JP2006275962A - Automatic analysis device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analysis device capable of informing the state before getting in short of a reagent, and capable of replenishing the reagent timely. <P>SOLUTION: This device is provided with a sample dispensing arm 10 and a probe 16, a first reagent dispensing arm 8 and a probe 14, a second reagent dispensing arm 9 and a probe 15 for sucking a tested sample and the reagent and dispensing them to a reaction pipe 4; a measuring unit 13 for measuring mixed liquid of the tested sample and the reagent dispensed to the reaction pipe 4; a measurement item setting screen 48 for setting measuring items for each of the tested samples; a reagent amount detection section 71 for detecting a reagent amount in reagent bottles 7a and 7b; and a reagent information calculation section 72 for calculating reagent information. The reagent information calculation section 72 calculates reagent residual amount effective time before being reduced to a reagent shortage amount based on the relationship of reagent suction time and the reagent amount detected by the regent amount detection section 71 in correspondence with the reagent suction time, and the reagent information including the reagent residual amount effective time is outputted to an output section 40 in real time. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes components of a test sample, and more particularly to an automatic analyzer that analyzes components contained in body fluids such as human blood and urine.

  The automatic analyzer measures the change in color caused by the reaction of the mixed liquid that is obtained by dispensing the test sample and the reagent collected from the test sample into the reaction tube, and measuring the light transmission amount. There are devices that measure the concentration and activity of various components (items) in a sample.

  In this automatic analyzer, analysis conditions such as the amount of test sample and reagent used for measurement for each item, the reaction time of the mixed solution, the wavelength of light, etc. are set in advance for each item, and further, before the start of the test. By setting items to be measured for each test sample, it is possible to perform measurement of items set for a large number of test samples.

  In recent years, the number of items that can be measured by an automatic analyzer tends to increase, and in many cases, a first and a second pair of reagent bottles can be installed in a reagent store. However, since the space in which the reagent can be installed is limited, the size of the reagent bottle is also limited, and if a large number of test samples are measured over a large number of items, there is a problem that the reagent is insufficient during the inspection.

  In order to solve such a problem, the display unit displays the reagent remaining amount in the reagent bottle during the test and the reagent required amount obtained from the number of unmeasured test samples of the measurement items set for each test sample. Have been reported (for example, see Patent Document 1).

The operator of this automatic analyzer looks at the reagent remaining amount and the reagent required amount that are displayed in real time on the display unit during the examination, predicts whether or not the reagent will be insufficient, and Therefore, it is necessary to take measures such as timing and supplementing.
Japanese Patent No. 3043155

  However, in Patent Document 1, since the remaining amount of reagent and the necessary amount of reagent are only displayed on the display unit, the reagent is distracted by other work such as an additional inspection request during the inspection, regardless of immediately before the reagent shortage. There is a risk of missing the timing to replenish.

  In such a case, the automatic analyzer stops measuring only the item of the reagent when it detects the lack of the reagent, and continuously measures the other items. After the test is completed, after replenishing the reagent of the item that caused the reagent shortage, only the item of the test sample that could not be measured due to the reagent shortage will be remeasured, which takes time and labor. There is a problem.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can replenish reagents in a timely manner.

  In order to achieve the above object, an automatic analyzer of the present invention comprises a dispensing means for sucking a reagent from a reagent container and dispensing it into a reaction container, a test sample in the reaction container, and the dispensing means. Measuring means for measuring the dispensed mixed solution of the reagent, measuring item setting means for setting an item to be measured for each test sample in the measuring means, and detecting the amount of the reagent in the reagent container Based on the reagent amount detection means, the reagent aspiration time when the dispensing means aspirates the reagent, and the corresponding reagent amount detected by the reagent amount detection means, the reagent amount is reduced to a shortage amount. And a reagent information calculating means for calculating the remaining reagent remaining time until the time, and an output means for outputting in real time the reagent information including the remaining reagent remaining time calculated by the reagent information calculating means. To do.

  According to the present invention, even when there are a large number of inspection requests, the situation is notified before the reagent shortage occurs, so the timing for replenishing the reagent can be easily determined. Therefore, re-measurement due to lack of reagents can be prevented, and the test sample can be analyzed efficiently.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 100 includes an analyzer 19 that measures various items of calibrators and test samples for each item, an analysis controller 20 that controls the analyzer 19, and an analysis signal output from the analyzer 19. An analysis data processing unit 30 for processing and calculating analysis data, an output unit 40 for outputting analysis data from the analysis data processing unit 30, an operation unit 50 for setting analysis conditions and inputting various command signals, and an analysis unit 19 includes a reagent information processing unit 70 that processes reagent information of measurement items arranged in the system 19, and a system control unit 60 that controls these units in an integrated manner.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the analysis unit 19. The analysis unit 19 includes a calibrator for each item in the test, a sample system related to a sample such as a test sample collected from the subject, and a reagent system related to a reagent for causing a chemical reaction with the components of the items of the calibrator and the test sample. And a reaction system related to a mixed solution of the reagent and the sample.

  The sample system includes a sample container 17 containing a sample such as a calibrator and a test sample, a disk sampler 6 that rotatably holds the sample container 17 arranged at the sample setting position, and a sample from the sample setting position. Then, the sample dispensing probe 16 discharged from the sample dispensing position of the reaction system, the rotation of the sample dispensing probe 16 between the disk sampler 6 and the sample dispensing position of the reaction system, and the disk sampler 6 and the reaction system A sample dispensing arm 10 that holds the sample dispensing position so as to be vertically movable is provided.

  The reagent system includes reagent bottles 7a and 7b containing a first reagent that selectively reacts with a sample and a second reagent paired with the first reagent, a reagent rack 1a that houses the reagent bottle 7a, A reagent store 2 for rotatably holding a reagent rack 1a containing a reagent bottle 7a for a reagent and a reagent store 3 for holding a reagent rack 1b for storing a reagent bottle 7b for a second reagent so as to be rotatable are provided. Yes.

  Further, the reagent system sucks the first and second reagents from the reagent bottles 7a and 7b at the first and second reagent suction positions, and discharges them from the first and second reagent dispensing positions of the reaction system. The second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are rotated between the first and second reagent suction positions and the first and second reagent dispensing positions of the reaction system. And first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 that hold the first and second reagent suction positions so as to be movable up and down.

  The reagent system further includes first and second reagent liquid level detectors 18a and 18b for detecting the liquid levels of the first and second reagents in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b. Then, the first and second reagent liquid level detection signals of the respective items detected by the first and second reagent liquid level detectors 18 a and 18 b are output to the analysis control unit 20.

  The reaction system receives the sample discharged from the sample dispensing probe 16 at the sample dispensing position, then receives the first reagent discharged from the first reagent probe 14 at the first reagent dispensing position, and further receives the second reagent probe. Reaction tube 4 for receiving the second reagent discharged from 15 at the second reagent dispensing position, reaction disk 5 for rotatably holding a plurality of reaction tubes 4 arranged on the circumference, and reaction stopped at the stirring position A stirring unit 11 is provided that holds a stirrer that stirs the mixed solution of the sample and the reagent in the tube 4 so as to be vertically movable.

  Further, the reaction system irradiates light to the reaction tube 4 containing the mixed liquid after stirring at the photometric position, and measures the absorbance at the set wavelength from the transmitted light, and the reaction stopped at the washing / drying position. A cleaning unit 12 is provided for sucking the liquid mixture after the measurement in the tube 4 and holding a cleaning / drying nozzle for cleaning / drying the reaction tube 4 so as to be movable up and down.

  Then, the photometric unit 13 outputs the calibrator of each item obtained by the absorbance measurement, the calibrator signal of the test sample, and the analysis signal to the analysis data processing unit 30.

  The analysis control unit 20 in FIG. 1 includes a mechanism unit 21 having mechanisms for driving each unit of the analysis unit 19 shown in FIG. 2 and a control unit 22 for controlling each mechanism of the mechanism unit 21.

  The mechanism unit 21 includes a mechanism that rotates the disk sampler 6, the reagent storage 2, and the reagent storage 3, a mechanism that rotates the reaction disk 5, a sample dispensing arm 10, a first reagent dispensing arm 8, and a second reagent dispensing. A mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the arm 9 and a mechanism for vertically moving the stirring unit 11 and the cleaning unit 12 are provided.

  Further, the mechanism unit 21 is configured to drive a dispensing pump that sucks and discharges the sample from the sample dispensing probe 16, and sucks and discharges the first and second reagents from the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15. A mechanism for driving the first and second reagent pumps for discharging, a mechanism for driving the cleaning pump for discharging and sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle of the cleaning unit 12, and a drying pump for sucking from the drying nozzle of the cleaning unit 12 It has a mechanism to perform.

  Further, the mechanism unit 21 includes a mechanism for driving the stirring bar of the stirring unit 11 to be stirred.

  The control unit 22 includes a control circuit that controls each mechanism such as the first reagent dispensing arm 8 and the first reagent pump of the mechanism unit 21.

  The control circuit of the first reagent dispensing arm 8 of the control unit 22 rotates the first reagent dispensing arm 8 to the first reagent suction position of the reagent storage 2 at the height of the top dead center, and then moves up and down. The first reagent dispensing arm 8 is lowered by supplying a downward movement drive pulse to the first reagent dispensing arm 8. The control circuit of the first reagent dispensing arm 8 performs analysis at the liquid level detection position where the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 has reached a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the first reagent in the reagent bottle 7a. The first reagent liquid level detection signal detected by the first reagent liquid level detector 18a of the unit 19 is received and the first reagent dispensing arm 8 is stopped. Next, the control circuit of the first reagent pump controls the first reagent pump to suck the first reagent from the first reagent dispensing probe 14.

  Further, the control circuit of the second reagent dispensing arm 9 of the control unit 22 rotates the second reagent dispensing arm 9 up to the second reagent suction position of the reagent storage 3 at the height of the top dead center. A downward movement drive pulse is supplied to the movement mechanism to lower the second reagent dispensing arm 9. Then, the control circuit of the second reagent dispensing arm 9 performs analysis at the liquid level detection position where the tip of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the second reagent in the reagent bottle 7. The second reagent liquid level detection signal detected by the second reagent liquid level detector 18b of the unit 19 is received, and the second reagent dispensing arm 9 is stopped. Next, the control circuit of the second reagent pump controls the second reagent pump to suck the second reagent from the second reagent dispensing probe 15.

  Further, the control circuit of the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 of the control unit 22 transmits each downward movement drive pulse supplied from the top dead center to the liquid level detection position of each reagent dispensing arm 8 and 9. The information is output to the reagent information processing unit 70, and the control circuits of the first and second reagent pumps output information on the suction time of each reagent that has sucked the first and second reagents to the reagent information processing unit 70.

  The control circuit of the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 of the control unit 22 supplies a downward movement drive pulse to the vertical movement mechanism of each reagent dispensing arm 8 and 9 to lower it to the bottom dead center. In the reached position, when the tips of the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 do not reach a predetermined depth from the liquid levels of the first and second reagents in the reagent bottle 7, the first and second The first and second reagent liquid level detection signals cannot be obtained from the reagent liquid level detectors 18a and 18b, and it is determined that the reagent in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b is in a reagent shortage amount. To the unit 60.

  The analysis data processing unit 30 includes a calculation unit 31 that creates a calibration table for each item from the calibrator signal, analysis signal, and the like output from the analysis unit 19 and calculates analysis data for each item of each test sample. A storage unit 32 that stores the calibration table created by the calculation unit 31 and the calculated analysis data is provided.

  The calculation unit 31 creates a calibration table for each item from the calibrator signal for each item output from the photometry unit 13 of the analysis unit 19, outputs the calibration table to the output unit 40, and saves it in the storage unit 32. In addition, the calculation unit 31 reads the calibration table of the measurement items from the storage unit 32 with respect to the analysis signal of each item of each test sample output from the analysis unit 19, and then uses this calibration table. Analysis data is calculated and output to the output unit 40 and stored in the storage unit 32.

  The storage unit 32 includes a hard disk and stores the calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the calculation unit 31 for each test sample.

  The output unit 40 prints and outputs the calibration table output from the analysis data processing unit 30, analysis data, and the like, the display unit 42 that displays and outputs, and the reagent information processing output via the system control unit 60. And an audio unit 43 that outputs audio based on the reagent information from the unit 70.

  The printing unit 41 includes a printer or the like, and prints out the calibration table, analysis data, and the like output from the analysis data processing unit 30 on printer paper or the like according to a preset format.

  The display unit 42 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, and displays the calibration table and analysis data output from the analysis data processing unit 30, and sets analysis conditions such as reagent conditions, wavelengths, and sample amounts for each item. Analysis condition setting screen such as reagent condition setting screen, subject information input screen such as subject ID and name, measurement item setting screen for setting items to be measured for each subject test sample, reagent information Display the reagent information display screen for displaying.

  The voice unit 43 includes a speaker, a buzzer, and the like, and in response to an instruction from the system control unit 60 based on the reagent information from the reagent information processing 70, for example, “MM protein before reagent for total protein measurement is insufficient” Outputs warnings such as sound and warning buzzer to identify and alert the reagent of the measurement item.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a reagent condition setting screen for setting a reagent condition that is one of the analysis conditions displayed on the display unit 42. This reagent condition setting screen 44 is a reagent condition setting for setting the reagent conditions for the first and second reagents of the items displayed in the “item name” field for displaying the item name and the “item name” field. The area 44a is configured.

  When the analysis condition setting screen is displayed on the display unit 42 by the operation from the operation unit 50 and, for example, GOT is set as an item name, and then the GOT reagent condition setting screen is displayed, the reagent condition setting screen 44 is displayed. “GOT” is displayed in the “item name” column.

  The reagent condition setting area 44a includes columns of “first reagent” and “second reagent”, and columns of “reagent name”, “reagent position”, and “reagent amount” corresponding to this column.

  In the “reagent name” column, a reagent abbreviation setting area 45 for setting abbreviations of reagent names corresponding to the “first reagent” and “second reagent” columns is provided. Are displayed with square frames 45a and 45b in which characters, numbers, and the like can be input with a predetermined number of digits. Then, assuming that GOT-1 and GOT-2 are set as reagent abbreviations of the first and second reagents of GOT from the operation unit 50, “GOT-1” and “GOT-2” are displayed in the square frames 45a and 45b. Is displayed.

  The “reagent position” column corresponds to the “first reagent” and “second reagent” columns, and the reagent positions for setting the first and second reagent positions of the reagent storages 2 and 3 of the analysis unit 19. A setting area 46 is provided. In this reagent position setting area 46, square frames 46a and 46b in which the first and second reagent positions can be input are displayed. Then, assuming that A07 and A05 are set as the first and second reagent positions from the operation unit 50, “A07” and “A05” representing the first and second reagent positions of “GOT” in the square frames 46a and 46b. Is displayed.

  The “reagent amount” column corresponds to the “first reagent” and “second reagent” columns, and the reagent amount for setting the amounts of the first and second reagents used for the measurement per sample. A setting area 47 is provided, and the reagent amount setting area 47 displays square frames 47a and 47b in which the amounts of the first and second reagents can be input in units of μL. If 150 and 75 are set as the first and second reagent amounts from the operation unit 50, “150” and “75” representing the first and second reagent amounts of “GOT” in the square frames 47a and 47b. Is displayed.

  Information on reagent conditions set from the operation unit 50 using the reagent condition setting screen 44 is stored in the system control unit 60.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement item setting screen displayed on the display unit 42. The measurement item setting screen 48 includes an “ID” column for displaying the ID of the subject input on the subject information input screen and an “item” for displaying the item name of the item set on the analysis condition setting screen. And a measurement item setting area 48a for setting an item having an item name displayed in the “item” column for each subject ID displayed in the “ID” column.

  In the “ID” column, for example, IDs of subjects “1” to “n + m + 5” are displayed. In the “item” column, item names such as “GOT”, “GPT”, and “TP” are displayed.

  In the measurement item setting area 48a, “○” is displayed when the item name in the “item” column corresponding to the ID of each subject in the “ID” column is set, and “0” is displayed when the item name is not set.・ ”Is displayed. For example, if “GOT” is set for “1” to “n + m” among “1” to “n + m + 5” displayed in the “ID” column from the operation unit 50, the measurement item setting area 48a is set. 1 to (N + M) test “◯” is displayed, and “G +” is not set for “n + m + 1” to “n + m + 5”, (N + M + 1) to (N + M + 5) test “•” is displayed. . The measurement item setting information set and input from the measurement item setting screen 48 is stored in the system control unit 60.

  Note that the measurement of the test sample is performed based on the measurement item setting information set and input from the measurement item setting screen 48. The measurement is performed in order from the set item (measurement item) on the left of the ID of each subject in order from the test sample corresponding to “1” in the uppermost stage of “ID”.

  The reagent information processing unit 70 in FIG. 1 includes a reagent amount detection unit 71 that detects the amount of reagent contained in the reagent bottle 7 of the analysis unit 19 from the analysis control unit 20, and a reagent amount detected from the reagent amount detection unit 71. And a reagent information calculating unit 72 for calculating various reagent information.

  The reagent amount detection unit 71 is a reagent condition set by using the reagent condition setting screen 44 from the operation unit 50, and reagent bottles 7 a and 7 b for each item arranged in the reagent containers 2 and 3 of the analysis unit 19. A function of detecting the amounts of the first and second reagents.

  Then, the reagent amount detection unit 71 uses the first and second reagent downward movement drive pulse information of each item from each control circuit of the first reagent dispensing arm 8 and the second reagent dispensing arm 9 of the control unit 22. The heights of the liquid levels of the first and second reagents in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b are calculated, and the first and second are calculated from the reagent liquid areas in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b stored in the system controller 60 in advance. Detection is performed by calculating the amount of reagent.

  The reagent amount detection unit 71 outputs the detected reagent amount information of the first and second reagents to the reagent information calculation unit 72 together with the reagent aspiration time information of the reagent of each reagent amount information output from the control unit 22. To do.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 is based on the reagent shortage information stored in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b and the reagent aspiration time and reagent amount output from the reagent amount detection unit 71. The reagent remaining time is calculated to calculate the time until the reagent contained in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b reaches the reagent shortage prediction time, and the amount (decrease rate) by which this reagent decreases per unit time is calculated. And a “reagent remaining amount reduction rate” calculation function.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 also calculates a “warning time” calculation function for calculating a warning time for outputting a warning preceding the time that the reagent can be replenished to the reagent bottles 7a and 7b of the reagent containers 2 and 3. A function for calculating the number of times the reagent contained in the reagent bottles 7a and 7b of the reagent storages 2 and 3 can be measured before the reagent shortage amount is calculated, and until this reagent becomes a reagent shortage amount A “reagent remaining amount effective amount” calculating function for calculating the remaining amount of the reagent.

  Then, the reagent information calculation unit 72 calculates “reagent remaining amount effective time”, “reagent remaining amount decrease rate”, “warning time”, “reagent remaining amount” calculated for each suction of the first reagent and second reagent of the measurement item. Reagent information such as “effective measurement count” and “effective amount of remaining reagent” is output to the system control unit 60.

  Next, calculation examples of “reagent remaining amount valid time”, “reagent remaining amount decrease rate”, and “warning time” calculated by the reagent information calculation unit 72 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The regression equation A represented on the X and Y axes in FIG. 5 represents N times of reagent aspiration time output from the reagent amount detection unit 71 and N times of reagent aspiration from the same reagent bottles 7a and 7b during measurement. The relationship between reagent amounts is shown.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 receives the Nth reagent amount information from the reagent amount detection unit 71, and uses the least squares method based on the relationship between the reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount N times from the reagent amount detection unit 71. After obtaining the regression equation A, the reagent shortage prediction time until the reagent shortage amount is calculated from the regression equation A is calculated. Note that the reagent shortage amount is the bottom dead center position of the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 input in advance from the operation unit 50 and supplied via the system control unit 60, the dimensions of the reagent bottles 7a and 7b, and The reagent information calculation unit 70 obtains and stores the information based on information such as the position of the bottom.

  Then, the reagent information calculation unit 72 calculates the “reagent remaining amount effective time” obtained by subtracting the Nth reagent aspiration time from the reagent shortage prediction time, the “reagent remaining amount decrease rate” corresponding to the slope of the regression equation A, and the reagent shortage A “warning time” obtained by subtracting the warning time from the predicted time is calculated and output to the system control unit 60.

  The regression equation A1 represented on the X and Y axes in FIG. 6 is obtained from the reagent amount detection unit 71 after the reagent is replenished after (N-1) times of reagent aspiration from the same reagent bottle 7a, 7b after the start of measurement. The relationship between the outputted N times of reagent aspiration and the amount of reagent is shown.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 receives the Nth reagent amount information from the reagent amount detection unit 71, and replenishes the reagent within the relationship between the reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount N times from the reagent amount detection unit 71. For the previous 1 to (N-1) reagent amounts, the regression equation A1 is obtained by the least square method or the like from the relationship using the corrected reagent amount obtained by adding and correcting the reagent amount of each time with the reagent replenishment amount. Calculate the reagent shortage prediction time from the formula A1 until the reagent shortage is reached.

  Further, the reagent information calculation unit 72 obtains the reagent replenishment amount from the (N-1) th reagent amount detected from the reagent amount detection unit 71, after the (N-1) th reagent aspiration, This is determined by subtracting the determined reagent amount from the Nth reagent amount.

  Further, the reagent information calculation unit 72 sets the reagent amount after the (N-1) th reagent aspiration from the reagent amount detected at the (N-1) th time from the reagent condition setting screen 44 and sets the reagent amount. The amount of reagent stored in 60 is subtracted.

  Then, the reagent information calculation unit 72 “reagent remaining amount effective time” obtained by subtracting the Nth reagent aspiration time from the reagent shortage prediction time, “reagent remaining amount decrease rate” corresponding to the slope of the regression equation A1, and reagent shortage A “warning time” obtained by subtracting the warning time from the predicted time is calculated and output to the system control unit 60.

  FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining another example of calculating the reagent remaining amount valid time of the reagent information calculation unit 72.

  The regression equation B represented on the X and Y axes in FIG. 7 is added to the N times of reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount output from the reagent amount detection unit 71 by the reagent aspiration from the same reagent bottles 7a and 7b during the measurement. Then, after the Nth reagent aspiration, (N + 1) to (N + M) scheduled reagent aspiration times and scheduled reagents for which the measurement item reagent aspiration is scheduled based on the measurement item setting information supplied from the system control unit 60 It represents the relationship between quantities.

  For example, if the measurement item is “GOT” on the measurement item setting screen 48 shown in FIG. 4, N reagent aspirations correspond to “◯” of 1 to N tests, and (N + 1) to (N + M) scheduled times Reagent aspiration corresponds to “◯” in the (N + 1) to (N + M) tests.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 receives the information on the Nth reagent amount from the reagent amount detection unit 71, and in addition to the N times of reagent aspiration time and reagent amount from the reagent amount detection unit 71, the system control unit Based on the measurement item setting information supplied from 60, the regression equation B is obtained from the relationship between all reagent aspiration times and reagent amounts over 1 to (N + M) measurement items using the least square method or the like. The reagent shortage prediction time until the reagent shortage is reached is calculated. For example, the N-th reagent aspiration time is “T”, and the measurement items are included in the L test between the N test and the (N + 1) test of “GOT” in FIG. If it is measured at time “t”, the (N + 1) th scheduled reagent suction time is “T + (L + 1) t”.

  Then, the reagent information calculation unit 72 obtains the “reagent remaining amount effective time” obtained by subtracting the Nth reagent aspiration time from the reagent shortage prediction time, the “reagent remaining amount decrease rate” corresponding to the slope of the regression equation B, and the reagent shortage A “warning time” obtained by subtracting the warning time from the predicted time is calculated and output to the system control unit 60.

  The regression equation C represented on the X and Y axes in FIG. 8 shows the scheduled reagent aspiration time and schedule for (N + 1) to (N + M) measurement items to be measured after the Nth reagent aspiration described in FIG. The relationship between reagent amounts is shown.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 is scheduled to aspirate the reagent of the measurement item based on the measurement item setting information supplied from the system control unit 60 when the Nth reagent amount information is received from the reagent amount detection unit 71. Reagent shortage prediction from the regression equation B until the reagent shortage amount is obtained from the relationship between all the planned reagent aspiration times and (N + M) times of the (N + 1) to (N + M) times using the least square method. Calculate the time.

  Then, the reagent information calculation unit 72 “reagent remaining amount effective time” obtained by subtracting the Nth reagent aspiration time from the reagent shortage prediction time, “reagent remaining amount decrease rate” corresponding to the slope of the regression equation C, and reagent shortage A “warning time” obtained by subtracting the warning time from the predicted time is calculated and output to the system control unit 60.

  Next, a calculation example of the reagent remaining amount effective measurement count and the reagent remaining amount effective amount calculated by the reagent information calculating unit 72 will be described.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 subtracts the reagent shortage amount from the Nth reagent amount from the reagent amount detection unit 71 at the time of receiving the Nth reagent amount information from the reagent amount detection unit 71, and then sets the reagent condition The “reagent remaining amount effective measurement count” divided by the reagent amount set from the screen 44 and stored in the system control unit 60 is output to the system control unit 60.

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 receives the Nth reagent amount information from the reagent amount detection unit 71, and subtracts the reagent shortage from the Nth reagent amount from the reagent amount detection unit 71. The amount effective amount ”is output to the system control unit 60.

  The operation unit 50 includes input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and buttons, sets analysis conditions such as setting positions and reagent amounts of the first and second reagents, inputs subject information such as an ID and a name of the subject, Various operations such as setting of measurement items for each test sample of the subject, calibration operation of each item, test sample analysis operation, display operation of the reagent information display screen, and the like are performed.

  The system control unit 60 includes a CPU (not shown) and storage circuits M1 and M2, and an operator command signal supplied from the operation unit 50, analysis conditions such as reagent conditions, specimen information, and measurement item settings for each specimen After storing information such as, based on these information, control that operates each unit constituting the analysis unit 19 in a predetermined sequence of a predetermined cycle, creation of a calibration table, calculation and output of analysis data, reagent Performs overall system control such as computation and output related to information.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 from the start to the end of measurement.

  The analysis condition of the measurement item is stored in the internal storage circuit M1 of the system control unit 60 by an operation condition setting operation input such as a reagent condition from the operation unit 50. Reagent bottles 7 a and 7 b containing the first reagent and the second reagent of the measurement item are arranged in the reagent positions set from the reagent condition setting screen 44 in the reagent containers 2 and 3 of the analysis unit 19. Further, a calibration table of measurement items is stored in the storage unit 32 of the analysis data processing unit 30 by a calibration operation from the operation unit 50. Furthermore, measurement items are stored for each test sample in the internal storage circuit M2 of the system control unit 60 by the measurement item setting operation input from the operation unit 50.

  First, by the measurement start operation from the operation unit 50, the automatic analyzer 100 starts a measurement operation (step S1).

  The system control unit 60 instructs the analysis control unit 20, the analysis data processing unit 30, the output unit 40, and the reagent information processing unit 70 to display the measurement items for each test sample stored in the internal storage circuit M2. The operation for measurement is performed, and the analysis control unit 20 controls each unit of the analysis unit 19 according to an instruction from the system control unit 60 to perform the measurement operation.

  Under the control of the analysis control unit 20, the first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 of the analysis unit 19 are connected to the first and second reagent bottles 7a and 7b of the measurement items arranged in the reagent storages 2 and 3, respectively. The first and second reagent pumps descend from the top dead center of the suction positions of the first and second reagents to the liquid level detection positions of the first and second reagents, and the first and second reagent pumps continue to the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14, 15, the first and second reagents are aspirated from the first and second reagent bottles 7 a and 7 b.

  The control unit 22 of the analysis control unit 20 includes information about each downward movement drive pulse when moving from the top dead center of each reagent dispensing arm 8, 9 obtained during the above operation to the detection position of each reagent liquid level, and the first and Information on the suction times of the first and second reagents sucked from the second reagent bottles 7a and 7b is output to the reagent amount detection unit 71 of the reagent information processing unit 70 (step S2).

  The reagent amount detection unit 71 detects the reagent amount in the reagent bottle 7 of each reagent from the downward movement drive pulse information from the analysis control unit 20, and outputs it to the reagent information calculation unit 72 together with information on the reagent aspiration time (step) S3).

  The reagent information calculation unit 72 calculates reagent information from the reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount from the reagent amount detection unit 71 and outputs them to the system control unit 60 (step S4).

  When the “warning time” included in the reagent information from the reagent information calculation unit 72 is the same as or before the current time (No in step S5), the system control unit 60 displays the reagent on the display unit 42 of the output unit 40. The reagent information from the information calculation unit 72 is output, the reagent information of the “warning time” target is identified and displayed, and the voice unit 43 warns of the lack of the reagent corresponding to the reagent information of the “warning time” target. A sound or warning buzzer is output (step S6).

  When the warning time included in the reagent information from the reagent information calculation unit 72 of the reagent information processing unit 70 is later than the current time (Yes in step S5), the system control unit 60 displays the display unit of the output unit 40. The reagent information from the reagent information calculation unit 72 is output to 42 (step S7).

  In accordance with the reagent information and instructions output from the system control unit 60 in step S6, only the reagent information subject to “warning time” is identified and displayed on the reagent information display screen 49 of the display unit 42 of the output unit 40. In addition, the voice unit 43 outputs a voice warning or a warning buzzer that warns of a shortage of reagents in the reagent information of “warning time” (step S8).

  On the other hand, the reagent information output from the system control unit 60 in step S7 is displayed in real time on the reagent information display screen 49 of the display unit 42 (step S9).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a reagent information display screen displayed on the display unit 42. The reagent information display screen 49 includes columns such as “reagent name”, “effective time”, “reagent reduction rate”, “effective number of measurements”, “effective amount”, and reagent name display areas 51 corresponding to the respective columns, The reagent information display area includes an effective time display area 52, a reagent reduction rate display area 53, an effective measurement count display area 54, and an effective amount display area 55.

  In the reagent name display area 51, if the total of the first and second reagents of the items set from the reagent condition setting screen 44 and set from the measurement item setting screen 48 is k types, the reagent name display area 511 is displayed. To 51k are arranged side by side. For example, reagent name abbreviations such as “GOT-1” and “GOT-2” set in the reagent abbreviation setting area 45 of the reagent condition setting screen 44 are displayed in the reagent name display areas 511 to 51k.

  The valid time display area 52 is provided below the reagent name display area 51, and valid time display areas 521 to 52k corresponding to the reagent name display areas 511 to 51k are arranged side by side. In the valid time display areas 521 to 52k, the “reagent remaining amount valid time” of the first and second reagents of the measurement item output from the reagent information processing unit 70 is displayed in real time.

  The reagent reduction rate display area 53 is provided below the effective time display area 52, and reagent reduction rate display areas 531 to 53k corresponding to the reagent name display areas 511 to 51k are arranged side by side. In the reagent reduction rate display areas 531 to 53k, the “reagent remaining rate reduction rates” of the first and second reagents of the measurement items output from the reagent information processing unit 70 are displayed in real time.

  The effective measurement number display area 54 is provided below the reagent reduction rate display area 53, and effective measurement number display areas 541 to 54k corresponding to the reagent name display areas 511 to 51k are arranged side by side. In the effective measurement count display areas 541 to 54k, the “reagent remaining effective counts” of the first and second reagents of the measurement items output from the reagent information processing unit 70 are displayed in real time.

  The effective amount display area 55 is provided below the effective measurement number display area 54, and effective amount display areas 551 to 55k corresponding to the reagent name display areas 511 to 51k are arranged side by side. In the effective amount display areas 551 to 55k, the “reagent remaining amount effective amount” of the first and second reagents of the measurement item output from the reagent information processing unit 70 is displayed in real time.

  In the reagent information display screen 49 of the display unit 42, the reagent information output from the system control unit 60 is displayed in real time for each reagent that has been aspirated in a certain cycle. Then, the reagent information of the first or second reagent of each measurement item once displayed is continuously displayed until the updated reagent information of the first or second reagent is output from the system control unit 60 next time. Is done.

  Further, in accordance with an identification display instruction from the system control unit 60, the abbreviation of the name of the reagent to be identified displayed on the reagent information display screen 49 of the display unit 42, the remaining reagent amount effective time, the remaining reagent amount reduction rate, the remaining reagent amount effective Identification information such as red color or emphasis is displayed on the reagent information such as the number of measurements and the effective amount of remaining reagent.

  Returning to FIG. 9, the timing for replenishing the reagent is determined based on the reagent information such as the reagent remaining amount valid time displayed on the reagent information display screen 49 of the display unit 42 in step S9. If there is reagent information identified and displayed on the reagent information display screen 49 or reagent information output as a warning from the audio unit 43, the reagent is preferentially replenished from that reagent.

  On the other hand, the analysis unit 19 outputs an analysis signal obtained by measuring the measurement item for each test sample to the calculation unit 31 of the analysis data processing unit 30 under the control of the analysis control unit 20.

  The calculation unit 31 reads the measurement item calibration signal output from the analysis unit 19 from the storage unit 32 and then uses the calibration table to extract analysis data from the analysis signal. Calculate and output to the output unit 40.

  The printing unit 41 of the output unit 40 prints out the analysis data output from the calculation unit 31 of the analysis data processing unit 30.

  If the reagent aspirating operation for measurement is to be continued (Yes in step S10), the process returns to step S2.

  When the reagent aspirating operation for measurement is completed (No in step S10), when the analysis data of all the test samples is output from the analysis data processing unit 30 to the output unit 40, the system control unit 60 The analysis control unit 20, the analysis data processing unit 30, the output unit 40, and the reagent information processing unit 70 are instructed to stop the measurement operation, and the automatic analyzer 100 ends the measurement operation (step S11).

  According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, it is possible to grasp the remaining amount of reagent in time by calculating reagent information including the remaining amount of reagent remaining time for each reagent of the measurement item and displaying it on the display unit in real time. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine the timing for replenishing the reagent.

  Also, by displaying the reagent information for the “warning time” on the display unit, it is possible to easily determine the reagent that has approached the predicted time of reagent shortage, and to continue the measurement by replenishing the reagent from the “warning time” Can do.

  Furthermore, even if the reagent information identified and displayed on the display unit is overlooked, the reagent information for the “warning time” is specified and an alarm such as a sound or a warning buzzer is issued. The determination can be easily made, and the measurement can be continued by replenishing the reagent even from the “warning time”.

  As a result, re-measurement due to lack of reagents can be prevented, and inspection can be performed without spending extra time.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, In addition to a 1st reagent and a 2nd reagent, the analysis part and analysis which measure using the reagent comprised from the 3 reagent system or more which has the 3rd reagent or more You may make it implement in the apparatus provided with control.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the structure of the analysis part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the reagent condition setting screen which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the measurement item setting screen which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the example which calculates the reagent residual amount effective time which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the example which calculates the reagent residual amount effective time after the reagent replenishment based on the Example of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the other example which calculates the reagent residual amount effective time which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure for demonstrating the other example which calculates the reagent residual amount effective time which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the reagent information display screen which concerns on the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

19 analysis unit 20 analysis control unit 21 mechanism unit 22 control unit 30 analysis data processing unit 31 calculation unit 32 storage unit 40 output unit 41 printing unit 42 display unit 43 audio unit 50 operation unit 60 system control unit 70 reagent information processing unit 71 reagent Quantity detection unit 72 Reagent information calculation unit 100 Automatic analyzer

Claims (8)

Dispensing means for aspirating the reagent from the reagent container and dispensing it into the reaction container;
A measuring means for measuring a test sample in the reaction container and a mixed solution of the reagent dispensed by the dispensing means;
Measurement item setting means for setting items to be measured for each test sample in the measurement means;
Reagent amount detection means for detecting the amount of the reagent in the reagent container;
Based on the reagent aspiration time when the dispensing means aspirates the reagent and the reagent amount detected by the reagent amount detection means correspondingly, the remaining amount of the reagent is effective until the reagent shortage is reduced. Reagent information calculating means for calculating time;
An automatic analyzer comprising: output means for outputting in real time reagent information including the reagent remaining amount valid time calculated by the reagent information calculating means.   The reagent information calculation means obtains a reagent shortage prediction time that becomes the reagent shortage based on the reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount, and subtracts the current time from the reagent shortage prediction time to obtain the reagent remaining amount valid time. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the automatic analyzer is calculated.   In addition to the relationship between the reagent aspiration time and the reagent amount, the reagent information calculation means includes a scheduled reagent aspiration time and a scheduled reagent scheduled for reagent aspiration based on information on the measurement items set by the measurement item setting means. The reagent remaining amount effective time is obtained from the relational expression of the quantity, and further, the reagent shortage prediction time that becomes the reagent shortage amount is obtained using this formula, and the current time is subtracted from the reagent shortage prediction time. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The reagent information calculation means obtains the remaining reagent remaining time from the relational expression of the scheduled reagent aspiration time and the scheduled reagent amount scheduled for reagent aspiration based on the information of the measurement item set by the measurement item setting means, 2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising: calculating a reagent shortage prediction time that becomes the reagent shortage by using this equation, and subtracting the current time from the reagent shortage prediction time. .   5. The reagent information calculation unit according to claim 2, wherein the reagent information calculation unit further calculates reagent information of a reagent amount decrease rate that decreases per unit time of the reagent. 6. Automatic analyzer.   The reagent information calculating means further obtains a warning time by subtracting a predetermined time from the reagent shortage prediction time, and when the warning time is the same as or before the current time, a warning is output from the output means. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein:   7. The output means includes display means, wherein the remaining reagent remaining time is displayed on the display means, and reagent information corresponding to the warning time is identified and displayed, and a warning is output. Automatic analyzer described in 1.   The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the output unit includes a voice unit, and reagent information corresponding to the warning time is output as a warning.

Images