Automated analysis device and control method for same

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to suppress the frequency of replacement of a cleaning liquid in an automated analysis device that employs a plurality of cleaning liquids and in a control method for the automated analysis device. An automated analysis device according to the present invention comprises: a dispensing probe that performs suction and discharge for at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid delivery mechanism that delivers each of a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; a different cleaning liquid type region in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid may be present; and a storage unit for storing the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid type region (see Fig. 5).

Description

Automatic analyzer and control method thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and a control method thereof, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative or quantitative analysis of biological samples such as blood and urine.

[0002] When dispensing a sample, in order to maintain dispensing accuracy, sample components, reagent components, etc. that have adhered to the side of the probe are removed by washing the probe with a cleaning solution, which makes it possible to prevent carryover into the next sample.

[0003] Background art in this technical field is disclosed in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 discloses that a probe is washed using different first and second washing solutions.

[0004] Special Publication No. 2020-514707

[0005] When cleaning with multiple different cleaning solutions, it is preferable to use a common flow path if possible and replace the cleaning solution as needed to simplify the structure. However, if the replacement frequency is high, the cleaning solution is discarded each time, which increases the consumption of cleaning solution and increases operating costs. In addition, each replacement takes time, which delays the time until the actual analysis can begin.

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has as its object to reduce the frequency of replacement of cleaning liquids in an automatic analyzer that uses multiple cleaning liquids and a control method thereof.

[0007] An example of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention comprises: a dispensing probe that aspirates and dispenses at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid delivery mechanism that delivers a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid, respectively, for cleaning the dispensing probe; a different cleaning liquid region in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid may be present; and a memory unit that stores the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid region.

[0008] An example of a control method for an automatic analyzer according to the present invention is a control method for an automatic analyzer comprising: a dispensing probe that aspirates and dispenses at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid delivery mechanism that delivers a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid, respectively, for cleaning the dispensing probe; and a heterogeneous cleaning liquid region in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid may be present, the method comprising a step in which a memory unit of the automatic analyzer stores the type of cleaning liquid present in the heterogeneous cleaning liquid region.

[0009] According to the present invention, the frequency of replacement of the cleaning solution can be reduced, which can reduce the amount of cleaning solution consumed and shorten the time until the start of analysis, for example.

[0010] Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments.

[0011] 1 is a perspective view of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration for supplying cleaning liquid to a cleaning liquid reservoir of a probe cleaning mechanism. FIG. 2 is a flowchart explaining transitions in device status. FIG. 3 is a flowchart for selecting a reset operation. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for determining whether a cleaning liquid replacement operation is necessary and with which cleaning liquid to replace it. FIG. 5 is a diagram chronologically arranging the device status during each operation, the behavior of the control unit, the operation on the automatic analyzer, the cleaning liquid filling the different cleaning liquid region, the flow path parameters held by the memory unit, etc. FIG. 6 is a diagram chronologically arranging the device status during each operation, the behavior of the control unit, the operation on the automatic analyzer, the cleaning liquid filling the different cleaning liquid region, the flow path parameters held by the memory unit, etc. when an abnormality occurs during a replacement operation.

[0012] First Embodiment The configuration and operation of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG.

[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic analyzer according to embodiment 1. In Fig. 1, the automatic analyzer is an apparatus that dispenses samples and reagents into a plurality of reaction vessels 2, respectively, to cause a reaction, and measures the reacted liquid. The automatic analyzer includes a reaction disk 1, a reagent disk 9, a sample transport mechanism 17, reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, a reagent syringe 18, a sample dispensing mechanism 11, a sample syringe 19, a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, a cleaning pump 20, cleaning tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33, and a control unit 21.

[0014] Reaction vessels 2 are arranged circumferentially on a reaction disk 1. Near the reaction disk 1, a sample transport mechanism 17 is installed for moving a rack 16 on which sample vessels 15 are placed.

[0015] A rotatable and vertically movable sample dispensing mechanism 11 is installed between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17. The sample dispensing mechanism 11 includes a sample probe 11a. A sample syringe 19 is connected to the sample probe 11a. The sample probe 11a moves in an arc around the rotation axis to dispense a sample from a sample container 15 to a reaction container 2.

[0016] A probe washing mechanism 14 for washing the sample probe 11a is disposed on the rotation path of the sample probe 11a. The washing liquid to be used is supplied automatically.

[0017] Similarly, a rotatable and vertically movable sample dispensing mechanism 12 is installed between the reaction disk 1 and the sample transport mechanism 17, and the sample dispensing mechanism 12 includes a sample probe 12a. A sample syringe 29 is connected to the sample probe 12a. The sample probe 12a moves in an arc around the rotation axis to dispense the sample from the sample container 15 to the reaction container 2.

[0018] A probe washing mechanism 24 for washing the sample probe 12a is disposed on the rotation path of the sample probe 12a. The washing liquid to be used is supplied automatically.

[0019] A plurality of reagent bottles 10 can be placed on the circumference of the reagent disk 9. The reagent disk 9 is kept cold.

[0020] Reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, which are rotatable and movable up and down, are installed between the reaction disk 1 and the reagent disk 9, and each of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8 is equipped with a reagent probe 7a or 8a. A reagent syringe 18 is connected to the reagent probe 7a or 8a. The reagent probe 7a or 8a moves in an arc around the rotation axis to access the inside of the reagent disk 9 and dispense reagent from a reagent bottle 10 into a reaction vessel 2.

[0021] Further arranged around the reaction disk 1 are a cleaning mechanism 3, a light source 4a, a spectrophotometer 4, and stirring mechanisms 5 and 6. A cleaning pump 20 is connected to the cleaning mechanism 3. Washing tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33 are installed within the operating ranges of the reagent dispensing mechanisms 7 and 8, the sample dispensing mechanism 11, the sample dispensing mechanism 12, and the stirring mechanisms 5 and 6, respectively.

[0022] In the washing tanks 13, 23, 30, 31, 32, and 33, each probe and stirring mechanism are washed using a washing liquid supplied from a washing pump 20. A test sample (specimen) such as blood is contained in a sample container 15, which is placed on a rack 16 and transported by a sample transport mechanism 17. Each mechanism is connected to a control unit 21.

[0023] The above is an example of a general configuration of an automatic analyzer.

[0024] In this embodiment, a total of four dispensing probes are provided: reagent probes 7a and 8a, sample probe 11a, and sample probe 12a. However, one or more dispensing probes may be provided. In other words, the automated analyzer may be provided with a dispensing probe that aspirates and dispenses at least one of a reagent and a sample.

[0025] The operation of the probe washing mechanism will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a configuration for supplying washing liquid to the washing liquid reservoir 118 of each of the probe washing mechanisms 14 and 24.

[0026] The automated analyzer includes a cleaning solution supply pump 201, a cleaning solution supply syringe 204 equipped with a plunger 220, branch pipes 207 and 208, cleaning solution remaining level sensors 205 and 206, solenoid valves 209 to 214, a control unit 21, and a memory unit 22. The probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24 have lower openings for discharging overflowing cleaning solution. The example in Figure 2 schematically shows cleaning mechanisms that supply cleaning solution to the cleaning solution reservoirs 118 of the two probe cleaning mechanisms 14 and 24.

[0027] It is possible to automatically supply the first cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply pump 201 to the probe cleaning mechanisms 14, 24, and it is also possible to supply the second cleaning liquid contained in the cleaning liquid storage tanks 202, 203 to the probe cleaning mechanisms 14, 24.

[0028] A portion of the configuration for supplying the cleaning liquid is used for both the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid. For example, in the example of FIG. 2 , the branch pipe 208, the solenoid valve 209, the solenoid valve 210, the two cleaning liquid reservoirs 118, and the flow path connecting these can supply both the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid. In this manner, the automated analyzer has different cleaning liquid regions in which different types of cleaning liquid, i.e., the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid, can exist. Note that in this embodiment, the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid do not exist simultaneously in the different cleaning liquid regions.

[0029] In this way, the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 (or a configuration in which the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 is combined with the cleaning liquid supply pump 201, solenoid valves 209-214, etc.) functions as a liquid delivery mechanism, delivering the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid for cleaning each dispensing probe.

[0030] The cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region can be replaced by operating the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204. For example, it is possible to replace an old second cleaning liquid with a new second cleaning liquid, to replace a first cleaning liquid with a second cleaning liquid, or to replace a second cleaning liquid with a first cleaning liquid.

[0031] The control unit 21 includes, for example, a processor as a computing means. The storage unit 22 includes, for example, a storage medium such as a semiconductor memory device or a magnetic disk device. Some or all of the storage medium may be non-transitory storage media.

[0032] The memory unit 22 stores flow path parameters that indicate the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid region.

[0033] Conventional automatic analyzers did not have such parameters, so it was necessary to replace the cleaning solution in the different cleaning solution area at each milestone in the device status in preparation for non-steady processing such as abnormal shutdowns.

[0034] In contrast, the automated analyzer according to this embodiment stores flow path parameters and identifies the type of cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region, thereby determining when additional or repeated cleaning liquid replacement is required due to unsteady processing. This reduces the frequency of cleaning liquid replacement, thereby reducing, for example, the amount of cleaning liquid consumed and / or the time until analysis can begin.

[0035] The flow path parameter takes one of two values, for example, "first cleaning liquid" and "second cleaning liquid." In other words, the memory unit 22 can be said to store whether the first cleaning liquid or the second cleaning liquid is present in the different cleaning liquid region. In this embodiment, the initial value of the flow path parameter is set to the first cleaning liquid.

[0036] The storage unit 22 may store a computer program in addition to the above-described flow path parameters. The processor of the control unit 21 executes the computer program, thereby causing the automatic analyzer to perform the functions described in this embodiment.

[0037] Furthermore, depending on the detection status of the cleaning liquid remaining amount sensors 205 and 206, the supply source of the second cleaning liquid can be switched between the cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 203.

[0038] The first cleaning liquid is, for example, water or a neutral detergent, and the second cleaning liquid is, for example, a special alkaline or acidic cleaning liquid.

[0039] In the embodiment of Figure 2, two storage tanks for the second cleaning liquid (cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and cleaning liquid storage tank 203) are installed, and the configuration is described as having a changeover function for the second cleaning liquid. However, even in a configuration in which the second cleaning liquid is stored in one cleaning liquid storage tank 202 and there is one cleaning liquid reservoir 118, the cleaning liquid supply operation is the same.

[0040] The automated analyzer can selectively execute multiple types of reset operations as the reset operation for moving the plunger 220 to the initial position (which is the upper limit in this embodiment). The multiple types of reset operations include a first reset operation and a second reset operation that sends a smaller amount of liquid than the first reset operation.

[0041] For example, in the case of the cleaning liquid supply syringe 204 of this embodiment, the first reset operation is a full reset operation in which the plunger 220 moves a full stroke to check the sensor and / or mechanism.

[0042] The full reset operation includes, for example, first moving the plunger 220 from an arbitrary position to the upper limit. The plunger 220 moves to the lower limit (maximum suction position) and then moves to the upper limit (maximum discharge position). This operation makes it possible to check, for example, whether the cleaning solution supply syringe 204 is operating normally.

[0043] The short reset operation includes, for example, the following operations: First, plunger 220 moves to the upper limit point. After a sensor or the like detects that plunger 220 is at the upper limit point, plunger 220 moves slightly toward the lower limit point (i.e., performs slight suction) until it is detected that plunger 220 is not at the upper limit point. After it is detected that plunger 220 is not at the upper limit point, plunger 220 moves again to the upper limit point. This operation makes it possible to check whether the sensor or the like is operating normally.

[0044] The amount of cleaning liquid (e.g., the second cleaning liquid) consumed varies greatly depending on the amount of movement of plunger 220 of cleaning liquid supply syringe 204. In the case of a full reset, the amount of movement of plunger 220 is large, and in the case of a short reset, the amount of movement of plunger 220 is small. Therefore, in the case of a short reset, in which the movement of plunger 220 is small, the amount of consumption of the second cleaning liquid is small.

[0045] After startup, the automatic analyzer preferably performs a full reset at least once before starting an analytical operation to check the full stroke operation of each mechanism.

[0046] 3 is a flowchart illustrating the transition of the device status from power-on to power-off of the automatic analyzer according to embodiment 1. The device status is stored in the storage unit 22, for example, and updated by the control unit 21.

[0047] When the power of the automatic analyzer is turned on, the device status transitions to initialize (step 301) as a startup preparation operation, and then transitions to standby (step 302). When an instruction to start analysis is given, the device status transitions to analysis preparation (step 303), and then transitions to analysis operation (step 304), where the analysis operation begins. After the analysis operation is completed, the device status transitions to standby (step 305), and then transitions back to standby.

[0048] When the operation of the automatic analyzer is terminated, the apparatus status transitions to shutdown (step 306) as a preparation for termination, and the power is turned off when the shutdown process is completed. Here, the apparatus status refers to each state from step 301 to step 306. However, other apparatus statuses may also be included.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a flowchart for determining which reset operation to select based on the device status and flow path parameters.

[0050] When a reset operation is requested (step 401), the control unit checks the device status (step 402). If the device status is initialized, the automatic analyzer executes a full reset (step 405).

[0051] If the device status is not in the initialized state, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 403). If the flow path parameters are the second cleaning solution, the automatic analyzer performs a short reset (step 404). If the flow path parameters are the first cleaning solution, the automatic analyzer performs a full reset (step 405).

[0052] In this way, the automated analyzer controls the liquid delivery mechanism based on the flow path parameters (i.e., the type of cleaning liquid stored in the memory unit 22). In particular, the automated analyzer selects a full reset or a short reset based on the flow path parameters and causes the liquid delivery mechanism to execute it. In the example of FIG. 4, if the flow path parameter is the second cleaning liquid, a short reset is selected, thereby reducing the consumption of the second cleaning liquid. The second cleaning liquid (e.g., a special alkaline or acidic cleaning liquid) may be more expensive than the first cleaning liquid (e.g., water or a neutral detergent). In such cases, it is particularly preferable to reduce the consumption of the second cleaning liquid.

[0053] FIG. 5 is a flowchart for determining whether or not a replacement operation of the cleaning liquid is necessary and with which cleaning liquid the replacement should be performed, based on the device status and flow path parameters.

[0054] When a request is made to determine whether or not flow path replacement is necessary (step 501), the control unit checks the device status (step 502). If the device status is other than shutdown, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 503). If the flow path parameters indicate the second cleaning liquid, the process is completed without performing the cleaning liquid replacement operation.

[0055] If the flow path parameter is the first cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is replaced with the second cleaning liquid (step 504). After that, the control unit updates the flow path parameter stored in the memory unit to the second cleaning liquid (step 505). In step 505, the memory unit 22 stores, as a flow path parameter, the fact that the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid region is the second cleaning liquid.

[0056] The control unit checks the device status (step 502), and if the device status is shutdown, replaces the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region with the first cleaning liquid (step 506). The control unit then updates the flow path parameters stored in the memory unit to the first cleaning liquid (step 507). In step 507, the memory unit 22 stores, as flow path parameters, the fact that the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid region is the first cleaning liquid.

[0057] In this way, the automatic analyzer replaces the cleaning liquid during the shutdown operation, so that the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid area can always be constant when the automatic analyzer is next started up.

[0058] In this way, the automatic analyzer (particularly the control unit) determines whether or not the cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid region needs to be replaced, and the type of cleaning liquid to be sent for replacement, based on the device status and flow path parameters, and controls the liquid sending mechanism. Such an operation makes the cleaning operation more efficient, and as a result, the amount of cleaning liquid consumed can be reduced.

[0059] In particular, in this embodiment, the second cleaning liquid may be stored in the different cleaning liquid region at all times, except when the device status is a shutdown operation. Therefore, when the flow path parameter is the second cleaning liquid, a replacement operation is not required. However, in the process of FIG. 5, the determination in step 503 makes it possible to omit such an unnecessary replacement operation and reduce the consumption of the second cleaning liquid.

[0060] In the above example, both the necessity of replacement and the type of cleaning liquid are determined based on the device status and the flow path parameters, but a modified example is also possible in which only one of the necessity of replacement and the type of cleaning liquid is determined, in which case the other may be determined based on another criterion.

[0061] [Operation Example 1] An operation example in which the cleaning solution is replaced normally from the time the automatic analyzer is started up until the time it is shut down will be described with reference to FIG.

[0062] Figure 6 is a diagram that chronologically lists the device status during each operation, the behavior of the control unit, the operation of the automatic analyzer, the cleaning liquid filling the different cleaning liquid area, the flow path parameters held by the memory unit, etc. The judgment of the control unit when checking each piece of information follows Figures 4 and 5, respectively. In Figure 6, "F. Reset" indicates a full reset, and "S. Reset" indicates a short reset.

[0063] The device is powered on (step 601), and initialization begins. The control unit determines which reset operation to select. In the process of Fig. 4, the control unit checks the device status (step 602). Since the device status is initialization, the process of Fig. 4 branches to step 405, and full reset is selected (step 603).

[0064] Next, when the equipment status changes, the control unit determines whether a cleaning liquid replacement operation is required. In the process of FIG. 5, the control unit checks the next equipment status (step 604). Since the next equipment status is standby, the flow path parameters are then checked (step 605). Since the flow path parameters are the first cleaning liquid, the process of FIG. 5 branches to step 504, and the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is replaced with the second cleaning liquid (step 606). The control unit confirms that the flow path replacement has been completed successfully (step 607). Thereafter, the control unit updates the flow path parameters stored in the memory unit to the second cleaning liquid (step 608). After the replacement, the equipment status transitions to standby.

[0065] When an instruction to start analysis is issued, the device status transitions from standby to analysis preparation, and the transition is completed. The control unit then determines which reset operation to select. In the process of FIG. 4, the control unit checks the device status (step 609). Since the device status is analysis preparation, which is not initialization, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 610). Since the flow path parameters are for the second cleaning solution, the process of FIG. 4 branches to step 404, where short reset is selected (step 611).

[0066] Next, when the equipment status changes, the control unit determines whether or not a replacement operation of the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is required. In the process of Figure 5, the control unit checks the next equipment status (step 612). Since the next equipment status is analysis operation, the control unit then checks the flow path parameters (step 613). Since the flow path parameters are for the second cleaning liquid, steps 504 and 505 in Figure 5 are not executed, i.e., the cleaning liquid is not replaced and the equipment status changes to analysis operation.

[0067] When the analysis is complete, the equipment status transitions from operation to standby, and the transition is complete. The control unit then determines which reset operation to select. In the process of FIG. 4, the control unit checks the equipment status (step 614). Since the equipment status is standby, which is not initialized, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 615). Since the flow path parameters are for the second cleaning liquid, the process of FIG. 4 branches to step 404, where short reset is selected (step 616).

[0068] Next, when the equipment status changes, the control unit determines whether or not a replacement operation of the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is required. In the process of Figure 5, the control unit checks the next equipment status (step 617). Since the next equipment status is standby, the control unit then checks the flow path parameters (step 618). Since the flow path parameters are for the second cleaning liquid, steps 504 and 505 in Figure 5 are not executed, i.e., the cleaning liquid is not replaced and the equipment status changes to standby.

[0069] When the analysis is started again, the same operation as above is performed, and the full reset and the cleaning solution replacement operation are not performed.

[0070] When a shutdown command is issued to turn off the power to the device, the device status transitions from standby to shutdown, and the transition is completed. The control unit then determines which reset operation to select. In the process of FIG. 4, the control unit checks the device status (step 619). Since the device status is shutdown and not initialized, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 620). Since the flow path parameters are for the second cleaning liquid, the process of FIG. 4 branches to step 404, where short reset is selected (step 621).

[0071] Next, the control unit determines whether a cleaning liquid replacement operation is necessary (there is no transition of the device status here, but if it is a shutdown, the process of FIG. 5 continues). In the process of FIG. 5, the control unit checks the next device status (step 622). Here, the next device status is treated as a shutdown. Because the next device status is a shutdown, the process of FIG. 5 branches to step 506, where the cleaning liquid is replaced with the first cleaning liquid (step 623). The control unit then confirms that the flow path replacement has been completed successfully (step 624). Thereafter, the control unit updates the flow path parameters stored in the memory unit to the first cleaning liquid (step 625). Then, the power to the device is turned off.

[0072] As described above, even when multiple analyses are performed, the number of full resets or cleaning solution replacement operations is reduced. In particular, by storing the flow path parameters, replacement operations are unnecessary when the same cleaning solution is used (e.g., as determined in step 503 in FIG. 5). This reduces, for example, the amount of cleaning solution consumed and shortens the reset time (the time until analysis begins).

[0073] [Operation Example 2] An operation example in which the control unit detects an abnormality and issues an alarm after the device is started up, and the flow path cannot be replaced normally will be described with reference to FIG.

[0074] 7 is a diagram showing the chronological order of the operations performed when an abnormality is detected during operation of the automatic analyzer according to this embodiment. The determinations made by the control unit when checking each piece of information are in accordance with FIGS. 4 and 5. Note that in FIG. 7 as well, "F. Reset" indicates a full reset, and "S. Reset" indicates a short reset.

[0075] As in Operation Example 1, after the device is started up, initialization begins. In this operation example, during (before completion of) the cleaning solution replacement operation (step 606 in FIG. 6), the control unit detects some kind of abnormality and issues an alarm (step 701). As a result, the control unit cannot confirm the normal completion of the flow path replacement (step 702) and does not update the flow path parameters to the second cleaning solution (step 703). The control unit then interrupts the flowchart in FIG. 5, and the device status transitions to standby.

[0076] Here, "before step 606 is completed" refers more specifically to "before the plunger 220 completes its operation." This is because if the cleaning liquid replacement operation is stopped before the plunger 220 completes its operation, the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid will be partially mixed in the flow path.

[0077] When an instruction to start analysis is issued, the device status transitions from standby to analysis preparation, and the transition is completed. The control unit then determines which reset operation to select. In the process of FIG. 4, the control unit checks the device status (step 704). Since the device status is analysis preparation, which is not initialization, the control unit checks the flow path parameters (step 705). Since the flow path parameters are for the first cleaning solution, the process of FIG. 4 branches to step 405, where a full reset is selected (step 706).

[0078] Next, when the equipment status transitions, the control unit determines whether or not a replacement operation of the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is necessary. In the process of FIG. 5, the control unit checks the next equipment status (step 707). Since the next equipment status is analysis operation, the flow path parameters are then checked (step 708). Since the flow path parameters are the first cleaning liquid, steps 504 and 505 of FIG. 5 are executed, and the cleaning liquid in the different cleaning liquid region is replaced with the second cleaning liquid (step 709). The control unit confirms that the flow path replacement has been completed successfully (step 710). Thereafter, the control unit updates the flow path parameters stored in the memory unit to the second cleaning liquid (step 711). After the replacement, the equipment status transitions to operation.

[0079] If the alarm is issued after step 607 has been performed, the replacement operation of the cleaning liquid has been completed and the flow path parameters have been updated, so the replacement operation can be considered to have been completed normally.

[0080] As described above, by following the flowcharts of Figures 4 and 5, a full reset is performed at an appropriate time if an abnormality occurs in the device. Alternatively, even if the cleaning solution replacement operation is interrupted, a full reset is performed again before the start of analysis, and the cleaning solution replacement operation is carried out. In either case, the number of replacement operations is reduced, so compared to the conventional configuration (in which replacement operations are performed more frequently), the amount of cleaning solution consumed is reduced and the reset time (the time until analysis begins) is shortened.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the automatic supply of cleaning liquid for the sample probe has been described, but the method of controlling the reset operation that leads to a reduction in consumption of cleaning liquid is not limited to this.

[0082] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, only the first and second cleaning liquids are used as cleaning liquids, but the automatic analyzer may be capable of using three or more types of cleaning liquids.

[0083] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Reaction disk 2...Reaction vessel 3...Cleaning mechanism 4...Spectrophotometer 4a...Light source 5...Stirring mechanism 6...Stirring mechanism 7...Reagent dispensing mechanism 7a...Reagent probe 8...Reagent dispensing mechanism 8a...Reagent probe 9...Reagent disk 10...Reagent bottle 11...Sample dispensing mechanism 11a...Sample probe 12...Sample dispensing mechanism 12a...Sample probe 13...Cleaning tank 14...Probe cleaning mechanism 15...Sample vessel 16...Rack 17...Sample transport mechanism 18...Reagent syringe 19...Sample syringe 20...Cleaning pump 21...Control unit 22...Memory unit 23...Cleaning tank 24...Probe cleaning mechanism 29...Sample syringe 30...Cleaning tank 31...Cleaning tank 32...Cleaning tank 33...Cleaning tank 118...Cleaning liquid reservoir 201...Cleaning liquid supply pump 202...Cleaning liquid storage tank 203: cleaning liquid storage tank 204: cleaning liquid supply syringe 205: cleaning liquid remaining amount sensor 207: branch pipe 208: branch pipe 209: solenoid valve 210: solenoid valve 211: solenoid valve 212: solenoid valve 213: solenoid valve 214: solenoid valve 220: plunger

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising: a dispensing probe that aspirates and dispenses at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid delivery mechanism that delivers a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid for cleaning the dispensing probe; a different cleaning liquid area in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid may be present; and a memory unit that stores the type of cleaning liquid present in the different cleaning liquid area.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the liquid delivery mechanism is controlled based on the type of cleaning liquid stored in the memory unit.

3. In the automatic analyzer of claim 2, the liquid delivery mechanism is capable of executing a first reset operation and a second reset operation which delivers a smaller amount of liquid than the first reset operation, and the automatic analyzer selects the first reset operation or the second reset operation based on the type of cleaning liquid stored in the memory unit and has the liquid delivery mechanism execute the selected operation.

4. The automatic analyzer of claim 1, wherein the memory unit further stores an apparatus status, and the automatic analyzer determines at least one of the following based on the apparatus status and the type of cleaning liquid stored in the memory unit: - whether or not the cleaning liquid present in the heterogeneous cleaning liquid area needs to be replaced, and - the type of cleaning liquid to be sent for replacement, and controls the liquid sending mechanism.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer performs replacement of the cleaning solution during a shutdown operation.

6. A method for controlling an automatic analyzer comprising: a dispensing probe for aspirating and dispensing at least one of a reagent and a sample; a liquid delivery mechanism for delivering a first cleaning liquid and a second cleaning liquid, respectively, for cleaning the dispensing probe; and a heterogeneous cleaning liquid area in which the first cleaning liquid and the second cleaning liquid may be present, characterized in that the method for controlling an automatic analyzer comprises a step in which a memory unit of the automatic analyzer includes a step of storing the type of cleaning liquid present in the heterogeneous cleaning liquid area.

Images