JP2008224243A - Analytical device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an analytical device, with no complex configuration required, that can reduce a load of an operator when he/she makes determination on replenishment of a reagent. <P>SOLUTION: The analytical device 1 which helps an operator to make determination on replenishment of a reagent displays a selection menu that shows options to select either of execution of measurement or addition of a reagent the amount of which will be insufficient when it is judged that the amount of the reagent will be insufficient for a sample which has been received for analysis. Thus, it can reduce a load of the operator without making the device configuration complex when he/she makes determination on the replenishment of a reagent. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer that includes a detection unit that detects the amount of a reagent in a reagent container that is installed, and that analyzes a sample that has been accepted for analysis using the reagent in the reagent container.

  Conventionally, as a device for automatically analyzing a specimen such as blood or body fluid, a specimen and one or more types of reagents are dispensed into a reaction container, and after a chemical change between the specimen and the reagent occurs, An analyzer that automatically analyzes a sample by measuring the optical characteristics of the reaction solution is known. In such an analyzer, if the reagent runs out during the measurement, the operator must stop the instrument, set a new reagent, perform calibration processing and quality control measurement, and then run out of reagents. The measurement of the sample that was not measured by could not be resumed.

  For this reason, in the past, in order to prevent measurement stoppage due to reagent shortage, an analyzer that outputs the remaining amount of the reagent that is currently installed in the apparatus and a spare reagent storage are provided, and the reagent that is to be replenished from the spare reagent storage An analyzer equipped with an auto-loading function for automatically taking out and moving to a reagent storage has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

JP 2003-315344 A JP 2004-340649 A

  However, in an analyzer that outputs the remaining amount of reagent that is currently installed in the device, the operator performs a calibration process in addition to the number of samples to be measured and the number of analysis items based on the output remaining reagent amount. In addition, it is necessary to determine whether or not the remaining amount of the reagent is sufficient for the measurement in consideration of the amount of reagent required for the accuracy control sample measurement process, and this determination is a heavy burden on the operator. In particular, in this analyzer, when a person unfamiliar with the operation of the apparatus operates it, it may not be possible to judge well whether the remaining amount of the reagent is sufficient for the measurement, and the reagent may be insufficient during the measurement. there were.

  In addition, an analyzer equipped with an autoloading function requires a spare reagent store, a reagent take-out mechanism, and a mechanism for moving to the reagent store, and the device configuration is complicated and the size of the device increases. There was a problem that the cost increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that reduces the burden on the operator regarding reagent replenishment without complicating the apparatus configuration.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention includes detection means for detecting the amount of reagent in a reagent container to be installed, and accepts analysis using the reagent in the reagent container. In the analyzer for analyzing the sample subjected to the analysis, the addition of the insufficient reagent or the execution of the measurement is performed when it is determined that the reagent amount detected by the detection unit is insufficient with respect to the sample for which the analysis has been accepted. It is characterized by comprising control means for displaying on the display means a selection menu expressing any one as an option, and selection means capable of selecting either addition of a missing reagent or execution of measurement.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the control unit causes the display unit to display a calibration setting menu that can set the contents of the calibration process when the selection of the missing reagent is selected by the selection unit. It is characterized by.

  The analyzer according to the present invention further comprises an instruction means for instructing the content setting of the calibration process, and the detection means selects the addition of the missing reagent by the selection means and newly adds the reagent. In this case, the control unit detects the amount of the reagent including the added reagent, and the control unit performs the calibration process and the analysis reception instructed by the instruction unit using the detected reagent amount of the reagent. After calculating the measurement time, the number of samples that can be measured, and the insufficient reagent amount when performing the measurement process on the sample, the calculated measurement time, the number of samples that can be measured, and the insufficient reagent amount are displayed on the display means. It is characterized by being displayed.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the control means can set at least one of calibration processing, calibration curve verification processing by reagent blank measurement, and quality control processing by quality control sample measurement, or the calibration A first calibration setting menu that can be selected to set neither a calibration process, a calibration curve verification process based on the reagent blank measurement, or a quality control process based on the quality control sample measurement is displayed on the display means. And

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the control means can set at least one of the number of times of calibrator measurement, the number of times of reagent blank measurement, the type of quality control sample, and the number of times of measurement of the quality control sample. The calibration setting menu 2 is displayed on the display means.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, when the execution of measurement is selected by the selection unit, the control unit creates a list indicating the samples for which the reagent is insufficient among the samples for which the analysis is accepted. Features.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, in order to support the reagent replenishment determination by the operator, either the addition of the insufficient reagent or the execution of the measurement is selected when it is determined that the reagent is insufficient for the sample for which the analysis is accepted. By displaying the selection menu expressed as “”, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator regarding reagent replenishment determination without complicating the apparatus configuration.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an analyzer that is an embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example of an analyzer that performs biochemical analysis on a sample such as blood or urine. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  In the present embodiment, various selection menus are displayed to assist the operator in determining reagent replenishment. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 according to the embodiment dispenses a specimen and a reagent to be analyzed into a reaction vessel 21 and optically measures a reaction occurring in the reaction vessel 21. And a control mechanism 3 that controls the entire analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 2 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2. The analyzer 1 automatically and sequentially performs biochemical analysis for detecting the concentration of the detection target in the sample by the cooperation of these two mechanisms.

  First, the measurement mechanism 2 will be described. The measurement mechanism 2 is roughly divided into a reaction table 10, a first reagent storage 11, a first reagent dispensing mechanism 12, a sample transfer unit 13, a sample dispensing mechanism 14, a second reagent storage 15, a second reagent dispensing mechanism 16, A stirring unit 17, a photometric unit 18, and a cleaning unit 19 are provided.

  The reaction table 10 transfers the reaction container 21 to a predetermined position in order to dispense a sample or reagent into the reaction container 21, to stir, wash or measure the reaction container 21. The reaction table 10 is rotatable about a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction table 10 as a rotation axis by driving a drive mechanism (not shown) under the control of the control unit 31. An openable and closable lid and a thermostat (not shown) are provided above and below the reaction table 10, respectively.

  The first reagent storage 11 can store a plurality of first reagent containers 11 a in which the first reagent to be dispensed first among the two types of reagents dispensed in the reaction container 21 is accommodated. A plurality of storage chambers are arranged at equal intervals in the first reagent storage 11, and a first reagent container 11a is detachably stored in each storage chamber. The first reagent storage 11 is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around a vertical line passing through the center of the first reagent storage 11 as a driving mechanism (not shown) is driven under the control of the control unit 31. The desired first reagent container 11a is transferred to the reagent aspirating position by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12. An openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the first reagent storage 11. The first reagent storage 11 is kept cold. Therefore, when the first reagent container 11a is stored in the first reagent storage 11 and the lid is closed, the reagent stored in the first reagent container 11a is kept in a cold state, and the first reagent container 11a Evaporation and denaturation of the reagent contained in the container can be suppressed.

  A recording medium on which reagent information related to the reagent stored in the first reagent container 11a is recorded is attached to the side surface of the first reagent container 11a. For example, the recording medium records analysis items, reagent names, lot information, bottle information, and the like in which the reagent contained in the first reagent container 11a is used. The recording medium displays various encoded information and is optically read.

  A first reagent reading unit 11 b that optically reads the recording medium is provided on the outer periphery of the first reagent storage 11. The first reagent reading unit 11b emits infrared light or visible light to the recording medium, and reads the information on the recording medium by processing the reflected light from the recording medium. In addition, the first reagent reading unit 11b may capture the recording medium, decode the image information obtained by the imaging process, and acquire the recording medium information. The first reagent reading unit 11b outputs the read information of the recording medium to the control unit 31 in association with the position in the first reagent storage 11 of the first reagent container 11a to which the recording medium is attached.

  The first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 includes an arm 12a to which a probe for aspirating and discharging the first reagent is attached to the tip. The arm 12a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 includes a suction / discharge mechanism using a suction / discharge syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 sucks into the probe the reagent in the first reagent container 11a corresponding to the analysis item designated by the sample to be analyzed that has been moved to a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 11. Then, the arm 12a is pivoted clockwise in the drawing, and dispensed into the reaction container 21 conveyed to a predetermined position on the reaction table 10. In addition, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 is provided with a sensor that can detect the liquid level height using a change in capacitance at the probe tip, and the reagent contained in each detected first reagent container 11a. Is output to the control unit 31.

  The sample transfer unit 13 includes a plurality of sample racks 13b that hold a plurality of sample containers 13a containing liquid samples such as blood and urine and sequentially transfer them in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample in the sample container 13a transferred to a predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 13 is dispensed by the sample dispensing mechanism 14 into the reaction container 21 that is arranged and transported on the reaction table 10. A recording medium on which sample information related to the sample stored in the sample container 13a is recorded is attached to the side surface of the sample container 13a. The sample information includes information on the provider who provided the sample, an analysis item instructed to analyze the sample stored in the sample container 13a, a collection date of the sample, and the like.

  A sample reading unit 13c that optically reads a recording medium attached to the sample container 13a is provided outside the sample transfer unit 13. Similar to the first reagent reading unit 11b, the sample reading unit 13c emits infrared light or visible light to the recording medium, and reads the information on the recording medium by processing the reflected light from the recording medium. In addition, the sample reading unit 13c may perform image capturing processing on the recording medium, decode image information obtained by the image capturing processing, and acquire information on the recording medium. The sample reading unit 13 c outputs the read sample information to the control unit 31.

  Similar to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12, the sample dispensing mechanism 14 includes an arm 14a with a probe for aspirating and discharging the sample attached to the tip, and an intake / exhaust mechanism using an unillustrated intake / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. Prepare. The sample dispensing mechanism 14 sucks the sample into the probe from the sample container 13a transferred to the predetermined position on the sample transfer unit 13, and dispenses the sample by rotating the arm 14a counterclockwise in the drawing. To do.

  The second reagent storage 15 can store a plurality of second reagent containers 15 a in which the second reagent to be dispensed after the sample is dispensed among the two types of reagents dispensed in the reaction container 21. Similar to the first reagent storage 11, the second reagent storage 15 is provided with a plurality of storage chambers in which the second reagent containers 15a are detachably stored. Similar to the first reagent storage 11, the second reagent storage 15 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and the desired second reagent container 15 a is transferred to the reagent aspirating position by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16. To do. Similar to the first reagent storage 11, an openable / closable lid (not shown) is provided above the second reagent storage 15, and the second reagent storage 15 is kept cold. Similar to the first reagent container 11a, a recording medium on which reagent information related to the second reagent stored in the second reagent container 15a is recorded is attached to the side surface of the second reagent container 15a. In addition, a second reagent reading unit 15b that has the same function as the first reagent reading unit 11b and optically reads the recording medium attached to the second reagent container 15a is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the second reagent storage 15. It has been.

  Similar to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16 uses an arm 16a with a probe for aspirating and discharging the second reagent attached to the tip, and an unillustrated suction / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. A reaction table after aspirating the reagent in the second reagent container 15a corresponding to the analysis item designated by the sample to be analyzed that has been moved to a predetermined position on the second reagent storage 15 into the probe. 10 is dispensed into the reaction vessel 21 transported to a predetermined position on 10. In addition, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16 is provided with a sensor that can detect the liquid surface height by utilizing a change in capacitance at the tip of the probe, and the reagent contained in each detected second reagent container 15a. Is output to the control unit 31. The stirring unit 17 stirs the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent dispensed in the reaction vessel 21 to promote the reaction.

  The photometry unit 18 emits light of a predetermined wavelength to the reaction vessel 21, receives light that has passed through the reaction solution of the reagent and the sample in the reaction vessel 21, performs spectral intensity measurement, and measures absorbance and the like. The measurement result obtained by the photometry unit 18 is output to the control unit 31 and analyzed by the analysis unit 34. The photometric unit 18 may be configured to irradiate the reaction vessel 21 with white light, and to detect the output of a predetermined wavelength by transmitting the reaction liquid and then performing spectroscopy.

  The cleaning unit 19 performs cleaning by sucking and discharging the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 21 that has been measured by the photometry unit 18 by using a nozzle (not shown) and injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. . The washed reaction vessel 21 is reused. Depending on the contents of the inspection, the reaction vessel 21 may be discarded after completion of one measurement, and a new reaction vessel 21 may be automatically supplied although not shown.

  Next, the control mechanism 3 will be described. The control mechanism 3 includes a control unit 31, an input unit 33, an analysis unit 34, a storage unit 35, an output unit 36, and a transmission / reception unit 38. These units included in the measurement mechanism 2 and the control mechanism 3 are electrically connected to the control unit 31.

  The control unit 31 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the analyzer 1. The control unit 31 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The control unit 31 also determines the liquid level height of the reagent stored in each first reagent container 11a and each second reagent container 15a detected by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16. First, the amount of reagent in each first reagent container 11a and each second reagent container 15a installed in the analyzer 1 is detected.

  The input unit 33 is configured by using a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and acquires various information necessary for analyzing the sample, instruction information for the analysis operation, and the like from the outside. The analysis unit 34 obtains the concentration of the detection target in the sample based on the absorbance measured by the photometry unit 18 and performs component analysis of the sample. The storage unit 35 is configured using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 35 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.

  The output unit 36 is configured using a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information including the analysis result of the sample. The output unit 36 is configured using a display, and includes a display unit 37 that displays and outputs the analysis result of the sample and various selection menus. The transmission / reception unit 38 has a function as an interface for performing transmission / reception of information according to a predetermined format via a communication network (not shown).

  The control unit 31 includes a display control unit 32 that controls display processing of the display unit 37. When the control unit 31 determines that the reagent amount is insufficient with the reagent amount detected for the sample for which the analysis has been accepted, the display control unit 32 selects either addition of the insufficient reagent or execution of the measurement as an option. The menu is displayed on the display unit 37. In this case, the input unit 33 functions as a selection unit in the scope of claims, and inputs selection information for selecting either addition of a missing reagent or execution of measurement to the control unit 31. The display control unit 32 causes the display unit 37 to display a calibration setting menu for setting the content of the calibration process when selection information for selecting addition of a deficient reagent is input by the input unit 33. The input unit 33 functions as an instruction unit in the scope of the claims, and inputs instruction information for instructing the content setting of the calibration process to the control unit 31. The display control unit 32 includes, as a calibration setting menu, a first calibration setting menu that can set at least one of calibration processing, calibration curve verification processing by reagent blank measurement, and accuracy management processing by sample measurement for accuracy control, a calibrator The display unit 37 displays a second calibration setting menu in which the number of times of measurement, the number of times of reagent blank measurement, the type of quality control sample, and the number of times of quality control sample measurement can be set. In the first calibration setting menu, it is possible to select not to set any of calibration processing, calibration curve verification processing by reagent blank measurement, and accuracy management processing by sample measurement for accuracy control.

  The control unit 31 is detected by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12 and the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16 when the instruction information for instructing addition of the insufficient reagent is input by the input unit 33 and a new reagent is newly added. Based on the liquid level height of the newly added reagent, the amount of the reagent including the added reagent is detected. Then, the control unit 31 uses the detected reagent amount of the reagent, and the measurement time and the sample that can be measured when the calibration process instructed by the input unit 33 and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis is accepted are performed. Calculate the number and amount of reagent missing. The display control unit 32 causes the display unit 37 to display the measurement time calculated by the control unit 31, the number of samples that can be measured with the installed reagent amount, and the insufficient reagent amount. Further, when the measurement execution is selected by the selection information of the input unit 33, the control unit 31 creates a list indicating the samples for which the reagent is insufficient among the samples for which the analysis is accepted.

  Next, measurement processing by the analyzer 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to the measurement processing in the analyzer 1. As shown in FIG. 2, in the analyzer 1, after the analyzer 1 is activated, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 12, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 16, and the control unit 31 are each installed in the apparatus. Reagent check processing is performed to detect the reagent amount in the reagent container 11a and each second reagent container 15a (step S2). Next, the control unit 31 calculates the number of samples that can be measured with the detected reagent amount in each first reagent container 11a and each second reagent container 15a (step S4). Next, the control unit 31 performs a sample reception process based on information instructing the reception of analysis such as the analysis item and the number of samples input from the input unit 33 by the input process of the input unit 33 by the operator (step). S6).

  The control unit 31 compares the number N of samples that can be measured with the detected reagent amount in each first reagent container 11a and each second reagent container 15a with the number M of received samples, and the measurable number N> the received sample. It is determined whether or not the number is M (step S8). When the control unit 31 determines that the measurable number N> the received sample number M (step S8: Yes), the sample that has received the analysis is identified as a reagent-satisfactory sample that does not cause a reagent shortage (step S10). Then, a measurement process is performed (step S26).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the measurable number N> the number of received samples M is not satisfied (step S8: No), the sample that has received the analysis is identified as a reagent-deficient sample that is expected to have a reagent shortage during the measurement (step S12). . Then, the display control unit 32 displays on the display unit 37 that the reagent is insufficient (step S14).

  As a result, the display unit 37 displays and outputs a reagent replenishment selection menu M1 as exemplified in FIG. 3 on the screen. The reagent replenishment selection menu M1 shows a table T1 in which the analysis items that are expected to be insufficient in the middle of measurement and the reagent shortage are associated with the sample that has been analyzed. In the table T1, a column L11 indicating an analysis item in which a reagent shortage is expected during the measurement for the sample that has been analyzed, and positions of the respective reagents corresponding to the analysis items in the first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 15 are shown. A column L12 is shown, and a column L13 showing the number of insufficient tests and the amount of insufficient reagents in each analysis item is provided. Further, the table T1 is provided with a selection column in which each action can be selected for an analysis item for which a reagent shortage is expected. By confirming this reagent replenishment selection menu M1, the operator can recognize the analysis item and the reagent shortage that are expected to be insufficient for the sample that has been analyzed.

  Next, in the analyzer 1, a reagent addition determination process is performed for determining whether or not to add a reagent corresponding to an analysis item for which a reagent shortage is expected during measurement for a sample that has been analyzed (step S16). . And the control part 31 judges whether there was any reagent addition in a reagent addition judgment process (step S17). When it is determined that there is no reagent addition in the reagent addition determination process (step S17: No), the control unit 31 identifies the sample that has received the analysis as a reagent shortage occurrence sample in which a reagent shortage occurs during the measurement (step S18). Then, a measurement process is performed (step S26).

  When it is determined that the reagent has been added in the reagent addition determination process (step S17: Yes), the control unit 31 performs a calibration determination process for determining the content of the calibration process (step S20). In this calibration determination process, together with the content of the calibration process, a reagent shortage display corresponding to the content of the calibration process, a reagent re-addition determination process for a reagent in which a reagent shortage occurs, and a reagent re-addition determination are performed. An identification process is performed to identify the sample as a reagent additional sample. Then, in the calibration determination process, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the sample that has received the analysis is a reagent added sample (step S22). When the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has received the analysis is a reagent added sample (step S22: Yes), after performing a reagent check process on the added reagent (step S23), the control unit 31 returns to step S8 to allow measurement. It is determined whether or not the number N> the number M of received samples.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has received the analysis is not a reagent-added sample (step S22: No), is the sample installed or added to the analysis device sufficient for the sample that has received the analysis? It is determined whether or not (step S24). When the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has received the analysis is satisfied with the reagent installed or added in the analyzer (step S24: Yes), the sample that has received the analysis is identified as a reagent sufficient sample. (Step S10), a measurement process is performed (Step S26). On the other hand, if the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has been analyzed is not satisfied with the reagent installed or added in the analyzer (step S24: No), the sample that has received the analysis has insufficient reagents. The generated specimen is identified (step S18), and measurement processing is performed (step S26).

  Next, the reagent addition determination process shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, in the reagent addition determination process, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the sample that has received the analysis is a reagent additional sample (step S32).

  When the control unit 31 determines that the sample for which the analysis has been received is not a reagent added sample (step S32: No), the display control unit 32 displays a reagent replenishment selection menu, for example, for assistance in determining reagent replenishment illustrated in FIG. It is displayed on the display unit 37 (step S34).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the table T1 of the reagent replenishment selection menu M1 is provided with a selection column for selecting each action for an analysis item for which a reagent shortage is expected as described above. The operator confirms the reagent replenishment selection menu M1 to perform appropriate response processing for the reagent of each analysis item without the operator himself / herself determining the response processing for the reagent of each analysis item for which reagent shortage is expected. Can be recognized. Then, the operator operates the mouse, keyboard, and touch panel buttons constituting the input unit 33, and selects an action for the analysis item for which reagent shortage is expected. Specifically, first, after selecting the edit button Se1, the operator selects each selection column C11 to C19 in which each action can be selected. In the table T1, for the analysis item “ALB”, a selection column C11 for selecting reagent replacement, a selection column C12 for selecting reagent replacement, and reagent execution without reagent replenishment are selected. A selectable column C13 is provided. When the operator selects reagent replacement for the analysis item “ALB”, the operator operates the mouse, moves the cursor onto the selection field C11, selects the selection field C11, and then selects the confirmation button Sd1. Good. As a result, selection information indicating that reagent replacement is selected for the analysis item “ALB” is input from the input unit 33 to the control unit 31.

  As described above, the control unit 31 receives selection information indicating each action for an analysis item in which a reagent shortage is expected (step S36). Next, the control part 31 judges the presence or absence of reagent addition based on selection information (step S38).

  When it is determined that there is no reagent addition because the lack of reagents is ignored (step S38: No), the control unit 31 ends the reagent addition determination process. In this case, this sample is identified as a reagent deficient sample in step S18 in FIG.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reagent addition has been performed by reagent replacement or reagent transfer (step S38: Yes), the control unit 31 performs a reagent check process for detecting the reagent amount of the added reagent (step S40). In this case, the reagent information of the first reagent container 11a and the second reagent container 15a replenished to the first reagent container 11 and the second reagent container 15 and the position in the reagent container are recorded attached to each supplemented reagent. The medium is read by the first reagent reading unit 11b and the second reagent reading unit 15b. Then, the control unit 31 calculates the number of samples that can be measured with the detected reagent amount again (step S42), and ends the reagent addition determination process.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has received the analysis is a reagent added sample (step S32: Yes), the display control unit 32 causes the display unit 37 to display a reagent replenishment selection menu (step S32). S44). The reagent-added sample is a sample identified as the sample for which the reagent re-addition determination has been performed in the calibration determination process, and the reagent execution is not selected without ignoring the reagent and without adding the reagent. For this reason, the reagent replenishment selection menu displayed in step S36 is a selection column C13, C16, C19 in which it is possible to select execution of a reagent while ignoring a reagent shortage and not adding a reagent among the actions of the table T1 shown in FIG. The table with the deleted is displayed. And the control part 31 receives the selection information which shows each action with respect to the analysis item with which reagent shortage is anticipated similarly to step S44 (step S46), and performs the reagent check process which detects the reagent amount of the replenished reagent (step S46). Step S40). Then, the control unit 31 calculates the number of samples that can be measured with the detected reagent amount again (step S42), and ends the reagent addition determination process.

  Next, the calibration determination process shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In the calibration determination process, first, the display control unit 32 displays, for example, the calibration selection menu M2 illustrated in FIG. 6 on the display unit 37 (step S52).

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the table T2 of the calibration selection menu M2 includes a column L21 indicating analysis items in which reagent shortage is expected during the measurement, a first reagent storage 11 of each reagent corresponding to each analysis item, Column L22 indicating the position in the second reagent storage 15, column L24 indicating the lot information of each reagent corresponding to each analysis item, column L26 in which an action for changing the content of the calibration process can be selected, and the number of reagent shortage tests in each analysis item A column L27 is provided. The positions in the first reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 15, the lot information of each reagent, and the like are displayed based on the information read by the first reagent reading unit 11b and the second reagent reading unit 15b. The column L26 is provided with respective selection fields in which a calibration process, a reagent blank measurement process, and a quality control measurement process can be selected. For example, in the analysis item “ALB”, in the column C12 of the column L26, a selection column CB1 in which both the calibrator and the reagent blank are measured and a calibration process for setting a calibration curve can be selected. There are provided a selection column CB2 for selecting a reagent blank measurement process to be verified, and a selection column CB3 for selecting an accuracy management process for measuring an accuracy control sample having a known concentration and managing the analysis accuracy. Here, the selection column CB1 or the selection column CB2 and the selection column CB3 can be selected repeatedly. Therefore, the operator can select only the calibration process, only the reagent blank measurement process, and only the quality control process, and can select the calibration process and the quality control process, or the reagent blank measurement process and the quality control process. Is possible. After selecting the edit button Se2, the operator may select each selection column corresponding to the desired process and select the confirm button Sd2. As a result, calibration selection information for instructing the setting of the calibration processing content for each analysis item is input from the input unit 33 to the control unit 31. In addition, when none of the calibration process, the reagent blank measurement process, and the quality control process is set, the operator may select the confirmation button Sd2 without changing any selection column. In this case, calibration selection information is input from the input unit 33 to the control unit 31 to instruct that the calibration process, the reagent blank measurement process, and the quality control process are not newly set and the previously set conditions are used as they are. The

  As described above, the control unit 31 receives the calibration selection information for setting the calibration processing content of each analysis item (step S54). Then, the control unit 31 calculates the reagent shortage when the calibration process instructed by the input unit 33 and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis is accepted are performed using the detected reagent amount of the reagent, The display control unit 32 displays, for example, the reagent shortage calculated in each column of the column L27 in the calibration selection menu M2 on the display unit 37 (step S56).

  For example, when the calibration process and the quality control measurement process are selected for the analysis item “ALB”, the control unit 31 performs analysis in consideration of the reagent amount used in the calibration process and the quality control measurement process. The display controller 32 displays the reagent shortage calculated by the control unit 31 in the column C22 on the display unit 37 by calculating the reagent shortage when the measurement process is performed on the accepted sample. Let Further, the control unit 31 performs measurement processing when performing the calibration process instructed by the input unit 33 using the reagent of the detected reagent amount together with the reagent shortage amount and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis is accepted, The number of samples that can be measured is calculated, and the display control unit 32 causes the display unit 37 to display the measurement time calculated by the control unit 31 and the number of samples that can be measured. For example, the measurement time calculated by the control unit 31 is displayed in a box B2 in the calibration selection menu M2. In this way, the calibration selection menu M2 displays the amount of reagent shortage, measurement time, etc. corresponding to the contents of each selected calibration process, so that the operator corresponds the contents of calibration to the sample analysis state. In addition to being able to select freely, it is possible to quickly recognize the occurrence of a reagent shortage in the calibration content set by the operator and the accurate measurement time.

  Next, the display control unit 32 displays, for example, the calibration setting menu M3 illustrated in FIG. 7 on the display unit 37 (step S58). As illustrated in FIG. 7, the table T3 of the calibration setting menu M3 includes a column L31 indicating an analysis item in which a reagent shortage is expected during the measurement, and a column L32 indicating the lot information of each reagent corresponding to each analysis item. , A column L33 indicating a selection column for selecting the number of times of measurement of the calibrator, a column L34 indicating a selection column for selecting the number of times of measurement of the reagent blank, a column L35 indicating a selection column of which the type of the quality control sample and the number of times of measurement can be selected, and each analysis A column L36 indicating the number of reagent shortage tests in the item is provided. The operator may change the numerical value in the selection column corresponding to each number of measurements after selecting the edit button Se3. For example, in the analysis item “ALB”, the operator sets the number of calibration measurements in the selection field C31 to 4 times, the measurement number of the reagent blank in the selection field C32 to 4, and the type of the quality control sample in the selection field C33. Is changed to “A”, and the number of measurements of the quality control sample “A” in the selection column C34 is changed to 10 times, the desired number of times is input by operating the keyboard after moving the cursor C onto each column. do it. As a result, the number of measurements in the calibration process, reagent blank measurement process, and quality control measurement process for the analysis item “ALB” is input from the input unit 33. Note that the operator may select the return button Sb3 to return to the calibration selection menu M2 before the calibration setting menu M3.

  In this way, the control unit 31 receives calibration setting information for setting the number of measurements in the calibration process, reagent blank measurement process, and quality control measurement process for each analysis item (step S60).

  Then, the control unit 31 uses the detected reagent amount of the reagent to measure the number of measurements in the calibration process, the reagent blank measurement process, and the quality control measurement process instructed by the input unit 33, and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis is accepted. The display controller 32 causes the display 37 to display the calculated reagent shortage in each column of the column L36 in the calibration setting menu M3 (step S62). Specifically, in the analysis item “ALB”, the reagent shortage amount corresponding to the calibration process set by the columns C31 to C34 is displayed in the column C35. Further, the control unit 31 performs the number of measurements and the analysis reception in the calibration process, the reagent blank measurement process, and the quality control measurement process instructed by the input unit 33 by using the reagent of the detected reagent amount together with the reagent shortage amount. The display control unit 32 calculates the measurement time calculated by the control unit 31 and the number of samples that can be measured on the display unit 37. Display. For example, the measurement time calculated by the control unit 31 is displayed in a box B3 in the calibration setting menu M3. As described above, since the reagent shortage and the measurement time are displayed in the calibration setting menu M3 in correspondence with the contents of each selected calibration process, the operator associates the calibration contents with the sample analysis state. It is possible to select freely, and it is possible to quickly recognize the occurrence of a reagent shortage in the calibration content set by the operator and the accurate measurement time.

  And the control part 31 judges whether the process determination information which determines the content of a calibration process was received (step S63). This process determination information is input from the input unit 33 to the control unit 31 when, for example, the end field Sd3 in the calibration setting menu M3 is selected. When the control unit 31 does not receive the process determination information and determines that the instruction information for instructing the calibration setting operation is received again (step S63: No), the display control unit 32 returns to step S52 and returns to the calibration selection menu. Is displayed on the display unit 37, and the contents of the calibration process can be set again.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the process determination information has been received (step S63: Yes), the calibration process set by the calibration selection information and the calibration setting information and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis is accepted If it is determined whether or not the reagent is sufficient for the measurement of the sample for which the analysis is accepted (step S64). When it is determined that the reagent is sufficient (step S64: Yes), the control unit 31 ends the calibration determination process.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the reagent is insufficient (step S64: No), the control unit 31 determines whether or not the reagent re-addition is instructed (step S66). In this case, for example, the display control unit 32 causes the display unit 37 to display a reagent error menu M5 illustrated in FIG. The operator operates the input unit 33 to select either a selection column for selecting the reagent addition or a selection column for selecting the reagent addition. The control unit 31 receives the selection information regarding the reagent addition input from the input unit 33 by the operation of the input unit 33 by the operator, and thereby determines whether or not the reagent re-addition is instructed. When determining that the reagent re-addition is instructed (step S66: Yes), the control unit 31 identifies the sample for which the analysis has been accepted as the reagent added sample (step S68), and ends the calibration determination process.

  When it is determined that the reagent re-addition is not instructed (step S66: No), the control unit 31 determines whether there is an instruction to perform the measurement as it is (step S70). In this case, the display control unit 32 displays the menu M6 illustrated in FIG. 9 on the display unit 37, for example. The operator operates the input unit 33 to select either a selection column for selecting that the measurement is to be performed or a selection column for selecting that the measurement is not to be performed. The control unit 31 receives the selection information regarding the measurement execution input from the input unit 33 by the operation of the input unit 33 by the operator, thereby determining whether or not the measurement execution is instructed. If the control unit 31 determines that there is an instruction to execute the measurement (step S70: Yes), the calibration determination process ends. In this case, this sample is identified as a reagent deficient sample in step S18 in FIG. If the control unit 31 determines that there is an instruction not to execute the measurement (step S70: No), the process returns to step S52, the display control unit 32 displays the calibration selection menu on the display unit 37, and the calibration is performed again. It is possible to set the contents of the action processing. As described above, in the calibration determination process, the calibration selection menu and the calibration setting menu are displayed to assist the operator in setting the calibration contents.

  Next, the measurement process shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the measurement process, the measurement for the sample for which the analysis is accepted is started (step S72). In addition, when the calibration process content is set, the control part 31 performs the measurement process with respect to the sample after performing the set calibration process with respect to each component in the analyzer 1. Then, the control unit 31 causes the sample dispensing mechanism 14 to perform the dispensing process for each sample, and ends the sample dispensing process (step S74). Based on the information input from the input unit 33, the control unit 31 determines whether or not an additional sample has been received (step S76).

  When it is determined that no additional sample is received (step S76: No), the control unit 31 determines whether the measured sample is identified as a reagent deficient sample (step S78). . If the control unit 31 determines that the sample that has been measured has not been identified as a reagent-deficient sample (step S78: No), the measurement process ends. On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the measured sample is identified as the reagent deficient sample (step S78: Yes), the sample of the sample for which the reagent deficiency has occurred among the samples for which the analysis has been accepted. The list is created as a retest list (step S80), and the measurement process is terminated. By checking this retest list, the operator can recognize a sample in which a reagent shortage has occurred among the samples that have been accepted for analysis. Samples that were not performed can be accurately analyzed again.

  On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the additional reception of the sample has been performed (step S76: Yes), after the reagent is used by the measurement, the control unit 31 includes the first reagent container 11a and the second reagent container 15a. The number of samples Na that can be measured is calculated based on the amount of the remaining reagent, the number of samples Na that can be measured is compared with the number of additional accepted samples Ma, and the measurable number Na> the number of additional accepted samples Ma It is determined whether or not there is (step S82).

  If the control unit 31 determines that the measurable number Na> the additional received sample number Ma (step S82: Yes), the control unit 31 returns to step S72 and starts measuring the additionally received sample. On the other hand, when the control unit 31 determines that the measurable number Na> the additional received sample number Ma is not satisfied (step S82: No), the display control unit 32 determines the number of samples that can be measured with the remaining amount of reagent. Is displayed on the display unit 37 (step S84), and the measurement selection menu M4 illustrated in FIG. 11 is displayed (step S86). As shown in FIG. 11, the measurement selection menu M4 displays the number of samples that can be measured and the number of samples that cannot be measured due to a lack of reagents, and a selection field for selecting an action for the additionally accepted sample. ing. In the measurement menu M4, there are provided a selection column for selecting measurement of only acceptable samples, a selection column for selecting measurement execution for all samples, and a selection column for selecting not to measure all samples. In this case, the operator operates the input unit 33 to select a selection field indicating a desired action, and then selects the confirmation button Sd4. As a result, measurement selection information for instructing each action for the additionally accepted sample is input from the input unit 33 to the control unit 31.

  As described above, the control unit 31 receives the measurement selection information (step S88), and determines the measurement selection content for the additional received sample (step S90). When the measurement selection content for the additional received sample is measurement only for the measurable sample (step S90: only measurable), the control unit 31 returns to step S72 and starts measurement for the measurable sample. In addition, when the measurement selection content for the additional reception sample is measurement execution for all the samples (step S90: measurement execution), the control unit 31 performs a reagent shortage occurrence sample in which reagent shortage occurs during measurement of the additional reception sample. (Step S92), the process returns to step S72, and the measurement for all the additionally accepted samples is started. Note that a retest list is created for the additionally accepted sample identified as the reagent deficient sample in step S80 after the measurement. In addition, when the measurement selection content for the additional reception sample indicates that the additional reception sample is not measured (step S90: measurement is not performed), the control unit 31 ends the measurement process.

  As described above, in the analysis apparatus 1 according to the embodiment, an operator expressing, as an option, either addition of a reagent that is insufficient or execution of measurement when it is determined that a reagent is insufficient with respect to a sample that has been accepted for analysis. By displaying the reagent replenishment selection menu for supporting the reagent replenishment determination according to the above, it is possible to reduce the burden on the operator regarding the reagent replenishment determination without complicating the apparatus configuration. Further, in the analyzer 1, the calibration selection menu M2 that can set in detail the calibration process of the analysis item that has been replenished with the reagent, and displays the reagent shortage and the measurement time corresponding to the set calibration content. And the calibration setting menu M3 is displayed. For this reason, the operator can freely select the calibration contents according to the sample analysis state, and can recognize the lack of reagents and the measurement time in the calibration contents set by the operator himself. It becomes possible to operate the apparatus 1 smoothly.

  In the analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1, the recording medium attached to the reagent container is automatically read after the reagent is replenished, and the position of the replenished reagent container in the reagent container and the Lot information are expected to be insufficient. A case has been described in which the calibration selection menu M2 in FIG. 6 and the calibration setting menu M3 in FIG. 7 displayed in association with each analysis item are displayed. However, if the analyzer 1 does not have a function of reading the recording medium attached to the reagent container, the analyzer 1 may display the calibration selection menu M22 shown in FIG. 12 instead of the calibration selection menu M2 shown in FIG. Good. Further, the analysis apparatus 1 may display a calibration setting menu M32 shown in FIG. 13 instead of the calibration setting menu M3 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, in the table T22 of the calibration selection menu M22, a column L212 indicating the actions selected in the reagent replenishment selection menu M1 is provided, and the first of each reagent corresponding to each analysis item is provided. Each column of a row L222 indicating positions in the reagent storage 11 and the second reagent storage 15 is provided. In the column L222, the positions of the reagent containers can be respectively input. When the operator adds a reagent to the position “23” of the second reagent container 15 for the analysis item “LDH”, for example, After selecting the edit button Se2, the input unit 33 may be operated to input “23” in the column C24 corresponding to the second reagent for the analysis item “LDH”. Also, as shown in FIG. 13, the calibration setting menu M32 shows a table T32 from which the column L32 indicating the lot information of each reagent in the calibration setting menu M3 is deleted.

  The analysis apparatus 1 described in the above embodiment can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer system. This computer system implements the processing operation of the analyzer by reading and executing a program recorded on a predetermined recording medium. Here, the predetermined recording medium is not only a “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO disk, a DVD disk, a magneto-optical disk, and an IC card, but also inside and outside the computer system. It includes any recording medium that records a program readable by a computer system, such as a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short time when transmitting the program, such as a hard disk drive (HDD) provided. In addition, this computer system obtains a program from a management server or another computer system connected via a network line, and executes the obtained program to realize the processing operation of the analyzer.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to a first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence regarding the measurement process in the analyzer shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the reagent addition judgment process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the calibration judgment process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the measurement process shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the display screen of the display part shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analyzer 2 Measurement mechanism 3 Control mechanism 10 Reaction table 11 1st reagent storage 11a 1st reagent container 11b 1st reagent reading part 12 1st reagent dispensing mechanism 13 Sample transfer part 13a Sample container 13b Sample rack 13c Sample reading part 14 Sample dispensing mechanism 12a, 14a, 16a Arm 15 Second reagent storage 15a Second reagent container 15b Second reagent reading unit 16 Second reagent dispensing mechanism 17 Stirring unit 18 Photometric unit 19 Washing unit 21 Reaction vessel 31 Control unit 32 Display Control unit 33 Input unit 34 Analysis unit 35 Storage unit 36 Output unit 37 Display unit 38 Transmission / reception unit

Claims (6)

In an analyzer comprising a detection means for detecting a reagent amount in a reagent container to be installed, and analyzing a sample for which an analysis is accepted using a reagent in the reagent container,
Display means for selecting, as an option, whether to add a reagent that is insufficient or to perform measurement when it is determined that the reagent amount detected by the detection means is insufficient for the sample for which the analysis has been accepted Control means to be displayed on,
A selection means that allows you to choose between adding missing reagents or performing a measurement;
An analyzer characterized by comprising:   The said control means displays the calibration setting menu which can set the content of a calibration process on the said display means, when the addition of the reagent which lacks by the selection means is selected, The display means is characterized by the above-mentioned. Analysis equipment. An instruction means for instructing the content setting of the calibration process;
The detection means detects the amount of the reagent including the added reagent when the addition of the reagent that is insufficient by the selection means is selected and the reagent is newly added,
The control means is capable of measuring the measurement time when performing the calibration process instructed by the instruction means and the measurement process for the sample for which the analysis has been accepted, using the detected reagent amount of the reagent. 3. The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein after calculating a certain number of samples and a deficient reagent amount, the calculated measurement time, a measurable number of samples and a deficient reagent amount are displayed on the display means.   The control means can set at least one of a calibration process, a calibration curve verification process based on a reagent blank measurement, and an accuracy management process based on a quality control sample measurement, or a calibration curve based on the calibration process and the reagent blank measurement. 4. The display unit according to claim 2, wherein the display means displays the first calibration setting menu that allows selection of neither verification processing nor quality control processing by the quality control sample measurement. Analysis equipment.   The control means displays the second calibration setting menu that can set at least one of the number of times of measurement of the calibrator, the number of times of measurement of the reagent blank, the type of quality control sample, and the number of times of measurement of the quality control sample. The analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the analyzer is displayed.   6. The control unit according to claim 1, wherein when the execution of the measurement is selected by the selection unit, the control unit creates a list indicating the samples for which the reagent is insufficient among the samples for which the analysis is accepted. The analyzer according to any one of the above.

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