Inspection device

Abstract

This inspection device for inspecting a specimen comprises: a nozzle to which a tip that contacts a liquid containing a specimen and a reagent is attached in a replaceable manner, the nozzle being for agitating the liquid by repeating suction and discharge of the liquid within a container where the liquid is accommodated; and a processor for controlling the suction speed of the liquid through control of the suction pressure of the nozzle, wherein, when the agitation operation of the liquid is performed, the processor starts the suction mode of one suction period, from the start of suction to the next discharge, in a first mode including a timing where the suction speed becomes a maximum value in the suction period and, after the first mode, shifts to a second mode where the suction speed is lower than the maximum value.

Description

Inspection Equipment

[0001] The technology of the present disclosure relates to an inspection device.

[0002] Testing devices for testing samples are known. Among these testing devices, there are, for example, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay devices and fluorescent immunoassay devices, which optically detect a target substance in a sample by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance and a reagent. Chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassays involve reacting an antigen with a solid-phase antibody, then subjecting an enzyme-labeled antibody to a secondary reaction with the antigen, and then adding a chemiluminescent substrate to measure the luminescence intensity. Fluorescent immunoassays involve performing an antigen-antibody reaction using an enzyme-labeled antigen or antibody as a labeling substance, and then adding a fluorescent substrate to measure the fluorescence intensity.

[0003] In these testing devices, the liquid mixture of the specimen and reagent is agitated to reduce variations in the amount of detected light (see, for example, JP 2021-089253 A). For example, even if the amount of substance on which the luminescent substrate acts in the liquid is the same, comparing a state in which the substance is aggregated and solidified with a state in which it is dispersed results in variations in the amount of detected light because the surface area of ​​the substance on which the luminescent substrate acts is different. Therefore, in order to reduce such variations in the amount of detected light, the liquid is agitated to disperse the substances contained in the specimen or reagent within the liquid.

[0004] As described in JP 2021-089253 A, stirring is performed using, for example, a nozzle that aspirates and discharges liquid. Specifically, stirring is performed by repeatedly aspirating and discharging liquid through the nozzle in a reaction vessel that mixes the sample and reagent.

[0005] When the stirring operation described in JP 2021-089253 A is performed using a common nozzle for different liquids, such as specimens or reagents, there is a concern about contamination between the different liquids. To prevent such contamination, a tip that comes into contact with the liquid is attached to the tip of the nozzle, and the tip is replaced for each liquid. The tip, like the nozzle, is cylindrical, and the stirring operation is performed with the tip immersed in the liquid. In such a stirring operation, if too much liquid is aspirated into the tip, the liquid surface in the tip will reach the tip of the nozzle, so the amount of liquid aspirated into the tip is controlled to prevent the liquid from adhering to the nozzle.

[0006] However, even when replacing the tip and controlling the aspiration volume, contamination due to liquid adhering to the nozzle can still occur. One cause of this is misalignment of the tip as it enters the reaction vessel containing the liquid. For example, the tip descends vertically to enter the reaction vessel, but if the horizontal position of the tip's tip is misaligned from the center of the reaction vessel, a horizontal pressure difference occurs in the liquid flowing into the tip. This pressure difference increases the flow of the liquid flowing into the tip, which can cause the liquid to splash up inside the tip. If the liquid splashes up too much inside the tip, the liquid will adhere to the nozzle, resulting in contamination.

[0007] Therefore, measures to prevent contamination even when the tip of the tip is misaligned have been investigated. One possible solution is to reduce the aspiration speed by lowering the aspiration pressure throughout the entire aspiration period. This reduces the flow of liquid within the tip, thereby preventing liquid from splashing up. However, reducing the aspiration speed throughout the entire aspiration period also reduces the mixing effect.

[0008] The technology disclosed herein has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an inspection device that can suppress contamination caused by liquid sucked into a chip adhering to the nozzle while suppressing a decrease in stirring effect.

[0009] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the testing device of the present disclosure is a testing device for testing a sample, and is equipped with a nozzle having a replaceable tip attached to the tip thereof that comes into contact with a liquid containing the sample and a reagent, the nozzle performing a liquid agitation operation by repeatedly suctioning and discharging the liquid in a container containing the liquid, and a processor that controls the liquid aspiration speed by controlling the suction pressure of the nozzle, and when performing a liquid agitation operation, the processor starts the aspiration mode during one aspiration period from the start of aspiration to the next discharge in a first mode that includes the timing when the aspiration speed reaches the maximum value within the aspiration period, and after the first mode, transitions to a second mode in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value.

[0010] It is possible to test a plurality of items using different reagents, and it is preferable that the processor changes the content of the aspiration mode depending on the item.

[0011] When changing the content of the suction mode depending on the item, it is preferable that the change in the content of the suction mode includes changing the proportion of time for executing each of the first mode and the second mode.

[0012] When changing the content of the suction mode depending on the item, it is preferable that the change in the content of the suction mode includes selecting either a combination mode that switches between two modes, the first mode and the second mode, within the suction period, or a single mode that executes a single mode within the suction period.

[0013] In addition to the items, the processor preferably changes the content of the aspiration mode depending on individual differences in the specimen.

[0014] When changing the content of the aspiration mode in accordance with individual differences in the specimen, it is preferable that the change in the content of the aspiration mode includes changing the proportion of time for which the first mode and the second mode are executed.

[0015] When changing the content of the suction mode in accordance with individual differences in the sample, it is preferable that the change in the content of the suction mode includes selecting either a combination mode in which two modes, the first mode and the second mode, are switched between within the suction period, or a single mode in which a single mode is executed within the suction period.

[0016] Preferably, each of the first and second modes has a rising section in which the suction pressure rises and a falling section in which the suction pressure drops after reaching a peak.

[0017] When transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, it is preferable that there is no rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the start of the second mode, and that the suction pressure decreases monotonically in the second mode.

[0018] It is preferable that the suction pressure starts to decrease from the peak in the first mode, thereby transitioning to the second mode, and that the suction pressure decrease stepwise in the second mode.

[0019] When the suction pressure starts to decrease from the peak in the first mode, it transitions to the second mode, and in the second mode the suction pressure decreases continuously, and it is preferable that the absolute value of the slope of the falling section in which the suction pressure decreases in the second mode is smaller than the absolute value of the slope of the rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the beginning of the first mode.

[0020] The specimen testing method is a testing method that optically detects the target substance by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance in the specimen and a reagent, and the stirring operation is preferably an operation that disperses the reagent and specimen in the liquid.

[0021] The reagent preferably comprises an antigen or antibody bound to magnetic particles.

[0022] According to the technology of the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the stirring effect while suppressing contamination caused by the liquid aspirated into the tip adhering to the nozzle.

[0023] 12A is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the testing device; FIG. 12B is a diagram showing the configuration of a cartridge; FIG. 12C is a diagram showing the testing procedure; FIG. 12D is a diagram showing the stirring procedure; FIG. 12E is a diagram showing the state of liquid splashing up in a tip; FIG. 12F is a diagram showing the control of aspiration pressure; FIG. 12G is a diagram showing the relationship between aspiration speed and stirring effect; FIG. 12H is a diagram showing the control of aspiration pressure in Comparative Example 1; FIG. 12H is a diagram showing the control of aspiration pressure in Comparative Example 2; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing a method for determining stirring operation conditions in the second embodiment; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing the stirring operation conditions in the second embodiment; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing the concept of how to determine the time ratio of the high-speed aspiration mode in accordance with the liquid characteristics (viscosity); FIG. 12I is a diagram showing the concept of how to determine the time ratio of the high-speed aspiration mode in accordance with the liquid characteristics (surface tension); FIG. 12I is a diagram showing the concept of how to determine the time ratio of the high-speed aspiration mode in accordance with the liquid volume; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing a method for determining stirring operation conditions in a modified example of the second embodiment; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing a method for acquiring characteristics of each individual specimen; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing stirring operation conditions in a modified example of the second embodiment; FIG. 12I is a diagram showing a modified example of aspiration pressure control;

[0024] An inspection device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, components indicated by the same reference numerals are the same components. Unless otherwise specified in the specification, each component is not limited to one, and may be present in multiple numbers.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a testing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The testing device 10 is a testing device that tests a specimen 22 collected from a living body, and as an example, is an immunoanalyzer based on the principle of chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. As is well known, chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay is a testing method that optically detects a test target substance A (see FIG. 3 ) in the specimen 22 by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the test target substance A and a reagent. The test target substance A is a target substance that is the subject of testing, and is an example of a "target substance" according to the technology of the present disclosure.

[0026] The testing device 10 uses, as an example, a cartridge RC containing a reagent. The cartridge RC is an example of a cartridge used to perform a test based on chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The reagent contains an antigen or antibody that reacts with the test target substance A. Because different reagents are used for different types of test target substance A, cartridges RC are prepared for each measurement item corresponding to the type of test target substance A. In the testing device 10, a cartridge RC is selected according to the measurement item. The cartridge RC is integrally provided with a reaction vessel that reacts the specimen 22 with the reagent, as described below.

[0027] The testing device 10 includes a dispensing mechanism 12, a photodetector 50, a processor 16, a memory 17, a touch panel display 18, and a camera 62. A specimen 22 is loaded into the testing device 10 while being contained in a specimen collection container 20.

[0028] The dispensing mechanism 12 includes a nozzle 12A that aspirates or discharges a liquid such as a specimen 22 or a reagent, and a pump 12B that applies aspirating pressure and discharging pressure to the nozzle 12A. The pump 12B is, for example, a syringe pump that generates aspirating pressure and discharging pressure by reciprocating a plunger inserted into a cylinder connected to the nozzle 12A within the cylinder. The pump 12B is, for example, driven by a pulse motor.

[0029] The dispensing mechanism 12 includes a movement mechanism that moves the nozzle 12A in horizontal and vertical directions. The dispensing mechanism 12 moves the nozzle 12A to a target position using the movement mechanism, and at the target position, causes the nozzle 12A to perform suction or discharge via the pump 12B.

[0030] A tip 12C that comes into contact with a liquid containing a specimen 22 or a reagent is replaceably attached to the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A. Like the nozzle 12A, the tip 12C is cylindrical and tapered. The tip 12C is single-use and is replaced, for example, for each different specimen 22 or each different reagent measurement item. As described below, the liquid aspirated by the nozzle 12A is retained within the tip 12C and controlled so as not to reach the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A. This prevents contamination between different specimens 22 or different reagents. The testing device 10 is also equipped with a stocker 29 that accommodates multiple tips 12C. The nozzle 12A is provided with a mechanism for attaching and detaching the tips 12C (not shown). The dispensing mechanism 12 moves the nozzle 12A to the location of the stocker 29 and attaches an unused tip 12C to the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A. The used tip 12C is removed from the nozzle 12A and discarded, for example, in a disposal unit (not shown).

[0031] The dispensing mechanism 12 acquires the specimen 22 from the specimen collection container 20 and dispenses the acquired specimen 22 into the cartridge RC. The dispensing mechanism 12 also mixes the specimen 22 with a portion of the reagent contained in the cartridge RC. The dispensing mechanism 12 also functions as a stirring mechanism that stirs the liquid in which the specimen 22 and the reagent are mixed.

[0032] The camera 62 is, for example, an image acquisition unit for monitoring the attachment state of the chip 12C to the nozzle 12A. The camera 62 is, for example, an optical camera having an image sensor and an optical system that forms an image on an imaging plane. The image sensor is, for example, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor or a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor.

[0033] In the cartridge RC, each process, such as a reaction process between the specimen 22 and the reagent, is carried out in accordance with the testing procedure, and finally, an optical detection process for the test target substance A is carried out by the photodetector 50. The photodetector 50 receives chemiluminescence L (see also FIG. 3 ) emitted in accordance with the reaction state between the specimen 22 and the reagent, and measures the concentration of the test target substance A in the specimen 22 in accordance with the amount of received light. The photodetector 50 is composed of a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode, or the like.

[0034] The processor 16 comprehensively controls each part of the inspection device 10. The processor 16 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16A and a memory 17. The memory 17 stores a program 26 executed by the CPU 16A and reference information 27. The program 26 is an operating program that causes the general-purpose CPU 16A to function as the processor 16 that controls the inspection device 10. The reference information 27 includes setting information that is set in advance to perform various controls.

[0035] The processor 16 controls the operation of the dispensing mechanism 12, which includes the pump 12B and the movement mechanism of the nozzle 12A. The reference information 27 includes, as setting information, stirring operation conditions 27A, which are operating conditions when the dispensing mechanism 12 stirs a liquid. The processor 16 controls the operation of the pump 12B in accordance with the stirring operation conditions 27A. The details of the stirring operation conditions 27A will be described later.

[0036] The processor 16 also acquires information on the amount of chemiluminescent light L detected by the photodetector 50, and calculates the concentration of the test target substance A based on the information on the amount of light. The reference information 27 stores information indicating the correspondence between the amount of chemiluminescent light L detected by the photodetector 50 and the amount of the test target substance A. The correspondence is stored, for example, as a calibration curve expressed as a function. The correspondence may also be in the form of a table. The processor 16 calculates the amount of the test target substance A, for example, from the amount of chemiluminescent light L acquired from the photodetector 50 and the calibration curve stored in the memory 17. Then, since the amount of the specimen 22 is known, the concentration of the test target substance A is calculated from the calculated amount of the test target substance A. The processor 16 outputs the concentration of the test target substance A as the test result.

[0037] The touch panel display 18 displays an operation screen and accepts operation instructions, such as an instruction to start an examination, through user operations on the operation screen. The touch panel display 18 also displays information such as examination results.

[0038] The specimen 22 is, for example, a body fluid such as blood collected from a living organism. When the specimen 22 is blood, it may be any of whole blood, plasma, serum, etc. Furthermore, a centrifuge may be provided within the testing device 10 to extract plasma or serum from whole blood. Furthermore, the test target substance A that may be contained in the specimen 22 may be an antigen, an antibody, a protein, a low molecular weight compound, etc. The specimen 22 is not limited to blood, and may be any substance collected from a living organism, such as urine or a body fluid.

[0039] The specimen collection containers 20 containing the collected specimens 22 are loaded into the testing device 10. A plurality of specimen collection containers 20 may be loaded into the testing device 10 at once so that tests for a plurality of different specimens 22 can be processed consecutively.

[0040] The cartridge RC is a single-use type that is discarded after use with one specimen 22. The cartridge RC contains, for example, all reagents necessary for testing the specimen 22.

[0041] For example, the testing device 10 can be loaded with a plurality of cartridges RC of the same or different types. It can also be loaded with a plurality of specimen collection containers 20. This makes it possible to continuously test a plurality of different specimens 22, and also to continuously test the same specimen 22 for a plurality of measurement items.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cartridge RC, with FIG. 2(A) showing a top view of the cartridge RC and FIG. 2(B) showing a front view of the cartridge RC. The cartridge RC includes a plate-shaped connecting portion 35 with five openings 30-34, and five cylindrical cells R0-R4 extending downward from each of the openings 30-34. The cartridge RC is configured such that multiple cells R0-R4 are integrated by the connecting portion 35. Of the multiple cells R0-R4, cells R0 and R1, located at both ends, are longer than the other cells R2-R4. Cell R0 is the longest. Before use, the openings 30-34 of the cartridge RC are covered with a sealing film (not shown).

[0043] Cell R0 functions as a reaction vessel for the specimen 22 and reagents. Cell R0 will be referred to as reaction cell R0 below. Reaction cell R0 contains, as one of the reagents, a plurality of magnetic particles MB modified with a first binding substance B1, which is an antigen or antibody that specifically binds to the test target substance A. As an example, the magnetic particles MB are contained in a solid-phase state by being sealed in gelatin G. Specimen 22 is dispensed into reaction cell R0, and the specimen 22 and various reagents are mixed in reaction cell R0. For example, when the magnetic particles MB are spherical, their diameter is approximately 0.1 to 10 μm, preferably 0.1 to 5 μm, and more preferably 1 to 3 μm.

[0044] Cell R1 contains a buffer solution 36. Cell R2 contains a labeled reagent 37 containing a label S modified with a second binding substance B2 that specifically binds to the test substance A. Cell R3 contains a first luminescent reagent 38, and cell R4 contains a second luminescent reagent 39. In this example, the label S is an enzyme, and the label S emits light in the presence of the first luminescent reagent 38 and the second luminescent reagent 39. When it is not necessary to distinguish between the liquids, the buffer solution 36 in cell R1, the labeled reagent 37 in cell R2, the first luminescent reagent 38 in cell R3, and the second luminescent reagent 39 in cell R4 will be simply referred to as reagents 36 to 39.

[0045] The first binding substance B1 and second binding substance B2 that specifically bind to the test target substance A are, for example, an antibody to the antigen when the test target substance A is an antigen, or an antigen to the antibody when the test target substance A is an antibody. Furthermore, when the test target substance A is a protein or a low molecular weight compound, the first binding substance B1 and second binding substance B2 are an aptamer to the protein or low molecular weight compound, etc. The first binding substance B1 and second binding substance B2 may be the same or different.

[0046] The test procedure based on the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay of this example will now be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the reaction when the test target substance A is contained in the specimen 22.

[0047] The reaction cell R0 contains magnetic particles MB modified with a first binding substance B1 in advance, and a buffer solution 36 is dispensed into the reaction cell R0 before dispensing the sample 22. In this state, the sample 22 is dispensed into the reaction cell R0 (step ST11).

[0048] As described above, the magnetic particles MB are sealed in the reaction cell R0 by gelatin G. The gelatin G is melted by heating with a heater (not shown), and the liquefied gelatin G is sucked and removed by the dispensing mechanism 12. Before the specimen 22 and buffer solution 36 are dispensed, only the magnetic particles MB remain in the reaction cell R0 due to the suction of the gelatin G. In this case, more specifically, to improve the dispersion effect of the magnetic particles MB by stirring (described later), a process is performed to collect the magnetic particles MB at the bottom of the reaction cell R0, including the magnetic particles MB adhering to the side walls of the reaction cell R0. In this state, the buffer solution 36 and specimen 22 are dispensed into the reaction cell R0.

[0049] In the reaction cell R0, the magnetic particles MB, the specimen 22, and the buffer solution 36 are mixed, and a first reaction occurs in which the test substance A in the specimen 22 specifically binds to the first binding substance B1 (step ST12). In this first reaction, the test substance A in the specimen 22 binds to the first binding substance B1, and the test substance A is captured by the magnetic particles MB via the first binding substance B1.

[0050] Next, a first washing process (B (Bound) / F (Free) separation) is performed to remove unreacted components other than the test substance A captured by the magnetic particles MB (step ST13). A magnet 48 is placed near the outside of the reaction cell R0, and the reaction solution after the first reaction is discharged while the magnetic particles MB are collected on the inner wall surface of the reaction cell R0. Thereafter, a washing solution 40 is dispensed into the reaction cell R0. In step ST13 in FIG. 3 , the double-headed arrows pointing up and down above the reaction cell R0 schematically illustrate the dispensing of the washing solution 40 into the reaction cell R0 and the dispensing of the washing solution 40 from the reaction cell R0. In the first washing process, the dispensing and dispensing of the washing solution 40 are repeated multiple times. The dispensing of the washing solution 40 from the reaction cell R0 is also performed while the magnet 48 is placed near the outside of the reaction cell R0 and the magnetic particles MB are collected on the inner wall surface of the reaction cell R0.

[0051] After the first washing process, a labeled reagent 37 is dispensed into the reaction cell R0 (step ST14). The labeled reagent 37 contains a second binding substance B2 that specifically binds to the test target substance A and that has been labeled S.

[0052] In the reaction cell R0, a second reaction occurs in which the test target substance A captured by the magnetic particles MB specifically binds to the second binding substance B2 (step ST15), thereby attaching the label S to the test target substance A via the second binding substance B2.

[0053] Next, a second washing process (B / F separation) is carried out (step ST16) to remove unreacted components other than the second binding substance B2 bound to the test target substance A captured by the magnetic particles MB in the labeled reagent 37. The second washing process (step ST16) is carried out in the same manner as the first washing process (step ST13).

[0054] Thereafter, a first luminescent reagent 38 and a second luminescent reagent 39 are added to the reaction cell R0 (step ST17). The label S is an enzyme, which generates chemiluminescence L in the presence of the first luminescent reagent 38 and the second luminescent reagent 39, which contain a luminescent substrate. Then, in step ST18, the chemiluminescence L is detected to detect the test target substance A. The test procedure is as described above.

[0055] Here, in the first reaction, the dispensing mechanism 12 agitates the liquid containing the specimen 22 in the reaction cell R0 by repeatedly aspirating and dispensing the liquid. This agitation disperses the magnetic particles MB within the liquid. Comparing a state in which the magnetic particles MB are aggregated and solidified with a state in which they are dispersed, the surface area on which the first luminescent reagent 38 and the second luminescent reagent 39 act changes. If the dispersion state of the magnetic particles MB becomes uneven, variations in the amount of detected light will occur between tests, even if the concentration of the test substance A contained in the specimen 22 is the same. Because the dispersion state of the magnetic particles MB within the liquid can be made uniform by agitation, variations in the amount of detected light of the chemiluminescent light L are suppressed.

[0056] 4 shows a processing procedure from the sample dispensing in step ST11 to the stirring operation in the first reaction in step ST12. This series of processing is performed by the dispensing mechanism 12, which operates under the control of the processor 16.

[0057] First, as a premise, before dispensing the specimen 22, as described above, the gelatin G in the reaction cell R0 is melted and removed, and further, the buffer solution 36 is dispensed into the reaction cell R0. In dispensing the specimen, the dispensing mechanism 12 attaches the tip 12C to the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A, and then aspirates the specimen 22 from the specimen collection container 20.

[0058] The dispensing mechanism 12 moves the nozzle 12A in the horizontal direction (indicated by the X direction in FIG. 4 ) to the position of the reaction cell R0 of the cartridge RC (the cell position in FIG. 4 ) while holding the aspirated sample 22 in the tip 12C. Then, in bottom position detection, the dispensing mechanism 12 first lowers the nozzle 12A in the Z direction toward the bottom of the reaction cell R0. The Z direction is the direction in which the tip 12C enters the reaction cell R0, and is, for example, a vertical direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction.

[0059] The processor 16 detects the bottom position of the reaction cell R0 while controlling the operation of the dispensing mechanism 12. Bottom position detection is performed, for example, by the following configuration using a reflective photosensor 12H. Specifically, the nozzle 12A is attached to a support member 12F extending in the Z direction so as to be freely slidable in the Z direction, and is biased toward the lower end of the sliding range by a spring 12G. As a result, when the leading end of the tip 12C hits the bottom of the reaction cell R0, the nozzle 12A receives a reaction force from the bottom through the tip 12C and slides upward relative to the support member 12F. The photosensor 12H is provided on the support member 12F, and faces the nozzle 12A when the nozzle 12A slides upward a predetermined distance from its initial position on the lower end of the support member 12F.

[0060] Therefore, when the support member 12F and nozzle 12A descent, causing the tip 12C to hit the bottom, and the resulting reaction force causes the nozzle 12A to slide a predetermined distance, the amount of light received by the photosensor 12H changes due to light blocking by the nozzle 12A. The processor 16 monitors the amount of descent of the support member 12F from the descent start position where the support member 12F begins to descent until the amount of light received by the photosensor 12H changes, based on the amount of rotation of the drive motor. The processor 16 detects the amount of rotation of the drive motor corresponding to this amount of descent of the support member 12F, i.e., the amount of rotation of the drive motor indicating how much the drive motor needs to rotate from the descent start position of the support member 12F until the tip of the tip 12C reaches the bottom of the reaction cell R0, as the bottom position of the reaction cell R0.

[0061] The method for detecting the bottom position is not limited to the method using the photosensor 12H. For example, the bottom position may be detected using a force sensor that outputs an electrical signal based on the reaction force caused by contact between the tip of the tip 12C and the bottom of the reaction cell R0. Also, the sliding of the nozzle 12A may be detected by a microswitch instead of the photosensor 12H.

[0062] The stirring is performed, for example, while a preset clearance DC is maintained between the bottom of the reaction cell R0 and the tip of the tip 12 C. The bottom position of the reaction cell R0 is detected as a reference position for maintaining the clearance DC of the tip 12 C.

[0063] After the bottom position detection is completed, the dispensing mechanism 12 raises the tip 12C from the bottom of the reaction cell R0 and moves it to the dispensing position, which is, for example, a position where the tip of the tip 12C is slightly inserted into the buffer solution 36. At the dispensing position, the dispensing mechanism 12 applies a dispensing pressure to the nozzle 12A via the pump 12B, dispensing the sample 22 aspirated into the tip 12C into the buffer solution 36.

[0064] After dispensing the sample 22, the dispensing mechanism 12 raises the nozzle 12A, raising the tip of the tip 12C in the buffer solution 36 above the liquid surface of the buffer solution 36. The dispensing mechanism 12 then dispenses any liquid remaining in the tip 12C. This opens the tip 12C to the atmosphere. The purpose of opening the tip 12C to the atmosphere is as follows. For example, the pulse motor switches its excitation pattern between when aspirating the sample 22 and when stirring the liquid. The excitation pattern is switched by changing the current flowing through the electromagnet coil to switch the strength of the magnetic flux generated by the electromagnet. When switching such excitation patterns, if liquid remains in the tip 12C, the minute driving of the pulse motor may cause the liquid in the tip 12C to be ejected or sucked. The opening to the atmosphere is performed to prevent unintended ejection or sucking of liquid that occurs when switching the excitation pattern of the pulse motor. Note that the opening to the atmosphere is performed, for example, by a solenoid valve provided separately from the pulse motor.

[0065] After the release to the atmosphere is completed, the dispensing mechanism 12 lowers the nozzle 12A and moves it to the stirring position. The stirring position is a position where a predetermined distance is secured as a clearance DC from the bottom of the reaction cell R0 to the tip of the tip 12C. The clearance DC is set to, for example, about 0.5 mm.

[0066] At this stirring position, the dispensing mechanism 12 performs a stirring operation in which the liquid in the reaction cell R0 is repeatedly sucked in and discharged, thereby stirring the liquid and dispersing the magnetic particles MB in the liquid.

[0067] When performing such stirring, as shown in FIG. 5A, if the horizontal position of the tip of the chip 12C is at the center of the reaction cell R0, no horizontal pressure difference occurs in the liquid flowing into the chip 12C. Therefore, in this case, the flow of the liquid flowing into the chip 12C (shown by hatching in FIG. 5A) is relatively small. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5B, if the horizontal position of the tip of the chip 12C is shifted from the center of the reaction cell R0, a horizontal pressure difference occurs in the liquid flowing into the chip 12C. When such a pressure difference occurs, the flow of the liquid flowing into the chip 12C (shown by hatching in FIG. 5B) increases, which may cause the liquid to splash up toward the nozzle 12A within the chip 12C. If the liquid splashes up too much within the chip 12C, the liquid will adhere to the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A. Unlike the chip 12C, the nozzle 12A is shared between different liquids (e.g., the specimen 22, etc.), which can lead to contamination. In FIG. 5, the degree of flow of the liquid in the chip 12C is shown schematically by the magnitude of change in the liquid surface.

[0068] Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the processor 16 controls the suction speed of the liquid by controlling the suction pressure of the nozzle 12A, thereby suppressing splashing of the liquid in the tip 12C. Specifically, when the processor 16 performs a liquid stirring operation using the nozzle 12A, the suction mode for one suction period SP from the start of suction to the next discharge begins in a high-speed suction mode that includes the timing when the suction speed reaches its maximum value within the suction period SP, and then transitions to a low-speed suction mode after the high-speed suction mode, in which the suction speed is lower than the maximum value. The high-speed suction mode is a mode in which the suction speed is relatively high and is an example of a "first mode" according to the technology disclosed herein. The low-speed suction mode is a mode in which the suction speed is relatively low and is an example of a "second mode" according to the technology disclosed herein.

[0069] 6A, the section in which suction is performed in the high-speed suction mode is indicated by "H," and the section in which suction is performed in the low-speed suction mode is indicated by "L." At the peak of the high-speed suction mode, the suction speed is the maximum value within the suction period SP, and the suction speed in the low-speed suction mode is lower than the maximum value in the high-speed suction mode.

[0070] During the aspiration period SP, high-speed aspiration is performed in the first half and low-speed aspiration is performed in the second half. The total amount of liquid flowing into the tip 12C is smaller during the first half of the aspiration period SP compared to the second half. The smaller the aspiration amount, the larger the distance between the liquid surface in the tip 12C and the tip 12D of the nozzle 12A. During this period, the liquid is forcefully aspirated by high-speed aspiration, and even if the flow of liquid in the tip 12C increases, the liquid is less likely to splash up as shown in FIG. 5B. Then, during the second half of the aspiration period SP, when the total amount of liquid flowing into the tip 12C is relatively large, the processor 16 switches the aspiration mode from high-speed aspiration mode to low-speed aspiration mode. As a result, even if the tip of the tip 12C is offset from the center of the reaction cell R0 as shown in FIG. 5B and a horizontal pressure difference occurs, the flow of liquid in the tip 12C is suppressed because the aspiration mode is low-speed aspiration mode. As a result, splashing of the liquid is suppressed, which suppresses adhesion of the liquid to the nozzle 12A and thus suppresses contamination.

[0071] In the example shown in Figure 6, the high-speed suction mode and the low-speed suction mode each have a rising section in which the suction pressure rises and a falling section in which the suction pressure drops after reaching a peak. In other words, when transitioning from the high-speed suction mode to the low-speed suction mode, the suction pressure drops once and then rises again. In the example shown in Figure 6, the suction pressure drops to "0" once during the transition between the high-speed suction mode and the low-speed suction mode. Thus, in the example shown in Figure 6, there are suction pressure peaks in both the high-speed suction mode and the low-speed suction mode during the suction period SP, and there are two peaks during the suction period SP. In contrast, there is only one peak during the discharge period.

[0072] The pressure applied to the nozzle 12A is controlled as follows, for example. As described above, the pump 12B is driven by a pulse motor. The rotational speed of the pulse motor is determined according to the number of drive pulses input. The greater the number of pulses input per unit time, the faster the rotational speed. When the pump 12B is driven by such a pulse motor, the greater the number of pulses per unit time, the higher the pressure generated by the pump 12B. As shown in FIG. 6B as an example, the number of pulses per unit time at the peak in the high-speed suction mode is approximately 9,000 pps (pulses per second), and the number of pulses per unit time at the peak in the low-speed suction mode is approximately 3,000 pps. In this example, the high-speed suction mode generates approximately three times the suction pressure and the suction speed is also approximately three times faster than the low-speed suction mode. Furthermore, the number of pulses per unit time at the peak of the discharge pressure is the same as in the high-speed suction mode. Since the positive and negative signs of pressure are reversed during suction and discharge, the number of pulses per unit time shown in FIG. 6B is also shown as negative for suction.

[0073] As described above, the testing device 10 relating to the technology of the present disclosure comprises a nozzle 12A having a tip 12C replaceably attached to a tip 12D, the tip 12C coming into contact with a liquid containing a sample 22 and a reagent, the nozzle 12A performing a liquid agitation operation by repeatedly suctioning and discharging the liquid in a container (for example, a reaction cell R0) containing the liquid, and a processor 16 controlling the liquid aspiration speed by controlling the suction pressure of the nozzle 12A, and when performing a liquid agitation operation, the processor 16 starts the aspiration mode during one aspiration period SP from the start of aspiration to the next discharge in a first mode (for example, a high-speed aspiration mode) that includes the timing when the aspiration speed reaches the maximum value within the aspiration period, and after the first mode, transitions to a second mode (for example, a low-speed aspiration mode) in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value.

[0074] This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the stirring effect and also to suppress contamination caused by the liquid sucked into the tip adhering to the nozzle.

[0075] That is, as shown in Fig. 7, the higher the suction pressure during stirring and the faster the suction speed, the better the stirring effect, indicated by the amount of chemiluminescence L. As described above, when magnetic particles MB are dispersed in a liquid by stirring, the surface area on which the first luminescent reagent 38 and the second luminescent reagent 39 act increases. This results in a stirring effect indicated by the amount of luminescence. Furthermore, the faster the suction speed, the more the magnetic particles MB disperse, and therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, the stirring effect also improves as the suction speed increases.

[0076] Increasing the aspiration speed throughout the entire aspiration period SP, as in Comparative Example 1 shown in FIG. 8 , improves the agitation effect, but increases the amount of liquid splashing up, as shown in FIG. 5B , making contamination more likely to occur due to liquid adhering to the nozzle 12A. In contrast, decreasing the aspiration speed throughout the entire aspiration period SP, as in Comparative Example 2 shown in FIG. 9 , suppresses the amount of liquid splashing up, as shown in FIG. 5B , thereby reducing contamination. However, this reduces the agitation effect. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6 , by starting the aspiration mode within one aspiration period SP in the first mode, which includes the timing when the aspiration speed reaches its maximum value within the aspiration period, and then transitioning to the second mode, in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the agitation effect while also suppressing contamination caused by the liquid aspirated into the tip adhering to the nozzle.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the inspection device 10 has a first mode (high-speed suction mode, for example) and a second mode (low-speed suction mode, for example) each having a rising section in which the suction pressure increases and a falling section in which the suction pressure decreases after reaching a peak. This configuration allows the control for applying suction pressure to be similar in the first and second modes, which may result in relatively simple control. When transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, the suction pressure may or may not become "0" once, as in the example shown in FIG. 6 . In short, in this example, the first mode and the second mode each have a peak, and there may be a valley between them, and the valley may be "0" or greater than "0."

[0078] In the above embodiment, the test method for the specimen 22 is a test method that optically detects a target substance (e.g., test target substance A) in the specimen 22 by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance and a reagent, and the stirring operation is an operation that disperses the reagent and specimen 22 in the liquid. The stirring operation can homogenize the dispersion state of the reagent and specimen 22 in the liquid, thereby suppressing unevenness in the amount of light. The technology disclosed herein is particularly effective in the case of a test method that involves such a stirring operation.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the reagent contains an antigen or antibody bound to magnetic particles MB. Magnetic particles MB may be prone to agglomeration, making stirring highly necessary. The technology of the present disclosure is particularly effective in testing methods that require such stirring operations.

[0080] In the above embodiment, the pump 12B is described as a syringe pump, but the pump 12B may be a pump other than a syringe pump, such as a tube pump. Furthermore, the motor that drives the pump 12B is described as a pulse motor, but it may also be a DC motor, for example. When pressure control is performed using a DC motor, feedback control is possible by detecting the amount of rotation using, for example, a rotary encoder.

[0081] 10 and 11 , in a case where multiple measurement items can be tested using different reagents, as in the case of the testing device 10 of the present disclosure, the processor 16 changes the content of the suction mode depending on the measurement item. The measurement item is an example of an "item" according to the technology of the present disclosure. Of course, the type of specimen 22 may change depending on the measurement item, such as whether it is a blood test or a urine test.

[0082] The likelihood of liquid adhesion to the nozzle 12A due to liquid splashing as shown in FIG. 5B varies depending on the physical properties of the liquid, such as the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid. The physical properties of the liquid are determined by the type of reagent contained in the liquid and the type of specimen (e.g., blood or urine). The likelihood of liquid adhesion also varies depending on the amount of liquid. The type of specimen, the type of reagent used, and the amount of liquid containing the specimen and reagent are determined depending on the measurement item. Therefore, liquid adhesion can be appropriately suppressed by changing the suction mode depending on the measurement item.

[0083] 10 , in the inspection device 10 of the second embodiment, the processor 16 first acquires the measurement items in step S1100. The measurement items are acquired, for example, by reading information on the measurement items input by the operator or the identification information of the cartridge RC selected in accordance with the measurement items input by the operator.

[0084] Then, in step S1200, the processor 16 determines the content of the aspiration mode according to the measurement item, and then, in step S1300, the stirring operation is performed in the determined aspiration mode.

[0085] FIG. 11 shows an example of stirring operation conditions 27A according to the second embodiment. In FIG. 11, the suction mode is set for each measurement item, such as "A1," "A2," and "A3." The suction mode includes selection information for the combination mode or the single mode, and the time ratios for the high-speed suction mode and the low-speed suction mode. The combination mode is a mode in which two modes, the high-speed suction mode (an example of the first mode) and the low-speed suction mode (an example of the second mode), are switched between during the suction period SP. The single mode is a mode in which only the high-speed suction mode is executed during the suction period SP, for example, for the entire suction period SP.

[0086] For example, it has been found that the higher the viscosity, one of the properties of the reagent or specimen 22 used for a certain measurement item, the more likely liquid adhesion to the nozzle 12A occurs. Therefore, for example, when a measurement item uses a reagent with a viscosity higher than a preset threshold, the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is relatively reduced. Furthermore, when the viscosity is below the threshold, liquid adhesion is unlikely to occur, so the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is relatively increased. This allows contamination due to liquid adhesion to be appropriately suppressed according to the properties of the liquid containing the reagent or specimen 22. In other words, by determining the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode within a range that allows contamination to be suppressed according to the properties of the liquid, it is possible to minimize a decrease in the stirring effect. Conceptually, as shown in FIG. 12A , the lower the viscosity, the less likely liquid adhesion is to occur, so the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is increased.

[0087] Furthermore, when selecting a combination mode, the higher the viscosity of the liquid, the more likely it is that liquid adhesion will occur. For example, in the case of a measurement item that uses a highly viscous reagent, the combination mode shown in Figure 6 is selected rather than the single mode shown in Figure 8.

[0088] In addition to viscosity, other liquid characteristics include surface tension. Contrary to viscosity, the lower the surface tension, the more likely liquid adhesion to the nozzle 12A occurs. Therefore, for example, for a measurement item using a reagent whose surface tension is lower than a preset threshold, the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is relatively reduced. Furthermore, for a measurement item using a reagent whose surface tension is equal to or greater than the threshold, liquid adhesion is unlikely to occur, so the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is relatively increased. This allows contamination due to liquid adhesion to be appropriately suppressed according to the liquid characteristics. Conceptually, the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode according to surface tension is determined as follows: the higher the surface tension, the less likely liquid adhesion is, and therefore the time percentage of the high-speed suction mode is increased, as shown in FIG. 12B .

[0089] The amount of reagent or liquid also varies depending on the measurement item. The greater the amount of liquid aspirated into the tip 12C, the more likely it is that liquid will adhere to the nozzle 12A. Therefore, as conceptually shown in Figure 13, the longer the measurement item requires a relatively large amount of liquid to be aspirated into the tip 12C, the shorter the proportion of time spent in the high-speed aspirating mode, and the shorter the measurement item requires a relatively small amount of liquid to be aspirated, the longer the proportion of time spent in the high-speed aspirating mode.

[0090] As described above, in the second embodiment, changing the aspiration mode includes changing the time ratio. This allows the aspiration mode to be changed with simple control. Also, in the second embodiment, changing the aspiration mode includes selecting either the combination mode or the single mode. The single mode may be completed in a shorter time than the combination mode. Therefore, by allowing the single mode to be selected, the throughput of the examination may be improved compared to when the combination mode is always executed.

[0091] In addition to the time ratio, the suction mode may also control the suction pressure itself, which determines the magnitude of the suction speed. For example, for measurement items where there is little concern about liquid adhesion, the suction pressure is controlled to be high.

[0092] 14 to 16, the processor 16 may change the content of the suction mode in accordance with not only the measurement items but also individual differences in the specimen 22. The liquid characteristics that determine the likelihood of liquid adhesion to the nozzle 12A also vary depending on the individual differences in the specimen 22.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 14 , the processor 16 first acquires measurement items in step S2100. The method for acquiring the measurement items is the same as step S1100 in FIG. 10 . Next, in step S2110, the processor 16 acquires characteristics of each individual specimen 22. The characteristics of each individual specimen 22 are input by the operator via the touch panel display 18, as shown in FIG. 15 , for example. The operator measures the characteristics of each individual specimen 22 using, for example, a measurement device separate from the inspection device 10. The measured characteristic values ​​are then input via the touch panel display 18. Of course, the inspection device 10 may have a built-in measurement mechanism for measuring the characteristics of each individual specimen 22, and the processor 16 may acquire the characteristics of each individual specimen 22 from the built-in measurement mechanism.

[0094] Then, in step S2200, the processor 16 determines the content of the aspiration mode based on the measurement items and the individual characteristics of the specimen 22. In this example, the stirring operation condition 27A shown in FIG. 16 is used. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the stirring operation condition 27A sets the content of the aspiration mode, such as "C11," "C12," "C13," "C21," "C22," and "C23," based on the combination of the measurement items, such as "A1," "A2," and "A3," and the viscosity, which is one of the individual characteristics of the specimen. The content of each aspiration mode is set, for example, by setting at least one of the combination mode selection information and the time ratio of the high-speed aspiration mode, as shown in FIG. 11, which differ. "C11," "C12," and "C13" are the content of the aspiration mode corresponding to the measurement items, "A1," "A2," and "A3," respectively, when the viscosity is equal to or less than the threshold value. "C21," "C22," and "C23" are the combinations corresponding to the measurement items, "A1," "A2," and "A3," respectively, when the viscosity is greater than the threshold value. When comparing the suction mode contents when the viscosity is below the threshold and when the viscosity is above the threshold for the same measurement item, the high-speed suction mode is set to have a relatively longer time ratio when the viscosity is below the threshold, similar to the relationship shown in Figure 12A. In step S2300, processor 16 executes the stirring operation using the determined suction mode contents.

[0095] As described above, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the processor 16 changes the content of the aspiration mode in accordance with the measurement items (one example of an item) as well as individual differences in the specimen 22. The viscosity and surface tension of the liquid, which determine the likelihood of liquid adhesion, also vary depending on individual differences in the specimen. Therefore, by changing the content of the aspiration mode in accordance with the characteristics that represent individual differences in the specimen 22, it is possible to more appropriately suppress liquid adhesion.

[0096] In the above embodiments, the high-speed suction mode (an example of the first mode) and the low-speed suction mode (an example of the second mode) each have a rising section of the suction pressure and a falling section after the peak. However, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, when transitioning from the high-speed suction mode to the low-speed suction mode, there may be no rising section at the beginning of the low-speed suction mode, and the suction pressure may monotonically decrease in the low-speed suction mode. This may reduce fluctuations in the suction pressure when transitioning to the low-speed suction mode, thereby suppressing liquid adhesion.

[0097] In the example shown in Figure 17, the suction pressure starts to decrease from its peak in the high-speed suction mode, transitioning to the low-speed suction mode, where the suction pressure decreases in stages. Because the suction pressure decreases in stages in the low-speed suction mode, this may be effective for some types of liquid. For example, by providing a certain section in the low-speed suction mode where the suction pressure is constant, the liquid adhesion suppression effect may be improved for some types of liquid.

[0098] 18, the suction pressure starts to decrease from its peak in the high-speed suction mode, transitioning to the low-speed suction mode, where the suction pressure decreases continuously, and the absolute value of the slope of the falling section where the suction pressure decreases in the low-speed suction mode is smaller than the absolute value of the slope of the rising section where the suction pressure increases at the beginning of the high-speed suction mode. In the low-speed suction mode, the suction pressure decreases continuously at a relatively gentle slope, which may improve the effectiveness of suppressing liquid adhesion depending on the type of liquid.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the testing device 10 employing a testing method based on the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay method has been described as an example, but the technology of the present disclosure may also be applied to testing devices employing other testing methods. The technology of the present disclosure is effective for testing devices employing testing methods that require agitation of a liquid containing a specimen and a reagent and that require suppression of contamination caused by liquid adhesion to the nozzle.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the processor 16 can be any of various processors having the following hardware structures.

[0101] Various types of processors include CPUs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), dedicated electrical circuits, etc. As is well known, a CPU is a general-purpose processor that executes software (programs) and functions as various processing units. A PLD is a processor such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) whose circuit configuration can be changed after manufacturing. A dedicated electrical circuit is a processor with a circuit configuration designed specifically to execute specific processes, such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0102] A single processing unit may be configured with one of these various processors, or may be configured with a combination of two or more processors of the same or different types (e.g., multiple FPGAs, or a combination of a CPU and an FPGA). Multiple processing units may also be configured with a single processor. Examples of multiple processing units configured with a single processor include: a first configuration in which a single processor is configured with a combination of one or more CPUs and software, and this processor functions as multiple processing units; and a second configuration in which a processor is used that realizes the functions of an entire system including multiple processing units on a single IC chip, as typified by a system-on-chip (SoC). In this way, the various processing units are configured with one or more of the above-mentioned various processors as a hardware structure.

[0103] Furthermore, more specifically, the hardware structure of these various processors can be an electric circuit that combines circuit elements such as semiconductor elements.

[0104] The technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted as long as they do not deviate from the gist of the technology of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the technology of the present disclosure extends not only to programs but also to computer-readable storage media that non-temporarily store programs.

[0105] 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.

[0106] The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-013009, filed on January 31, 2024, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-032137, filed on March 4, 2024, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. All documents, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0107] The above description allows the understanding of the following technologies. [Supplementary Item 1] A testing device for testing a sample, comprising: a nozzle having a replaceable tip attached to its tip that comes into contact with a liquid containing a sample and a reagent, the nozzle agitating the liquid by repeatedly aspirating and discharging the liquid in a container containing the liquid; and a processor that controls the aspiration speed of the liquid by controlling the aspiration pressure of the nozzle, and when agitating the liquid, the processor starts the aspiration mode during one aspiration period from the start of aspiration to the next discharge in a first mode that includes a timing when the aspiration speed reaches a maximum value within the aspiration period, and transitions to a second mode after the first mode in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value. [Supplementary Item 2] The testing device described in Supplementary Item 1 is capable of testing multiple items using different reagents, and the processor changes the content of the aspiration mode depending on the items. [Supplementary Item 3] The testing device described in Supplementary Item 2, in which changing the content of the aspiration mode includes changing the proportion of time for each of the first mode and the second mode. [Supplementary Item 4] The testing device according to Supplementary Item 2 or Supplementary Item 3, in which changing the aspiration mode includes selecting either a combination mode that switches between the first and second modes during the aspiration period, or a single mode that executes a single mode during the aspiration period. [Supplementary Item 5] The testing device according to any one of Supplementary Item 2 to Supplementary Item 4, in which the processor changes the aspiration mode according to individual differences in the specimen, in addition to the above items. [Supplementary Item 6] The testing device according to Supplementary Item 5, in which changing the aspiration mode includes changing the proportion of time each of the first and second modes is executed. [Supplementary Item 7] The testing device according to Supplementary Item 5 or Supplementary Item 6, in which changing the aspiration mode includes selecting either a combination mode that switches between the first and second modes during the aspiration period, or a single mode that executes a single mode during the aspiration period. [Supplementary Item 8] The inspection device according to any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 7, wherein the first mode and the second mode each have a rising section in which the suction pressure increases and a falling section in which the suction pressure decreases after reaching a peak.[Supplementary Item 9] The inspection device of any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 7, wherein when transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, there is no rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the start of the second mode, and the suction pressure decreases monotonically in the second mode. [Supplementary Item 10] The inspection device of Supplementary Item 9, wherein transition to the second mode occurs when the suction pressure starts to decrease from its peak in the first mode, and the suction pressure decreases stepwise in the second mode. [Supplementary Item 11] The inspection device of Supplementary Item 9, wherein transition to the second mode occurs when the suction pressure starts to decrease from its peak in the first mode, and the suction pressure decreases continuously in the second mode, and the absolute value of the slope of the falling section in which the suction pressure decreases in the second mode is smaller than the absolute value of the slope of the rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the start of the first mode. [Supplementary Item 12] The testing device of any one of Supplementary Items 1 to 11, wherein the method for testing a specimen is a testing method for optically detecting a target substance in the specimen by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance in the specimen and a reagent, and the stirring operation is an operation for dispersing the reagent and the specimen in the liquid. [Supplementary Item 13] The testing device of Supplementary Item 12, wherein the reagent includes an antigen or antibody bound to magnetic particles. [Supplementary Item 14] A method for operating a testing device comprising: a nozzle having a tip that comes into contact with a liquid containing the specimen and the reagent replaceably attached to its tip, the nozzle stirring the liquid by repeatedly aspirating and discharging the liquid in a container containing the liquid, and a processor that controls the aspirating speed of the liquid by controlling the aspirating pressure of the nozzle, wherein, when stirring the liquid, the processor starts the aspirating mode during one aspirating period from the start of aspirating to the next discharge in a first mode that includes a timing when the aspirating speed reaches a maximum value within the aspirating period, and transitions to a second mode after the first mode in which the aspirating speed is lower than the maximum value.[Supplementary Item 15] An operating program for a testing device comprising: a nozzle having a replaceable tip attached to the tip thereof, the nozzle performing a liquid agitation operation by repeatedly aspirating and discharging the liquid in a container containing the liquid; and a processor that controls the aspiration speed of the liquid by controlling the aspiration pressure of the nozzle, wherein, when performing a liquid agitation operation, the operating program for the testing device causes the processor to execute a process in which the aspiration mode during one aspiration period from the start of aspiration to the next discharge is started in a first mode that includes a timing when the aspiration speed reaches a maximum value within the aspiration period, and after the first mode, transitions to a second mode in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value.

Claims

1. A testing device for testing a specimen, comprising: a nozzle having a replaceable tip attached to the tip thereof, which comes into contact with a liquid containing the specimen and a reagent, and which agitates the liquid by repeatedly aspirating and discharging the liquid within a container containing the liquid; and a processor which controls the aspiration speed of the liquid by controlling the aspiration pressure of the nozzle, and which, when agitating the liquid, starts the aspiration mode during one aspiration period from the start of the aspiration to the next discharge in a first mode that includes the timing when the aspiration speed reaches its maximum value within the aspiration period, and after the first mode, transitions to a second mode in which the aspiration speed is lower than the maximum value.

2. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein the testing device is capable of testing a plurality of items using different reagents, and the processor changes the content of the suction mode depending on the items.

3. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein changing the content of the suction mode includes changing the time ratio for executing each of the first mode and the second mode.

4. The inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the change in the suction mode includes selecting either a combination mode that switches between the first mode and the second mode during the suction period, or a single mode that executes a single mode during the suction period.

5. The testing device according to claim 2, wherein the processor changes the content of the suction mode in accordance with individual differences of the specimen in addition to the items.

6. The inspection device according to claim 5, wherein changing the content of the suction mode includes changing the time ratio for executing each of the first mode and the second mode.

7. The inspection device according to claim 5, wherein the change in the suction mode includes selecting either a combination mode that switches between the first mode and the second mode during the suction period, or a single mode that executes a single mode during the suction period.

8. The inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the first mode and the second mode each have a rising section in which the suction pressure rises and a falling section in which the suction pressure drops after reaching a peak.

9. The inspection device of claim 1, wherein when transitioning from the first mode to the second mode, there is no rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the beginning of the second mode, and the suction pressure decreases monotonically in the second mode.

10. The inspection device according to claim 9, wherein the suction pressure transitions to the second mode when it starts to decrease from a peak in the first mode, and the suction pressure decreases stepwise in the second mode.

11. The inspection device described in claim 9, wherein the suction pressure transitions to the second mode when it starts to decrease from its peak in the first mode, the suction pressure decreases continuously in the second mode, and the absolute value of the slope of the falling section in which the suction pressure decreases in the second mode is smaller than the absolute value of the slope of the rising section in which the suction pressure increases at the start of the first mode.

12. The testing device according to claim 1, wherein the method for testing the specimen is a testing method for optically detecting the target substance by utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance in the specimen and the reagent, and the stirring operation is an operation for dispersing the reagent and the specimen in the liquid.

13. The testing device according to claim 12, wherein the reagent comprises an antigen or antibody bound to magnetic particles.

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