in the past. According to this aspect, it is possible to easily confirm whether the accuracy management result obtained using the calibration curve before approval is continuous with respect to the trend of the accuracy management results obtained using the calibration curves obtained in the past.

[0018] In another aspect, the screen includes a graph of the calibration curve before approval and the accuracy management results plotted on the graph. According to this aspect, since the accuracy management results obtained using the calibration curve before approval can be confirmed on the graph, information for confirming the validity of the calibration curve can be aggregated in one place.

Advantages of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify and streamline the confirmation of the calibration curve and the confirmation operation of the accuracy management result using the calibration curve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view schematically showing the external configuration of the specimen analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a top view schematically showing the configuration of the measurement unit and the conveyance unit. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the configuration of the detection unit. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measurement unit. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of the specimen analyzer in a simplified manner. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of a coagulation curve. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of a calibration curve. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the specimen analyzer. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the specimen measurement analysis process. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the measurement unit. [Figure 11] The process for creating a calibration curve is fascinating. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the calibration curve verification QC process. [Figure 13] This figure shows an example of the calibration curve screen before calibration curve verification QC. [Figure 14] This figure shows the first example of a calibration curve screen. [Figure 15] This figure shows a second example of the calibration curve screen. [Figure 16] This figure shows a third example of the calibration curve screen. [Figure 17] This figure shows the fourth example of the calibration curve screen. [Figure 18] This figure shows an example of displaying the calibration curve and QC results in separate windows. [Figure 19] This figure shows an example of displaying the calibration curve and QC results on a separate computer screen. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, components denoted by the same reference numerals are identified as the same components, and their descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the external configuration of a specimen analyzer 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hardware configuration of the specimen analyzer 1 of this embodiment is disclosed in detail in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018-0267069, and all of its disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. This specification will describe the device configuration focusing on the parts relevant to the present invention. The specimen analyzer 1 comprises a measurement unit 2, a transport unit 3, and an analysis unit 4. The specimen analyzer 1 is a blood coagulation analyzer that analyzes the coagulation ability of blood as a specimen. In this specification, the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions are defined by the directions of the arrows shown in Figure 1.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic top view showing the configuration of the measuring unit 2 and the transport unit 3. The transport unit 3 is located in front of the measuring unit 2.

[0024] The transport unit 3 comprises a rack setting unit 11, a rack transport unit 12, and a rack retrieval unit 13. The rack setting unit 11 is an area for placing a sample rack 15, on which one or more sample containers 14 to be analyzed are set, into the sample analyzer 1. The sample rack 15, on which the sample containers 14 containing the samples are placed, is set into the rack setting unit 11 by the operator.

[0025] The rack transport unit 12 is located between the rack setting unit 11 and the rack retrieval unit 13.

[0026] The rack retrieval section 13 is an area for retrieving and storing sample racks 15 that have been transported by the rack transport section 12 after sample collection has been completed. The rack retrieval section 13 is located downstream of the rack transport section 12.

[0027] The transport unit 3 transports the sample rack 15, which is located in the rack set unit 11, to the rack transport unit 12, and sequentially positions each sample container 14 at the sample aspiration position 16. The sample dispensing unit 18 collects samples from the sample containers 14 positioned at the sample aspiration position 16 by aspiration. Once the transport unit 3 has finished collecting samples from one or more sample containers 14 that the operator has instructed to measure among the sample containers 14 set in the sample rack 15, it transports the sample rack 15 to the rack retrieval unit 13 for retrieval and storage.

[0028] The measurement unit 2 prepares a measurement sample by mixing a reagent with the sample collected at the sample aspiration position 16, and then measures this prepared measurement sample. The measurement unit 2 includes a sample dispensing unit 18, a reaction vessel holding unit 22, a reagent storage unit 23, a reagent dispensing unit 27-1, a reagent dispensing unit 27-2, a heating unit 30, a sample measurement unit 34, and a sample information reading unit 17.

[0029] The reagent storage section 23 stores reagents used in the preparation of the measurement sample. Specifically, the reagent storage section 23 is a disc-shaped member in plan view, with a plurality of reagent holding holes 25 formed at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction for holding reagent containers containing reagents. In the example shown in Figure 2, the plurality of reagent holding holes 25 arranged in the circumferential direction are formed in three rows in the radial direction. The reagent storage section 23 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction around its center axis. The reagents stored in the reagent storage section 23 are reagents for measuring prothrombin time, or reagents for measuring fibrinogen, etc.

[0030] The reaction vessel holder 22 holds a reaction vessel 26 for preparing a measurement sample by reacting the sample with a reagent. The reaction vessel holder 22 is an annular member in plan view, with a plurality of holding holes 24 formed circumferentially at predetermined intervals for holding the reaction vessel 26. The reaction vessel holder 22 is configured to be rotatable circumferentially about its center as an axis.

[0031] The sample dispensing unit 18 collects a sample by aspirating it from a sample container 14 positioned at the sample aspiration position 16, and discharges the collected sample into the reaction vessel 26 of the reaction vessel holding unit 22. Specifically, the sample dispensing unit 18 comprises a sample aspiration nozzle 19 for aspirating a sample from the sample container 14, an arm 20 which is a rod-shaped member with the sample aspiration nozzle 19, which has its aspiration opening facing downward, attached to one end, and a drive mechanism 21 attached to the other end of the arm 20. The drive mechanism 21 can drive the arm 20 in the vertical direction and in the circumferential direction with the other end of the arm 20 as an axis. The sample dispensing unit 18 is positioned between the sample aspiration position 16 and the reaction vessel holding unit 22 so that it can collect a sample at the sample aspiration position 16 and discharge the collected sample into the reaction vessel 26 of the reaction vessel holding unit 22.

[0032] Between the sample aspiration position 16 and the reaction vessel holding section 22, a diluent holding hole 38 is formed for holding a diluent container containing a predetermined diluent. The sample dispensing section 18 can aspirate the diluent from the diluent container held in the diluent holding hole 38 and dispense it into the reaction vessel 26. As a result, in the calibration curve creation process described later, the sample dispensing section 18 can dispense the standard sample and diluent into the reaction vessel and prepare multiple measurement samples with different dilution ratios based on the standard sample.

[0033] The heating unit 30 is located adjacent to the reaction vessel holding unit 22, to its right rear. The heating unit 30 heats the sample contained in the reaction vessel 26 to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 37°C) according to the measurement. The heating unit 30 comprises a heating and holding unit 31 and a transfer unit 33. The heating and holding unit 31 is a disc-shaped unit in plan view, with a plurality of holding holes 32 for holding the reaction vessel 26 formed around its periphery at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. The heating and holding unit 31 is configured to be rotatable about its center as an axis. The heating and holding unit 31 comprises a horizontal arm 33-1 that can be extended horizontally, a container catcher 33-2 provided at the tip of the horizontal arm 33-1, and a rotation mechanism 33-3 that rotates the horizontal arm 33-1 about its base as an axis. The transfer unit 33 rotates and extends the horizontal arm 33-1 using the rotation mechanism 33-3 to capture the reaction vessel 26 held in the reaction vessel holding unit 22 with the vessel catcher 33-2, and then shortens the horizontal arm 33-1 to transfer it to the heating and holding unit 31. The transfer unit 33 also rotates and extends the horizontal arm 33-1 using the rotation mechanism 33-3 to transfer the reaction vessel 26 held by the vessel catcher 33-2 to a position 28-1-1 directly below the reagent suction nozzle 28-1 of the reagent dispensing unit 27-1 and to a position 28-2-1 directly below the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 of the reagent dispensing unit 27-2.

[0034] The reagent dispensing unit 27-1 is located above the reagent storage unit 23, the reaction vessel holding unit 22, and the heating unit 30. The reagent dispensing unit 27-1 collects a predetermined amount of reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 23 by aspirating it, and discharges this collected reagent into the reaction vessel 26, which has been moved to a position 28-1-1 directly below the reagent suction nozzle 28-1. This mixes the sample and the reagent to prepare the sample. The reagent dispensing unit 27-1 includes a reagent suction nozzle 28-1 that aspirates reagent from the reagent container held in the reagent holding hole 25, and a rod-shaped member, the guide 29-1, to which the reagent suction nozzle 28-1, with its suction port facing downwards, is attached. The reagent suction nozzle 28-1 is movable horizontally between one end and the other end of the guide 29-1 by a stepping motor 29A (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the reagent suction nozzle 28-1 is movable vertically by a stepping motor 29B (see Figure 4). One end of the guide 29-1 is located above the reagent storage section 23, and the other end is located near the heating section 30. To allow reagents to be drawn from the reagent storage section 23, the reagent dispensing section 27-1 is positioned such that the guide 29-1 spans from near the center to the periphery of the disc-shaped reagent storage section 23. For this reason, the reagent dispensing section 27-1 overlaps with the reaction vessel holding section 22 and the reagent storage section 23 in a plan view, and is therefore shown as a dashed line in Figure 2. The same applies to the reagent dispensing section 27-2.

[0035] Similarly, the reagent dispensing unit 27-2 collects a predetermined amount of the activating reagent stored in the reagent storage unit 23 for initiating the coagulation reaction by aspirating it, and discharges this collected activating reagent into the reaction vessel 26, which has been transferred from the heating unit 30 to a position 28-2-1 directly below the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 of the reagent dispensing unit 27-2 by the transfer unit 37. This mixes the sample and the activating reagent and starts the coagulation reaction. The reagent dispensing unit 27-2 includes a reagent suction nozzle 28-2 for aspirating reagent from a reagent container held in the reagent holding hole 25, and a rod-shaped member, the guide 29-2, to which the reagent suction nozzle 28-2, with its suction opening facing downwards, is attached. The reagent suction nozzle 28-2 is equipped with a liquid level sensor (not shown). The reagent suction nozzle 28-2 is movable horizontally between one end and the other end of the guide 29-2 by a stepping motor 29A (see Figure 4). Furthermore, the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 is movable vertically by a stepping motor 29B (see Figure 4). One end of the guide 29-2 is located above the reagent storage section 23, and the other end is located near the heating section 30 and the sample measurement section 34. To allow reagents to be collected from the reagent storage section 23, the reagent dispensing section 27-2 is positioned such that the guide 29-2 spans from near the center to the periphery of the disc-shaped reagent storage section 23.

[0036] The sample measurement unit 34 is located adjacent to and behind the heating unit 30. The sample measurement unit 34 irradiates light onto the sample contained in the reaction vessel 26, detects an optical signal, and outputs a digital signal corresponding to the light intensity. The sample measurement unit 34 includes a sample holding plate 35, a transfer unit 37, and a detection unit 39 (see Figure 4). The sample holding plate 35 is a box-shaped member with a plurality of sample holding holes 36 formed at predetermined intervals for holding the reaction vessel 26. The transfer unit 37 includes a horizontal arm 37-1 that can be extended horizontally, a container catcher 37-2 provided at the tip of the horizontal arm 37-1, and a sliding mechanism 37-3 that slides the horizontal arm 37-1 in the left-right direction. The transfer unit 37 transfers the reaction vessel 26, which is held in the holding hole 32 of the heating and holding unit 31 of the heating unit 30, to the sample holding hole 36 of the sample holding plate 35, via a position 28-2-1 directly below the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 of the reagent dispensing unit 27-2.

[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the detection unit 39 includes a light source unit 39A that irradiates light onto the sample contained in the reaction vessel 26 held in the sample holding hole 36, and a light receiving unit 39B that receives the light transmitted through the sample and converts an analog electrical signal corresponding to the received light intensity into a digital signal for output.

[0038] Returning to Figure 2, the specimen information reading unit 17 is a device that reads specimen information from a specimen information member that stores specimen information. The specimen information reading unit 17 is positioned facing the rack transport unit 12 so that it can read specimen information from the specimen information member attached to the specimen container 14 being transported by the rack transport unit 12. The specimen information member is a label printed with a machine-readable code on which specimen information is recorded, and the specimen information reading unit 17 is equipped with a code reader. The machine-readable code is a one-dimensional barcode, and the specimen information reading unit 17 is a barcode reader.

[0039] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measurement unit 2. The measurement unit 2 includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, and a communication unit 43, and as shown in Figure 2, a sample dispensing unit 18, a reaction vessel holding unit 22, transfer units 33, 37, a heating unit 30, a reagent storage unit 23, a sample information reading unit 17, a reagent dispensing unit 27, and a detection unit 39.

[0040] The control unit 41 is a circuit for controlling the operation of each part of the measuring unit 2 and the transport unit 3 according to their respective functions. The control unit 41 is configured, for example, with a CPU and its peripheral circuits.

[0041] The storage unit 42 includes a hard disk for storing various programs and data used by the control unit 41 to control each part of the measurement unit 2 and the transport unit 3.

[0042] The communication unit 43 is a circuit that performs data input and output with external devices according to the control of the control unit 41. The communication unit 43 is configured to include an interface circuit using, for example, Ethernet and any communication standard such as IEEE1394.

[0043] Figure 5 is a simplified block diagram showing the configuration of the analysis unit 4. The analysis unit 4 comprises a control unit 51, a storage unit 52, a display unit 53, an input unit 54, and a communication unit 55.

[0044] The control unit 51 is a circuit for controlling the operation of each part of the analysis unit 4 according to its respective function. The control unit 51 is configured, for example, with a CPU and its peripheral circuits.

[0045] The memory unit 52 is a circuit that stores various programs 60 and various data. Like the memory unit 42, the memory unit 52 is configured with a hard disk drive. The programs 60 are stored in the memory unit 52.

[0046] Program 60 includes a control program, an analysis processing program, a calibration curve processing program, and a quality control program. The control program is a program for controlling each part of the analysis unit 4 (storage unit 52, display unit 53, input unit 54, and communication unit 55) according to the function of each part. The analysis processing program is a program for executing predetermined processes related to sample measurement (reagent setting, calibration curve setting, and analysis of measurement results, etc.). The calibration curve processing program is a program for executing predetermined processes related to standard sample measurement (calibration curve creation and display, etc.). The quality control program is a program for executing predetermined processes related to quality control sample measurement (setting execution conditions and displaying measurement results, etc.).

[0047] The display unit 53 is a display equipped with a computer screen such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display. The display unit 53 is equipped with a touch panel and may be configured integrally with the input unit 54 described later. The display unit 53 is connected to the control unit 51 via an HDMI or RGB cable. The display unit 53 displays image data of various screens input from the control unit 51 on the computer screen.

[0048] The input unit 54 is a device that inputs various commands, such as commands to instruct the creation of a calibration curve, and various data necessary for operating the sample analyzer 1, into the sample analyzer 1. The input unit 54 is configured to include a pointing device including a keyboard, mouse, or touch panel, and a plurality of input switches to which predetermined functions are assigned.

[0049] The communication unit 55 is a circuit that performs data input and output with external devices, including the communication unit 43 of the measurement unit 2, in accordance with the control of the control unit 51. The communication unit 55 is configured to include, for example, an interface circuit using Ethernet and any communication standard such as IEEE1394.

[0050] <Operation of Sample Analyzer 1> Next, the operation flow of the sample analyzer 1 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. The process in Figure 8 is achieved when the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 executes the program 60 stored in the storage unit 52.

[0051] In step S1, the control unit 51 executes a calibration curve creation process to create a calibration curve. Details of calibration curve creation will be described later with reference to Figure 11. In step S2, the control unit 51 applies the measurement results obtained from measuring a quality control sample to the calibration curve so that the operator can confirm the validity of the calibration curve created in step S1, obtains the analysis results of the quality control sample (referred to as QC results), and displays a calibration curve confirmation screen including the QC results and the calibration curve. Details of calibration curve confirmation QC will be described later with reference to Figure 12. In step S3, the control unit 51 approves (validates) the calibration curve based on the operator's input. In step S4, the control unit 51 measures and analyzes a sample using the validated calibration curve.

[0052] <Sample measurement processing> The sample measurement and analysis process in step S4 will be explained with reference to Figures 2 to 7 and Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 is a flowchart detailing the sample measurement and analysis process. The operator sets the sample container 14 containing the sample in the rack 15 and sets the rack 15 in the rack setting unit 11. When the operator operates the input unit 54 to instruct the start of measurement, in step S10, the control unit 51 determines that it has received the instruction to start measurement (YES in S10). If the instruction to start measurement has not been received (NO in S10), the control unit 51 returns the process to the main routine in Figure 8.

[0053] In step S11, the control unit 51, having received the instruction to start measurement, transmits a sample measurement command to the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2.

[0054] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2. In step S131, the control unit 41 determines whether or not it has received a measurement command from the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4. If it has not received a measurement command (NO in S131), the control unit 41 repeats the process of step S131. When the control unit 41 receives a sample measurement command (YES in S131), in step S132, it controls each part so that the measurement unit 2 operates as described below, mixing the sample and reagent to prepare a measurement sample and measuring the measurement sample. The rack set unit 11 positions the rack 15 set in the rack set unit 11 onto the rack transport unit 12. The rack transport unit 12 positions the sample container 14 set in the rack 15 at the sample aspiration position 16. The sample dispensing unit 18 collects a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 14 at the sample aspiration position 16 by aspirating it with the sample aspiration nozzle 19 and discharges the sample into the reaction vessel 26 held in the holding hole 24 of the reaction vessel holding unit 22. This dispenses the sample from the sample container 14 into the reaction vessel 26. Once the sample is dispensed into the reaction vessel 26, the reaction vessel holder 22 rotates, and the reaction vessel 26 is moved to the vicinity of the heating unit 30. The transfer unit 33 of the heating unit 30 transfers the reaction vessel 26 from the holding hole 24 of the reaction vessel holder 22 to the holding hole 32 of the heating unit 30. The heating unit 30 heats the reaction vessel 26. The reagent dispensing unit 27-1 collects a predetermined amount of reagent by aspirating it from the reagent storage unit 23 using the reagent aspiration nozzle 28-1. The transfer unit 33 moves the reaction vessel 26 from the heating and holding unit 31 to a position 28-1-1 directly below the movement path of the reagent aspiration nozzle 28-1. The reagent dispensing unit 27-1 moves the reagent suction nozzle 28-1 above the reaction vessel 26 and dispenses the reagent from the reagent suction nozzle 28-1 into the reaction vessel 26. This dispenses the reagent into the reaction vessel 26, and the sample is prepared by mixing the sample and the reagent. The transfer unit 33 transfers the reaction vessel 26, which has been dispensed with the reagent, to the holding hole 32 of the heating unit 30. Next, the heating and holding unit 31 of the heating unit 30 rotates, positioning the reaction vessel 26 near the sample measurement unit 34. The transfer unit 37 of the sample measurement unit 34 transfers the reaction vessel 26 from the heating and holding unit 31 to a position 28-2-1 directly below the movement path of the reagent suction nozzle 28-2.The reagent dispensing unit 27-2 moves the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 and discharges the activating reagent from the reagent suction nozzle 28-2 into the reaction vessel 26. The transfer unit 33 transfers the reaction vessel 26, which has been dispensed with the activating reagent, to the sample holding hole 36 of the sample measurement unit 34.

[0055] The light source unit 39A of the sample measurement unit 34 irradiates light onto the sample contained in the reaction vessel 26, which has been transferred to the sample holding hole 36. The light receiving unit 39B receives the light transmitted through the sample and converts the analog electrical signal corresponding to the received light intensity into a digital signal for output. The light irradiation by the light source unit 39A and the light reception by the light receiving unit 39B are carried out continuously for a predetermined time, and the digital signal output from the light receiving unit 39B is stored in the storage unit 42 as time-series measurement data representing the change in the amount of transmitted light over time.

[0056] In step S133, the control unit 41 transmits the measurement data stored in the memory unit 42 (time-series data of transmitted light output from the light receiving unit 39B) to the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 via the communication unit 43. After transmitting the measurement data to the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4, the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2 returns the process to S131.

[0057] Returning to Figure 9, in step S12, the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 receives the measurement data transmitted from the measurement unit 2 via the communication unit 55 and stores the received measurement data in the storage unit 52.

[0058] In step S13, the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 calculates the coagulation time of the sample based on the received measurement data. Figure 6 shows a typical coagulation curve used to calculate the coagulation time. The vertical axis in the graph of Figure 6 represents the magnitude of the digital signal output from the light receiving unit 39B, i.e., the transmitted light amount. The horizontal axis in the graph of Figure 6 represents the elapsed time since the light receiving unit 39B started receiving light. Figure 6 shows the percentage detection method as an example of how to calculate the coagulation time. The percentage detection method sets the transmitted light amount at the baseline L1 before the progress of the coagulation reaction is confirmed to be 0%, the transmitted light amount at the coagulation reaction stop point (L2) to be 100%, and calculates the time it takes for the transmitted light amount to reach the coagulation detection % as the coagulation time. The coagulation detection % is set as a predetermined ratio value to the interval between the transmitted light amount at baseline L1 and the transmitted light amount at the coagulation reaction stop point. The coagulation detection % is used to search for the coagulation point where the transmitted light amount has changed by a predetermined percentage (coagulation detection %) from baseline L1. The coagulation detection percentage is set to a value greater than 0 and less than 100. For example, the coagulation detection percentage is set to 50%. The control unit 51 calculates the elapsed time when the coagulation detection percentage reaches 50% as the coagulation time. The control unit 51 stores the calculated coagulation time in the storage unit 52.

[0059] Referring again to Figure 9, in step S14, the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 applies the calculated coagulation time to an approved calibration curve stored in the memory unit 52 and converts it to the concentration of a predetermined component contained in the sample. The calibration curve is created and approved in advance and stored in the memory unit 52 prior to the measurement of the sample.

[0060] Figure 7 shows an example of a calibration curve. In the graph in Figure 7, the vertical axis represents coagulation time, the horizontal axis represents the concentration of antithrombin (AT), which is an example of a predetermined component, and line α is the calibration curve. The calibration curve is given as an approximate formula that shows the relationship between the coagulation time, which is obtained as a measurement result by measuring the sample, and the concentration of the target component. Therefore, if the coagulation time is obtained by measuring the sample, the concentration of the component corresponding to that coagulation time can be determined by applying the coagulation time to the calibration curve.

[0061] Referring again to Figure 9, in step S15, the control unit 51 displays the coagulation time as a measurement result and the concentration conversion value as an analysis result obtained in step S12 on the display unit 53.

[0062] <Calibration curve creation process> Referring to Figure 11, the calibration curve creation process in step S1 of Figure 8 will be explained. A standard sample with a known concentration of the target component is used to create the calibration curve. A standard sample is a sample containing a component at a known concentration, and commercially available standard human plasma is preferably used. Prior to measuring the standard sample, the operator inputs the name and lot number of the standard sample, the measurement item, the reagent lot set, the number of standard samples to be measured, and the target concentration into the analysis unit 4 via the input unit 54. Next, the operator sets the container containing the standard sample in the rack 15 instead of the sample container 14, and sets the rack 15 in the rack setting unit 11 of the measurement unit 2. The operator inputs the instruction to create the calibration curve via the input unit 54.

[0063] In step S100, the control unit 51 determines whether or not it has received an instruction to create a calibration curve. If the instruction has not been received (NO in S100), the control unit 51 returns to the main routine in Figure 8. If the instruction has been received (YES in S100), in step S101, the control unit 51 sends a standard sample measurement command to the measurement unit 2 to dilute the standard sample, mix it with the reagent to prepare the measurement sample, and measure the measurement sample.

[0064] The operation of the measurement unit 2 upon receiving a measurement command for a standard sample is the same as the operation described with reference to Figure 10, except that it measures the standard sample instead of the actual sample. When the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2 receives the measurement command, it controls the rack setting unit 11 to position the rack 15 on the rack transport unit 12. The control unit 41 then drives the rack transport unit 12 to position the container containing the standard sample set on the rack 15 at the sample aspiration position 16.

[0065] The control unit 41 drives the sample dispensing unit 18 to collect a predetermined amount of standard sample from the container at the sample aspiration position 16 by aspirating it with the sample aspiration nozzle 19, and discharges it into the reaction vessel 26 held in the holding hole 24 of the reaction vessel holding unit 22. Since it is necessary to measure multiple samples diluted to different concentrations of the standard sample in order to create a calibration curve, the same number of reaction vessels 26 as the number of standard samples to be measured, which were entered by the operator prior to measurement, are dispensed into the same number of reaction vessels 26.

[0066] The control unit 41 controls the sample dispensing unit 18 to draw diluent from the diluent container held in the diluent holding hole 38 and discharge it into the reaction vessel 26 into which the standard sample has been dispensed. The amount of diluent to be dispensed is determined by the control unit 51 based on the known concentration of the component to be measured contained in the standard sample and the target concentration entered by the operator. Specifically, the memory unit 52 of the analysis unit 4 stores the concentrations of the components contained in the standard sample in association with the lot number. The control unit 51 calculates the amount of diluent needed to bring the known concentration stored in the memory unit 52 to the target concentration entered by the operator, and dispenses the required amount of diluent into the sample dispensing unit 18. As a result, multiple standard samples diluted to different concentrations are prepared.

[0067] Subsequently, following the same procedure as the sample measurement process described above, the reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 26 by the reagent dispensing unit 27-1 to prepare the measurement sample, the measurement sample is heated by the heating unit 30, and the measurement sample is measured by the detection unit 39. The control unit 41 stores the measurement data obtained by the measurement in the storage unit 42 and transmits it to the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4.

[0068] In step S102, the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4 receives the measurement data transmitted from the measurement unit 2 via the communication unit 55 and stores the received measurement data in the storage unit 52.

[0069] In step S103, the control unit 51 calculates the solidification time for each of the multiple standard samples based on the measurement data and stores the measurement results in the storage unit 52.

[0070] In step 104, the control unit 51 plots multiple points (P1, P2, P3) on a graph, as shown in Figure 7, where the coagulation time obtained by measuring the standard sample intersects with the target concentration of the standard substance (i.e., the component concentration in the standard sample after dilution). Based on these plots, it creates an approximation line as calibration curve α and stores it in the storage unit 52 along with the calibration curve information. The calibration curve information includes the date and time the calibration curve was created, information on the standard substance used to create the calibration curve (calibrator name, lot number, expiration date), information on the reagent lot set used to create the calibration curve, the measurement conditions of the standard substance, and the measurement results.

[0071] In step S105, the control unit 51 displays the calibration curve stored in the memory unit 52 on the display unit 53. Figure 13 shows the calibration curve screen 80 displayed on the display unit 53. As shown in Figure 13, the calibration curve screen 80 displays a graph display area 85 in which the calibration curve 91 is displayed as a graph, and a calibration curve information area 86 in which information related to the calibration curve is displayed.

[0072] The control unit 51 creates a graph of the target calibration curve 91 based on the calibration curve data read from the storage unit 52, and places the graph in the graph display area 85 of the calibration curve screen 80, as shown in Figure 13. The horizontal axis (X axis) of the graph is concentration, and the vertical axis (Y axis) is solidification time (measurement result). In addition to a straight line or curve representing the calibration curve 91, the graph plots and displays point data of multiple measurement samples corresponding to multiple standard samples with different concentrations measured when the calibration curve was created.

[0073] The control unit 51 displays the calibration curve information read from the storage unit 52 in the calibration curve information area 86 on the calibration curve screen 80. As shown in Figure 13, area 86 includes area 86A, which displays the attribute information of the calibration curve, and area 86B, which displays the measurement results of the standard samples used to create the calibration curve. The attribute information of the calibration curve displayed in area 86A includes the calibration curve ID, creator information, the expiration date of the calibration curve, the date and time the calibration curve was created, information on the standard samples used to create the calibration curve, and information on the reagent lot used to create the calibration curve. Area 86B includes the measurement results (coagulation time) at multiple measurement points and the component concentrations of the standard samples after dilution. In the example in Figure 13, attribute information for an unvalidated calibration curve immediately after creation is shown in area 86A. However, the information in area 86A may be masked until the calibration curve is validated, and only the measurement result information may be displayed in area 86B.

[0074] The calibration curve screen 80 includes a status area 82 that displays the status of the calibration curve. Figure 13 is an example screen showing a calibration curve before approval, and the status area 82 displays "Not Validated" to indicate that it has not yet been approved. When the calibration curve 91 is approved, the status area 82 displays "Validated".

[0075] The operator confirms the validity of the calibration curve 91 by verifying, for example, the shape and linearity of the graph of the calibration curve 91 displayed in area 85, and the validity of the numerical values ​​of the measurement results displayed in area 86, on the calibration curve screen 80 shown in Figure 13. If the operator determines that the calibration curve 91 can be used for measuring the sample, they can validate the unapproved calibration curve 91 by operating the validate button 90 displayed at the top of the screen. On the other hand, if the operator wants to measure a quality control sample before validation and confirm the validity of the calibration curve 91 based on the measurement results of the quality control sample, they can perform calibration curve confirmation QC as described later.

[0076] If the validity of the calibration curve 91 cannot be confirmed, for example, if the shape of the calibration curve is not appropriate, the operator can also correct the measurement points of the calibration curve 91 by operating the correction button 95. The correction of the calibration curve is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020-0103428, and all of its disclosures are incorporated herein by reference.

[0077] <Calibration curve verification QC processing> Figure 12 is a flowchart of the calibration curve confirmation QC process performed in step S2 of Figure 8. In calibration curve confirmation QC, quality control samples are used. A quality control sample is a sample containing the analyte at a known concentration, and in this embodiment, it is control plasma in which the amount of components related to blood coagulation has been adjusted. Coagtrol N manufactured by Sysmex Corporation is preferably used as the control plasma. For each lot of quality control samples, the manufacturer sets target values, upper limits, and lower limits, and the accuracy of measurement and analysis by the sample analyzer 1 can be verified by comparing the results obtained by measuring and analyzing the quality control sample with the above values.

[0078] When performing calibration curve confirmation QC, the operator inputs the name and lot number of the quality control sample, the measurement item, and the reagent lot set into the analysis unit 4 via the input unit 54 prior to measuring the quality control sample. The operator then places the container containing the quality control sample in the rack 15 in place of the sample container 14, sets the rack 15 into the rack setting unit 11, and instructs the operator to perform calibration curve confirmation QC via the input unit 54.

[0079] In step S111, the control unit 51 determines whether it has received an instruction from the operator via the input unit 54 to perform calibration curve confirmation QC. If the instruction has been received (YES in S111), the control unit 51 sends a measurement command for the quality control sample to the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2 in step S112. Upon receiving the measurement command, the control unit 41 of the measurement unit 2 performs the measurement of the quality control sample in the same manner as described with reference to Figure 10. Once the measurement is complete, the measurement data of the quality control sample is sent from the measurement unit 2 to the control unit 51 of the analysis unit 4. In step S113, the control unit 51 receives the measurement data of the quality control sample and stores it in the storage unit 52. In step S114, the control unit 51 calculates the solidification time, which is the measurement result, based on the measurement data of the quality control sample and stores it in the storage unit 52.

[0080] In step S115, the control unit 51 generates an analysis result by applying the QC result (solidification time of the quality control sample) to an unapproved calibration curve 91 and converting it to a concentration. The control unit 51 stores the generated analysis result in the storage unit 52.

[0081] In step S116, the control unit 51 displays the calibration curve screen 801, including the results of the calibration curve confirmation QC, on the display unit 53. While this example shows the calibration curve screen 801 being automatically displayed on the display unit 53 immediately after step S115, the system may also be configured to transition to the calibration curve screen in response to instructions from the operator.

[0082] Figure 14 shows the calibration curve screen 801 displayed after the calibration curve confirmation QC is performed. As shown in Figure 14, the calibration curve screen 801 after the calibration curve confirmation QC is performed displays the calibration curve information area 86, as well as the QC results area 88 which displays the analysis results from the calibration curve confirmation QC. Area 88 includes (1) solidification time, (2) analysis results, (3) upper limit, (4) target value, and (5) lower limit. The solidification time is the solidification time calculated based on the measurement data obtained by measuring the quality control sample in the measurement unit 2. The analysis result is the concentration-converted value obtained by applying the solidification time of the quality control sample to the target calibration curve 91, and in the example of Figure 14, it is the fibrinogen concentration. The upper limit, target value, and lower limit are the target value (known concentration) of a predetermined component contained in the quality control sample, and the upper and lower limits that define the acceptable range based on the target value, which are pre-stored in the storage unit 52 in association with the lot number of the quality control sample.

[0083] The operator can determine whether the target calibration curve can be validated by referring to the calibration curve graph 91, which is simultaneously displayed on the screen, and the QC results displayed in area 88. Specifically, the operator checks whether the linearity of the calibration curve 91 is sufficient and whether each point of the calibration curve 91 is not misaligned, based on the shape of the calibration curve graph 91. Furthermore, the operator checks whether the value of the analysis result is within the acceptable range defined by the upper and lower limits of the quality control sample, based on the calibration curve confirmation QC displayed in area 88. In the example in Figure 14, the analysis result of the low-concentration quality control sample (Citrol 1) is 82.6 mg / dL, which falls within the acceptable range between the upper limit of 120.4 mg / dL and the lower limit of 58.8 mg / dL. The analysis result of the high-concentration quality control sample (COAG N) is 191.2 mg / dL, which falls within the acceptable range between the upper limit of 265.7 mg / dL and the lower limit of 110.1 mg / dL. Therefore, the operator can confirm that the calibration curve 91 is performing the concentration conversion correctly by checking the information in region 88. If the analysis results in region 88 are outside the acceptable range, the screen shown in Figure 14 may display that the QC results are outside the acceptable range. For example, the analysis results may be displayed in a different color, such as red. In other examples, an alert message such as "QC results exceed the acceptable range" may be displayed, or characters or symbols indicating that the QC results are outside the acceptable range may be displayed.

[0084] The operator can not only determine whether the QC results are within acceptable limits, but also compare the analysis results of the quality control sample with the target value and decide whether or not to validate based on the magnitude of the discrepancy.

[0085] In addition to comparing the analysis results with the upper limit, lower limit, and target value, the operator may also determine whether the calibration curve confirmation QC itself was performed appropriately. In the example in Figure 14, the solidification time, which is the measurement result of the quality control sample, is also displayed in area 88. The solidification time is the measurement result of the quality control sample before applying it to the target calibration curve 91, and if the solidification time value is not appropriate, the analysis results based on it may also not be appropriate. In the example in Figure 14, in addition to the analysis results of the quality control sample, the solidification time before applying the measurement results of the quality control sample to the calibration curve is also displayed, so the operator can determine whether the measurement results of the quality control sample itself are reliable and then judge the effectiveness of the calibration curve 91.

[0086] <Validate> Referring again to Figure 8, in step S3, if the operator wants to validate the target calibration curve, they operate the validate button 90 displayed on the calibration curve screen 801 via the input unit 54. When the control unit 51 receives the operation of the validate button 90 on the screen of Figure 14, it adds a flag to the data of the target calibration curve indicating that it has been validated and stores the information of the target calibration curve in the storage unit 52. The control unit 51 also changes "Not Validated" to "Validated" in the status display area on the screen of Figure 14. Once the calibration curve is validated, if the same item is measured using the reagent lot set registered along with the calibration curve information, the validated calibration curve is used to convert the measurement results (coagulation time) to the analysis results.

[0087] As described above, in this embodiment, the calibration curve graph 91, the measurement results 86B of the standard sample, and the calibration curve confirmation QC results are displayed on the same screen 801. Therefore, the calibration curve 91 and the calibration curve confirmation QC results can be checked on the same screen. Furthermore, the validation of the calibration curve 91 can also be completed within the calibration curve screen 801. The operator does not need to switch between screens, such as opening another screen, for example, the QC chart screen, to check the QC results after checking the calibration curve 91, and then opening the calibration curve screen 801 again to validate the calibration curve 91. Thus, the work of verifying the effectiveness of the calibration curve 91 based on the QC results can be performed efficiently.

[0088] <Example 1> Figure 15 shows a second example of the calibration curve screen 80. In the example shown in Figure 14, an area 86 for displaying calibration curve information and an area 88 for displaying calibration curve confirmation QC results are shown side by side on one screen. However, as shown in Figure 15, areas 86 and 88 may be displayed with some overlap, and one of them may be selectively brought to the front depending on the operation on the screen. Alternatively, buttons for switching between the display of areas 86 and 88 may be placed on the screen. Alternatively, areas 86 and 88 may be switched in response to the operation of a predetermined key on the keyboard (for example, the Tab key). By configuring the display of areas 86 and 88 selectively in this way, it is possible to increase the amount of information that can be displayed in each area, and to enlarge the information displayed in each area to improve the visibility of the display.

[0089] Figure 16 shows a third example of the calibration curve screen 80. In this example, the QC chart 92 is placed in place of the area 88 shown in Figure 14. The QC chart 92 arranges multiple QC results 921 corresponding to multiple QC sample measurements and the calibration curve confirmation QC results 922 in chronological order when multiple QC sample measurements have been performed in the past for the same reagent lot and measurement item as the target calibration curve. In the QC chart 92, the vertical axis shows the analysis results (fibrinogen concentration in the example of Figure 16), and the horizontal axis shows the time series. The QC chart shows newer data from right to left, with the calibration curve confirmation QC 922 data plotted on the far right. The QC chart 92 displays the upper limit (UL) and lower limit (LL) of the quality control sample, and a line representing the target value at the center of the vertical axis. Next to the QC chart 92 is an area 93 where the results of calibration curve confirmation QC using the target calibration curve are displayed. Area 93 displays (1) the analysis results from calibration curve confirmation QC (fibrinogen concentration of the quality control sample in the example in Figure 16), (2) the date and time of measurement, (3) the number of QC results of the controlled object plotted on the QC chart, (4) the mean value of the QC results, (5) the standard deviation, and (6) the coefficient of variation. In addition, if calibration curve confirmation QC has been performed on multiple quality control samples for the target calibration curve 91, a scroll bar 94 will be displayed next to the QC chart, and the QC charts of other quality control samples can be displayed by operating the scroll bar 94.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 16, the calibration curve verification QC results 922 are displayed along with the upper and lower limits and target value, allowing the operator to visually understand whether the calibration curve verification QC results are within the acceptable range defined by the upper and lower limits, or whether the deviation from the target value is within an acceptable range. Furthermore, by displaying the results 921 based on past calibration curves in a time series, the operator can confirm whether the results of the current calibration curve verification QC deviate significantly from the QC results using past calibration curves. Even if the QC results using the target calibration curve are within the acceptable range defined by the upper and lower limits, if the QC results using the target calibration curve show a significantly different trend compared to the QC results using past calibration curves, the continuity of the analysis results may be compromised. Therefore, displaying the QC results based on past calibration curves and the QC results based on the target calibration curve side by side, as shown in Figure 16, is useful for the operator to determine whether calibration curve correction is necessary or whether the calibration curve can be validated. Furthermore, by displaying statistical information such as the average value and standard deviation of past QC results, operators can compare current QC results with past results based not only on visual information but also on statistical data.

[0091] Figure 17 shows a fourth example of the calibration curve screen 80. In this example, instead of displaying the calibration curve confirmation QC results area 88, multiple point data corresponding to the calibration curve confirmation QC results are plotted on the graph as points 95 and 96 in the graph display area 85. Point 95 is the point data of the analysis result corresponding to the low-concentration QC sample, and point 96 is the point data of the analysis result corresponding to the high-concentration QC sample. In this example, the operator can simultaneously refer to the graph of the calibration curve 91, the calibration curve information, and the QC results.

[0092] In the example in Figure 17, if the calibration curve confirmation QC result falls outside the acceptable range of the corresponding quality control sample, the data plot is highlighted. Highlighting can be achieved, for example, by changing the plot color or displaying an exclamation mark. This allows the operator to refer to the calibration curve confirmation QC results simultaneously with the graph, and to determine whether the calibration curve confirmation QC results are appropriate.

[0093] According to the sample analyzer 1 and calibration curve display method of this embodiment, the calibration curve screen 80 displayed on the display unit 53 includes both the calibration curve and the QC results on the same screen. Therefore, the operator does not need to switch screens to check this information. As a result, the calibration curve verification process can be made easier and more efficient when confirming the effectiveness of the calibration curve.

[0094] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figures 14-17 includes a validate button 90 for accepting the operation to approve the calibration curve. Therefore, after confirming the validity of the calibration curve, the operator can approve the calibration curve without having to move from the calibration curve screen 80 to another screen.

[0095] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figures 14-17 includes calibration curve attribute information in addition to the calibration curve confirmation QC results. Therefore, even if the operator wants to check the calibration curve attribute information, such as the expiration date of the standard sample or the point data of the standard sample, in order to confirm the validity of the calibration curve, they can check the information without changing screens.

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the calibration curve screen 80 displays the calibration curve confirmation QC results and the attribute information of the calibration curve in a way that can be switched according to the operator's actions. This allows for a larger display area for each data item shown on the screen, improving visibility.

[0097] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figures 14-17 includes upper and lower limits for the calibration curve confirmation QC results, allowing the operator to easily confirm whether the calibration curve confirmation QC results are within an acceptable range.

[0098] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figures 14-17 includes the target value relative to the calibration curve confirmation QC result, allowing the operator to easily see how far the calibration curve confirmation QC result is from the target value.

[0099] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figure 16 includes a time-series display of multiple quality control results obtained in the past, in addition to the calibration curve confirmation QC results. This allows operators to confirm the validity of the calibration curve by checking the continuity of the data with past QC results.

[0100] Furthermore, the calibration curve screen 80 in Figure 17 includes the graph of the calibration curve 91 and the quality control results plotted on the graph, allowing the operator to verify the results of calibration curve confirmation QC on the graph.

[0101] To illustrate the present invention, the embodiments have been adequately and fully described above with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art should recognize that it is easy to modify and / or improve upon the embodiments described above. Therefore, unless such modifications or improvements implemented by those skilled in the art fall outside the scope of the claims, such modifications or improvements shall be considered to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0102] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the calibration curve and calibration curve confirmation QC results are displayed within the calibration curve screen 801. However, the "screen including the calibration curve and quality control results" as referred to in the present invention is not limited to this example, but is included in the category of "screen" of the present invention as long as it can be displayed simultaneously on the same or multiple computer screens. Figure 18 shows another example of the display. As shown in Figure 18, the computer screen (displayable area) of the display unit 53 may be divided into separate windows, allowing the screen 801A displaying the calibration curve 91 and the screen 801B displaying the calibration curve confirmation QC results to be displayed simultaneously. Even with this display configuration, the operator can simultaneously check the calibration curve 91 and the calibration curve confirmation QC results. In this case, a QC result display button 803 may be provided in the window 801A displaying the calibration curve, and the window 801 may pop up in response to the operation of the button 803. Figure 19 shows yet another example of the display. As shown in Figure 19, the sample analyzer 1 may be equipped with multiple display units 53A and 53B, and the calibration curve screen 801A and the calibration curve confirmation QC result screen 801B may be displayed simultaneously on each computer screen.

[0103] Although the above embodiment illustrates a blood coagulation analyzer, the present invention may also be applied to other sample analyzers that use calibration curves, such as immunoassay analyzers, biochemical analyzers, and nucleic acid analyzers. For example, when the present invention is applied to an immunoassay analyzer, the measurement unit sends a digitally converted value of the amount of light corresponding to the amount of antigen / antibody contained in a standard sample whose antigen / antibody concentration is known to the analysis unit, and the analysis unit creates a calibration curve with the digitally converted value of the light and the known concentration of the antigen / antibody as two axes.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the analysis unit 4 and the measurement unit 2 are each equipped with control units 51 and 41. However, the control units 51 and 41 may be configured as a single common control unit (CPU), and the same applies to the storage units 52 and 42 and the communication units 55 and 43. Furthermore, the analysis unit 4 may be configured as a notebook or desktop computer externally connected to the sample analyzer 1.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the display unit 53 is provided in the analysis unit 4, which is a separate computer connected to the measurement unit 2. However, the display unit 53 may also be integrated into the measurement unit 2. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0106] 1. Sample analyzer 2 Measuring part 52 Storage section 53 Display section 80 Calibration curve screen 85 Graph display area 86 Calibration curve information area 86A,86B,88 area 91 Calibration Curve 92 QC Chart 93,94 points

Claims

1. A blood coagulation analyzer, A measurement unit that prepares a first measurement sample by mixing the sample and a coagulation time measurement reagent, and generates first measurement data by measuring the prepared first measurement sample, A control unit receives the first measurement data from the measurement unit, obtains the coagulation time of the sample based on the first measurement data, and obtains an analysis result regarding the component concentration of the sample by applying the coagulation time to a first calibration curve pre-registered in the storage unit. A display unit that displays the analysis results obtained by the control unit, Equipped with, The measurement unit prepares a plurality of second measurement samples by mixing each of a plurality of standard samples containing components of known concentration with the solidification time measurement reagent, measures the plurality of prepared second measurement samples to generate second measurement data, the control unit receives the second measurement data from the measurement unit, obtains the solidification time of each of the plurality of standard samples based on the second measurement data, and creates a second calibration curve before approval based on the solidification time and the component concentrations of the plurality of standard samples. The measurement unit prepares a third measurement sample by mixing the quality control sample and the solidification time measuring reagent, measures the prepared third measurement sample to generate third measurement data, the control unit receives the third measurement data from the measurement unit, obtains the solidification time of the quality control sample based on the third measurement data, and obtains the component concentration of the quality control sample by applying the solidification time to the second calibration curve. The control unit, (1) The second calibration curve and, (2) The solidification time of the quality control sample and the component concentration of the quality control sample obtained from the second calibration curve, (3) The upper and lower limits for the component concentration, which are set in advance for each lot of the quality control sample, (4) A button for approving the second calibration curve, A screen including the above is displayed on the display unit, Blood coagulation analyzer, wherein when the control unit receives an operation to approve the second calibration curve via the button, it registers the second calibration curve as the first calibration curve in the storage unit.

2. The blood coagulation analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit registers the lot number of the coagulation time measuring reagent used to create the second calibration curve in the storage unit in association with the second calibration curve.

3. The blood coagulation analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the memory unit stores the lot number of the quality control sample and the upper and lower limits.

4. The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the screen further includes a target value for the component concentration that is set in advance for each lot of the quality control sample.

5. The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the screen further includes the measurement results of a plurality of standard samples used to create the second calibration curve.

6. The aforementioned screen further includes buttons for correcting the second calibration curve, The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit receives an operation to correct the second calibration curve via the button.

7. The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a screen that displays the concentrations of multiple components obtained in the past in a time series.

8. The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the screen further includes a graph of the second calibration curve and the component concentrations of the quality control sample plotted on the graph.

9. The blood coagulation analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the measuring unit prepares a plurality of standard samples of different concentrations by diluting a standard sample at a plurality of dilution ratios, and measures the plurality of prepared standard samples.

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