Analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an analysis device comprising: an incubator that has a rotary table for sequentially transporting a plurality of analysis chips to a measurement position by rotation and warms the plurality of analysis chips on the rotary table to a preset temperature; a measurement unit that is disposed in the measurement position and measures a specimen spotted onto each of the plurality of analysis chips; a feed mechanism for feeding the analysis chip from a spotting position where the specimen is spotted onto the analysis chip to a cell in the incubator; a return mechanism for returning, from the cell in the incubator to the spotting position, the analysis chip preheated in the incubator before the specimen is spotted; and a discarding mechanism for sending the analysis chip for which the measurement has been performed from the cell in the incubator to a discarding position. The return mechanism and the discarding mechanism share some components.

Description

Analyzer

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analytical device.

[0002] There is known an analytical device that analyzes a specimen sample using an analytical chip onto which the specimen sample is deposited (see, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-90377). The analysis of the specimen sample involves measuring the concentration of a test substance contained in the specimen sample by measuring the reaction state between the specimen sample and a reagent. The specimen sample may be, for example, blood or urine. One example of the analytical chip is a dry analytical chip that uses a solid-phase reagent.

[0003] The analytical device includes an incubator for warming the analytical chips to ensure suitable measurement conditions, and the incubator has, for example, a rotary table on which a plurality of cells for holding the analytical chips are arranged in the circumferential direction.

[0004] A deposition position is provided outside the incubator for depositing a specimen sample onto an analytical chip. After the specimen sample is deposited onto the analytical chip at the deposition position, the deposited analytical chip is sent from the deposition position into the incubator by a feeding mechanism.

[0005] Measurement of the analytical chip is carried out in the incubator, and the analytical chip after measurement is discarded by a disposal mechanism at a disposal location outside the incubator.

[0006] In such an analytical device, it has been considered to use an incubator to preheat the analytical chip before depositing the sample. By preheating in this way, the temperature of the analytical chip when depositing the sample can be adjusted to a predetermined target temperature, thereby making it possible to standardize the measurement conditions across multiple analytical chips.

[0007] However, if preheating is performed before the drop, a return mechanism is required to return the analytical chip, which has been sent to the incubator for preheating, to the drop position. As mentioned above, the analytical device has a feed mechanism and a disposal mechanism, and adding a return mechanism to these raises concerns about the complexity of the structure and the increase in size of the device.

[0008] The technology of the present disclosure provides an analytical device that can be simplified in structure and made smaller, even when an incubator is used for preheating.

[0009] A first aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an analytical device that has a plurality of analytical chips, onto which sample specimens are dispensed, removably loaded, and that analyzes the sample specimens using the analytical chips, the analytical device comprising a rotary table on which a plurality of cells, each holding a respective one of the analytical chips, are arranged in a circumferential direction, the rotary table being configured to sequentially transport each of the plurality of analytical chips to a measurement position by rotation, an incubator that warms the plurality of analytical chips on the rotary table to a predetermined temperature, a measurement unit that is positioned at the measurement position and measures the sample specimens dispensed on the plurality of analytical chips, a feed mechanism that sends the analytical chip from the dispense position where the sample specimen is dispensed onto the analytical chip to the cell in the incubator, a return mechanism that returns the analytical chip, which has been preheated in the incubator before the sample specimen is dispensed, from the cell in the incubator to the dispense position, and a disposal mechanism that sends the measured analytical chip from the cell in the incubator to a disposal position, in which the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are partly used in the analytical device.

[0010] A second aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an analytical device according to the first aspect, in which, when the turntable is viewed in a plane, the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are arranged inside a plurality of cells arranged circumferentially around the turntable.

[0011] A third aspect of the technology disclosed herein is an analytical device according to the first aspect, in which the return mechanism is arranged to slide freely in the radial direction of the turntable and has a slide bar that pushes the analytical chip on the cell toward a spotting position outside the turntable, and the disposal mechanism is arranged to slide freely in the radial direction of the turntable and has a slide bar that pushes the analytical chip on the cell toward a disposal position outside the turntable, and the slide bar is used as both the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the analyzer according to the third aspect, in which the spotting position and the disposal position are arranged at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction of the turntable.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the technology of the present disclosure is an analytical device according to the first aspect, wherein the measurement unit has a first measurement unit that optically measures the reaction state between the specimen sample and the reagent and a second measurement unit that uses electrodes to measure the electrolyte concentration contained in the specimen sample, the analytical chip has a first analytical chip that is measured by the first measurement unit and a second analytical chip that is measured by the second measurement unit, the turntable has a first cell that holds the first analytical chip and a second cell that holds the second analytical chip, and the return mechanism and disposal mechanism are used for both the first analytical chip and the second analytical chip.

[0014] A sixth aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is an analytical device according to the first aspect, in which the multiple analytical chips held in the multiple cells of the turntable are multiple types of analytical chips, each with a different measurement item.

[0015] A seventh aspect of the technique of the present disclosure is the analysis device according to the first aspect, in which the analysis chip is a dry analysis chip that uses a solid-phase reagent as the reagent.

[0016] According to the technology disclosed herein, an analyzer that can be simplified in structure and made smaller in size is provided even when an incubator is used for preheating.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an analytical device of an embodiment; FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of an incubator; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an incubator; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an incubator; FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing an example of the structure of a colorimetric chip; FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing an example of the structure of an electrolyte chip; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of an analytical device; FIG. 8 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of an analytical device; FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of an analytical device; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of an analytical device; FIG. 11 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of an analytical device; FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the analysis process of a specimen sample in an analytical device;

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an analytical device 100 according to one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 as an example, the analytical device 100 is an analytical device that analyzes a specimen sample. The analytical device 100 uses, for example, a dry analytical chip 12 to measure the concentration of a test substance contained in the specimen sample. The analytical chip 12 is also called a slide when it is in the form of a flat plate. The analytical device 100 is an example of an "analytical device" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0020] Specifically, the analytical device 100 uses blood as a specimen sample and optically measures the concentration of a test substance contained in the blood. More specifically, the concentration of the test substance is measured by colorimetry. The analytical device 100 also uses blood or urine as a specimen sample and measures the concentration of electrolytes contained in the blood or urine. More specifically, the concentration of ions (e.g., sodium (Na), potassium (K), or chlorine (Cl) ions) formed by ionization of electrolytes contained in the blood or urine is electrically measured. More specifically, the concentration of the ion to be measured is measured by an electrode method.

[0021] The analytical device 100 comprises a chip setting section 10, a reader 20, a sample application section 30, a first chip transport mechanism 40, a sample application mechanism 50, an incubator 60, an optical measurement section 70, a potential measurement section 76, a second chip transport mechanism 80, and a control device 90.

[0022] The chip setting unit 10 has a stocker 14 arranged on a holder 11 to accommodate analytical chips 12. The stocker 14 accommodates a plurality of analytical chips 12 stacked on top of one another. The analytical chips 12 include an analytical chip 12A (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "colorimetric chip 12A") used for optical concentration measurement using colorimetry, and an analytical chip 12B (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "electrolyte chip 12B") used for measuring electrolyte concentrations using an electrode method. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the colorimetric chip 12A and the electrolyte chip 12B, they will be collectively referred to as analytical chips 12. Details of the analytical chip 12 will be described later. The analytical chip 12 is an example of an "analysis chip" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The colorimetric chip 12A is an example of a "first analytical chip" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the electrolyte chip 12B is an example of a "second analytical chip" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0023] The reader 20 is, for example, a code reader that reads the item information attached to the analytical chip 12. This allows the type and / or lot number of the analytical chip 12 to be identified. The reader 20 is configured with an image sensor such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor). The item information read by the reader 20 is output to the control device 90.

[0024] In the specimen application section 30, a specimen such as plasma, whole blood, serum, or urine is applied to the analytical chip 12. A chip support base 31 is provided in the specimen application section 30, and the specimen sample is applied to the analytical chip 12 transported onto the chip support base 31 on the chip support base 31. The specimen sample is applied by a specimen application mechanism 50, which will be described later. The chip support base 31 is disposed adjacent to the holder base 11.

[0025] The first tip transport mechanism 40 transports the analytical chip 12 from the chip setting unit 10 to the specimen application unit 30, and further transports it from the specimen application unit 30 to the incubator 60. The first tip transport mechanism 40 includes a thin plate-shaped chip transport member 42 and a drive mechanism 44 that moves the chip transport member 42 back and forth in the direction in which the chip setting unit 10, the specimen application unit 30, and the incubator 60 are aligned. The drive mechanism 44 is, for example, a linear actuator, and the chip transport member 42 is slidably supported by a guide rod (not shown) and is moved back and forth by the drive mechanism 44. The first tip transport mechanism 40 is an example of a "feed mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The specimen application mechanism 50 includes a nozzle 52, an aspirating and discharging mechanism (not shown), and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle 52. The specimen application mechanism 50 aspirates a specimen sample from a specimen storage section (not shown), and applies the specimen to the analysis chip 12 in the specimen application section 30.

[0027] The incubator 60 can accommodate multiple analytical chips 12 therein. The incubator 60 has an internal heater 66A (see FIG. 4 ) and functions to heat the analytical chip 12 in the incubator 60 to a predetermined target temperature and maintain the analytical chip 12 at the target temperature. More specifically, the incubator 60 maintains the atmosphere surrounding the area on the analytical chip 12 where the sample is deposited at the target temperature. The target temperature is, for example, 37°C. Note that the target temperature may vary depending on the type of analytical chip 12. By heating the analytical chip 12 in the incubator 60 to a predetermined target temperature and maintaining the analytical chip 12 at the target temperature, the incubator 60 promotes a reaction between the reagent in the analytical chip 12 and the sample. The incubator 60 is an example of an "incubator" according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0028] The incubator 60 includes an upper cover 61 and a lower cover 62. The space formed by the upper cover 61 and the lower cover 62 accommodates various components constituting the incubator 60 and the analytical chip 12. A rotating cylinder 67 is provided below the lower cover 62. A bearing 68 is disposed below the outer periphery of the rotating cylinder 67, and the rotating cylinder 67 is supported by the bearing 68 so that it can rotate freely. A rotational force is transmitted to components provided inside the incubator 60 via the rotating cylinder 67.

[0029] The optical measurement unit 70 is a unit that performs colorimetric measurement, which is measurement of optical density using a colorimetric method, on the analytical chip 12. The potential measurement unit 76 is a unit that performs electrolyte measurement, which is measurement of electrolyte concentration using an electrode method, on the analytical chip 12. The optical measurement unit 70 and the potential measurement unit 76 are provided below the lower cover 62, on the outer periphery of the incubator 60. Details of the optical measurement unit 70 and the potential measurement unit 76 will be described later. The optical measurement unit 70 and the potential measurement unit 76 are examples of a "measurement unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure. The optical measurement unit 70 is a "first measurement unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure, and the potential measurement unit 76 is an example of a "second measurement unit" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0030] The second chip transport mechanism 80 is provided inside the incubator 60 and transports the analytical chip 12 inside the incubator 60 from the inside to the outside of the incubator 60. The second chip transport mechanism 80 includes a slide bar 82 and a motor 86. The motor 86 operates under the control of the processor 90A. The second chip transport mechanism 80 receives power from the motor 86 to move the slide bar 82 from the inside to the outside of the incubator 60, thereby transporting the analytical chip 12. The second chip transport mechanism 80 is an example of a "return mechanism" and a "disposal mechanism" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0031] The control device 90 controls the overall operation of the analysis device 100. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the control device 90, but for example, the control device 90 is realized by a computer including a processor 90A that is configured by a CPU (Central Processing Unit), NVM (Non-volatile Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc.

[0032] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the incubator 60, FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the incubator 60, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the incubator 60. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 as an example, the incubator 60 has a rotating body 60A made up of four disk-shaped members in a space formed between an upper cover 61 and a lower cover 62. The rotating body 60A rotates inside the incubator 60 with its rotation axis directed vertically (the Z direction shown in FIGS. 2 and 3). The rotating body 60A includes an upper member 63, a heater pressing member 66, a chip pressing member 64, and a rotating table 65.

[0033] The upper member 63 is provided at the top of the rotating body 60A. An opening (not shown) is formed in the center of the rotating body 60A, including the upper member 63, and a cable for supplying power to the heater 66A and the like is arranged through the opening.

[0034] The heater pressing member 66 is provided between the upper member 63 and the chip pressing member 64. The heater pressing member 66 presses down on a heater 66A provided between the heater pressing member 66 and the chip pressing member 64 from above. The heater 66A functions as a heat source for heating the interior of the incubator 60 to a preset target temperature. The heater 66A is, for example, a ceramic heater. The heater 66A is located below the inner periphery of the heater pressing member 66. The heat generated by the heater 66A is transmitted through the components inside the incubator 60, thereby heating the interior space of the incubator 60 containing the cell S to the preset target temperature.

[0035] The chip pressing member 64 is provided between the heater pressing member 66 and the turntable 65. The chip pressing member 64 presses the analytical chip 12 placed on the turntable 65 from above. This prevents the analytical chip 12 from shifting position on the turntable 65. The chip pressing member 64 also covers the reaction region 13 (see FIG. 5) of the analytical chip 12, thereby preventing the deposited specimen sample from volatilizing.

[0036] The turntable 65 is a table on which the analytical chip 12 is placed. The turntable 65 has cells S, which are multiple regions partitioned along the circumferential direction, and each cell S can accommodate an analytical chip 12. The turntable 65 is an example of a "turntable" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0037] As described above, the analytical chip 12 includes a colorimetric chip 12A and an electrolyte chip 12B. FIG. 5 is an external perspective view showing an example structure of the colorimetric chip 12A. As shown in FIG. 5 as an example, the colorimetric chip 12A has a reaction area 13 to which a reagent is immobilized. The reagent reacts with a test substance to produce a substance that develops a specific color. The substance that develops color through this reaction is hereinafter referred to as a reactant. For example, a solid-phase dry reagent that is in a dry state at least at the time of shipment is used as the reagent. A specimen sample is deposited in the reaction area 13 of the colorimetric chip 12A. The reaction area 13 is an example of a "reaction area" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0038] The colorimetric chip 12A has a carrier 16 onto which a specimen sample is deposited, and the carrier 16 is housed in a case 17. The case 17 is composed of a first case 17A and a second case 17B, with the carrier 16 sandwiched between the first case 17A and the second case 17B. The first case 17A has an opening 17C formed therein that functions as a drip port for depositing the specimen sample onto the reaction area 13. The second case 17B has an opening 17D formed therein for irradiating the reaction area 13 with light. The carrier 16 is exposed to the opening 17C of the first case 17A, which constitutes the front surface of the colorimetric chip 12A. The carrier 16 is also exposed to the opening 17D of the second case 17B, which constitutes the back surface of the colorimetric chip 12A. The area of ​​the carrier 16 exposed to the opening 17D constitutes the reaction area 13 to which the reagent is immobilized. The second case 17B is provided with an information code 17E that encodes information about the measurement items. The information code 17E is, for example, a pattern of multiple dots, with the dot arrangement pattern being different for each measurement item. Of course, one-dimensional barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, etc. may also be used as the information code 17E.

[0039] By changing the reagent that reacts with the specimen sample, it becomes possible to analyze a plurality of measurement items for the specimen sample. A plurality of colorimetric chips 12A are prepared for each measurement item, and the colorimetric chips 12A have reagents corresponding to the measurement items immobilized on the carrier 16. The item information assigned to each colorimetric chip 12A includes identification information for the reagent immobilized on the carrier 16 of that colorimetric chip 12A (e.g., information that can identify the reagent name and identification code), or identification information for the measurement item measured by that reagent (e.g., information that can identify the item name and identification code).

[0040] FIG. 6 is an external perspective view showing an example structure of an electrolyte chip 12B. As shown in FIG. 6, the electrolyte chip 12B includes a multilayer film electrode (not shown) and a distribution member (not shown) corresponding to the ions to be measured (e.g., Na ions, K ions, and Cl ions) inside a case 15. The case 15 is composed of a first case 15A and a second case 15B, and the multilayer film electrode and distribution member are sandwiched between the first case 15A and the second case 15B. The first case 15A has two openings 15C. A sample is applied to one opening 15C, and a reference solution is applied to the other opening 15C. The distribution member transports the sample to one end of the multilayer film electrode, while the reference solution is transported to the other end of the multilayer film electrode.

[0041] The second case 15B is formed with holes 15D corresponding to the number of multilayer film electrodes. Measurement electrodes (not shown) can be brought into contact with one end and the other end of the multilayer film electrodes through the holes 15D. In the example shown in FIG. 6 , six holes 15D1 to 15D6 are formed. For example, holes 15D1 and 15D2 are connected to one end and the other end of the multilayer film electrode for measuring Cl ion concentration, respectively. Holes 15D3 and 15D4 are connected to one end and the other end of the multilayer film electrode for measuring K ion concentration, respectively. Holes 15D5 and 15D6 are connected to one end and the other end of the multilayer film electrode for measuring Na ion concentration, respectively.

[0042] The second case 15B is provided with an information code 15E encoding item information related to the measurement items. The information code 15E has the same configuration and function as the information code 17E provided on the colorimetric chip 12A.

[0043] 7 is a schematic diagram showing a partial configuration of the analyzer 100. As an example, as shown in FIG. 7, an insertion port 14B into which a tip transport member 42 is inserted is provided in the side wall of the stocker 14. The tip transport member 42 is inserted into the stocker 14 through the insertion port 14B.

[0044] The stocker 14 has an opening 14A on its bottom surface. The colorimetric chips 12A are stored with the surface on which the information code 17E is recorded facing the opening 14A of the stocker 14. Therefore, the information code 17E of the colorimetric chip 12A located at the bottom, closest to the opening 14A, in the stocker 14 is exposed through the opening 14A. An opening 11A is also formed in the holder 11 on which the stocker 14 is placed. Therefore, the information code 17E of the colorimetric chip 12A located at the bottom in the stocker 14 is exposed to the reader 20 through the opening 11A of the holder 11 and the opening 14A of the stocker 14. The reader 20 is disposed below the holder 11 and reads the information code 17E exposed through the openings 11A and 14A. Here, an example has been described in which the information code 17E of the colorimetric chip 12A is read by the reader 20, but the same applies to the information code 15E of the electrolyte chip 12B.

[0045] The chip transport member 42 is pressed against the analytical chip 12 accommodated in the lowest position among the stacked analytical chips 12. In this state, the chip transport member 42 moves toward the incubator 60, whereby the analytical chip 12 passes over the chip support base 31 and is transported into the incubator 60.

[0046] The incubator 60 has a chip pressing member 64 that presses the analytical chip 12 loaded in the cell S from above. The chip pressing member 64 has multiple convex portions 64A at positions facing each cell S. The convex portions 64A are biased downward by a biasing member (not shown). A slit-shaped space is formed between the convex portions 64A and the cell S, and the analytical chip 12 is loaded into this space. The convex portions 64A press the analytical chip 12 loaded in the cell S from above. This prevents the analytical chip 12 from moving within the cell S (for example, when centrifugal force is generated on the analytical chip 12 as the turntable 65 rotates, the centrifugal force prevents the analytical chip 12 from shifting radially outward).

[0047] 8 and 9 are plan views showing an example configuration of the analytical device 100. As an example, as shown in FIG. 8, a turntable 65 is provided with multiple cells S1 to S14, each loaded with an analytical chip 12. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the turntable 65 is annular, with 14 cells S1 to S14 arranged circumferentially. The turntable 65 rotates around the vertical direction (the Z direction shown in FIG. 8) as its axis of rotation, sequentially transporting the analytical chips 12 placed on the multiple cells S to the measurement position (i.e., a position facing the optical measurement unit 70 or the potential measurement unit 76). Furthermore, the multiple analytical chips 12 on the turntable 65 are heated to a predetermined temperature in the incubator 60. Hereinafter, when it is necessary to distinguish between the multiple cells S1 to S14, they will be denoted by subdivision numbers 1 to 14; when there is no need to distinguish between them, they will simply be referred to as cells S.

[0048] Cells S1 to S9 and S11 to S14 of the turntable 65 hold colorimetric chips 12A. A photometric aperture 65A is formed in the center of the bottom surface of each of the cells S1 to S9 and S11 to S14, and the optical density of the colorimetric chip 12A is measured by the optical measurement unit 70 through this aperture 65A. Cells S1 to S9 and S11 to S14 are examples of the "first cell" according to the technology of the present disclosure. A black density plate 56 and a white density plate 58 are provided on both sides of cell S10, respectively. Apertures (not shown) are also formed below the black density plate 56 and the white density plate 58.

[0049] The optical measurement unit 70 irradiates the colorimetric chip 12A with light (measurement light L0, as an example, described below) and receives reflected light from the colorimetric chip 12A. This allows the optical measurement unit 70 to measure the optical density corresponding to the reaction state between the specimen sample and the reagent in the colorimetric chip 12A. The black density plate 56 and the white density plate 58 are density plates for obtaining reference optical densities that are referenced when measuring the optical density of the colorimetric chip 12A. Before measuring the optical density of the colorimetric chip 12A, the optical measurement unit 70 irradiates each of the black density plate 56 and the white density plate 58 with measurement light L0 to measure the black reference optical density and the white reference optical density. The optical density of the colorimetric chip 12A is measured as a relative density within a range with the black reference optical density as the lower limit and the white reference optical density as the upper limit. As will be described later, the optical measurement unit 70 has multiple light sources that emit measurement light L0 of different wavelengths, and each wavelength is used according to the type (i.e., measurement item) of the colorimetric chip 12 A. The black reference optical density and the white reference optical density are measured for each wavelength of the measurement light L0.

[0050] Furthermore, the cell S10 on the turntable 65 holds the electrolyte chip 12B. An opening window 65B for measuring potential is formed on the bottom surface of the cell S10. The ion concentration of the electrolyte chip 12B is measured by the potential measuring unit 76 through the opening window 65B. The cell S10 is an example of a "second cell" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0051] Furthermore, when the turntable 65 is viewed from above (as viewed from the direction opposite to the Z direction shown in FIG. 8 ), a second chip transport mechanism 80 is provided inside the multiple cells S of the turntable 65. The second chip transport mechanism 80 is a mechanism capable of transporting the analytical chip 12 from the inside to the outside of the incubator 60. The second chip transport mechanism 80 includes, for example, a slide bar 82 and a pinion gear 84. A rotational force is transmitted from a motor 86 to the pinion gear 84, causing the pinion gear 84 to rotate. The slide bar 82 is a plate-like member having a thickness approximately the same as that of the colorimetric chip 12A. A rack gear (not shown) is formed on the surface of the slide bar 82 facing the pinion gear 84, and the slide bar 82 moves when the rack gear meshes with the pinion gear 84. The slide bar 82 is an example of a "slide bar" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0052] In the following explanation, the colorimetric chip 12A will be used as an example to explain the transport operation of the analytical chip 12 using the second chip transport mechanism 80 on the turntable 65, but a similar transport operation is also applied to the electrolyte chip 12B. Furthermore, for the sake of convenience, an example in which the analytical chip 12 is held in one cell S on the turntable 65 will be explained below, but it goes without saying that an analytical chip 12 may be held in each of multiple cells S on the turntable 65, and the transport operation using the second chip transport mechanism 80 may be applied to each of the multiple analytical chips 12.

[0053] The colorimetric chip 12A is removed from the stocker 14 by the first chip transport mechanism 40, and then transported through the chip support table 31 into the incubator 60. In the example shown in Fig. 8, the colorimetric chip 12A is loaded into cell S7. The colorimetric chip 12A is then heated to a target temperature (e.g., 37°C) in the incubator 60.

[0054] 9 , after the colorimetric chip 12A reaches a preset temperature, the colorimetric chip 12A is returned from inside the incubator 60 to the spotting position by the second chip transport mechanism 80. Here, the spotting position is the position on the chip support base 31 where the sample is spotted by the sample spotting unit 30. In the example shown in FIG. 9 , the pinion gear 84 rotates clockwise in a plan view, thereby moving the slide bar 82 in the direction toward the spotting position (the Y direction shown in FIG. 9 ).

[0055] The slide bar 82 pushes out the colorimetric chip 12A, which moves the colorimetric chip 12A from within the incubator 60 to the spotting position. At the spotting position, the sample is spotted onto the colorimetric chip 12A by the sample spotting unit 30. In this case, the colorimetric chip 12A is at a temperature closer to a preset temperature in the incubator 60 than if the colorimetric chip 12A were removed from the stocker 14 and then spotted as is. After the sample is spotted onto the colorimetric chip 12A, the colorimetric chip 12A is transported back into the incubator 60.

[0056] 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state of colorimetric measurement in the analysis device 100. As shown in FIG. 10 as an example, the colorimetric chip 12A is transported again into the incubator 60, and then colorimetric measurement is performed on the colorimetric chip 12A in the incubator 60. The optical measurement unit 70 includes a light source 72 for irradiating the reaction region 13 with measurement light L0, and a photodetector 74 for receiving output light L1, which is reflected light from the reaction region 13, and performing photoelectric conversion.

[0057] The light source 72 irradiates light from the opening 17D of the case 17 of the colorimetric chip 12A toward the reaction area 13. The wavelength range of the light is determined according to the test substance (i.e., the measurement item). For example, in this example, as described above, a reaction between the test substance and the reagent produces a reactant that develops a specific color. The light irradiated by the light source 72 is measurement light L0 for measuring the reactant, and therefore the wavelength range is determined according to the color developed by the reactant. The measurement light L0 in this example is, for example, light that includes a wavelength range absorbed by the reactant in order to measure the reactant.

[0058] In particular, it is preferable that the wavelength range of the measurement light L0 is limited to a wavelength range absorbed by the reactant. Examples of light sources that can be used as the light source 72 include light emitting diodes (LEDs), organic electroluminescence (EL) devices, and semiconductor lasers. While only one light source 72 is shown in FIG. 10 , in practice, multiple light sources 72 that output multiple light beams in different wavelength ranges are provided to measure multiple measurement items. Instead of providing multiple light sources 72, measurement light L0 of different wavelengths may be generated by combining a light source that emits light in a relatively broad wavelength range, such as a white light source, with a bandpass filter that transmits only light in a specific wavelength range.

[0059] The photodetector 74 detects the output light L1 output from the colorimetric chip 12A when the measurement light L0 is irradiated onto the colorimetric chip 12A. The photodetector 74 is a light-receiving element (e.g., a photodiode) that outputs a detection signal corresponding to the amount of light. In this example, two photodetectors 74 are provided. The photodetectors 74 output the detection signal to the control device 90 (see FIG. 1). The control device 90 acquires the detection signal corresponding to the output light L1 and derives the concentration of the test substance.

[0060] In the reaction area 13, the specimen sample and the reagent react to produce a reactant that develops a specific color. The production of the reactant changes the color of the reaction area 13, and this color change appears as a change in the optical density of the reaction area 13. The output light L1 is light that corresponds to the optical density of the reaction area 13, and information about the reactant is reflected in the output light L1 due to the absorption of light by the reactant. The optical density of the reaction area 13 changes depending on the amount of reactant, and the amount of reactant represents the concentration of the test substance in the specimen sample. Therefore, the concentration of the test substance can be measured based on the detection signal that represents the output light L1, which contains information about the reactant.

[0061] For example, colorimetric measurements are performed multiple times at preset intervals on the multiple colorimetric chips 12A on the turntable 65 while the turntable 65 is rotating. When the number of measurements reaches a preset number, the colorimetric measurements are terminated. Then, the concentration of the test substance is derived based on the multiple detection signals, which are the measured optical density values.

[0062] 11, 12, and 13 are plan views showing an example configuration of the analysis device 100. As shown in FIG. 11 as an example, after colorimetric measurement is completed, the colorimetric chip 12A is transported by the rotary table 65 to a position where it can be transported to the disposal position. The colorimetric chip 12A is then transported by the second chip transport mechanism 80 from the incubator 60 to the disposal position. The disposal position is, for example, inside a container 54 that can accommodate the used colorimetric chip 12A. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the pinion gear 84 rotates counterclockwise, causing the slide bar 82 to move toward the disposal position (the direction opposite to the Y direction shown in FIG. 11). The slide bar 82 pushes out the colorimetric chip 12A, causing the colorimetric chip 12A to move from the incubator 60 to the disposal position.

[0063] In this way, the second tip transport mechanism 80 is capable of both returning the colorimetric tip 12A from within the incubator 60 to the spotting position and disposing of the colorimetric tip 12A from within the incubator 60 to the disposal position. In other words, the second tip transport mechanism 80 functions as a return mechanism that returns the colorimetric tip 12A to the spotting position and as a disposal mechanism that disposes of the colorimetric tip 12A, and the components that make up the second tip transport mechanism 80 (e.g., slide bar 82 and pinion gear 84) are shared between the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism.

[0064] In addition, although an example of a transport operation using the second chip transport mechanism 80 on the turntable 65 has been described here in which the return operation and disposal operation of the colorimetric chip 12A are performed at different times, this is merely an example. The return operation and disposal operation by the second chip transport mechanism 80 may also be performed consecutively.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 12 as an example, first, the slide bar 82 pushes out the colorimetric tip 12A, moving the colorimetric tip 12A from within the incubator 60 to the spotting position. Then, as the pinion gear 84 rotates counterclockwise, the slide bar 82 returns to its original position before being driven. As shown in FIG. 13 as an example, the slide bar 82 continues to move in a direction toward the disposal position (opposite the Y direction shown in FIG. 13). As the slide bar 82 pushes out the colorimetric tip 12A after measurement, the colorimetric tip 12A moves from within the incubator 60 to the disposal position. In this way, the return and disposal operations of the colorimetric tip 12A are realized as a series of movements of the slide bar 82. In this case, the disposal position and the spotting position are spaced 180 degrees apart in the circumferential direction of the turntable 65. As a result, the return and disposal operations are realized as a series of movements by the linear movement of the slide bar 82 along the radial direction.

[0066] Next, the steps of analyzing a specimen sample in the analyzer 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing the steps of analyzing a specimen sample in the analyzer 100.

[0067] 14, first, in step ST10, the analytical chip 12 is removed from the stocker 14 by the first chip transport mechanism 40 (see FIG. 8). After this, the analytical process proceeds to step ST12.

[0068] In step ST12, the analytical chip 12 removed from the stocker 14 in step ST10 is transported into the incubator 60 (see FIG. 8). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST14.

[0069] In step ST14, the analytical chip 12 transferred to the incubator 60 in step ST12 is heated to a target temperature (for example, 37° C.) inside the incubator 60 (see FIG. 8). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST16.

[0070] In step ST16, the analytical chip 12 heated to the target temperature in step ST14 is transported from the inside of the incubator 60 to the spotting position by the second chip transport mechanism 80 (see FIG. 9). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST18.

[0071] In step ST18, the specimen sample is applied by the specimen application unit 30 to the analytical chip 12 transported to the application position in step ST16 (see FIG. 9). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST20.

[0072] In step ST20, the analytical chip 12 onto which the specimen sample has been applied in step ST18 is transported into the incubator 60 (see FIG. 10). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST22.

[0073] In step ST22, the analytical chip 12 transported to the incubator 60 in step ST20 is transported to a measurement position inside the incubator 60, and the specimen sample is analyzed on the analytical chip 12 (see FIG. 10). After this, the analysis process proceeds to step ST24.

[0074] In step ST24, the analytical chip 12 in which the specimen sample has been analyzed in step ST22 is transported to a position within the incubator 60 from which it can be transported to the disposal position, and is then transported from the inside of the incubator 60 to the disposal position by the second chip transport mechanism 80 (see FIG. 11 ). This completes the specimen sample analysis process.

[0075] As described above, in the analysis device 100 according to this embodiment, the analytical chip 12 is heated to a predetermined temperature inside the incubator 60, and then the analytical chip 12 is transported to the deposition position by the second chip transport mechanism 80. At the deposition position, a specimen sample is deposited onto the analytical chip 12 by the specimen deposition unit 30. After measurement is performed inside the incubator 60, the analytical chip 12 is sent to the disposal position by the second chip transport mechanism 80. In this way, even when the incubator 60 is used to preheat the analytical chip 12, the second chip transport mechanism 80 is used to return the analytical chip 12 after preheating and to discard the analytical chip 12 after measurement. In other words, the second chip transport mechanism 80 functions as both a return mechanism that returns the analytical chip 12 to the deposition position and a disposal mechanism that discards the analytical chip 12 after measurement, and thus serves as both a return mechanism and a disposal mechanism. This allows the structure of the analyzer 100 to be made smaller and simpler than when the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are provided separately.

[0076] Furthermore, in the analytical device 100 according to this embodiment, when the turntable 65 is viewed from above (as viewed from the direction opposite to the Z direction shown in FIG. 8 ), the second chip transport mechanism 80 is disposed inside the plurality of cells S arranged along the circumferential direction of the turntable 65. This allows for a more compact analytical device 100 than when the return mechanism is disposed inside the plurality of cells S and the disposal mechanism is disposed outside the plurality of cells S.

[0077] Furthermore, in the analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the second tip transport mechanism 80 includes a slide bar 82, which pushes the analytical tip 12 after preheating to the application position. The slide bar 82 also pushes the analytical tip 12 after measurement to the disposal position. Thus, in the second tip transport mechanism 80, the slide bar 82 is used for both the return operation and the disposal operation. In other words, the second tip transport mechanism 80 functions as both a return mechanism and a disposal mechanism, and the slide bar 82 is used for both the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism. This allows the slide bar 82, which moves linearly, to be used for both purposes, thereby enabling the structure of the analyzer 100 to be made smaller and simpler than, for example, when the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are realized by a link mechanism.

[0078] Furthermore, in the analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the spotting position and the disposal position are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction of the turntable 65. When an analytical chip 12 is held in each of two cells S arranged at an interval of 180° on the turntable 65, the spotting position and the disposal position are arranged on a straight line. Therefore, the return operation of the analytical chip 12 and the disposal operation of the analytical chip 12 are achieved by the reciprocating movement of the slide bar 82. This simplifies the structure of the analyzer 100, as only a simple linear reciprocating movement of the slide bar 82 is required.

[0079] Furthermore, for example, in order to perform measurements while the analytical chip 12 is stationary, the turntable 65 is often driven in a stepwise manner, alternately stopping and rotating. By arranging the application position and disposal position on a straight line on either side of the turntable 65, it is possible to return the analytical chip 12 to the application position and dispose of the analytical chip 12 consecutively in a single stop timing, thereby improving the throughput of measurements in the analytical device 100. In other words, the efficiency of the measurement work in the analytical device 100 is improved.

[0080] The analytical device 100 according to this embodiment is also provided with an optical measurement unit 70 and a potential measurement unit 76. The optical measurement unit 70 performs measurements using colorimetry, while the potential measurement unit 76 performs measurements using electrode methods. The analytical chip 12 includes a colorimetric chip 12A used for colorimetric measurements and an electrolyte chip 12B used for potential measurements. The turntable 65 is provided with cells S1-S9 and S11-S14 for holding the colorimetric chip 12A, and a cell S10 for holding the electrolyte chip 12B. The second chip transport mechanism 80 is used for both the colorimetric chip 12A and the electrolyte chip 12B. In this way, even when different types of colorimetric chips 12A and 12B are used for measurements, the analytical device 100 can be made smaller and simpler in structure.

[0081] Furthermore, in the analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the multiple analytical chips 12 held in the multiple cells S of the turntable 65 are multiple types of analytical chips 12 each having a different measurement item. This allows multiple types of analytical chips 12 with different measurement items to be arranged on the turntable 65, thereby enabling efficient analysis of specimen samples.

[0082] Furthermore, in the analyzer 100 according to this embodiment, the analytical chip 12 is a dry analytical chip that uses a solid-phase reagent as the reagent. The analytical chip 12 that uses a solid-phase reagent is generally more rigid than, for example, strips used in urine tests. Therefore, the analytical chip 12 is less likely to deform during the return and disposal operations by the second chip transport mechanism 80, making it easier to move the analytical chip 12.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the second chip transport mechanism 80 has a slide bar 82 and a pinion gear 84, and the slide bar 82 pushes the analytical chip 12 to the deposition position and the disposal position by changing the rotation direction of the pinion gear 84. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second chip transport mechanism 80 may be configured to rotate as a whole, and the direction in which the slide bar 82 pushes the analytical chip 12 may be changed.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the second chip transport mechanism 80 is described as having one slide bar 82, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second chip transport mechanism 80 may be configured to have a slide bar for the disposal operation and a slide bar for the return operation, with the pinion gear 84 meshing with the two slide bars. In this case, the pinion gear 84 is used as both the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the second chip transport mechanism 80 is described as being composed of a slide bar 82, a pinion gear 84, and a motor 86, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the second chip transport mechanism 80 may be a mechanism that uses a linear actuator to drive a rod-shaped member that pushes out the analytical chip 12. In this case, the linear actuator and the rod-shaped member are used as both the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism.

[0086] In the above embodiment, the potential measurement unit 76 has been described as measuring the electrolyte chip 12B held in the cell S10 of the turntable 65, but the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the potential measurement unit 76 may measure the electrolyte chip 12B held on a measurement support provided outside the turntable 65.

[0087] The above-described description and illustrations are a detailed explanation of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure and are merely an example of the technology of the present disclosure. For example, the above description of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects is an explanation of an example of the configuration, functions, actions, and effects of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure. Therefore, it goes without saying that unnecessary parts may be deleted, new elements may be added, or replacements may be made to the above-described description and illustrations within the scope of the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, to avoid confusion and facilitate understanding of the parts related to the technology of the present disclosure, the above-described description and illustrations omit explanations of common technical knowledge that do not require particular explanation to enable the implementation of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0088] All publications, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent application, or technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0089] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-008922, filed on January 24, 2023, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0090] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0091] <Supplementary Note 1> An analytical device having a plurality of analytical chips onto which specimen samples are to be deposited detachably loaded, and which analyzes the specimen samples using the analytical chips, the analytical device comprising: a turntable on which a plurality of cells for holding each of the plurality of analytical chips are arranged in a circumferential direction, the turntable rotating to sequentially transport each of the plurality of analytical chips to a measurement position, an incubator for warming the plurality of analytical chips on the turntable to a predetermined temperature; a measurement unit arranged at the measurement position and measuring the specimen samples deposited on the plurality of analytical chips; a feed mechanism for feeding the analytical chip from a deposition position where the specimen sample is deposited onto the analytical chip to the cell in the incubator; a return mechanism for returning the analytical chip, which has been preheated in the incubator before the specimen sample is deposited, from the cell in the incubator to the deposition position; and a disposal mechanism for feeding the analytical chip, which has been measured, from the cell in the incubator to a disposal position, wherein the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism serve as a combined unit. <Supplementary Note 2> The analytical device according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein, when the turntable is viewed from above, the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are arranged inside a plurality of cells arranged in the circumferential direction of the turntable. <Supplementary Note 3> The analytical device according to Supplementary Note 1 or Supplementary Note 2, wherein the return mechanism is arranged to be slidable in a radial direction of the turntable and has a slide bar that pushes the analytical chip on the cell toward the deposition position outside the turntable, and the disposal mechanism is arranged to be slidable in the radial direction of the turntable and has a slide bar that pushes the analytical chip on the cell toward the disposal position outside the turntable, and the slide bar serves as both the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism. <Supplementary Note 4> The analytical device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, wherein the deposition position and the disposal position are arranged at an interval of 180° in the circumferential direction of the turntable.<Supplementary Note 5> The analytical device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the measuring unit has a first measuring unit that optically measures the reaction state and a second measuring unit that uses electrodes to measure the electrolyte concentration contained in the specimen sample, the analytical chip includes a first analytical chip that is measured by the first measuring unit and a second analytical chip that is measured by the second measuring unit, the turntable has a first cell that holds the first analytical chip and a second cell that holds the second analytical chip, and the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are used for both the first analytical chip and the second analytical chip. <Supplementary Note 6> The analytical device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5, wherein the analytical chips held in the cells of the turntable are multiple types of analytical chips each measuring a different item. <Supplementary Note 7> The analytical chip is a dry analytical chip that uses a solid-phase reagent as a reagent.

Claims

1. An analytical device in which a plurality of analytical chips onto which specimen samples are dropped are detachably mounted, and which analyzes the specimen samples using the analytical chips, an incubator having a rotary table on which a plurality of cells each holding a plurality of the analytical chips are arranged in a circumferential direction, the rotary table being configured to sequentially transport each of the plurality of analytical chips to a measurement position by rotation, and configured to warm the plurality of analytical chips on the rotary table to a preset temperature; a measurement unit that is disposed at the measurement position and that measures the specimen samples that have been applied to the plurality of analysis chips; a feeding mechanism for feeding the analytical chip from a spotting position where the specimen sample is spotted on the analytical chip to the cell in the incubator; a returning mechanism that returns the analysis chip, which has been preheated in the incubator before the specimen sample is dispensed, from the cell in the incubator to the dispensed position; a disposal mechanism that sends the analytical chip that has been measured from the cell in the incubator to a disposal position, The return mechanism and the disposal mechanism share at least one component. Analyzer.

2. When the turntable is viewed from above, the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are disposed inside the plurality of cells arranged in the circumferential direction of the turntable. The analytical device of claim 1 .

3. the return mechanism has a slide bar that is slidably disposed in a radial direction of the turntable and pushes the analysis chip on the cell toward the spotting position outside the turntable; the disposal mechanism has a slide bar that is slidably disposed in the radial direction of the rotary table and pushes out the analytical chip on the cell toward the disposal position outside the rotary table; The slide bar of the return mechanism and the slide bar of the disposal mechanism are used in common by the return mechanism and the disposal mechanism. The analytical device of claim 1 .

4. The spotting position and the disposal position are arranged at intervals of 180° in the circumferential direction of the rotary table. The analytical device according to claim 3 .

5. the measurement unit includes a first measurement unit that optically measures a reaction state between the specimen sample and a reagent, and a second measurement unit that measures an electrolyte concentration contained in the specimen sample using an electrode; The analytical chips include a first analytical chip that is measured by the first measurement unit and a second analytical chip that is measured by the second measurement unit, the turntable has a first cell that holds the first analytical chip and a second cell that holds the second analytical chip; The return mechanism and the disposal mechanism are used for both the first analytical chip and the second analytical chip. The analytical device of claim 1 .

6. The plurality of analytical chips held in the plurality of cells of the rotary table are a plurality of types of analytical chips each having a different measurement item. The analytical device of claim 1 .

7. The analytical chip is a dry analytical chip that uses a solid-phase reagent as a reagent. The analytical device of claim 1 .