Automatic analysis device

Abstract

Provided is an automatic analysis device capable of achieving reagent suction not affected by atmospheric pressure and stabilizing a reagent supply amount and a residual reagent amount. Provided are a suction nozzle (suction part) 3, a discharge nozzle (discharge part) 4, a syringe 10, and a control part 102 for controlling and driving the syringe 10 to suck liquid from a first container 1 through the suction nozzle 3 and to discharge the liquid sucked through the suction nozzle 3 into a second container 2 through the discharge nozzle 4. The control part 102 controls suction time per session of the suction nozzle 3 from the first container 1 on the basis of the outside atmospheric pressure or the altitude of an immunoassay device (automatic analysis device) 101.

Description

Automatic analyzer

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

[0002] An automatic analyzer generally includes a sample dispensing mechanism that dispenses a sample into a reaction vessel, and a detection unit that performs an inspection by reacting the dispensed sample with a reagent in the reaction vessel. This automatic analyzer is not limited to a flat area but can be used in facilities in various environments such as mountainous areas and plateaus, and appropriate adjustments corresponding to the usage environment of the device are necessary (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 056180

[0004] In such an automatic analyzer, operation parameters are set so that a predetermined amount of liquid is supplied from a certain reagent container (first container) to another reagent container (second container) at a predetermined timing. However, in Patent Document 1, although attempts are made to adjust various parameters corresponding to the usage environment of the device, it does not address the reduction in the suction time of the reagent in the syringe due to the influence of atmospheric pressure, etc., and there is a concern that the reagent discharge amount to the second container may decrease.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of realizing reagent suction not affected by atmospheric pressure and achieving stabilization of the reagent supply amount and the remaining reagent amount.

[0006] An automatic analyzer according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a suction unit that sucks liquid from a first container that stores the liquid, a discharge unit that is connected to the suction unit via a flow path and discharges the liquid to a second container that is a liquid delivery target container, a syringe that delivers the liquid from the first container to the second container via the flow path, and a control unit that controls the syringe. The control unit controls the suction time per suction from the first container by the suction unit based on the external atmospheric pressure or altitude of the automatic analyzer.

[0007] According to the present disclosure, reagent suction not affected by atmospheric pressure can be realized, and stabilization of the reagent supply amount and the remaining reagent amount can be achieved.

[0008] Schematic diagram of the automated analyzer. Schematic diagram illustrating part of the configuration of the immunoassay analyzer. Schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between external air pressure (altitude) and aspiration time. Schematic diagram illustrating the display screen (before altitude input). Schematic diagram illustrating the display screen (after altitude input). Flowchart illustrating the operation of the immunoassay analyzer. Schematic diagram illustrating part of the configuration of the automated analyzer in Example 2. Flowchart illustrating the operation of the immunoassay analyzer in Example 2.

[0009] This embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, functionally identical elements may be indicated by the same or corresponding numbers. The attached drawings illustrate embodiments in accordance with the principles of this disclosure, but they are for the purpose of understanding this disclosure and should not be used to interpret this disclosure restrictively. The descriptions herein are typical examples and do not limit the claims or applications of this disclosure in any way.

[0010] [Example 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an automated analyzer. The explanation will use an immunoassay analyzer as an example of how the automated analyzer can be applied.

[0011] The immunoassay analyzer 101 includes a control unit 102, a sample rack 103, a rack transport line 104, a sample dispensing mechanism 105, an incubator (container mounting section) 106, a reaction vessel transport mechanism 107, a reaction vessel holding section 108, a reaction vessel stirring mechanism 109, a waste hole 110, a reagent disc 111, a reagent dispensing mechanism 112, a B / F separation transport mechanism 113, a B / F separation mechanism 114, a reaction solution aspiration mechanism for B / F separation 115, a buffer discharge mechanism 116, a stirring mechanism after B / F separation 117, a reaction solution aspiration mechanism for detection 118, and a plurality of detection units 119 (in this case, two (first detection unit 119A, second detection unit 119B)).

[0012] The control unit 102 is responsible for the overall control of the immunoassay analyzer 101, including the sample dispensing mechanism 105. The sample rack 103 holds sample containers 120 that hold samples. One sample rack 103 may be configured to hold multiple sample containers 120. The rack transport line 104 moves the sample containers 120 placed on the sample rack 103 to a sample dispensing position near the sample dispensing mechanism 105. The control unit 102 includes an operation unit 133 that receives various operations from the operator, a display unit 134 that displays interface screens and measurement results, and a storage unit 135 that stores various data and control programs (programs that control sample dispensing, analysis, etc.).

[0013] The sample dispensing mechanism 105 is equipped with a nozzle that can rotate and move vertically, and after aspirating the sample held in the sample container 120, it discharges the aspirated sample to the reaction vessel 121 on the incubator 106. The incubator 106 is configured to hold multiple reaction vessels 121 in a heated state and has a reaction disc that promotes the reaction of the reaction solution contained in the reaction vessels 121. The reaction disc is configured to rotate around a rotation axis. By rotating the reaction disc, the reaction vessel 121 can be moved to the reaction vessel installation position L1, reagent discharge position L2, sample discharge position L3, detection reaction solution aspiration position L4, reaction vessel disposal position L5, and B / F separation transport position L6.

[0014] The reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 is a three-axis transport mechanism that can move in three directions: the X, Y, and Z axes, and grasps the sample dispensing tip 128 and the reaction vessel 121 and transports them to a predetermined position. The reaction vessel holding section 108 is a holding section that holds a number of unused reaction vessels 121 and sample dispensing tips 128. The reaction vessel stirring mechanism 109 is a stirring mechanism that mixes the sample and reagent inside the reaction vessel 121 by applying rotational motion to the reaction vessel 121. The waste hole 110 is a hole that connects to a waste container (not shown) for disposing of used reaction vessels 121 and sample dispensing tips 128. The reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 moves between the reaction vessel holding section 108, the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 109, the waste hole 110, the tip mounting position L7 of the sample dispensing tip 128, and the incubator 106, transporting the sample dispensing tip 128 and the reaction vessel 121.

[0015] The reagent disk 111 holds multiple reagent containers 136 that contain reagents. The inside of the reagent disk 111 is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and a reagent disk cover 130 is provided on the top of the reagent disk 111. An opening 131 is provided in a part of this reagent disk cover 130.

[0016] The reagent dispensing mechanism 112 is equipped with a nozzle that is rotatable and can move up and down, and is configured to aspirate reagents held in reagent containers 136 in reagent disk 111 and to discharge the aspirated reagents to reaction vessel 121 on incubator 106. The B / F separation and transport mechanism 113 moves the reaction vessel 121, which has elapsed a predetermined time on incubator 106, from the B / F separation and transport position L6 to the B / F separation mechanism 114. The B / F separation mechanism 114 is a mechanism that separates the reaction solution without magnetic particles from the magnetic particles by magnetically adsorbing magnetic particles containing substances that have immunologically bound to the object to be measured present in the reaction solution contained in the reaction vessel 121 to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 121.

[0017] The B / F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism 115 is configured to be movable in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. The B / F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism 115 moves above and below the reaction vessel 121 after a predetermined time has elapsed on the B / F separation mechanism 114, and suctions the reaction liquid from the reaction vessel 121 that does not contain magnetic particles.

[0018] The buffer discharge mechanism 116 is configured to be movable in the X and Z axis directions, and moves and descends above the reaction vessel 121, which has been sucked with reaction liquid that does not contain magnetic particles, on the B / F separation mechanism 114, and discharges the buffer into the reaction vessel 121. The post-B / F separation stirring mechanism 117 applies rotational motion to the reaction vessel 121 to mix the magnetic particles and buffer inside the reaction vessel 121. After mixing, the reaction vessel 121 is transported by the B / F separation transport mechanism 113 to the B / F separation transport position L6 of the incubator 106.

[0019] The detection reaction liquid suction mechanism 118 is configured to be rotatable and vertically movable, and is capable of sucking up the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel 121 on the incubator 106 and sending it to the detection unit (analysis unit) 119. To shorten the measurement time, the detection unit 119 is equipped with multiple detection units 119 (in this case, two units: the first detection unit 119A and the second detection unit 119B), and detects (analyzes) the concentration of the target substance in the reaction liquid sucked up and sent from the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism 118. The first detection unit 119A and the second detection unit 119B are connected to the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism 118 via a liquid delivery channel 132.

[0020] Next, we will explain the overview of the analytical operations performed in the immunoassay analyzer 101.

[0021] In the analysis process, the control unit 102 first receives a measurement input signal from the operation unit 133 and outputs control signals to each mechanism within the immunoassay analyzer 101 to perform the analysis, thereby controlling their operation.

[0022] The reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 moves above the reaction vessel holding section 108 and descends, grasping the unused reaction vessel 121 and rising. Subsequently, the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 moves above the reaction vessel installation position L1 of the incubator 106 and descends, placing the unused reaction vessel 121 on the incubator 106.

[0023] Next, the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 moves above the reaction vessel holding section 108 and descends, grasping the unused sample dispensing tip 128 and rising. Then, the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107 moves above the tip mounting position L7 and descends, placing the unused sample dispensing tip 128 on the tip mounting position L7. After that, the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105 moves above the tip mounting position L7 and descends, attaching the sample dispensing tip 128 to the tip of the dispensing nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105.

[0024] Next, the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism 112 rotates and moves downward above the opening 131 of the reagent disc cover 130, bringing the tip of the nozzle into contact with the reagent in the predetermined reagent container 136 and drawing up a predetermined amount of reagent. Then, the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism 112 moves above the reagent discharge position L2 of the incubator 106 and discharges the reagent into the reaction vessel 121 installed in the incubator 106.

[0025] Meanwhile, after attaching the sample dispensing tip 128, the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105 moves above the sample container 120 placed in the sample rack 103 and descends, aspirating a predetermined amount of sample held in the sample container 120. Subsequently, the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105 moves to the sample discharge position L3 of the incubator 106 and descends, dispensing the sample into the reaction vessel 121 into which the reagent has been dispensed. After the sample is dispensed, the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105 performs a mixing operation. After the mixing operation is complete, the nozzle of the sample dispensing mechanism 105 moves above the waste hole 110 and discards the used sample dispensing tip 128 into the waste hole 110.

[0026] Subsequently, the control unit 102 moves the reaction vessel 121, in which the sample and reagent are mixed, to the reaction vessel installation position L1 by rotating the incubator 106, and then the reaction vessel 121 is transported to the reaction vessel stirring mechanism 109 by the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107.

[0027] The reaction vessel stirring mechanism 109 applies rotational motion to the reaction vessel 121 to stir the sample and reagents inside the reaction vessel 121. After that, the control unit 102 returns the reaction vessel 121, which has finished stirring, to the reaction vessel placement position L1 of the incubator 106 using the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107.

[0028] The control unit 102 selectively performs the B / F separation process described below according to the analysis protocol, depending on the measurement item. First, the reaction vessel 121, which has elapsed a predetermined time on the incubator 106, is moved to the B / F separation transport position L6 by the rotation of the incubator 106, and the reaction vessel 121 is transported to the B / F separation mechanism 114 by the B / F separation transport mechanism 113.

[0029] Next, the B / F separation mechanism 114 magnetically adsorbs magnetic particles containing substances that have immunologically bound to the target substance present in the reaction solution of the reaction vessel 121 to the inner wall of the reaction vessel 121. After a predetermined time has elapsed, the nozzle of the B / F separation reaction solution suction mechanism 115 is moved and lowered above the reaction vessel 121 to aspirate the reaction solution from the reaction vessel 121 that does not contain magnetic particles.

[0030] Subsequently, the nozzle of the buffer discharge mechanism 116 is moved and lowered above the reaction vessel 121 to discharge the buffer into the reaction vessel 121. Then, the B / F separation and transport mechanism 113 transports the reaction vessel 121 to the B / F separation and stirring mechanism 117.

[0031] Subsequently, the reaction vessel 121 is subjected to rotational motion by the B / F separation stirring mechanism 117 to mix the magnetic particles and buffer solution inside the reaction vessel 121. After the mixing of the magnetic particles and buffer solution is complete, the reaction vessel 121 is returned to the B / F separation and transport position L6 of the incubator 106 by the B / F separation and transport mechanism 113. The above dispensing and reaction steps are performed in cycles of, for example, 12 seconds per measurement item.

[0032] Next, the detection process for detecting the target substance in the reaction solution in the detection unit 119 will be described in detail below. First, the reaction vessel 121, in which the sample and reagent have been dispensed and a predetermined time has elapsed on the incubator 106, or the reaction vessel 121 that has undergone B / F separation, is moved to the detection reaction solution suction position L4 by the rotation of the incubator 106. When the reaction vessel 121 moves to the detection reaction solution suction position L4, the nozzle of the detection reaction solution suction mechanism 118 moves and descends above the reaction vessel 121, and suctions the reaction solution inside the reaction vessel 121. This reaction solution is sent via the liquid delivery channel 132 to the flow cell type detection unit 119 (first detection unit 119A or second detection unit 119B), where the detection unit 119 detects the target substance. Whether to use the first detection unit 119A or the second detection unit 119B is determined according to the specifications for the measurement item. In some cases, the detection unit to be used for a measurement item may not be specified. In such cases, the control unit 102 may appropriately select a detection unit that is currently on standby.

[0033] The control unit 102 derives the measurement result (such as the concentration of the target substance in the sample) based on the detected value of the target substance detected by the detection unit 119 and stores it in the storage unit 135. The measurement result can also be displayed on a display unit 134 such as a display. The control unit 102 also moves the reaction vessel 121, into which the reaction liquid has been aspirated, to the reaction vessel disposal position L5 by the rotation of the incubator 106, moves it from the incubator 106 to above the disposal hole 110 by the reaction vessel transport mechanism 107, and disposes of it through the disposal hole 110.

[0034] The above detection process can be performed in the first detection unit 119A or the second detection unit 119B, for example, in a 24-second cycle for each measurement item.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the immunoassay analyzer 101 has multiple detection units (119A, 119B) in the detection unit 119, which allows for parallel measurement in multiple detection units and thus shortens the measurement time. For example, when two measurements are performed in parallel using two detection units 119A and 119B, 12 seconds are taken for parallel measurement, so the total time required for measurement becomes 24 + 12 = 36 seconds (a reduction of 12 seconds).

[0036] In this immunoassay analyzer 101, the operating parameters are set to supply a predetermined amount of liquid from one reagent container (first container) to another reagent container (second container) at a predetermined timing. However, if the device is installed in a high-altitude environment, the time it takes for the syringe to aspirate the reagent from the first container to the second container may be reduced due to the influence of atmospheric pressure, etc. This can lead to fluctuations in the amount aspirated from the first container and a decrease in the amount discharged to the second container. This issue will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a reagent delivery mechanism 11 that supplies reagents from the first container 1 to the second container 2 via a syringe 10, as part of the configuration of the immunoassay analyzer 101.

[0038] The liquid delivery mechanism 11 of the immunoassay analyzer 101 includes a control unit 102, a first container 1, a second container 2, a suction nozzle 3, a discharge nozzle 4, a first solenoid valve 5, a second solenoid valve 6, a flow path 9, and a syringe 10.

[0039] The control unit 102 is responsible for the overall control of the liquid delivery mechanism 11, which includes the first solenoid valve 5, the second solenoid valve 6, and the syringe 10. The control unit 102 is, for example, a computer. The first container 1 contains the reagent (liquid). The suction nozzle 3 is a suction unit that draws the reagent from the first container 1 in response to the driving of the syringe 10 toward the suction side. The second container 2 is the container to which the liquid is delivered. The discharge nozzle 4 is connected to the suction nozzle 3 via a flow path 9 and is a discharge unit that discharges the reagent drawn in by the suction nozzle 3 into the second container 2 in response to the driving of the syringe 10 toward the discharge side. The second container 2 contains the reagent discharged from the discharge nozzle 4.

[0040] The first solenoid valve 5 is located in the first section of the flow path 7 between the suction nozzle 3 and the syringe 10 in the flow path 9, and opens and closes (opens or closes) in response to a command from the control unit 102. The second solenoid valve 6 is located in the second section of the flow path 8 between the discharge nozzle 4 and the syringe 10 in the flow path 9, and opens and closes (opens or closes) in response to a command from the control unit 102. The syringe 10 is located between the suction nozzle 3 and the discharge nozzle 4 in the flow path 9, and is driven to either the suction side (retract) or the discharge side (advance) in response to a command from the control unit 102, thereby delivering the reagent from the first container 1 to the second container 2 via the flow path 9. That is, in response to a command from the control unit 102, the syringe 10 (plunger) is driven to the suction side (retract), causing the suction nozzle 3 to aspirate the reagent from the first container 1. On the other hand, in response to a command from the control unit 102, the syringe 10 (plunger) is driven to the discharge side (advance), causing the discharge nozzle 4 to discharge the reagent aspirated by the suction nozzle 3 into the second container 2. The first solenoid valve 5, the second solenoid valve 6, and the syringe 10 are driven by a motor or the like (not shown).

[0041] In the liquid feeding mechanism 11 of this immunoassay apparatus 101, with the suction nozzle 3 immersed in the reagent in the first container 1, the first solenoid valve 5 is opened while the second solenoid valve 6 is closed, and the syringe 10 is driven toward the suction side for a predetermined time to suck the reagent in the first container 1 by the suction nozzle 3. After holding the sucked reagent in the suction nozzle 3 and the flow path 9 for a certain period of time, the first solenoid valve 5 is closed, and then, with the second solenoid valve 6 opened, the syringe 10 is driven toward the discharge side for a predetermined time to discharge the reagent to the second container 2 by the discharge nozzle 4.

[0042] In the immunoassay apparatus 101 having a plurality of reagent containers as described above, it is operated in various environments. In highlands, since the suction speed in the flow path 9 increases due to low air pressure, it is presumed that the negative pressure during suction also increases. As a result of the residual negative pressure in the syringe 10 being larger in highlands than on flat ground, it is considered that the discharge amount to the second container 2 decreases.

[0043] More specifically, the reagent is sucked from the first container 1 to supply it to the second container 2. After the driving of the syringe 10 stops, a negative pressure remains for a certain period of time. Then, when the second solenoid valve 6 on the second container 2 side is opened, the liquid at the tip of the discharge nozzle 4 flows backward due to the influence of the residual negative pressure in the syringe 10. During the discharge operation by this discharge nozzle 4, a smaller amount of reagent than expected is discharged to the second container 2 due to the influence of the residual negative pressure in the syringe 10.

[0044] Therefore, in the immunoassay apparatus 101, the residual negative pressure is reduced by varying the suction time of the syringe 10 according to the air pressure, and a reagent discharge amount suitable for any air pressure condition is realized. For example, it is possible to achieve the same suction and discharge of the reagent in highlands as on flat ground.

[0045] That is, the control unit 102 controls the suction time per one time from the first container 1 by the suction nozzle 3 based on the outside air pressure or altitude of the immunoassay device 101. Further, the control unit 102 extends the suction time of the reagent per one time from the first container 1 as the outside air pressure of the immunoassay device 101 becomes lower or as the altitude of the immunoassay device 101 becomes higher. Note that the suction time of the reagent indicates the time from when the plunger of the syringe 10 is pulled until it is stopped. Here, the operating speed of the syringe 10 is the same as that in the case of flat ground. However, the suction speed of the reagent (the operating speed of the syringe 10) from the first container 1 may be increased as the outside air pressure of the immunoassay device 101 becomes lower or as the altitude of the immunoassay device 101 becomes higher.

[0046] For example, there is a relationship as shown in FIG. 3 between the outside air pressure or altitude and the suction time of the reagent, and this relationship is stored in the storage unit 135. Note that this relationship is set such that the suction time of the reagent becomes longer as the outside air pressure becomes lower or as the altitude becomes higher.

[0047] In addition, a display screen as shown in FIG. 4 is displayed on the display unit 134, and it is possible to receive an altitude input operation from the operator via the operation unit 133. In the display unit 134, when receiving an altitude input operation from the operator via the operation unit 133, a display screen as shown in FIG. 5 is shown, and together with the input altitude value, the altitude value measured by an altimeter (not shown) is displayed. By displaying the input value from the operator and the measured value of the altimeter together, the operator can confirm the correctness of the input value.

[0048] The control unit 102 controls the suction time of the reagent per one time from the first container 1 based on the altitude value input from the operator via the operation unit 133 and the relationship between the outside air pressure or altitude and the suction time of the reagent stored in the storage unit 135.

[0049] The details of the control operation of the suction time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 6. The control operation of the suction time is performed in the control unit 102.

[0050] The control unit 102 first checks the external pressure (in this case, the altitude input by the operator) (step S201). Next, it reads and checks the relationship between the external pressure (altitude) and the reagent aspiration time stored in the memory unit 135 (step S202). Next, it checks whether the altitude confirmed in step S201 is less than 2000m (threshold) (step S203). If the altitude is less than 2000m (Yes in step S203), it calculates the reagent aspiration time by referring to the relationship between the external pressure (altitude) and the reagent aspiration time stored in the memory unit 135 confirmed in step S202 (step S204). If the altitude is 2000m or more (No in step S203), it sets the reagent aspiration time to a fixed value for altitudes of 2000m or more (step S205). Then, based on the reagent aspiration time determined in step S204 or step S205, the control unit 102 drives the syringe 10 to the aspiration side to perform reagent aspiration from the first container 1 using the aspiration nozzle 3 (step S206). Next, the control unit 102 drives the syringe 10 to the discharge side to perform reagent discharge into the second container 2 using the discharge nozzle 4 (step S207).

[0051] As described above, in Example 1, the aspiration time per cycle from the first container 1 by the aspiration nozzle 3 is controlled based on the ambient air pressure or altitude of the immunoassay analyzer 101. For example, the lower the ambient air pressure (the higher the altitude), the longer the aspiration time by the syringe 10 is increased. This makes it possible to achieve reagent aspiration that is not affected by atmospheric pressure. Therefore, even under high-altitude conditions, a sufficient amount of reagent equivalent to that at sea level can be supplied to the second container 2.

[0052] In this embodiment, the case in which the aspiration time of the syringe 10 is controlled based on the altitude value input by the operator and the relationship between the ambient pressure or altitude and the reagent aspiration time stored in the memory unit 135 has been described. However, the aspiration time of the syringe 10 may be controlled based on the ambient pressure value input by the operator, the altitude value measured by the altimeter, the ambient pressure value measured by the barometer, etc. For example, if the altitude of the location where the immunoassay analyzer 101 is installed is used as the criterion for judgment, the control unit 102 will control the system so that the reagent aspiration time increases as the altitude increases if the altitude is below a predetermined threshold, while controlling the system so that the reagent aspiration time remains constant if the altitude is above a predetermined threshold. On the other hand, if the ambient pressure of the location where the immunoassay analyzer 101 is installed is used as the criterion for judgment, the control unit 102 will control the system so that the reagent aspiration time increases as the ambient pressure decreases if the ambient pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold (i.e., the ambient pressure is not below a predetermined threshold), while controlling the system so that the reagent aspiration time remains constant if the ambient pressure is below a predetermined threshold.

[0053] [Example 2] Next, the automated analyzer according to Example 2 will be described with reference to Figure 7, etc. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid delivery mechanism 11 that supplies reagent from the first container 1 to the second container 2 via a syringe 10, as part of the configuration of the automated analyzer (immunoanalyte analyzer) of Example 2. The immunoanalyte analyzer of Example 2 is identical to the configuration of Example 1 except for the part shown in Figure 7, so redundant explanations will be omitted below. The difference between Example 2 and Example 1 is that Example 2 uses a detection unit 12 that can detect the amount of remaining reagent by detecting the liquid level in the second container 2. In Figure 7, the remaining reagent amount is confirmed by the liquid level detection of the detection unit 12, and parameter fluctuations according to the amount of remaining reagent are realized. Various conventionally known methods can be used as the liquid level detection (residual reagent amount detection) method.

[0054] The details of the suction time control operation in Example 2 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 8. The suction time control operation is performed in the control unit 102. Furthermore, the control in the flowchart of Figure 8 is performed after step S204 or step S205 of the control in the flowchart of Figure 6, and before step S206.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 102 first checks the amount of remaining reagent by detecting the liquid level in the detection unit 12 (step S301). Next, it checks whether the amount of remaining reagent in the second container 2, which was checked in step S301, is equal to or greater than a specified amount of remaining reagent (threshold) (step S302). If the amount of remaining reagent in the second container 2 is equal to or greater than the specified amount of remaining reagent (Yes in step S302), the normal (unextended) aspiration time is set (step S303). If the amount of remaining reagent in the second container 2 is less than the specified amount of remaining reagent (No in step S302), the aspiration time is extended (step S304). As for the extension method, for example, the aspiration time may be extended according to the difference, or a predetermined extension time may be added to the normal aspiration time. Then, based on the reagent aspiration time obtained in step S303 or step S304, the control unit 102 drives the syringe 10 toward the aspiration side and performs reagent aspiration from the first container 1 by the aspiration nozzle 3 (step S305). Next, the control unit 102 drives the syringe 10 toward the discharge side to perform reagent dispensing into the second container 2 by the discharge nozzle 4 (step S306).

[0056] As described above, in Example 2, for example, if the amount of remaining reagent in the second container 2 falls below the expected level when the liquid level is detected, the reagent aspiration time from the first container 1 is extended. This makes it possible to supply a sufficient amount of reagent to the second container 2, equivalent to that at sea level, even under high altitude conditions.

[0057] According to the above examples, for example, by increasing the aspiration time with syringe 10 as the external air pressure decreases (altitude increases), reagent aspiration unaffected by air pressure can be achieved, and the amount of reagent supplied and the amount of remaining reagent can be stabilized.

[0058] 1...First container, 2...Second container, 3...Suction nozzle (suction section), 4...Discharge nozzle (discharge section), 5...First solenoid valve, 6...Second solenoid valve, 7...First section flow path, 8...Second section flow path, 9...Flow path, 10...Syringe, 11...Liquid delivery mechanism, 12...Detection unit, 101...Immunoassay analyzer (automatic analyzer), 102...Control unit, 103...Sample rack, 104...Rack transport line, 105...Sample dispensing mechanism, 106...Incubator, 107...Reaction vessel transport mechanism, 108...Reaction vessel holding section, 109...Reaction vessel stirring mechanism, 110...Discard hole, 111...Reagent disc, 112...Reagent dispensing mechanism, 113...B / F separation transport mechanism, 114... 115...B / F separation mechanism, 116...B / F separation reaction solution aspiration mechanism, 117...B / F separation post-stirring mechanism, 118...Detection reaction solution aspiration mechanism, 119, 119A, 119B...Detection unit (analysis unit), 120...Sample container, 121...Reaction container, L1...Reaction container installation position, L2...Reagent dispensing position, L3...Sample dispensing position, L4...Detection reaction solution aspiration position, L5...Reaction container disposal position, L6...B / F separation transport position, L7...Chip mounting position, 128...Sample dispensing tip, 130...Reagent disc cover, 131...Opening, 132...Liquid delivery channel, 133...Operation unit, 134...Display unit, 135...Storage unit, 136...Reagent container.

Claims

1. An automatic analyzer comprising: a suction unit for drawing liquid from a first container containing a liquid; a discharge unit connected to the suction unit via a flow path for discharging the liquid to a second container which is a container to be delivered; a syringe for delivering the liquid from the first container to the second container via the flow path; and a control unit for controlling the syringe, wherein the control unit controls the time for each suction from the first container by the suction unit based on the external air pressure or altitude of the automatic analyzer.

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit for storing the relationship between the external air pressure or the altitude and the suction time, wherein the relationship is set such that the suction time increases as the external air pressure decreases or the altitude increases, and the control unit controls the suction time based on the relationship.

3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the aspiration time to be constant when the external air pressure of the automatic analyzer is below a predetermined threshold, or when the altitude of the automatic analyzer is above a predetermined threshold.

4. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising a detection unit for detecting the amount of remaining liquid in the second container, wherein the control unit controls the aspiration time based on the detection result of the detection unit.

5. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the aspiration time to be extended when the amount of residual liquid in the second container detected by the detection unit is less than a predetermined threshold.

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