JP2000275257A - Biochemical analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten the waiting time of an operator by additionally setting a specimen quickly during a sampling action. SOLUTION: In this biochemical analyzer 10, a specimen storing means 21 setting a specimen container 20 storing an analysis specimen is installed movably against a sticking nozzle unit 15 sucking the specimen and sticking it to stuck materials 1, 2 for sampling. An interruption instructing means 18 instructing the interruption of the sampling action of the specimen by the sticking nozzle unit 15 is installed, and the specimen storing means 21 is moved and stopped to the set position of the specimen container 20 by the operation of the interruption instructing means 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method in which a sample such as blood or urine is spotted on a material to be spotted such as a dry analysis element or an electrolyte slide by a spotting nozzle unit, and a specific component contained in the sample is quantitatively analyzed. In particular, the present invention relates to a mechanism for additionally setting a new sample during a sampling operation.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a dry-type dry analytical element or an electrolyte slide capable of quantitatively analyzing a specific chemical component or a solid component contained in a sample simply by spotting and supplying a small droplet of the sample. (Dry ion selective electrode film) has been developed and put into practical use. The use of dry analytical elements or electrolyte slides makes it easier and faster to analyze specimens than conventional wet analytical methods, so they are particularly useful for medical institutions and research institutions that need to analyze a large number of specimens. It is suitably used in places.

The above-mentioned dry analytical element is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-21677 (US Pat. No. 3,992,992).
158), JP-A-55-164356 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,272), and the like, and an electrolyte slide is disclosed in JP-B-58-4981 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,381). Details) are disclosed in the Japanese language.

As methods for quantitative analysis of chemical components and the like in a sample by a biochemical analyzer, two methods are mainly known: a colorimetric method using a dry analytical element and a potential difference measuring method using an electrolyte slide. ing.

[0005] In a biochemical analyzer using a colorimetric method, a sample is spotted on a dry analytical element, which is kept at a constant temperature in an incubator (incubator) for a predetermined time to produce a color reaction (dye formation reaction). Then, irradiating the dry analytical element with measurement irradiation light containing a wavelength selected in advance by a combination of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample and a reagent contained in the dry analytical element, and measuring its optical density, From the optical density, the concentration of the biochemical substance is determined using a calibration curve representing the correspondence between the optical density determined in advance and the substance concentration of the predetermined biochemical substance.

On the other hand, in a biochemical analyzer using a potentiometric method, instead of measuring the optical density, the biochemical analyzer is contained in a sample spotted on an electrode pair consisting of two pairs of dry ion selective electrodes of the same type. The activity of a specific ion is quantitatively analyzed by potentiometry to determine the substance concentration.

In any of the apparatuses using any of the above methods, a liquid sample is generally stored in a sample container (sampling cup) and set in the apparatus. A sampling operation for aspirating and spotting a sample is performed by using the spotting nozzle unit provided. This spotting nozzle fits a disposable nozzle tip at the tip if necessary, aspirates the sample in the sample container, and then moves onto the dry analytical element or the electrolyte slide as the target material. In this way, a predetermined amount is discharged and spotted.

In addition, when it is necessary to dilute a sample such as blood with a diluting liquid, the dropping nozzle sucks and holds the diluting liquid and the sample from the container, and drops them into a mixing cup for mixing the two. Sometimes used for: Further, a spotting nozzle may be used for spotting a reference solution on an electrolyte slide in a biochemical analyzer using the above-described potentiometric method. In this case, a spotting nozzle dedicated to the reference solution spotting may be used separately from the sample spotting nozzle.

On the other hand, a sample container containing a sample for analysis is set in a sample holding means of a biochemical analyzer. A number is assigned to each sample container storage section of the sample storage means,
The number of the storage section in which the sample container is set is input to the device control unit together with the individual data of the sample, the movement of the sample storage means with respect to the spotting nozzle unit is controlled, and the suction and suction of the sample is sequentially performed according to a predetermined sampling operation.
Spotting is performed.

[0010] The spotting nozzle unit is disposed in a cover case of the apparatus, and the sample accommodating means is formed so as to move into the apparatus in the direction of the spotting nozzle unit and perform sampling on a predetermined sample container. Have been.

[0011]

However, in the above-described sample holding means, when a sample container holding a sample is set and measurement is started, during the sampling of the sample by the spotting nozzle unit, the sampling operation is performed. As a result, the sample container accommodating portion moves to the spotting nozzle unit side inside the cover case of the apparatus. Therefore, even if it is necessary to urgently set an additional sample to be subjected to biochemical analysis, it is not possible to immediately set an additional sample, and until a series of sampling operations is completed and the sample storage means returns to the standby position. The operator is kept waiting, and the operator wastes time, thereby reducing work efficiency.

In particular, in the case of a sample for which multiple items of biochemical analysis are performed, the sampling of the sample is repeatedly performed, so that the waiting time until the sampling operation of all the samples set in the sample holding means is completed becomes long. And it is unclear how long you should wait.

In view of the foregoing, the present invention provides a biochemical analyzer capable of promptly setting an additional sample even during a sampling operation to reduce the waiting time of an operator.

[0014]

According to the biochemical analyzer of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, a sample holding means for setting a sample container holding a sample for analysis is configured to aspirate a sample and apply the sample to a target material. In the one that is movably installed with respect to the spotting nozzle unit that performs sampling for wearing, interruption instruction means for instructing interruption of the sampling operation of the sample by the spotting nozzle unit is installed, and the interruption instruction means is operated. The sample accommodating means moves to a set position of the sample container and stops.

Preferably, the sample accommodating means is moved to the set position of the sample container at the end of sampling of the sample during the sampling operation by operating the interruption instructing means. The measurement may be interrupted, moved to the set position, and the subsequent measurement may be performed from the sample being sampled after the sample is set.

[0016]

According to the present invention as described above, when the interruption instructing means for instructing the interruption of the sampling operation is operated, the sample accommodating means moves to the set position of the sample container and stops, so that an additional operation is performed. The sample can be quickly set, the waiting time of the operator can be reduced, the operability is improved, and the measurement of a sample that needs urgent measurement can be performed quickly.

[0017] If the sample accommodating means is moved to the set position at the end of the sampling of the sample during the sampling operation by operating the interruption instructing means, the influence on the sample measurement during the sampling operation can be reduced.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic mechanism of an example of a biochemical analyzer.

The biochemical analyzer 10 is, as a general measuring system, a storage 1 for storing a cartridge 3 (see FIG. 3) containing a first material to be spotted by a rectangular dry analysis element 1.
1, an incubator 12 for incubating (holding at a constant temperature) the dry analytical element 1 on which a sample is spotted and arranged in front of the storage 11 for a predetermined time, and taking out the dry analytical element 1 from the cartridge 3 of the storage 11 Element transporting means 13 for transporting the sample to the incubator 12, a mounting table 14 serving as a sample storage means for mounting and holding samples such as serum and urine and consumables for biochemical analysis described later, and a point for sampling the sample. The apparatus includes a wearing nozzle unit 15 and a measuring unit 16 disposed below the incubator 12. Further, the biochemical analyzer 10 uses a second electrolyte slide 2 (see FIG. 4) as an electrolyte measurement system.
Potential difference measuring means 17 for performing biochemical analysis by a potential difference measuring method using the to-be-attached material.

The element transporting means 1 is located near the storage 11.
3, a suction cup 60 for taking out the dry analytical element 1 from the cartridge 3 in the storage 11 by suction and holding.
(Suction cup) is installed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the dry analytical element 1 is formed by coating or bonding a reagent layer on a light-transmitting support made of a plastic sheet such as an organic polymer sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene. This is a dry analysis film piece (chip) obtained by laminating a spreading layer on this by a laminating method or the like, and does not have a mount equivalent to a mount in many conventional chemical analysis slides.

The above-mentioned reagent layer contains a detection reagent (chemical analysis reagent or immunoassay reagent) selectively reacting with an analyte and a reagent component necessary for a color reaction in a hydrophilic polymer binder such as gelatin or a porous layer. At least one layer. Further, the spreading layer is made of a material that is resistant to friction between the outside and the outside, such as a woven or knitted fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, a woven fabric, a knitted fabric, a nonwoven fabric, or the like made of a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers. And functions as a protective layer, and spreads the sample spotted on the spreading layer uniformly on the reagent layer.

The dry analytical elements 1 are stored in the cartridge 3 in a stacked state for each measurement item. The cartridge 3 is composed of a rectangular box-shaped divided box 31.
A first opening 3a through which only one dry analytical element 1 can pass is formed near the lowermost part of one side surface, and a substantially U-shape on the bottom surface into which a suction cup 60 for taking out and holding the element 1 enters. A second opening 3b of the mold is formed.

Further, a vertical rib 3c is projected from a side surface of the box body 31 where the first opening 3a is formed and a side surface opposite to the first opening portion 3a. The cartridges 3 are formed in different lengths, thereby locking and holding the cartridge 3 in the cartridge storage portion of the storage 11 and preventing erroneous insertion of the cartridge 3. In addition, a data recording section 32 is provided on the side surface of the box body 31 with a barcode representing data and the like regarding the stored dry analytical element 1.

The cartridge 3 is loaded into a double-ringed cartridge storage section in the storage 11. The cartridge 3 is stored in the storage 11 at a predetermined humidity (low humidity, dry state).

Although not shown in detail, the storage 11 has a cartridge storage portion provided on a rotating disk-shaped frame, and the frame is rotated by a case body forming the bottom wall and the peripheral wall of the storage 11. It is supported as much as possible. The upper surface of the case body is closed by a lid, and the lid is
The cartridge insertion opening for insertion and ejection of the cartridge is opened at a position corresponding to the two rows of inner and outer cartridge storage sections.
The frame is rotationally controlled by a frame motor, and is controlled so that any one of the cartridge storage sections stops at a position corresponding to the cartridge loading port. The cartridge loading port is selectively opened and closed by a disk-shaped shutter. An element outlet is formed on the bottom surface of the case body in the same manner as the cartridge loading port on the upper surface,
An opening / closing shutter that opens when taking out a predetermined dry analytical element 1 from each cartridge 3 is provided at the element outlet,
The lowermost dry analytical element 1 of the cartridge 3 is taken out to the outside by the take-out suction cup 60 in the element conveying means 13 inserted through the shutter.

As shown in FIG. 3, the take-out suction cup 60 holds the lower surface of the dry analytical element 1 by suction upward, and is movable vertically and horizontally by driving means (not shown). I have. The take-out suction cup 60 rises at a position below the element take-out opening of the storage 11, comes into close contact with the lowermost dry analysis element 1 from the second opening 3 b at the lower end of the cartridge 3, and sucks this under reduced pressure. Then, the dry analytical element 1 that has been adsorbed is pulled down slightly, and is slid toward the center in a curved shape in the first position of the cartridge 3.
From the opening 3a.

In the biochemical analyzer 10 shown in FIG. 1, the incubator 12 has a disk-shaped main body 70 rotatably supported by a rotation drive mechanism (not shown). Cell 7 for storing
A plurality of cells 1 are arranged at predetermined intervals, and the dry analysis element 1 is heated in this cell 71 at a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.).
Incubate at

The measuring means 16 has a photometric head 75 for measuring an optical density by a color reaction between the dry analytical element 1 and the specimen. Light from a light source 72 is guided to the photometric head 75 via a filter 73 and a mirror 79, and the light is irradiated to the dry analysis element 1 in the photometric head 75. Note that a plurality of types of filters 73 corresponding to the measurement items are installed on the disk 74, and the filter 73 is configured to rotate the disk 74 to select a filter 73 having predetermined characteristics corresponding to the measurement items. ing.

At this time, the light reflected from the dry analysis element 1 carries light information (specifically, the amount of light) corresponding to the amount of the dye generated in the reagent layer of the element 1. Is photoelectrically converted by a photodetector (not shown) of the photometric head 75, and sent to the determination unit via the amplifier. The determination unit determines the optical density of the dye based on the level of the input electric signal, and calculates the concentration (content) or the activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the specimen based on the principle of the colorimetric method.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the main body 70 of the incubator 12 is provided with an element holder for fixing the dry analytical element 1 inserted in the cell 71 at a predetermined position. On the lower surface of the main body 70, photometric windows are opened at predetermined intervals corresponding to the positions where the cells 71 are formed, and a photometric head 75 is provided at a position matching one of these photometric windows.

The element transporting means 13 for transporting the dry analytical element 1 from the storage 11 to the incubator 12 comprises the above-mentioned take-out suction cup 60 and the dry-type analytical element 1 held by the take-out suction cup 60, After receiving and holding the sample from below while the sample is in the state of being on the upper surface and transporting the sample to the spotting position C, the cell 71 of the incubator 12
A substantially horseshoe-shaped transfer member 76 inserted from the side opening into
A holding suction cup (not shown) for holding the dry analytical element 1 held by the transfer member 76 by protruding and retracting from below the cell 71 is provided.

After the above measurement, the dry analytical element 1 is taken out of the cell 71 of the incubator 12, transported by the transfer member 76 to the vicinity of the waste box 77, and is disposed of by the waste means 78. Discarded during 77.

On the other hand, the electrolyte slide 2 used for measuring the electrolyte by the potential difference measuring means 17 measures the electrolyte of the specimen by an electrical change, and as shown in FIG.
a reference liquid spotting portion 2b, a sample spotting portion 2c, and a bridge 2d connecting the two spotting portions are provided on the upper surface thereof, and three types of multilayer film electrode pairs (Na, K) are provided inside. , C
1 measurement electrode pair) and a distribution member in contact with the electrode.

A large number of the electrolyte slides 2 are stored in the slide storage portion 51 in a stacked state. When measuring the electrolyte, the slides are transported one by one from the slide storage portion 51 in the transport direction E by the transport mechanism. Will be sent. At this spotting position F, the electrolyte slide 2 in which the sample and the reference liquid are spotted almost simultaneously on the sample spotting part 2c and the reference liquid spotting part 2b.
Is further transported in the transport direction E by the transport mechanism and sent to the measurement unit 52, where the potential difference between the sample and the reference liquid is measured. In addition, as a conveyance mechanism of the said electrolyte slide 2,
For example, a slide transport mechanism disclosed in JP-A-6-66818 can be used.

On the mounting table 14, a sample rack 21 for holding a plurality of sample containers 20 each containing a liquid sample as a sample holding means, a small cup-shaped recess 2 is provided.
In a state where a dilution plate 23 having a plurality of 2, five diluent containers 24 as an example containing a sample diluent, one reference solution container 25 containing a reference solution for electrolyte measurement, and a number of nozzle tips 26 are set up Chip rack 27 to hold
Are placed and held. This mounting table 14
Is movable in a forward and backward movement direction B by a driving means (not shown) in a direction approaching to and away from the spotting nozzle unit 15.

On the other hand, the spotting nozzle unit 15 for performing the sampling operation has two horizontal guide rods 40 extending in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction B of the mounting table 14, and moves horizontally while being supported by the horizontal guide rods 40. A lateral moving block 41, a pair of first vertical guide rods 42 extending downward from the lateral moving block 41, and a similar pair of second
A vertical guide rod 43, a first vertical movement block 44 and a second vertical movement block 45 supported by the first and second vertical guide rods 42 and 43, respectively, and fixed to the first vertical movement block 44. A first spotting nozzle 46 for sample spotting and a second spotting nozzle 47 for spotting reference liquid similarly fixed to the second vertically moving block 45 are provided.

The lateral movement block 41 and the first and second vertical movement blocks 44 and 45 are driven and controlled for lateral movement and vertical movement by a driving means (not shown). , And integrally move up and down independently on the lateral movement path D.

The first spotting nozzle 46 is formed in a rod shape.
An air passage extending in the axial direction is provided inside, and the tip of the spotting nozzle 46 is provided with the pipette-shaped nozzle tip 26.
Are fitted in a sealed state. This first point wearing nozzle 46
Is connected to one end of a hollow air tube 48, and the other end of the air tube 48 is connected to suction / discharge means 49 for supplying suction / discharge pressure. The suction / discharge unit 49 includes a syringe pump or the like, and the operation thereof controls the suction and discharge of the liquid from the nozzle tip 26. Although not shown in FIG. 1, the second spotting nozzle 47 is also connected to the same suction and discharge means, and the suction and discharge of the liquid are drive-controlled.

FIG. 2 shows the above-described mechanism using the cover case 5.
It shows the appearance of the biochemical analyzer 10 installed in the storage, the storage 11, the incubator 12, the element transport means 13, the spotting nozzle unit 15, the measuring means 16, the measuring unit 52 of the potential difference measuring means 17, The above cover case 5
And is shielded from the outside. On the other hand, the slide table 5 of the mounting table 14 and the potential difference measuring means 17 described above.
Above 1, the cover case 5 is not formed, the setting opening 5 a is opened, the sample container 20 is mounted on the sample rack 21 as a sample storage means, the nozzle chip 26 is mounted on the chip rack 27, and the diluent Container 24 and reference liquid container 2
5 further stores the electrolyte slide 2 in the slide storage section 51.
Can be set respectively. The setting of the sample and the consumables is performed when the mounting table 14 is at the standby position illustrated in the drawing.

The external computer 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the upper cover case 5 where the incubator 12 is installed.
8 (notebook computer) is mounted, and this external computer 18 is connected to a device control unit (not shown) in the device. When the sample container 20 is set, the external computer 18 can input the storage position (number of the sample storage portion) in the sample rack 21, individual information of the sample, measurement items, and the like by using the keyboard 18 a or the mouse 18 b. Commands such as a measurement start command and a sampling interruption command (interruption instruction means) according to the degree of urgency can also be input. In addition, the display section 18c performs various displays such as a display for performing various instructions and a measurement result. Further, an operation button 55, a display lamp 56, and the like are provided in a part of the cover case 5. A sampling interruption command button (interruption instruction means) may be provided as a part of the operation button 55.

During the sampling operation of the sample by the spotting nozzle unit 15, the keyboard 18
a, the mouse 18b, the operation button 55, or the like, when the interruption instruction means is operated, the apparatus control unit sets the sample table 20 or the sample rack 21 (sample accommodation means) on the basis of the sampling interruption instruction. Drive control is performed so as to move to the position (standby position) and stop.

At the time of the sampling interruption instruction, the first or second spotting nozzle 46,
When the sample 47 is inserted into the sample container 20, or during the sampling operation during the dilution operation or the reference liquid suction, the mounting table 14 is moved to the set position of the sample container 20 when the operation is completed. Is controlled. Alternatively, the mounting table 14 may be moved to the set position when a series of sampling operations on the sample during the sampling operation is completed. Further, even during sampling according to the degree of urgency, the operation is interrupted, the mounting table 14 is moved to the set position, and after the additional sample container 20 is set on the sample rack 21, the subsequent measurement is performed from the sample being sampled. It may be.

Hereinafter, measurement by the biochemical analyzer 10 having the above configuration will be described. First, as a preparation operation, an external computer 18 connected to the device control unit is used.
, The sample measurement item of the sample is designated, and the sample container 20 containing the sample is set on the sample rack 21 of the mounting table 14, and the dilution plate 23, the diluent solution container 24, and the reference solution container 2 are set.
5 and the chip rack 27 are set on the mounting table 14. This setting operation is performed at the standby position shown in FIG. 1 where the mounting table 14 has moved backward.

When the start of measurement is instructed, in the case of the general measurement system, the suction cup 60 for removal of the element transport means 13 operates as described above, and moves to a position corresponding to the element outlet on the bottom surface of the storage 11. Then, the dry analytical element 1 is taken out of the cartridge 3 corresponding to the measurement item. This suction cup 6
The dry analytical element 1 held at 0 is transferred to the transfer member 76 and moved to the spotting position C, where the diluted sample is spotted.

This spotting is performed by the following sampling operation. First, the mounting table 14 moves forward from the standby position in the movement direction B, the tip rack 27 moves below the horizontal movement path D of the spotting nozzles 46 and 47, and the first spotting is performed by the operation of the spotting nozzle unit 15. One nozzle tip 26 in the tip rack 27 is attached to the tip of the nozzle 46.

Next, the first spotting nozzle 46 is mounted on the mounting table 14.
Sample container 20 containing the sample to be measured along with the movement of
And the tip of the nozzle tip 26 is moved to the sample container 20.
A predetermined amount of the sample is sucked and held in the nozzle tip 26 by the suction operation of the suction / discharge means 49. As described above, each sample container storage section of the sample rack 21 is numbered, and the number of the storage section in which the sample container 20 containing the sample to be measured is set in advance together with the individual data of the sample and the device control unit. And the movement of the mounting table 14 is controlled.

Next, the first spotting nozzle 46 is moved above one recess 22 of the dilution plate 23, and the nozzle tip 26 is lowered to a position close to the recess 22. Next, after the sample held in the nozzle tip 26 is dropped into the concave portion 22 by the discharge operation of the suction / discharge means 49, the nozzle tip 26 is removed from the tip of the first spotting nozzle 46 by a known means.

Next, a new nozzle tip 26 in the tip rack 27 is mounted on the tip of the first spotting nozzle 46 in the same manner as described above, and the diluent in the diluent container 24 is Is aspirated by a predetermined amount, and is dropped into the concave portion 22. Thereafter, in the concave portion 22 of the dilution plate 23, the suction and discharge of the liquid by the first spotting nozzle 46 are alternately and repeatedly performed, so that the sample and the diluent are uniformly mixed. Next, the first spot wearing nozzle 4
By the suction operation of No. 6, a predetermined amount of the uniformly mixed diluted sample is sucked into the nozzle tip 26.

Next, the first spotting nozzle 46 is moved to a position above the dry analytical element 1 held at the spotting position C by the element transporting means 13, and the first spotting nozzle 46 discharges the nozzle. The diluted sample in the nozzle tip 26 is spotted on the reagent layer of the dry analysis element 1. The dry analytical element 1 onto which the diluted sample has been spotted is sent to the cell 71 of the incubator 12, where it is incubated and measured for optical density. The concentration (content) or activity value of a predetermined biochemical substance in the sample determined based on this optical density is
The information is displayed on the display unit 18c of the external computer 18.

Next, in the sampling operation for measuring the electrolyte of the sample, the sample is spotted on the sample spotting section 2c of the electrolyte slide 2 and the reference liquid is spotted on the reference liquid spotting section 2b almost simultaneously.

The spotting of the sample is carried out by using the first spotting nozzle 46 in common.
The mounting of the sample 6 and the suction holding of the sample are performed basically in the same manner as described above. First, the sample is suctioned and held in the nozzle tip 26 of the first spotting nozzle 46. On the other hand, the reference liquid is spotted using the second spotting nozzle 47,
Of the reference liquid container 25 is opened, and the nozzle tip 2
6 is attached to the reference liquid container 2
5, and a predetermined amount of the reference liquid is sucked and held in the nozzle tip 26.

Then, the first spotting nozzle 46 holding the sample and the second spotting nozzle 47 holding the reference liquid integrally move the linear moving path D along with the horizontal movement of the horizontal moving block 41 to measure the potential difference. 17, the sample slides down at the position above the electrolyte slide 2 transported in the transport direction E, and spots the sample on the sample spotting section 2c and the reference liquid on the reference liquid spotting section 2b. I do.

The electrolyte slide 2 on which the sample and the reference solution are spotted in this way is sent to the measuring section 52, and the potential difference between the sample and the reference solution is measured. Then, based on this potential difference, the activity of the specific ion contained in the sample is quantitatively analyzed by potentiometry, and the concentration of the specific substance is obtained.

When the sample container 20 containing the additional sample is set in the sample rack 21 of the mounting table 14 during the above-described sampling operation (measurement operation), the keyboard 18a, the mouse 18b, the operation button 55, etc. When the interruption instruction is operated according to the degree of urgency by operating the interruption instruction means, the sampling operation for all the samples is completed, that is, at the end of the sampling operation for the sample being sampled, or the sampling operation for the sample being sampled is performed. Before the end, the sampling operation is interrupted, and the first and second spotting nozzles 46 and 47 are raised to a position where they do not interfere with the sample container 20 or the like.
4 moves backward to the set position and stops.

Then, the additional sample container 20 is set in a predetermined sample container accommodating section of the sample rack 21, and after inputting the accommodating section number and necessary information such as individual information of the specimen and measurement items, a measurement restart instruction is issued. Do. With this, the mounting table 1
4 moves forward, returns to the interrupted state, and resumes the sampling operation. The order of measurement may be changed in accordance with the setting of an additional sample.

As described above, this biochemical analyzer 10
By suspending the sampling operation based on the suspension instruction and moving the sample rack 21 to the set position and stopping, an additional sample can be set quickly, shortening the waiting time of the operator and improving the work efficiency. Can be achieved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a biochemical analyzer according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a biochemical analyzer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a state in which a dry analytical element is removed from a cartridge together with a suction cup for removal.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an electrolyte slide.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Dry-type analytical element (pointing material) 2 Electrolyte slide (pointing material) 3 Cartridge 5 Cover case 10 Biochemical analyzer 11 Storage 12 Incubator 13 Element transport means 14 Mounting table 15 Point wearing nozzle unit 16 Measuring means 17 Potential difference measuring means 18 External computer 20 Sample container 21 Sample rack (sample storing means) 24 Diluent container 25 Reference liquid container 26 Nozzle tip 55 Operation button B Moving direction

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A sample holding means for setting a sample container containing a sample for analysis is movably provided with respect to a spotting nozzle unit for performing sampling for sucking a sample and spotting the sample on a target material. In the biochemical analyzer, interruption instruction means for instructing the interruption of the sampling operation of the sample by the spotting nozzle unit is provided, and the operation of the interruption instruction means moves the specimen accommodating means to the set position of the specimen container and stops. A biochemical analyzer characterized by the following. 2. The biochemistry according to claim 1, wherein the sample accommodating unit moves to a set position of a sample container when sampling of a sample during a sampling operation is completed by operating the interruption instruction unit. Analysis equipment.