Automatic analysis device

Abstract

To reduce a variation in a temperature of a reagent during discharge of the reagent between analysis cycles, thereby maintaining analysis accuracy.SOLUTION: An automatic analyzer according to an embodiment comprises a reagent dispensation mechanism, a reagent chamber, a temperature increasing unit, and a control unit. The reagent dispensation mechanism has a nozzle that performs reagent dispensation operation for every analysis cycle. The reagent chamber cools and stores a reagent. The temperature increasing unit increases the temperature of the nozzle. The control unit controls the reagent dispensation mechanism and the temperature increasing unit. When the dispensation operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, the control unit sucks dummy fluid from the nozzle in at least an analysis cycle immediately before the analysis cycle in which the dispensation operation is started, causes the temperature increasing unit to increase the temperature of the dummy fluid sucked in, and controls the reagent dispensation mechanism and the temperature increasing unit to perform operation to discharge the dummy fluid with the increased temperature from the nozzle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, for each analysis cycle which is a predetermined time interval, after a plurality of reaction vessels move a predetermined distance and then stop, the movement to each stop position is repeated in the order of a washing position, a sample discharge position, and a reagent discharge position. The reaction vessel stopped at the washing position is washed using a washing unit. A sample is dispensed into the washed reaction vessel stopped at the sample discharge position using a sample dispensing probe. After a reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel with the sample dispensed thereto and stopped at the reagent discharge position using a reagent dispensing probe, a mixture of the sample and the reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel is measured using a photometry unit. The reaction vessel containing the measured mixture after measurement and stopped at the washing position is washed, and the analysis of the test items for the sample is completed.

[0003] In addition, each of the sample dispensing probe and the reagent dispensing probe is washed every analysis cycle. Also, it is washed every time the dispensing of the sample and the reagent is completed.

[0004] In such an automatic analyzer, in order to maintain the analysis accuracy, reagent discharge at a stable temperature is required regardless of the order of analysis among a plurality of samples. For this reason, in an automatic analyzer, a reagent dispensing probe having a heater for heating the reagent may be used. The reagent dispensing probe can suck the reagent kept cold in the reagent storage and heat it to a predetermined temperature, and discharge the reagent at the predetermined temperature into the reaction vessel during the dispensing operation.

[0005] According to the study by the present inventor, in the continuous analysis cycles of the above automatic analyzer, depending on whether or not the dispensing operation is performed in the preceding analysis cycle, a difference occurs in the reagent temperature at the time of reagent discharge in the subsequent analysis cycle. In order to maintain the analysis accuracy, it is desirable to reduce the variation between the reagent temperatures at the time of reagent discharge in each analysis cycle. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6549329 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to reduce fluctuations in reagent temperature during reagent dispensing in each analysis cycle and to maintain analytical accuracy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The automated analyzer according to this embodiment comprises a reagent dispensing mechanism, a reagent storage unit, a heating unit, and a control unit. The reagent dispensing mechanism has a nozzle that dispenses reagents for each analysis cycle. The reagent storage unit is a reagent storage unit for cooling and storing reagents. The heating unit heats the nozzle. The control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit. If the dispensing operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, the control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit to perform the following operations at least in the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the dispensing operation is started: drawing dummy fluid from the nozzle, heating the drawn dummy fluid in the heating unit, and discharging the heated dummy fluid from the nozzle. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the analytical mechanism shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reagent dispensing probe and reagent dispensing unit shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation in this embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the time evolution of the heater output in this embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the time evolution of the heater output in the comparative example. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a modified example of this embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows the configuration of an analytical mechanism according to a modified example of this embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following describes in detail an embodiment of the automated analyzer with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the automated analyzer according to this embodiment. The automated analyzer 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an analysis mechanism 2, an analysis circuit 3, a drive mechanism 4, an input interface 5, an output interface 6, a communication interface 7, a memory circuit 8, and a control circuit 9 (control unit). The automated analyzer 1 measures the components in a sample by measuring a mixture of the sample to be measured and the sample.

[0012] Analytical mechanism 2 mixes a sample, such as a standard sample or a test sample (also called a specimen), with reagents used for each test item set for this sample. Analytical mechanism 2 measures the mixture of sample and reagents and generates standard data and test data, for example, expressed as absorbance.

[0013] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analytical data by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. The analysis circuit 3 reads an analysis program from the memory circuit 8 and generates calibration data and analytical data according to the read analysis program. For example, based on the standard data, the analysis circuit 3 generates calibration data that shows the relationship between the standard data and the standard values ​​set in advance for the standard sample. The analysis circuit 3 also generates analytical data expressed as concentration values ​​and enzyme activity values ​​based on the test data and the calibration data for the test item corresponding to this test data. The analysis circuit 3 outputs the generated calibration data and analytical data to the control circuit 9.

[0014] The drive mechanism 4 drives the analysis mechanism 2 according to the control of the control circuit 9. The drive mechanism 4 is implemented by, for example, gears, a stepping motor, a belt conveyor, and a lead screw.

[0015] The input interface 5 is connected to the control circuit 9 and converts operation instructions and various information input from the operator or network into electrical signals, and outputs the electrical signals to the control circuit 9. For example, the input interface 5 receives input of analysis request information from the operator or via the hospital network NW, which includes information identifying the sample to be analyzed and information specifying the test items for the sample. The analysis request information may further include analysis parameters for the test items related to the sample. Also, for example, the input interface 5 receives input of a shutdown command from the operator. The input interface 5 can be implemented, for example, by a mouse, keyboard, or touchpad on which instructions are input by touching the operating surface.

[0016] In this specification, the input interface 5 is not limited to those equipped with physical operating components such as a mouse, keyboard, and touchpad. For example, an electrical signal processing circuit that receives an electrical signal corresponding to an operation instruction input from an external input device provided separately from the automatic analysis device 1, and outputs this electrical signal to the control circuit 9, is also included as an example of the input interface 5.

[0017] The output interface 6 is connected to the control circuit 9 and outputs the signal supplied from the control circuit 9. The output interface 6 is realized by, for example, a display circuit, a printing circuit, and a voice device. The display circuit includes, for example, a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, an LED display, and a plasma display. Further, the display circuit may include a processing circuit that converts data representing a display target into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the outside. The printing circuit includes, for example, a printer. Further, the printing circuit may include an output circuit that outputs data representing a printing target to the outside. The voice device includes, for example, a speaker. Further, the voice device may include an output circuit that outputs a voice signal to the outside.

[0018] The communication interface 7 is connected to, for example, the in-hospital network NW. The communication interface 7 performs data communication with the HIS (Hospital Information System) via the in-hospital network NW. Note that the communication interface 7 may perform data communication with the HIS via the inspection department system (Laboratory Information System: LIS) connected to the in-hospital network NW.

[0019] The memory circuit 8 includes a recording medium readable by a processor, such as a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Note that the memory circuit 8 does not necessarily have to be realized by a single memory device. For example, the memory circuit 8 may be realized by a plurality of memory devices.

[0020] In addition, the memory circuit 8 stores an analysis program executed by the analysis circuit 3 and a control program for realizing the functions provided in the control circuit 9. The memory circuit 8 stores the analysis request information received through the input interface 5 and the execution information set and updated by the control circuit 9. The execution information is information representing the progress of the analysis executed based on the analysis request information. Further, the memory circuit 8 stores the analysis data generated by the analysis circuit 3 for each inspection item. The memory circuit 8 stores the inspection order input by the operator or the inspection order received by the communication interface 7 via the in-hospital network NW.

[0021] The control circuit 9 is a processor that functions as the center of the automatic analyzer 1. The control circuit 9 realizes the functions corresponding to the executed control program by executing the control program stored in the memory circuit 8. Incidentally, the control circuit 9 may include a storage area for storing at least a part of the data stored in the memory circuit 8.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the analysis mechanism shown in FIG. 1. The analysis mechanism 2 shown in FIG. 2 includes a reaction disk 201, a thermostat 202, a rack sampler 203, a first reagent library 204, and a second reagent library 205. Further, the analysis mechanism 2 includes a sample dispensing arm 206, a sample dispensing probe 207, a first reagent dispensing arm 208, a first reagent dispensing probe 209, a second reagent dispensing arm 210, a second reagent dispensing probe 211, an electrode unit 212, a photometry unit 213, a cleaning unit 214, and a stirring unit 215.

[0023] Hereinafter, first, the reaction disk 201, the thermostat 202, the rack sampler 203, the first reagent library 204, and the second reagent library 205 will be described.

[0024] The reaction disk 201 holds multiple reaction vessels 2011 arranged in a ring shape. The reaction disk 201 transports the multiple reaction vessels 2011 along a predetermined path. Specifically, the reaction disk 201 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 to alternately rotate and stop at predetermined time intervals (hereinafter referred to as the analysis cycle), for example, 4.5 seconds or 9.0 seconds. The reaction vessels 2011 are made of, for example, glass, polypropylene (PP), or acrylic.

[0025] The constant temperature unit 202 stores a heat transfer medium set to a predetermined temperature and raises the temperature of the mixed liquid contained in the reaction vessel 2011 by immersing the reaction vessel 2011 in the stored heat transfer medium.

[0026] The rack sampler 203 provides movable support for a sample rack 2031 capable of holding multiple sample containers containing samples requested for measurement. In the example shown in Figure 2, a sample rack 2031 capable of holding five sample containers in parallel is shown.

[0027] The rack sampler 203 is provided with a transport area for transporting the sample racks 2031 from the input position where the sample racks 2031 are placed to the collection position where the sample racks 2031 have been collected after measurement is complete. In the transport area, multiple sample racks 2031, which are aligned in the short direction, are moved in direction D1 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0028] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a retraction area for retracting the sample rack 2031 from the transport area in order to move the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 to a predetermined sample aspiration position. The sample aspiration position is set at a position where, for example, the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the sample container supported by the rack sampler 203 and held by the sample rack 2031. In the retraction area, the transported sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D2 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0029] Furthermore, the rack sampler 203 is provided with a return area for returning the sample rack 2031, which holds the sample containers in which the samples have been aspirated, to the transport area. In the return area, the sample rack 2031 is moved in direction D3 by the drive mechanism 4.

[0030] The first reagent cabinet 204 cools and stores reagents and dummy fluids. Specifically, the first reagent cabinet 204 cools multiple reagent containers 100 that contain the first reagent which reacts with predetermined components contained in the standard sample and the sample under test, and cools one reagent container 100d that contains a dummy reagent (dummy fluid), for example, pure water. However, the first reagent cabinet 204 may cool multiple reagent containers 100d that contain dummy reagents. In this embodiment, the dummy fluid is not used in the analysis of the sample and is a fluid that is cooled and stored at approximately the same temperature as the reagents in the reagent cabinet. As the dummy fluid, for example, pure water that is cooled and stored in the reagent cabinet can be used as appropriate. When the dummy fluid is a liquid such as pure water, the dummy fluid is also called a dummy reagent. The dummy reagent is an example of a dummy fluid. Although not shown in Figure 2, the first reagent cabinet 204 is covered by a removable reagent cover. A reagent rack is rotatably mounted inside the first reagent storage room 204. The reagent rack holds multiple reagent containers 100, 100d arranged in a ring shape. The reagent rack is rotated and stopped for each analysis cycle by a drive mechanism 4.

[0031] A first reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined location on the first reagent storage unit 204. The first reagent aspiration position is located, for example, at the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the openings of the reagent containers 100 and 100d, which are arranged in a ring shape on the reagent rack.

[0032] The second reagent storage room 205 cools and stores reagents and dummy reagents. Specifically, the second reagent storage room 205 cools multiple reagent containers 100 containing the second reagent, which is paired with the first reagent in a two-reagent system, and cools one reagent container 100d containing the dummy reagent, which is pure water. However, the second reagent storage room 205 may cool multiple reagent containers 100d containing the dummy reagent. Although not shown in Figure 2, the second reagent storage room 205 is covered by a removable reagent cover. A reagent rack is rotatably installed inside the second reagent storage room 205. The reagent rack holds multiple reagent containers 100 and 100d arranged in a ring shape. The reagent rack is rotated and stopped for each analysis cycle. The second reagent kept cool in the second reagent storage room 205 may be the same component and concentration as the first reagent kept cool in the first reagent storage room 204.

[0033] A second reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined location on the second reagent storage unit 205. The second reagent aspiration position is located, for example, at the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 (described later) and the movement trajectory of the openings of the reagent containers 100 and 100d, which are arranged in a ring shape on the reagent rack.

[0034] Next, we will describe the sample dispensing arm 206, sample dispensing probe 207, first reagent dispensing arm 208, first reagent dispensing probe 209, second reagent dispensing arm 210, second reagent dispensing probe 211, electrode unit 212, photometric unit 213, washing unit 214, and stirring unit 215.

[0035] The sample dispensing arm 206 is positioned between the reaction disk 201 and the rack sampler 203. The sample dispensing arm 206 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The sample dispensing arm 206 holds a sample dispensing probe 207 at one end.

[0036] The sample dispensing probe 207 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the sample dispensing arm 206 rotates. The opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203 is positioned along this rotational trajectory.

[0037] Furthermore, a sample discharge position is provided on the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 for discharging the sample aspirated by the sample dispensing probe 207 into the reaction vessel 2011. The sample discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the sample dispensing probe 207 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held on the reaction disk 201.

[0038] Furthermore, the sample dispensing probe 207 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically either directly above the opening of the sample container held by the sample rack 2031 on the rack sampler 203, or at the sample dispensing position.

[0039] Furthermore, the sample dispensing probe 207, in accordance with the control circuit 9, aspirates a sample from the sample container located directly below it. The sample dispensing probe 207 also, in accordance with the control circuit 9, discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the sample discharge position. The sample dispensing probe 207 performs this series of aspiration and discharge operations once, for example, during one analysis cycle.

[0040] The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the first reagent storage 204. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The first reagent dispensing arm 208 holds the first reagent dispensing probe 209 at one end.

[0041] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the first reagent dispensing arm 208 rotates. A first reagent aspiration position for aspirating the first reagent and dummy reagent is provided on this rotational trajectory. A first reagent discharge position is also set on the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 for discharging the reagent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction vessel 2011. The first reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held by the reaction disk 201. Similarly, a dummy reagent discharge position is set on the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 for discharging the dummy reagent aspirated by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into a drainage channel (not shown). The dummy reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the drainage channel.

[0042] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically on the rotational trajectory at the first reagent aspiration position, the first reagent discharge position, or the dummy reagent discharge position. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also aspirates the first reagent from the reagent container 100 located directly below the first reagent aspiration position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also discharges the aspirated first reagent to the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the first reagent discharge position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. Similarly, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 aspirates a dummy reagent from the reagent container 100d located directly below the first reagent aspiration position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 also discharges the aspirated dummy reagent to the drainage channel located directly below the dummy reagent discharge position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 performs a series of dispensing operations, including aspiration and dispensing, for the first reagent or dummy reagent, once during, for example, one analysis cycle.

[0043] The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided, for example, between the reaction disk 201 and the second reagent storage 205. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 is provided by a drive mechanism 4 so as to be able to move vertically up and down and rotate horizontally. The second reagent dispensing arm 210 holds the second reagent dispensing probe 211 at one end.

[0044] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 rotates along an arc-shaped rotational trajectory as the second reagent dispensing arm 210 rotates. A second reagent aspiration position for aspirating the second reagent and dummy reagent is provided on this rotational trajectory. A second reagent discharge position is also set on the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 for discharging the reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into the reaction vessel 2011. The second reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the movement trajectory of the reaction vessel 2011 held by the reaction disk 201. Similarly, a dummy reagent discharge position is set on the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 for discharging the dummy reagent aspirated by the second reagent dispensing probe 211 into a drainage channel (not shown). The dummy reagent discharge position corresponds to the intersection of the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 and the drainage channel.

[0045] The second reagent dispensing probe 211 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and moves vertically on its rotational trajectory at the second reagent aspiration position, the second reagent discharge position, or the dummy reagent discharge position. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 also aspirates the second reagent from the reagent container 100 located directly below the second reagent aspiration position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 also discharges the aspirated second reagent to the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the second reagent discharge position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. Similarly, the second reagent dispensing probe 211 aspirates the dummy reagent from the reagent container 100d located directly below the second reagent aspiration position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 also discharges the aspirated dummy reagent to the drainage channel located directly below the dummy reagent discharge position, in accordance with the control circuit 9. The second reagent dispensing probe 211 performs a series of dispensing operations, including aspiration and dispensing, for the first reagent or dummy reagent, once during one analysis cycle.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the configuration of the reagent dispensing probe and reagent dispensing unit shown in Figure 2. Figure 3 shows the reagent dispensing unit 2080 related to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the first reagent dispensing arm 208. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 will be described below, but it is not limited to this. The reagent dispensing unit 2080 may be used in a similar configuration for the second reagent dispensing probe 211.

[0047] The reagent dispensing unit 2080 shown in Figure 3 comprises a tube 2081, a syringe 2082, a plunger 2083, a tank 2084, a pump 2085, and an on / off valve 2086.

[0048] Specifically, the reagent dispensing unit 2080 includes a tube 2081 which is an elastic body with one end connected to the first reagent dispensing probe 209, a syringe 2082 which is connected to the other end of the tube 2081, and a plunger 2083 which fits into an opening provided at the lower end of the syringe 2082.

[0049] The reagent dispensing unit 2080 also includes a tank 2084 for storing a pressure transfer medium that is filled inside the tube 2081 and syringe 2082. The pressure transfer medium is, for example, pure water.

[0050] Furthermore, the reagent dispensing unit 2080 is equipped with a pump 2085 for aspirating the pressure transfer medium stored in the tank 2084. The reagent dispensing unit 2080 supplies the aspirated pressure transfer medium as washing water to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 via syringe 2082 and tube 2081. This washing water is pure water and is an example of a washing solution. The washing solution is not limited to pure water. The reagent dispensing unit 2080 is an example of a washing water supply mechanism that supplies washing water to a nozzle.

[0051] Furthermore, the reagent dispensing unit 2080 includes an on-off valve 2086 that opens and closes a flow path connecting the syringe 2082 and the pump 2085. The on-off valve 2086 opens and closes the flow path under the control of the control circuit 9. The on-off valve 2086 is, for example, a solenoid valve.

[0052] When aspirating the first reagent or dummy reagent, the flow path between syringe 2082 and pump 2085 is closed by on-off valve 2086. The drive mechanism 4 drives plunger 2083 in the direction of arrow L1, causing the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to aspirate the first reagent in reagent container 100 or the dummy reagent in reagent container 100d at the first reagent aspiration position. Hereafter, the aspiration of the reagent by the reagent dispensing unit 2080 by the first reagent dispensing probe 209 will be referred to as the aspiration operation.

[0053] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 comprises a nozzle 2091, a heater 2092, and a sensor 2093. The nozzle 2091 is, for example, a flow channel tube molded from glass and has an opening at its lower end. The lower end of the nozzle 2091 points towards the tip side of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the upper end of the nozzle 2091 points towards the first reagent dispensing arm 208. The heater 2092 corresponds to, for example, a heating wire and is positioned along the nozzle 2091. The heater 2092 is also wrapped around the part of the nozzle 2091 that contains the reagent. The material of the heating wire is, for example, nichrome wire and iron-chromium wire. The sensor 2093 is, for example, a temperature sensor. As a temperature sensor, for example, a thermistor, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, and temperature sensor IC can be used.

[0054] The first reagent dispensing probe 209 distributes the reagent into the nozzle 2091 so that it fits within the portion around which the heater 2092 is wrapped, regardless of the amount of reagent to be aspirated. That is, the nozzle 2091 receives the first reagent or dummy reagent through the aspiration action of the reagent dispensing unit 2080. The first reagent or dummy reagent contained in the nozzle 2091 is heated by the heater 2092.

[0055] The heater 2092 heats the first reagent or dummy reagent contained in the nozzle 2091 under the control of the control circuit 9. The heater 2092 is an example of a heating unit that raises the temperature of the nozzle.

[0056] The sensor 2093 is positioned, for example, near the center of the nozzle 2091. The sensor 2093 measures the temperature of the surrounding area where it is positioned. For example, the sensor 2093 measures the temperature at a predetermined location in the heater. The sensor 2093 outputs the measured temperature information (temperature information) to the control circuit 9. The temperature information from the sensor 2093 is used in the control circuit 9 for temperature control, which controls the temperature of the first reagent or dummy reagent in the nozzle 2091 to a target temperature (37°C). For temperature control, for example, PI control (proportional-integral control) or PID control (proportional-integral-derivative control) can be used as appropriate.

[0057] When dispensing the first reagent or dummy reagent, the drive mechanism 4 drives the plunger 2083 in the direction of arrow L2, causing the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to dispense the first reagent into the reaction vessel 2011 located at the first reagent dispensing position, and to dispense the dummy reagent into the drainage channel located at the dummy reagent dispensing position.

[0058] After dispensing of the first reagent or dummy reagent is complete, the flow path between syringe 2082 and pump 2085 is opened by on-off valve 2086. Pump 2085 is driven by drive mechanism 4 and supplies a pressure transmission medium to the first reagent dispensing probe 209. The first reagent dispensing probe 209 is an example of a reagent dispensing mechanism having a nozzle that performs reagent dispensing operations for each analysis cycle. The reagent dispensing operation involves aspirating reagent from the reagent chamber, heating the aspirated reagent in the heating section, and dispensing the heated reagent.

[0059] The electrode unit 212 measures the electrolyte concentration of the mixture of sample and reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The electrode unit 212 has an ion-selective electrode (ISE) and a reference electrode. Following the control of the control circuit 9, the electrode unit 212 measures the potential between the ISE and the reference electrode for the mixture containing the ions to be measured. The electrode unit 212 outputs the measured potential data as standard data or test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0060] The photometric unit 213 optically measures predetermined components in a mixture of sample and reagent discharged into the reaction vessel 2011. The photometric unit 213 has a light source and a photodetector. The photometric unit 213 irradiates light from the light source according to the control circuit 9. The irradiated light enters the reaction vessel 2011 from the first side wall and exits from the second side wall opposite the first side wall. The photometric unit 213 detects the light emitted from the reaction vessel 2011 using the photodetector.

[0061] Specifically, for example, the photodetector detects light passing through the mixture of standard sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2011 and generates standard data, expressed as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. The photodetector also detects light passing through the mixture of test sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 2011 and generates test data, expressed as absorbance, based on the intensity of the detected light. The photometric unit 213 outputs the generated standard data and test data to the analysis circuit 3.

[0062] The cleaning unit 214 cleans the inside of the reaction vessel 2011 after the measurement of the mixed liquid has been completed by the electrode unit 212 or the photometric unit 213. The cleaning unit 214 is equipped with a cleaning liquid supply pump (not shown) that supplies cleaning liquid for cleaning the reaction vessel 2011. The cleaning unit 214 is also equipped with cleaning nozzles that discharge the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump into the reaction vessel 2011 and suck up the mixed liquid and cleaning liquid from inside the reaction vessel 2011.

[0063] The stirring unit 215 is located near the outer circumference of the reaction disk 201. The stirring unit 215 has a stirring bar, which is used to stir the mixture of the sample and the first reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011, which is located at the stirring position on the reaction disk 201. Alternatively, the stirring unit 215 stirs the mixture of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent contained in the reaction vessel 2011.

[0064] Next, the functions of the control circuit 9 according to this embodiment will be described. For example, the control circuit 9 has a system control function 91 and a dummy control function 92 by executing an operation program. In this embodiment, the case in which the system control function 91 and the dummy control function 92 are realized by a single processor will be described, but this is not the only case. For example, the control circuit may be configured by combining multiple independent processors, and the system control function 91 and the dummy control function 92 may be realized by each processor executing a control program.

[0065] The control circuit 9, through its system control function 91, comprehensively controls each part of the automatic analyzer 1 based on input information, such as that received from the input interface 5. Specifically, the control circuit 9 controls the setting and updating of execution information based on analysis request information, the rotation of the reaction disk 201, the movement of the sample rack 2031, the rotation and dispensing of the sample dispensing probe 207, the rotation of the reagent rack, the rotation, dispensing, and temperature control of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the rotation, dispensing, and temperature control of the second reagent dispensing probe 211.

[0066] Furthermore, the control circuit 9 executes each function related to the dummy control process according to the read control program. These functions include, for example, the dummy control function 92. Note that some of the functions of the system control function 91 may also be included among these functions.

[0067] The control circuit 9 controls the rotation of the reagent rack, the rotation and dispensing of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the rotation and dispensing of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 with respect to dummy reagents, using the dummy control function 92. The control circuit 9 is an example of a control unit that controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit. If dispensing operations are intermittent in the next analysis cycle, the control circuit 9 controls the first reagent dispensing probe 209, the second reagent dispensing probe 211, and the heater 2092 so that in at least the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the dispensing operations begin, the nozzle 2091 aspirates dummy reagent (dummy fluid), the heater 2092 heats the aspirated dummy reagent, and the heater 2092 discharges the heated dummy reagent from the nozzle 2091. As the dummy reagent, for example, a dummy fluid at approximately the same temperature as the reagents in the reagent storage room can be used as appropriate.

[0068] Next, an example of the operation of the automated analyzer configured as described above will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 4 and the schematic diagram in Figure 5. For ease of understanding, this example will describe the operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the two reagent dispensing probes, but the operation of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 is similar. For example, when the automated analyzer 1 is started up, the control circuit 9 reads the control program stored in the memory circuit 8 and executes the system control function 91 and the dummy control function 92. While the system control function 91 is being executed, the control circuit 9 executes the processes of steps ST1 to ST11 and ST13 with respect to the first reagent dispensing probe 209. Also, while the dummy control function 92 is being executed, the control circuit 9 executes the processes of steps ST12 and ST14 to ST16 enclosed by dashed lines with respect to the first reagent dispensing probe 209. In the following explanation, when the drive mechanism 4 drives each part of the probes, etc., descriptions such as "by the drive mechanism 4" or "driven by the drive mechanism 4" will be omitted. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, all operations are assumed to be controlled by the control circuit 9. These principles also apply to other flowcharts.

[0069] First, assume that the automated analyzer 1 is already running, and that the reagent containers 100 and 100d in the first reagent storage room 204 and the second reagent storage room are being kept at a temperature of 8°C. Also, assume that the analysis request information received as input is stored in the memory circuit 8 by the control circuit 9.

[0070] (Step ST1) The control circuit 9 reads analysis request information from the memory circuit 8, which includes information identifying the sample to be analyzed and information specifying the test items for that sample. The read analysis request information may, for example, specify multiple samples, each of which is the target of analysis.

[0071] (Step ST2) After step ST1, the control circuit 9 creates execution information representing the progress of the analysis performed based on the analysis request information, and sets this execution information in the memory circuit 8. The execution information shows the progress of the analysis by associating, for example, information identifying the sample, information specifying the test items, cycle information showing the operation of each part for each analysis cycle, and information indicating whether the operation of each part has been performed or not. Here, the operation of each part includes, for example, the rotation of the reaction disk 201, the movement of the sample rack 2031, the rotation and dispensing operation of the sample dispensing probe 207, the rotation of the reagent rack, the rotation and dispensing operation of the first reagent dispensing probe 209, and the rotation and dispensing operation of the second reagent dispensing probe 211.

[0072] (Step ST3) After step ST2, the control circuit 9 starts temperature control of the nozzle 2091 in the first reagent dispensing probe 209. For example, the control circuit 9 starts PI control (proportional-integral control) to maintain the temperature of the nozzle 2091 at 37°C. Subsequently, the sensor 2093 measures the temperature of the nozzle 2091 and outputs the measured temperature information to the control circuit 9. Based on the temperature information measured by the sensor 2093, the control circuit 9 uses PI control to control the heater 2092 to maintain the temperature of the nozzle 2091 at 37°C. The temperature control started in step ST3 continues until the operation of the automated analyzer 1 is completed.

[0073] (Step ST4) Subsequently, the control circuit 9 determines, based on the execution information, whether or not there is a dispensing operation in the next analysis cycle. Specifically, the control circuit 9 determines, based on the execution information, whether or not there is an aspiration / dispensing operation of the first reagent in the first reagent dispensing probe 209 in the next analysis cycle.

[0074] (Step ST5) If, as a result of step ST4, there is a dispensing operation in the next analysis cycle (ST4: Yes), the control circuit 9 rotates the reagent container 100 and the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the reagent rack to the first reagent aspiration position using the drive mechanism 4, and then lowers the first reagent dispensing probe 209. Subsequently, the control circuit 9 causes the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to aspirate the first reagent from the reagent container 100 located directly below the first reagent aspiration position. As a result, the nozzle 2091 of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 contains the first reagent, which has been kept at a temperature of 8°C.

[0075] (Step ST6) After step ST5, the temperature of nozzle 2091 decreases as the first reagent, which has been kept refrigerated at 8°C, is added. Heater 2092, under PI control from control circuit 9, heats the first reagent contained in nozzle 2091, raising its temperature to 37°C.

[0076] (Step ST7) After step ST6, the control circuit 9 uses the drive mechanism 4 to raise the first reagent dispensing probe 209, rotate it to the first reagent dispensing position, and then lower it. Subsequently, the control circuit 9 causes the first reagent at 37°C to be dispensed from the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the reaction vessel 2011 located directly below the first reagent dispensing position.

[0077] (Step ST8) After the first reagent is dispensed, the control circuit 9 uses the drive mechanism 4 to raise the first reagent dispensing probe 209, rotate it to the position of the drainage channel, and then lower it. In the case of dispensing a dummy reagent, as described later, the first reagent dispensing probe 209 is already in the position of the drainage channel, so this rotation is omitted. Subsequently, the control circuit 9 supplies washing water from the tank 2084 to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 from the reagent dispensing unit 2080, causing the washing water to be discharged from the nozzle 2091 of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the drainage channel. This cleans the nozzle 2091. Any washing water that is not discharged from the nozzle 2091 remains in the nozzle 2091. At this time, the temperature of the washing water is, for example, 20°C, which is approximately the same as room temperature.

[0078] (Step ST9) In parallel with step ST8, the temperature of nozzle 2091 decreases as the 20°C cleaning water passes through and remains. Heater 2092, under PI control from control circuit 9, heats the cleaning water remaining in nozzle 2091, raising the temperature of the cleaning water to 37°C.

[0079] (Step ST10) After step ST9, the control circuit 9 updates the execution information to indicate that the operations of each part, including the dispensing of the reagent in step ST7 and the cleaning of the nozzle in step ST8, have been performed for a given sample.

[0080] (Step ST11) After step ST10, the control circuit 9 determines, based on the updated execution information, whether all analyses based on the analysis request information have been completed. If completed, it moves each unit to a predetermined standby position and terminates the process. If not (if there are unexecuted analyses), it returns to step ST4.

[0081] (Step ST12) If, as a result of step ST4, there is no dispensing operation in the next analysis cycle (if it is intermittent, ST4: No), the control circuit 9 determines, based on the execution information, whether the intermittences in subsequent cycles are n consecutive or less (where n is a positive integer).

[0082] (Step ST13) If the result of the determination in step ST12 is negative (if the intermittence exceeds n consecutive times, ST12: No), the control circuit 9 waits for the time interval of one analysis cycle based on the execution information and proceeds to step ST8.

[0083] (Steps ST14~ST16) Steps ST12 to ST13 are optional and may be omitted. For example, if, as a result of step ST4, there is no dispensing operation in the next analysis cycle (i.e., ST4: No), a dummy reagent dispensing operation may be performed as shown in steps ST14 to ST16 described later.

[0084] On the other hand, if the determination in step ST12 indicates that the intermittence is n consecutive times or less, the control circuit 9 performs the dummy reagent dispensing operation described later in each of the n consecutive analysis cycles in which the reagent dispensing is intermittent. However, the dispensing operation of the dummy reagent (dummy fluid) does not need to be performed in each of the n consecutive analysis cycles in which the intermittence occurs, but only needs to be performed in at least the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the reagent dispensing operation begins. In other words, if the (reagent) dispensing operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, the control circuit 9 should control the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and heater 2092 to perform the dummy reagent dispensing operation in at least the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the (reagent) dispensing operation begins. In this embodiment, the dummy reagent dispensing operation is performed in each of the n consecutive analysis cycles in which the reagent dispensing operation is intermittent. Here, the dummy reagent dispensing operation involves drawing up dummy reagent at approximately the same temperature as the reagent in the reagent chamber through nozzle 2091, raising the temperature of the drawn dummy reagent with heater 2092, and then discharging the heated dummy reagent through nozzle 2091. The dummy reagent dispensing operation is performed as shown in the following steps ST14 to ST16.

[0085] (Step ST14) If the result of the determination in step ST12 is n consecutive times or less, the control circuit 9 rotates the reagent container 100d and the first reagent dispensing probe 209 of the reagent rack to the first reagent aspiration position using the drive mechanism 4, and then lowers them. After that, the control circuit 9 draws dummy reagent from the nozzle 2091 of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 to the reagent container 100d located directly below the first reagent aspiration position. As a result, the nozzle 2091 of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 contains dummy reagent that has been kept at a temperature of 8°C.

[0086] (Step ST15) After step ST14, the temperature of nozzle 2091 decreases as the dummy reagent, which has been kept at 8°C, is added. Heater 2092, under PI control from control circuit 9, heats the dummy reagent contained in nozzle 2091, raising its temperature to 37°C.

[0087] (Step ST16) After step ST15, the control circuit 9 uses the drive mechanism 4 to raise the first reagent dispensing probe 209, rotate it to the position of the drainage channel, and then lower it. Subsequently, the control circuit 9 discharges a dummy reagent at 37°C from the nozzle 2091 of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 into the drainage channel. After the dummy reagent is discharged, the process proceeds to step ST8 and is carried out in the same manner as described above.

[0088] According to steps ST12, ST14-ST16 described above, if there are n or fewer consecutive intermittent steps before the next analysis, the temperature environment of nozzle 2091 is maintained in the same way as when aspirating, heating, and dispensing the first reagent by aspirating, heating, and dispensing a dummy reagent. Therefore, the output of heater 2092 changes similarly between the first aspiration, heating, and dispensing of the first reagent and the second and subsequent aspirations, heating, and dispensing of the first reagent.

[0089] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the time progression of the heater output in this embodiment. In Figure 5, the vertical axis represents the output of heater 2092, and the horizontal axis represents time. Also in Figure 5, for each analysis cycle between washes, one of the following is performed: intermittent, dummy dispensing, or reagent dispensing. Hereinafter, the analysis cycle in the case of intermittent dispensing will be called the intermittent cycle, the analysis cycle in the case of dummy dispensing will be called the dummy cycle, and similarly, the analysis cycle in the case of reagent dispensing will be called the reagent dispensing cycle.

[0090] In intermittent cycle Ic1, the temperature of the nozzle 2091, which has been reduced to 20°C by the washing water in step ST8, is raised to 37°C in step ST9, and after steps ST10, ST11, ST4, and ST12, the system enters a standby state in step ST13. During this intermittent cycle Ic1, the output of the heater 2092 increases as the temperature rises from 20°C to 37°C and decreases as the system enters a standby state.

[0091] In the first dummy cycle Dc1, the temperature of nozzle 2091, which has been reduced to 20°C by the washing water in step ST8, is raised to 37°C in step ST9. After steps ST10, ST11, ST4, and ST12, the temperature of nozzle 2091, which has been reduced to 8°C by the dummy reagent in step ST14, is raised to 37°C in step ST15, and then step ST16 is performed. During this dummy cycle Dc1, the output of heater 2092 increases to the right as the temperature rises from 20°C to 37°C, decreases after reaching 37°C, increases again to the right as the temperature rises from 8°C to 37°C, and decreases to the right after reaching 37°C. The change in heater output during dummy dispensing, enclosed by the dashed line in dummy cycle Dc1, is not seen in intermittent cycle Ic1.

[0092] In the second dummy cycle Dc2, steps ST8-ST11, ST4, ST12, and ST14-ST16 are executed, similar to the first dummy cycle Dc1. During dummy cycle Dc2, the output of heater 2092 increases to the right as the temperature rises from 20°C to 37°C, decreases after reaching 37°C, increases again to the right as the temperature rises from 8°C to 37°C, and decreases to the right after reaching 37°C. The change in heater output during dummy dispensing, enclosed by the dashed line in dummy cycle Dc2, can also be seen in the preceding dummy cycle Dc1.

[0093] However, the output of heater 2092 at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2 is higher than the output of heater 2092 at the start of the first dummy cycle Dc1. This is because the heater output at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2 is influenced by the heater output of the preceding dummy cycle Dc1, and the heater output at the start of the first dummy cycle Dc1 is influenced by the heater output of the preceding intermittent cycle IC1. Here, the heater output of the first dummy cycle Dc1 is higher than the heater output of intermittent cycle Ic1 because the dummy reagent was heated to 8°C during dummy cycle Dc1. Therefore, the heater output at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2 is higher than the heater output at the start of the first dummy cycle Dc1.

[0094] In the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1, the temperature of nozzle 2091, which has been reduced to 20°C by the washing water in step ST8, is raised to 37°C in step ST9. After steps ST10, ST11, and ST4, the temperature of nozzle 2091, which has been reduced to 8°C by the first reagent in step ST5, is raised to 37°C in step ST6, and then step ST7 is performed. Accordingly, the output of heater 2092 increases to the right as the temperature rises from 20°C to 37°C, decreases after reaching 37°C, increases again to the right as the temperature rises from 8°C to 37°C, and decreases to the right after reaching 37°C. This change in heater output in reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 is similar to the change in heater output in the preceding dummy cycle Dc2.

[0095] Furthermore, the output of heater 2092 at the start of the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 is approximately the same as the output of heater 2092 at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2. This is because the heater output at the start of the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 is influenced by the heater output of the preceding second dummy cycle Dc2, and the heater output at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2 is influenced by the heater output of the preceding first dummy cycle Dc1. Here, the heater outputs of the first and second dummy cycles Dc1 and Dc2 are approximately the same as those of the dummy reagents, both of which were heated from 8°C. Therefore, the heater output at the start of the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 is approximately the same as the heater output at the start of the second dummy cycle Dc2.

[0096] The output of heater 2092 for subsequent reagent dispensing cycles Rc2, Rc3, ... will progress similarly to that of the preceding reagent dispensing cycles Rc1, Rc2, ..., since the heater outputs of each cycle are approximately the same.

[0097] As described above, according to this embodiment, the automatic analyzer comprises a reagent dispensing mechanism having a nozzle for dispensing reagents for each analysis cycle, a reagent storage unit for cooling and storing reagents, a heating unit for heating the nozzle, and a control unit for controlling the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit. If the dispensing operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, the control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit to perform the following operations at least in the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the dispensing operation is started: drawing in dummy fluid from the nozzle, heating the drawn dummy fluid in the heating unit, and discharging the heated dummy fluid from the nozzle.

[0098] This ensures that the dummy fluid is dispensed at least in the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the reagent dispensing operation begins. Therefore, fluctuations in reagent temperature during reagent dispensing in each analysis cycle can be reduced, thereby maintaining analytical accuracy. In this case, from the viewpoint of reducing fluctuations in reagent temperature, the aspirated dummy fluid is preferably at a temperature close to the reagent temperature, and more preferably at approximately the same temperature as the reagent.

[0099] To elaborate, in the comparative example where dummy fluid dispensing is not used, intermittent cycles Ic2 and Ic3 are executed instead of dummy cycles Dc1 and Dc2 in Figure 5, as shown in Figure 6. Consequently, in the comparative example, there is a difference between the heater output at the start of the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 and the heater output at the start of the second and subsequent reagent dispensing cycles Rc2 to Rc4. The cause of this difference is the presence or absence of the preceding dispensing operation (in which the cooled reagent was aspirated). Specifically, in the case of the second and subsequent reagent dispensing cycles Rc2 to Rc4, where there is a preceding dispensing operation, the automated analyzer 1 aspirates the cooled reagent from nozzle 2091, raises the temperature of the reagent inside nozzle 2091, discharges the reagent, and immediately performs a cleaning operation inside nozzle 2091. In contrast, in the case of the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1, where there is no preceding dispensing operation, the cleaning operation of nozzle 2091 is performed without any temperature fluctuation of nozzle 2091 due to reagent aspiration. As described above, the temperature change of nozzle 2091 differs depending on whether or not a dispensing operation was performed immediately beforehand. This results in differences in the temperature distribution of nozzle 2091 during reagent aspiration, and consequently, differences in the temperature distribution of nozzle 2091 during reagent discharge. As a result, in the comparative example, there is a difference in the reagent temperature during discharge between the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1 and subsequent reagent dispensing cycles Rc2 to Rc4. In contrast, according to this embodiment, a dummy dispensing cycle is performed at least immediately before the first reagent dispensing cycle Rc1, so the fluctuation in reagent temperature during discharge in subsequent reagent dispensing cycles Rc1 to Rc4 can be reduced. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the factor of variation due to the order of test items (presence or absence of a dispensing operation immediately beforehand) can be eliminated, and the stability of the reagent temperature during discharge can be improved. This contributes to improving the performance stability of the automated analyzer 1.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the reagent storage unit cools and stores the reagents and dummy fluid. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, it is easy to adjust the temperature of the dummy fluid during aspiration to be approximately the same as the temperature of the reagents in the storage unit.

[0101] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the dummy fluid is pure water. Therefore, in addition to the effects described above, since, for example, wash water which is pure water can be used as the dummy fluid, the dummy fluid can be easily prepared.

[0102] (modified version) In the above embodiment, the dummy fluid was cooled and stored in the reagent storage chamber, but this is not the only option. For example, the analytical mechanism 2 may further include a cooling unit 220 for cooling and storing the dummy fluid, as shown in Figure 8, instead of the reagent container 100d in the reagent storage chamber. Specifically, the cooling unit 220 is controlled by the control circuit 9 and cools at least one container 221 containing the dummy reagent (dummy fluid), which is pure water. At this time, the temperature at which the cooling unit 220 cools the dummy reagent is 8°C, which is approximately the same temperature as the temperature at which the reagent storage chamber cools the reagent. The temperature at which the dummy reagent is cooled is not limited to approximately the same temperature as the reagent in the reagent storage chamber; for example, it may be a temperature close to the temperature of the reagent in the reagent storage chamber. Approximately the same temperature as the reagent in the reagent storage chamber may be, for example, a temperature within the range of 8°C ± 2°C. Also, a temperature close to the temperature of the reagent in the reagent storage chamber may be, for example, a temperature within the range of 8°C ± 5°C. However, any temperature can be used to cool the dummy reagent, as long as it is within a range where water does not freeze and is lower than room temperature (e.g., 1°C to 15°C). In any case, from the viewpoint of reducing fluctuations between reagent temperatures, it is preferable that the temperature used to cool the dummy reagent be close to the temperature of the reagent in the reagent storage, and more preferably approximately the same as the temperature of the reagent in the reagent storage. In addition, a dummy reagent aspiration position is set at a predetermined position on the cooling unit 220 shown in Figure 8. The dummy reagent aspiration position is provided, for example, at a position where the rotational trajectories of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersect with the movement trajectory of the opening of the container 221 stored in the cooling unit 220. However, the cooling unit 220 is not limited to this, and a first cooling unit corresponding to the first reagent dispensing probe 209 and a second cooling unit corresponding to the second reagent dispensing probe 211 may be provided separately. In this case, the dummy reagent aspiration position on the first cooling unit is set at a position where the rotational trajectory of the first reagent dispensing probe 209 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the container stored in the first cooling unit. Similarly, the dummy reagent aspiration position on the second cooling unit is set at a position where the rotational trajectory of the second reagent dispensing probe 211 intersects with the movement trajectory of the opening of the container stored in the second cooling unit. In any case, when the cooling unit 220 is provided, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained without reducing the reagent storage capacity of the reagent cabinet.

[0103] Furthermore, although the above embodiment described the case where the dummy fluid is pure water, it is not limited to this. For example, the dummy fluid may be cold air. In this case, the effects described above can be obtained without providing the cooling unit described in the modified example and without reducing the reagent storage capacity of the reagent cabinet. To add to this, if the dummy fluid is cold air, for example, a nozzle may be inserted into the reagent cabinet and the cold air may be drawn in. If cold air is used, it can be carried out without occupying the reagent storage space in the reagent cabinet. However, since cold air and pure water have different heat capacities, parameters such as the suction time, the waiting time in the reagent cabinet, and the heater output may be adjusted.

[0104] Furthermore, although PI control was used as the control method for heater 2092 in the above embodiment, the invention is not limited to this. For example, PID control may be used as the control method for heater 2092. Alternatively, as the control method for heater 2092, a control profile may be created that matches measurement conditions such as the dispensing volume of reagents and dummy reagents, and environmental conditions such as the ambient temperature of nozzle 2091 and the water temperature of the washing water, and the control circuit 9 may use this control profile.

[0105] Furthermore, although the above embodiment did not describe the replenishment of dummy fluid (dummy reagent), if the dummy fluid is a liquid such as pure water, the replenishment of the dummy reagent may be performed automatically. As a replenishment method, when the input interface 5 receives a shutdown instruction, the control circuit 9 may move the reagent dispensing mechanism to the dummy reagent storage area (reagent storage or cooling unit) at the timing of the shutdown operation, the washing water supply mechanism may supply washing water to the nozzle, and the washing water (pure water) may be discharged from the nozzle to the storage area. In other words, when the control circuit 9 receives a shutdown instruction, it controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the washing water supply mechanism to perform an operation to replenish the washing water, which is the dummy reagent, and after the replenishment operation, it shuts down the automatic analyzer.Therefore, the user can avoid the trouble of replenishing the dummy reagent.In addition, compared to replenishing during automatic analysis, replenishing at shutdown is preferable because sufficient time has passed until the next startup, allowing the temperature of the dummy reagent to be approximately the same as the temperature of the reagent. To add to this, if you need to replenish the dummy reagent (pure water) during automated analysis, you will need to wait for the replenished 20°C pure water to cool to approximately the same temperature as the reagent (for example, 8°C) so that it functions as the dummy reagent. For this reason, it is preferable to replenish it during shutdown.

[0106] Furthermore, although the above modification does not describe the confirmation of the remaining amount of dummy fluid, a general reagent remaining amount detection method, such as liquid level detection using the capacitance of the nozzle, may be used to confirm the remaining amount before and after replenishment (before and after dispensing). In this case, the control circuit 9 further includes a detection unit that detects the liquid level using the capacitance of the nozzle 2091 as part of the system control function 91. That is, the detection unit has the function of detecting the liquid level of the reagent when the reagent dispensing operation is performed. In this modification, when the remaining amount of dummy reagent is confirmed, the detection unit detects the liquid level of the dummy reagent. Note that the confirmation of the remaining amount of dummy reagent may be performed only before replenishment or only after replenishment. Accordingly, when the control circuit 9 receives a shutdown instruction input, the detection unit detects the liquid level of the dummy fluid and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the washing water supply mechanism to perform an operation to replenish washing water based on the detected result. Such modifications may be implemented, for example, as shown in Figure 7.

[0107] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of this modified example. The automated analyzer 1 is, for example, started up in the morning in response to user operation, performs analysis operations during the day, and shuts down at the end of the day as shown in steps ST21 to ST25.

[0108] The input interface 5 accepts a shutdown command in response to user operation (step ST21).

[0109] When the control circuit 9 receives a shutdown command input, a detection unit (not shown) detects the current liquid level of the dummy fluid (step ST22).

[0110] Based on the detected results, the control circuit 9 controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the washing water supply mechanism to replenish the dummy reagent, which is washing water (step ST23).

[0111] After the replenishment operation, the control circuit 9 detects the liquid level of the dummy fluid after replenishment using a detection unit (not shown) (step ST24). The control circuit 9 may also determine whether the detected liquid level after replenishment is within the normal range and output the determination result to the output interface 6. For example, if the detection result is within the normal range, the control circuit 9 may output a completion message to the output interface 6 for a predetermined time of a few seconds and proceed to step ST25. Alternatively, if the detection result is not within the normal range, the control circuit 9 may output an alarm message to the output interface 6 and prompt the user to press the confirmation button to proceed to step ST25.

[0112] Subsequently, the control circuit 9 executes the shutdown of the automatic analyzer 1 based on the shutdown instruction.

[0113] As shown in the modified version in Figure 7, the user can avoid the trouble of checking and replenishing the remaining amount of dummy reagent.

[0114] (Other embodiments) The above embodiments and modifications have described their application to automated analyzers that perform biochemical tests, but are not limited to this. For example, the above embodiments and modifications may be applied to automated analyzers that perform blood coagulation analysis tests.

[0115] Another automated analyzer according to this embodiment is capable of performing blood coagulation analysis and has the same configuration as shown in Figure 1. The following explanation will use Figure 1.

[0116] The analysis mechanism 2 is driven by the drive mechanism 4 and transports the reaction vessel 2011 held on the annular reaction disk 201. In each analysis cycle, the analysis mechanism 2 dispenses a blood sample, which is the sample, and reagents into the transported reaction vessel 2011. Here, the analysis mechanism 2 is controlled by the control circuit 9 via the drive mechanism 4, and if the reagent dispensing operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, it performs the operation of drawing in a dummy fluid from the nozzle 2091, heating the drawn dummy fluid with the heater 2092, and discharging the heated dummy fluid from the nozzle 2091 at least in the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the dispensing operation starts. In this embodiment, the temperature of the drawn dummy fluid is approximately the same as the temperature of the reagent in the reagent chamber. However, as with the above modified example, the temperature of the dummy fluid is not limited to this.

[0117] Analytical apparatus 2 mixes the blood sample with the reagents used for each test item. Furthermore, depending on the test item, analytical apparatus 2 also mixes a standard solution diluted to a predetermined ratio with the reagent used for that test item. The mixture is then reacted at a constant temperature of 37°C, which is optimal for enzymatic reactions in living organisms.

[0118] Analytical mechanism 2 continuously measures the optical properties of a blood sample or standard solution mixed with a reagent. This measurement generates standard data, expressed, for example, transmitted light intensity or absorbance, and scattered light intensity, as well as test data.

[0119] The analysis circuit 3 is a processor that generates calibration data and analysis data related to blood sample coagulation by analyzing the standard data and test data generated by the analysis mechanism 2. For example, the analysis circuit 3 reads an analysis program from the memory circuit 8 and analyzes the standard data and test data according to the read analysis program.

[0120] Specifically, the analysis circuit measures the coagulation process in the mixture by analyzing the test data, for example. For the analysis of a mixture to which a highly reactive reagent has been added, analysis circuit 3 analyzes the test data obtained by detecting transmitted light. For the analysis of a mixture to which a weakly reactive and slow-reacting reagent has been added, analysis circuit 3 analyzes the test data obtained by detecting scattered light. Based on the test data, analysis circuit 3 acquires the change in light intensity for the blood coagulation reaction. From the reaction curve as a change in light intensity, analysis circuit 3 calculates information about the coagulation of the blood sample, such as the coagulation endpoint, coagulation point, and coagulation time.

[0121] Furthermore, depending on the test item, the analysis circuit 3 calculates concentration values ​​and other parameters based on the calculated coagulation time and the calibration data for the corresponding test item. The analysis circuit 3 outputs analytical data, including the coagulation termination point, coagulation point, coagulation time, and concentration values, to the control circuit 9.

[0122] According to at least one embodiment described above, fluctuations in reagent temperature during reagent dispensing in each analysis cycle can be reduced, thereby maintaining analytical accuracy.

[0123] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0124] 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Analysis mechanism 3 Analysis circuit 4. Drive mechanism 5 Input Interfaces 6 Output Interfaces 7. Communication Interface 8 Memory circuit 9 Control circuits 91 System control function 92 Dummy control function 100,100d reagent container 201 Reaction Disk 202 Constant temperature section 203 Rack Sampler 204 Reagent Room 1 205 Second Reagent Storage Room 206 Sample dispensing arm 207 Sample dispensing probe 208 First reagent dispensing arm 209 First reagent dispensing probe 210 Second reagent dispensing arm 211 Second reagent dispensing probe 212 Electrode Unit 213 Photometer Unit 214 Washing Unit 215 Agitation Unit 220 Cooling section 221 Container 2011 Reaction vessel 2031 Sample Rack 2080 Reagent Dispensing Unit 2081 Tube 2082 Syringe 2083 Plunger 2084 Tank 2085 Pump 2086 Shut-off valve 2091 Nozzle 2092 Heater 2093 Sensor

Claims

1. A reagent dispensing mechanism having a nozzle that performs dispensing operations by aspirating and dispensing reagents for each analysis cycle, A reagent cabinet for cooling and storing reagents, A heating unit for heating the nozzle, The reagent dispensing mechanism and the control unit that controls the heating section, Equipped with, Automatic analyzer, wherein the control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the heating unit to perform the following operations: if the dispensing operation is intermittent in the next analysis cycle, in at least the analysis cycle immediately preceding the analysis cycle in which the dispensing operation is started, aspirate a dummy fluid from the nozzle, heat the aspirated dummy fluid in the heating unit, and discharge the heated dummy fluid from the nozzle.

2. The automated analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the reagent storage chamber cools and stores the reagent and the dummy fluid.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling unit for cooling and storing the dummy fluid.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism to perform a nozzle cleaning operation after the dispensing operation and before the operation of aspirating, heating, and discharging the dummy fluid.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the reagent dispensing mechanism to perform an operation to clean the nozzle after the operation of sucking up, heating and discharging the dummy fluid.

6. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the dummy fluid is pure water or cold air.

7. A cleaning water supply mechanism that supplies cleaning water to the nozzle, An input interface that accepts shutdown instructions, Furthermore, The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the shutdown instruction, controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the washing water supply mechanism to perform an operation to replenish the washing water, which is the dummy fluid, and after the replenishment operation, shuts down the automatic analyzer.

8. The system further includes a detection unit that detects the liquid level based on the capacitance of the nozzle, The automatic analyzer according to claim 7, wherein the control unit, upon receiving the shutdown instruction, detects the liquid level of the dummy fluid using the detection unit, and controls the reagent dispensing mechanism and the washing water supply mechanism to perform an operation to replenish the washing water based on the detected result.

9. The automatic analyzer according to claim 8, wherein the detection unit detects the liquid level of the reagent when performing the reagent dispensing operation.

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