Automatic analysis device
The automated analyzer addresses reagent replenishment delays and cost/unit size issues by integrating reagent replenishment into the analysis process, maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing automatic analyzers require manual reagent replenishment, leading to analysis operation delays and increased costs and unit size due to separate reagent container transfer devices.
An automated analyzer design with an input section, analysis unit, transport line, and dispensing mechanism that allows automatic reagent replenishment without separate reagent container transfer devices, maintaining unit size and cost efficiency.
Enables automatic reagent replenishment without stopping the analysis operation, reducing costs and unit size while ensuring reagent quality by checking expiration and cleanliness.
Smart Images
Figure 0007866034000001 
Figure 0007866034000002 
Figure 0007866034000003
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.
Background Art
[0002] In an automatic analyzer for analyzing samples such as blood and urine, reagents used for cleaning or conditioning a mechanism that directly touches the sample may be installed in the analysis unit. These reagents are generally installed at positions accessible by the mechanisms within the analysis unit. When replenishing, the analysis unit needs to be stopped once, and after ensuring the safety of the user, the user has to perform the replenishment. However, when the analysis unit is stopped, the analysis operation also has to be stopped, and it takes time to resume the analysis operation. As a result, it leads to a delay in the output of the analysis results.
[0003] Therefore, a technique for automatically replenishing reagents has been considered. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an analysis system that automatically supplies reagents to an analysis unit using a transport line for transporting specimens.
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0004]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0005] However, in the analysis system described in Cited Document 1, a reagent container transfer device for transferring the reagent container itself to a reagent storage is provided in each analysis unit, separately from a specimen dispensing device that sucks a specimen from a specimen container conveyed by a transport line and discharges it into a reaction container. For this reason, there are demerits such as an increase in cost and an increase in the unit size.
[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide an automated analyzer that can automatically replenish reagents while suppressing increases in cost and unit size. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an automatic analyzer comprising: an input section into which a first container for holding a liquid is introduced; an analysis unit for analyzing a sample; and a transport line for transporting the first container from the input section to the analysis unit, wherein the analysis unit includes a measurement section for measuring target components contained in the sample; a reagent placement section where a second container for holding a reagent is arranged; and a dispensing mechanism for aspirating the reagent from the first container and dispensing it into the second container. [Effects of the Invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automated analyzer that can automatically replenish reagents while suppressing increases in cost and unit size. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analysis unit. [Figure 3] A perspective view showing the configuration of the sample container and carrier. [Figure 4] An example of a screen for pre-configuring information on the correspondence between reagent containers and carriers. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating the process of refilling reagent containers with reagents. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0010] Hereinafter, an automated analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an automated analyzer. As shown in Figure 1, the automated analyzer of this embodiment includes a sample input / recovery unit 105 which integrates an input unit 107 and a recovery unit 106, an ID reader 103, a transport line 104, an analysis unit 108, and a control computer 101. Note that there may be multiple analysis units 108 or just one. The control computer 101 is connected to the sample input / recovery unit 105 and the analysis unit 108, etc., via a communication line 114 such as Ethernet, enabling the transmission and reception of necessary data.
[0012] The input section 107 is where the carrier 102, on which sample containers 115 containing samples such as blood and urine collected from the subject are input. The retrieval section 106 is where the carrier 102 on which the sample containers 115 containing the analyzed samples are retrieved. The ID reader 103 is a device that reads the carrier ID 119 attached to the carrier 102 and the container ID 118 attached to the sample container 115, and is, for example, a barcode reader or an RFID reader. The transport line 104 is a device that transports the carrier 102 on which the sample containers 115 are placed from the input section 107 to the analysis unit 108. The control computer 101 (control unit) controls the ID reader 103, the transport line 104, etc. Although not shown in the figure, the control computer 101 is also connected to a display unit such as a display that shows analysis results transmitted from the analysis unit 108, and to an input unit such as a keyboard or mouse used by the user to input setting information, etc.
[0013] Next, the configuration of the analysis unit 108 for analyzing the sample will be described in detail. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the analysis unit. The analysis unit 108 includes an internal transport line 116, a measurement section (first measurement section 110, second measurement section 111), a reagent mounting section 112, and a dispensing mechanism 109. In this embodiment, an electrolyte analysis unit is used as an example for the analysis unit 108, but a biochemical analysis unit or an immunoassay unit may also be used.
[0014] The internal transport line 116 of the analysis unit transports the carrier 102 within the scope of the analysis unit 108. The carrier 102, transported via the transport line 104, is grasped by a hand mechanism (not shown) and handed over to the internal transport line 116 of the analysis unit. The internal transport line 116 of the analysis unit transports the carrier 102 to the dispensing position as shown in Figure 2. Once dispensing is complete, the carrier 102 is transported again by the internal transport line 116 of the analysis unit, grasped by a hand mechanism, and then handed over to the transport line 104. The carrier 102 is then transported to the recovery unit 106 by the transport line 104.
[0015] Each measurement unit measures the target components contained in the sample. Although not shown in the diagram, each unit includes a dilution tank for storing the sample and diluent, a detector for detecting the potential of the diluted sample, and a flow path connecting the dilution tank and the detector. When analyzing the sample, the dispensing mechanism 109 draws the sample from the sample container 115 and dispenses it into the dilution tank in the measurement unit. The analysis unit 108 in this embodiment is also provided with a diluent bottle for storing the diluent and a syringe for dispensing the liquid. The syringe's operation supplies the diluent from the bottle to the dilution tank of each measurement unit. Subsequently, the liquid containing the sample diluted in the dilution tank is supplied to the detector via the flow path by the syringe's operation. The detector detects the potential of the dispensed liquid using electrodes and transmits the detection result to the control computer 101 via the communication line 114. The remaining amount of diluent in the diluent bottle and its expiration date are managed by an RFID tag attached to the diluent bottle.
[0016] The reagent mounting section 112 is where reagent containers 113 for containing reagents are arranged. The reagents contained in the reagent containers 113 are washing solutions or conditioners, and are used to wash or condition mechanisms that come into direct contact with the sample. For example, the washing solution is used to wash the dispensing nozzle by aspiration from the dispensing mechanism 109, to wash the dilution tank by being supplied to the dilution tank, and further to wash the flow path from the dilution tank to the detector by the operation of the syringe. The conditioner is supplied to the flow path from the dilution tank to the detector to condition the flow path and other components.
[0017] The dispensing mechanism 109 is equipped with a dispensing nozzle that can rotate around a vertical axis and move vertically. When a sample is contained in the sample container 115, the dispensing mechanism 109 aspirates the sample and discharges it into the dilution tank in the measurement unit. When a reagent (such as a washing solution) is contained in the sample container 115, the dispensing mechanism 109 aspirates the reagent and discharges it into the reagent container 113 in the reagent holder 112. In this embodiment, the sample container 115 may contain liquids other than the sample (reagents), as will be described later, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the first container. On the other hand, the reagent container 113 is sometimes referred to as the second container.
[0018] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the sample container and carrier. The carrier 102 has a sample container mounting section 117 (opening) on its upper surface for inserting the sample container 115. In this embodiment, the carrier 102 has multiple sample container mounting sections 117, but it may also have only one sample container mounting section 117. In addition, a carrier ID 119 associated with information such as the type of carrier 102 is affixed to the carrier 102, and a container ID 118 associated with information about the sample or reagent to be contained is affixed to the sample container 115.
[0019] The carrier 102 introduced into the input unit 107 is conveyed to the analysis unit 108 by the conveyance line 104. During the conveyance, at the reading position of the ID reader 103, the container ID 118 of the sample container 115 and the carrier ID 119 of the carrier 102 are read. The control computer 101 associates the information related to each ID read by the ID reader 103 with the information previously set by the user using the input unit. By this association, the sample container 115 identified as containing the reagent is conveyed to the predetermined analysis unit 108 together with the carrier 102 on which the sample container 115 is placed. Then, the reagent in the container is aspirated by the dispensing mechanism 109 and discharged into the reagent container 113 of the reagent mounting unit 112.
[0020] Here, in order for the control computer 101 to identify which sample container 115 contains the reagent, it is necessary to set the association information in advance. FIG. 4 is an example of a screen for setting in advance the association information between the container containing the reagent and the carrier. When there is a sample container 115 containing the reagent, the user inputs the association information using the input unit into the input field 121 of the screen (association information setting screen 120) shown in FIG. 4 displayed on the display unit. The information to be input includes the type of the reagent, the analysis unit 108 which is the supply destination of the reagent, the container ID 118 of the sample container 115 containing the reagent, the carrier ID 119 of the carrier 102 on which the sample container 115 is placed, and the like. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user directly inputs and sets the container ID 118 and the like. However, for each association information, it may be set by the user selecting from a plurality of pre-registered candidates. Similarly, for the container containing the sample, the association information may be set.
[0021] Next, a series of processes in which the automatic analyzer automatically replenishes the reagent to the reagent container 113 arranged in the reagent mounting unit 112 will be specifically described. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processes when replenishing the reagent to the reagent container.
[0022] First, the user inputs information to associate the reagent with the sample container 115 that contains it, referring to the correspondence information setting screen 120 shown in Figure 4 (step S501) (step S501). Next, the user places the reagent into the sample container 115 on the carrier 102 and places the carrier 102 on the input unit 107 (step S502). At this time, the user may also place the carrier 102 on which the sample container 115 containing the sample is placed on the input unit 107. After that, the user gives an instruction to start operation using the input unit (step S503). This is the part of the process that the user must perform.
[0023] Next, when the transport line 104 transports the carrier 102 to the reading position of the ID reader 103, the ID reader 103 reads the container ID 118 of the sample container 115 and the carrier ID 119 of the carrier 102. Based on the IDs read by the ID reader 103, the control computer 101 determines whether or not the sample container 115 contains a reagent (step S504). If it is determined that the sample container 115 does not contain a reagent, that is, if it is determined that the sample container 115 contains a sample, the sample container 115 is transported to a predetermined analysis unit 108, after which the sample is dispensed into the measurement unit by the dispensing mechanism 109 and measured as a biological sample (step S505).
[0024] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S504 that the sample container 115 contains a reagent, the transport line 104 transports the carrier 102 on which the sample container 115 is placed to the analysis unit 108 that is to be replenished with reagents (step S506). Furthermore, the transport line 116 inside the analysis unit transports the carrier 102 to the dispensing position.
[0025] Subsequently, the control computer 101 measures the amount of reagent remaining in the reagent container 113 placed in the reagent holder section 112 using the liquid level detection function of the dispensing mechanism 109, and determines whether the measured value is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S507). If it is determined that an amount greater than the predetermined amount of reagent remains, the control computer 101 determines whether the reagent's expiration date has been exceeded (step S508). If it is determined that the reagent's expiration date has not been exceeded, no reagent replenishment is necessary, and the process ends.
[0026] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S08 that the reagent's expiration date has been exceeded, the dispensing mechanism 109 aspirates the remaining reagent and discards it to a waste section (not shown), and then washes the reagent container 113 by aspirating detergent from a detergent bottle (not shown) and discharging it into the reagent container 113 (step S509). If it is determined in step S507 that there is no more than a predetermined amount of reagent remaining, the expiration date determination in step S508 is omitted, and the process in step S509 is performed.
[0027] Once the cleaning of the reagent container 113 is complete, the dispensing mechanism 109 replenishes the reagent by aspirating the reagent from the sample container 115 at the dispensing position and dispensing the reagent into the reagent container 113 (step S510). Subsequently, the internal transport line 116 and transport line 104 within the analysis unit transport the carrier 102 on which the sample container 115, after reagent aspiration, is placed to the recovery unit 106, and the sample container 115 and carrier 102 are recovered in the recovery unit 106 (step S511).
[0028] Note that the determinations in steps S507 and S508 may be performed by the control unit within each analysis unit 108 instead of the control computer 101.
[0029] As described above, in this embodiment, the automated analyzer also stores the reagents used in the analysis unit 108 in the sample container 115 and transports them to the analysis unit 108 by the carrier 102. Furthermore, the dispensing mechanism 109 aspirates the reagents from the sample container 115 and dispenses them into the reagent container 113 in the analysis unit 108. Therefore, reagents can be automatically replenished without stopping the analysis unit 108. Moreover, since there is no need to provide a dedicated mechanism for replenishing reagents, it is possible to suppress increases in cost and the size of the unit.
[0030] Furthermore, before dispensing new reagent into reagent container 113, any remaining reagent in reagent container 113 is aspirated and discarded, and the inside of reagent container 113 is also cleaned. This prevents mixing of old and new reagents and maintains good reagent conditions. In addition, the expiration date of the remaining reagent is checked before replenishing the reagent, making it possible to reduce reagent consumption while maintaining reagent conditions.
[0031] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dispensing mechanism 109 may be provided separately for dispensing a sample to the measurement unit and for replenishing the reagent in the reagent container 113. Furthermore, the multiple components disclosed in the embodiments described above may be combined as appropriate. Moreover, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the embodiments described above. [Explanation of symbols]
[0032] 101...Control computer, 102...Carrier, 103...ID reader, 104...Transport line, 105...Sample input / recovery unit, 106...Recovery unit, 107...Input unit, 108...Analysis unit, 109...Dispensing mechanism, 110...First measurement unit, 111...Second measurement unit, 112...Reagent mounting unit, 113...Reagent container (second container), 114...Communication line, 115...Sample container (first container), 116...Transport line inside analysis unit, 117...Sample container installation unit, 118...Sample ID, 119...Carrier ID, 120...Mapping information setting screen, 121...Input field.
Claims
1. An automated analyzer comprising: an input section into which a first container for holding liquid is inserted; an analysis unit for analyzing a sample; and a transport line for transporting the first container from the input section to the analysis unit, The aforementioned analysis unit, A measuring unit for measuring the target component contained in the aforementioned sample, A reagent rack section where a second container for holding reagents is placed, It has a dispensing mechanism that aspirates the reagent from the first container and dispenses it into the second container, The first container comprises a container for the sample and a container for the reagent, and when the first container contains the sample, the dispensing mechanism aspirates the sample from the first container and discharges it to the measuring unit, in an automated analyzer.
2. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, An automatic analyzer further comprising an input unit into which information relating to the first container containing the reagent is input.
3. An automated analyzer comprising: an input section into which a first container for holding liquid is inserted; an analysis unit for analyzing a sample; and a transport line for transporting the first container from the input section to the analysis unit, The aforementioned analysis unit, A measuring unit for measuring the target component contained in the aforementioned sample, A reagent rack section where a second container for holding reagents is placed, It has a dispensing mechanism that aspirates the reagent from the first container and dispenses it into the second container, The reagent contained in the second container is used for cleaning or conditioning the dispensing mechanism or the measuring unit of an automated analyzer.
4. An automated analyzer comprising: an input section into which a first container for holding liquid is inserted; an analysis unit for analyzing a sample; and a transport line for transporting the first container from the input section to the analysis unit, The aforementioned analysis unit, A measuring unit for measuring the target component contained in the aforementioned sample, A reagent rack section where a second container for holding reagents is placed, It has a dispensing mechanism that aspirates the reagent from the first container and dispenses it into the second container, The dispensing mechanism is an automated analyzer that, before dispensing a new reagent into the second container, aspirates and discards any reagent remaining in the second container.
5. In the automated analyzer according to claim 4, The dispensing mechanism is an automated analyzer that, after discarding the reagent remaining in the second container, washes the second container.
6. In the automated analyzer according to claim 4, An automated analyzer wherein, when the amount of reagent remaining in the second container is less than a predetermined amount, the dispensing mechanism aspirates and discards the reagent remaining in the second container.
7. In the automated analyzer according to claim 4, An automated analyzer wherein, if the expiration date of the reagent remaining in the second container has expired, the dispensing mechanism aspirates and discards the reagent remaining in the second container.