Automatic analysis device

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide an automated analysis device that enables continuation of analysis while avoiding reagent contamination. To this end, the present invention provides an automated analysis device comprising a sample dispensing mechanism for sucking a sample from a sample container and discharging the sample into a reaction container, a reagent dispensing mechanism for sucking a reagent corresponding to an analysis item from a reagent container and dispensing the reagent into the reaction container, and a control unit for controlling the sample dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing mechanism, wherein the control unit updates the order of items to be analyzed, each time each item is to be analyzed, for the sample in the same sample container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer.

Background Art

[0002] In an automatic analyzer, different types of reagents are dispensed into reaction vessels according to analysis items and mixed with the reagents (specimens). However, if so-called reagent contamination occurs, it may lead to a decrease in the accuracy of the analysis results. For this reason, the dispensing mechanism contaminated with the reagent has been washed with water or, if washing with water alone is insufficient, washed with a detergent. In particular, an increase in the number of times of washing with a detergent leads to an increase in the consumption of the detergent and a decrease in the overall analysis processing ability. Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique of changing the order so as to avoid the occurrence of reagent contamination when there is a combination that causes reagent contamination in the order of analysis items for one specimen (paragraphs 0072-0085).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, the order change for avoiding the occurrence of reagent contamination is only once. Therefore, if the situation of the reagent corresponding to any of the analysis items changes after the order of the analysis items is changed, continuing the analysis in the same order may cause problems.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of continuing analysis while avoiding reagent contamination.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an automated analyzer comprising: a sample dispensing mechanism for aspirating a sample from a sample container and discharging it into a reaction vessel; a reagent dispensing mechanism for aspirating reagents corresponding to the analysis items from a reagent container and discharging them into the reaction vessel; and a control unit for controlling the sample dispensing mechanism and the reagent dispensing mechanism, wherein the control unit updates the order of the items to be analyzed each time an analysis of each item is performed on a sample in the same sample container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an automated analyzer that enables the continuation of analysis while avoiding reagent contamination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the overall configuration of the automated analyzer. [Figure 2] A schematic diagram showing the software structure in the control unit of an automated analyzer. [Figure 3] Diagram showing the timing of planning and analysis operations. [Figure 4] A flowchart illustrating the steps of static planning. [Figure 5] A diagram showing an example of analysis request information. [Figure 6] Flowchart showing the procedure for dynamic planning in Example 1 [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit when the order of analysis items is updated. [Figure 8] Flowchart showing the procedure for dynamic planning in Example 2 [Figure 9] An example of a screen displayed on the display unit when a user sets the range of dynamic planning processing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, it goes without saying that the components (including element steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless specifically indicated or considered to be clearly essential in principle. In the drawings used in this specification, identical or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated explanations of these components may be omitted. [Examples]

[0010] The automated analyzer according to Example 1 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 7.

[0011] First, the overall configuration of the automated analyzer will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the automated analyzer. As shown in Figure 1, the automated analyzer 100 comprises a plurality of reagent disks 101a, 101b, a reaction disk 102, a plurality of reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d (reagent dispensing mechanism), sample dispensing probes 104a, 104b (sample dispensing mechanism), a sample transport mechanism 110, a measurement unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106), a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 107, a control unit 119, an operation unit 117, a display unit 111, and an input unit 118.

[0012] The reagent disks 101a and 101b can hold a plurality of reagent containers 113a and 113b in a circumferential manner, and also serve as a cooler to keep the reagents in the reagent containers 113a and 113b at a constant temperature. By rotating the reagent disks 101a and 101b, the reagent containers 113a and 113b are moved to predetermined positions on the circumference. The reagent containers 113a and 113b are filled with reagents used for analysis and detergents used for cleaning each mechanism in the automatic analyzer 100. In the automatic analyzer 100 of this embodiment, a plurality of reagent disks 101a and 101b operate in parallel respectively. Also, the reagent disks 101a and 101b each have an autoloader (not shown) that can automatically load or unload the reagent containers 113a and 113b. Note that the number of reagent disks is not limited to two, and the autoloader is not essential, and a reagent disk of a system in which the user directly takes in and out the reagent containers may be used.

[0013] A plurality of reaction containers 114 for reacting a sample and a reagent are mounted on the reaction disk 102 in a circumferential manner. By rotating the reaction disk 102, the reaction containers 114 are moved to predetermined positions on the circumference.

[0014] The reagent dispensing probes 103a and 103d can rotate and move up and down, suck a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent container 113a on the reagent disk 101a, and discharge it into the reaction container 114. On the other hand, the reagent dispensing probes 103b and 103c can rotate and move up and down, suck a predetermined amount of reagent from the reagent container 113b on the reagent disk 101b, and discharge it into the reaction container 114.

[0015] The sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b can rotate and move up and down, suck a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 112 conveyed by the sample conveyance mechanism 110, and discharge it into the reaction container 114.

[0016] Around the reaction disk 102, a measurement unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106) and a reaction vessel cleaning mechanism 107 are provided, which perform absorbance measurement of the mixture of the sample and reagent in the reaction vessel 114 and cleaning of the reaction vessel 114 used for the measurement, respectively.

[0017] When the control unit 119 receives the sample information associated with the sample container 112 and the analysis request information input by the input unit 118 etc. from the operation unit 117, it determines the order of analysis and controls each mechanism such as the reagent dispensing probe and the sample dispensing probe. Further, the control unit 119 calculates the concentration etc. of a specific component based on the information measured by the measurement unit, and transmits the calculated result to the operation unit 117. The operation unit 117 performs arithmetic processing for output as an analysis result based on the received calculated result, and causes the display unit 111 to display a screen showing the analysis result.

[0018] The processes performed by the control unit 119 and the operation unit 117 may be realized by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing each program stored in a storage unit such as a memory on a general-purpose computer, or may be realized by hardware such as a dedicated circuit board. Also, the operation unit 117 and the control unit 119 are connected to each mechanism in the automatic analyzer 100 by wired or wireless network lines 108, 109.

[0019] The display unit 111 displays various screens such as a screen for ordering analysis items for each sample, a screen for confirming measurement results, etc., and is a liquid crystal display in this embodiment. Note that the display unit 111 does not necessarily have to be a liquid crystal display, and may be a printer, a combination of a liquid crystal display and a printer etc., a touch panel type display also serving as the input unit 118 described later, etc.

[0020] The input unit 118 is for the user to set various parameters, input analysis request information, input instructions for starting or stopping analysis, etc. based on the screen displayed on the display unit 111, and is a keyboard, a mouse, etc.

[0021] In this embodiment, the automated analyzer 100 consists of one analysis unit, but it may consist of two or more analysis units. Furthermore, the automated analyzer 100 may also include units for performing pre-treatment and post-treatment on the sample. Additionally, the sample transport mechanism 110 is not mandatory, and the user may directly insert and remove the sample container.

[0022] Next, we will explain the general operation of the automated analyzer 100.

[0023] First, the control unit 119 operates the sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b to aspirate a sample from the sample container 112 transported by the sample transport mechanism 110, according to the measurement items specified by the operation unit 117. Then, the sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b discharge the aspirated sample into the reaction vessel 114 located on the reaction disk 102. Furthermore, the reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d aspirate reagents from the reagent containers 113a and 113 on the reagent disks 101a and 101b, and discharge the aspirated reagents into the reaction vessel 114.

[0024] The sample and reagents discharged into the reaction vessel 114 are stirred, and light is emitted from the light source 105 to the mixed liquid after stirring. The multi-wavelength photometer 106 measures the luminous intensity of the light that has passed through the mixed liquid in the reaction vessel 114 and transmits the measurement result to the control unit 119. The control unit 119 uses the measurement information acquired by the measurement unit (light source 105 and multi-wavelength photometer 106) to calculate the concentration of a specific component in the sample. The calculation result is notified to the user as an analysis result via the display unit 111 and is also stored in the memory unit (not shown) in the operation unit 117.

[0025] Next, we will explain the specific control details in the control unit 119 of the automated analyzer 100. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the software structure in the control unit of the automated analyzer.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 119 includes a receiving processing unit 202, a transmitting processing unit 203, an analysis information storage unit 204, a consumables information storage unit 205, a planning processing unit 206, a control information storage unit 209, a control execution processing unit 210, and mechanism-specific control units as functions for realizing control related to analysis. The mechanism-specific control units are, for example, a sample dispensing probe control unit 211a, a reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b, a reagent disk control unit 211c, and so on.

[0027] The analysis information storage unit 204 stores the analysis request information received via the reception processing unit 202. The analysis request information is information necessary to perform the analysis operation, and may be information input or set by the input unit 118, or information set by another computer connected to the operation unit 117.

[0028] The consumables information storage unit 205 stores information related to the usability of consumables (such as the remaining amount and expiration date of reagents, and the guaranteed range of quality control samples). The information stored in the consumables information storage unit 205 is registered or updated by the receiving processing unit 202 or the control execution processing unit 210, and transmitted to the operation unit 117 via the transmission processing unit 203 as needed.

[0029] The planning processing unit 206 includes a static planning processing unit 207 and a dynamic planning processing unit 208. It refers to the information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 and the consumables information storage unit 205 and executes static planning or dynamic planning at the timings described below to plan the analysis operation. Static planning is the process of determining the order of analysis items based on the analysis request information associated with the sample, and is performed once for each sample. Dynamic planning, on the other hand, is the process of reviewing the order of analysis items determined in static planning based on the status of consumables, specifically the dispensing status of reagents, and updating it as necessary. This is performed each time an analysis of each item is performed (before dispensing the sample and reagents required for each analysis item). The results of the processing in the planning processing unit 206 are stored in the control information storage unit 209 as control information for controlling each mechanism.

[0030] The control execution processing unit 210 refers to the control information stored in the control information storage unit 209 and outputs instructions (control commands) to each mechanism via the sample dispensing probe control unit 211a, the reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b, the reagent disk control unit 211c, etc. Then, the sample dispensing probe control unit 211a operates the sample dispensing probes 104a and 104b, the reagent dispensing probe control unit 211b operates the reagent dispensing probes 103a, 103b, 103c, and 103d, and the reagent disk control unit 211c operates the reagent disks 101a and 101b, respectively, according to the instructions.

[0031] Figure 3 shows the timing of the planning process and analysis operation. First, the receiving processing unit 202 receives the analysis request information for sample X from the operation unit 117 (step S301), and the analysis request information is stored (registered) in the analysis information storage unit 204. The analysis request information includes information about the analysis items X1 to Xn set for sample X.

[0032] Next, the static planning processing unit 207 determines the order of the analysis items X1 to Xn of sample X (step S302) and stores (registers) it in the control information storage unit 209.

[0033] Subsequently, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 reviews the order of the analysis items and updates the order of the analysis items as necessary before dispensing the sample and reagents required for the first analysis item (step S303a). Once the order of the analysis items is finalized, the control execution processing unit 210 operates the sample dispensing probe and reagent dispensing probe, etc., according to the order stored in the control information storage unit 209, and performs the analysis for the first analysis item. When the analysis of the first analysis item is completed, the transmission processing unit 203 transmits the analysis results (measurement information) to the operation unit 117 (step S304a).

[0034] Next, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 reviews the order of the analysis items and updates the order of the analysis items as necessary before dispensing the sample and reagents required for the second analysis item (step S303b). Once the order of the analysis items is finalized, the control execution processing unit 210 operates the sample dispensing probe and reagent dispensing probe, etc., according to the order stored in the control information storage unit 209, and performs the analysis for the second analysis item. When the analysis of the second analysis item is completed, the transmission processing unit 203 transmits the analysis results (measurement information) to the operation unit 117 (step S304b).

[0035] From this point onward, the same process is repeated until the analysis results for all analysis items have been submitted.

[0036] We will now explain the details of static planning. Figure 4 is a flowchart of the static planning procedure.

[0037] First, the static planning processing unit 207 refers to the analysis request information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 (step S401).

[0038] Figure 5 shows an example of analysis request information. As shown in Figure 5, the analysis request information stores information for each analysis item ID, such as reaction time, whether pre-processing is required, and user-specified priority. Note that information such as reaction time and whether pre-processing is required may be set separately from the analysis request information via the operation unit 117.

[0039] Next, the static planning unit 207 determines the order of the items to be analyzed based on the analysis request information (step S402). Methods for determining the order include, for example, prioritizing analysis items with long reaction times or those requiring pre-processing to ensure consistent analysis results. Additionally, if the user has specified items to be analyzed preferentially, those items may be prioritized. Thus, static planning primarily utilizes information that does not change over time.

[0040] Once the order of the items to be analyzed is determined, the static planning processing unit 207 stores (registers) that order in the control information storage unit 209 (step S403), and terminates the static planning process.

[0041] The details of the dynamic planning process will be explained. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the procedure for the dynamic planning process in Example 1.

[0042] First, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 refers to the analysis request information stored in the analysis information storage unit 204 (step S601).

[0043] Next, the dynamic planning unit 208 confirms the necessary washing operation for the reagent dispensing probe when the highest priority item from the order determined by the static planning process is assigned as the analysis item for the current time (step S602). In this embodiment, if there are multiple reagent dispensing systems, the highest priority item is assigned from among the items that can be analyzed (dispensable reagents) using the system used at the current dispensing timing. In addition, the washing operation confirmation checks the washing load, which is determined by the time required for the washing operation to reduce reagent contamination and the amount of detergent consumed. The washing load varies depending on the combination of analysis items before and after; for example, if the washing load is low, washing is performed with water only, and if the washing load is high, special washing using detergent is performed.

[0044] Furthermore, the dynamic planning unit 208 confirms the necessary washing operation for the reagent dispensing probe when it assigns the next priority item from the order determined by the static planning process as the current analysis item (step S603).

[0045] Subsequently, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 compares the cleaning load corresponding to the highest priority item confirmed in step S602 with the cleaning load corresponding to the next highest priority item confirmed in step S603 (step S604). If the cleaning load for the next highest priority item is higher than that for the highest priority item, the process proceeds to step S608, described below, without rearranging the order.

[0046] On the other hand, in step S604, if the highest priority item has a higher cleaning load than the next priority item, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the order of the highest priority items has ever been rearranged in the past (step S605). If the order of the highest priority items has never been rearranged in the past, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 shifts the priority order one position backward, making the next priority item the highest priority item (step S606), and proceeds to step S608 described below.

[0047] In step S605, if the order of the highest priority items has been rearranged in the past, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 returns the highest priority items to their original priority order, sets the next highest priority item as the highest priority item (step S607), and proceeds to step S608 described below.

[0048] In step S608, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the confirmation and comparison of the washing load has been completed for all analysis items. If it has not been completed, the process returns to step S603 and the same process is repeated until it is completed.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined that the process is complete in step S608, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 registers (updates) the highest priority item at that time as the final analysis item (step S609).

[0050] Thus, in the dynamic planning process of this embodiment, the order is revised not only by considering the cleaning load of the analysis item set as the highest priority item in the static planning process, but also by considering the cleaning load of other analysis items, thereby further reducing reagent contamination and detergent consumption. Furthermore, in the dynamic planning process of this embodiment, each time an analysis of each item is performed on a sample in the same sample container, the order of the items to be analyzed is revised by referring to the information stored in the consumable information storage unit 205 and updated as necessary. Therefore, analysis can be continued even if the availability of reagents to be dispensed changes over time. In particular, when there are multiple reagent disks or when the reagent disks have an autoloader function, the dispenseable reagents change in real time, and reagent containers are loaded and unloaded during a series of analysis operations, making it difficult to accurately predict at the static planning stage. Therefore, in such cases, it is extremely effective to perform dynamic planning not only once for each sample, but also each time a sample is dispensed.

[0051] Here, if the number of analysis items whose order needs to be reviewed is large, the calculations in the dynamic planning processing unit 208 will be heavily burdened. Therefore, in this embodiment, the dynamic planning process for updating the order of analysis items is divided and executed in multiple steps. For example, if there are 10 analysis items to be analyzed, and the scope of the order reordering is limited to the next 10 analysis items, that is, if the reagent contamination for the next 10 items needs to be evaluated, the dynamic planning process will be divided and executed in 10 steps. These 10 steps will be performed before dispensing for the current analysis items begins. Then, the highest priority item, finally determined through 10 processing steps, will be used as the analysis item for this session, and dispensing will begin.

[0052] Furthermore, if the order of analysis items differs from the original order due to dynamic planning, the control unit 119 may output a screen like the one shown in Figure 7 to the display unit 111 via the operation unit 117 to notify the user. The original order refers to the order of analysis item IDs included in the analysis request information, or the order specified in advance by the user.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an example of the screen displayed on the display unit when the order of analysis items is updated. As shown in Figure 7, it is desirable that not only the updated analysis order but also the priority information specified by the user in advance and the reason for changing the order be displayed. This will enable efficient operation of the device by users and service personnel. [Examples]

[0054] In Example 1, the dynamic programming process reorders all analytical items included in the analysis request information for each sample, making it extremely effective in reducing reagent contamination. However, the method in Example 1 cannot handle cases where the dynamic programming calculation takes a long time, or where there are analytical items that should be prioritized for reordering by static programming. Therefore, in Example 2, it is possible to pre-set or input whether or not to allow dynamic planning processing itself, or the scope within which dynamic planning processing is allowed (conditions for analysis items that allow reordering).

[0055] The automated analyzer according to Example 2 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure for dynamic planning in Example 2.

[0056] In Example 2, first, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether dynamic planning is permitted (step S811). If dynamic planning is not permitted, the process proceeds to step S809, where the highest priority items determined by static planning are assigned as the target of analysis.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S811 that dynamic planning processing is permitted, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 executes steps 801 to S807. Steps S801 to S807 in Example 2 are the same as steps S601 to S607 in Example 1. Subsequently, in Example 2, in step S808, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 determines whether the confirmation and comparison of the cleaning load has been completed for all analysis items within the specified range.

[0058] Here, the range within which dynamic planning processing is permitted can be specified by the user via the input unit 118. Figure 9 is an example of the screen displayed on the display unit when the user sets the range of dynamic planning processing. As shown in Figure 9, the screen displayed on the display unit 111 has a checkbox for setting whether to allow or disallow dynamic planning processing itself as an overall setting, as well as several checkboxes for individual settings. Individual settings include a checkbox to allow sorting only for analysis items with the same reaction time, a checkbox to allow sorting only for analysis items with the same pre-processing status, and a checkbox to allow sorting only for analysis items specified by the user.

[0059] Furthermore, the range within which dynamic planning processing is permitted may be specified according to the processing capacity of the CPU of the control unit 119 and the expected computational load. For example, by limiting the number of analysis items to be used for checking and comparing the cleaning load to a predetermined number, it is possible to reduce the computational load in dynamic planning processing.

[0060] If it is determined in step S808 that the process is not complete, the process returns to step S803, and steps S803 to S808 are repeated until the process is complete. If it is determined in step S808 that the process is complete, the dynamic planning processing unit 208 registers (updates) the highest priority item at that time as the final analysis item (step S809).

[0061] Thus, the automated analysis device of this embodiment displays a screen for selecting between a setting that allows rearranging the order of analysis items and a setting that does not allow rearranging the order of analysis items, thus accommodating users who do not wish to use dynamic planning processing. Furthermore, even when rearranging the order of analysis items is allowed, users can reflect their specific requests in the dynamic planning processing by inputting conditions for the analysis items that can be rearranged. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0062] 100...Automatic analyzer, 101a,101b...Reagent disk, 102...Reaction disk, 103a,103b,103c,103d...Reagent dispensing probe, 104a,104b...Sample dispensing probe, 105...Light source, 106...Multi-wavelength photometer, 107...Reaction vessel washing mechanism, 108,109...Network line, 110...Sample transport mechanism, 111...Display unit, 112...Sample container, 113a,113b...Reagent container, 114...Reaction vessel, 117...Operation unit, 118...Input unit, 119...Control unit.

Claims

1. A sample dispensing mechanism that aspirates the sample from the sample container and discharges it into the reaction vessel, A reagent dispensing mechanism that draws reagents corresponding to the analysis items from a reagent container and dispenses them into the reaction vessel, An automated analyzer comprising a sample dispensing mechanism and a control unit for controlling the reagent dispensing mechanism, The control unit is characterized by updating the order of items to be analyzed each time it performs analysis on each item in the same sample container.

2. In the automated analyzer described in claim 1, The control unit, After determining the order of the analysis items based on the analysis request information linked to each sample, An automated analyzer characterized by updating the order of analysis items based on information regarding the dispensing feasibility of the target reagents before dispensing the necessary samples and reagents for each analysis item.

3. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The reagent disk further comprises a reagent disk for storing the aforementioned reagent containers, An automated analyzer characterized by having multiple reagent disks, or having an autoloader function that automatically loads or unloads reagent containers onto or from the reagent disks.

4. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit, An automated analyzer characterized by determining or updating the order of analytical items based on the washing load determined by the combination of preceding and succeeding analytical items.

5. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit, An automated analyzer characterized by performing calculations in multiple steps in order to update the order of analysis items.

6. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit, An automated analyzer characterized by outputting a notification when the order of analysis items is rearranged.

7. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, An automated analyzer characterized in that the analytical items to be rearranged are identical in terms of reaction time or whether or not pretreatment was performed.

8. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, An automated analyzer characterized by displaying a screen for inputting conditions for analysis items that allow for rearrangement of their order.

9. In the automated analyzer described in claim 2, The control unit, An automated analyzer characterized by displaying a screen that allows the user to select between a setting that permits rearranging the order of analysis items and a setting that does not permit rearranging the order of analysis items.

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