JP5869783B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  Embodiments described herein relate generally to an automatic analyzer.

  Conventionally, an automatic analyzer is used in a laboratory of a medical institution. This automatic analyzer dispenses test samples such as blood and urine and reagents in a reaction tube and reacts them, and then optically measures the color change and absorbance caused by the reaction, thereby measuring the sample in the sample. Measure the concentration and activity of the measurement substance or enzyme.

  The automatic analyzer has a reagent storage and a reaction disk. A reagent bottle for storing the reagent is disposed in the reagent storage, and a reaction tube for storing a test sample (serum, urine, etc.) and the reagent is disposed on the reaction disk. In addition, the test sample in the automatic analyzer is accommodated in a sample container (test sample container) such as a blood collection tube. A plurality of sample containers are arranged on, for example, a rack-type or disk-type sampler, and conveyed to the probe by the operation of the sample. The probe sucks the specimen from the sample container transported by the sampler and discharges it to the reaction tube. The probe sucks the target reagent from the reagent bottle and discharges it to the reaction tube.

  In the inspection by the automatic analyzer, each sample container is provided with an information recording medium such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code, and the test sample accommodated in the sample container is identified by classification such as type or patient. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of inspection mistakes such as mix-up of test samples. In addition, compared with the case where the operator manually inputs information to the automatic analyzer, the possibility of erroneous input can be reduced, and the complicated operation of inputting information for each sample container can be avoided. Can do.

JP 2009-204549 A

  A plurality of steps are performed before the probe sucks the test sample from the sample container. For example, a process in which an operator or the like places a sample container on the sampler, a process in which the sampler moves the sample container to the probe suction position, a process in which the barcode of the sample container is read to identify and confirm the inspection target of the automatic analyzer There is a process for obtaining an inspection order.

  In such a process, the sample transport mechanism in the rack sampler or disk sampler fails, the program that controls the transport of the test sample fails, or the operator misplaces the sample container. In such a case, the test sample identified by the barcode may not match the test sample actually inspected. Therefore, if the measurement and analysis of the test sample by the automatic analyzer is continued while the situation in which the test sample cannot be accurately conveyed before the probe sucks the test sample, the measurement result and analysis result will be serious. Will cause trouble.

  An object of the present embodiment is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of avoiding a situation in which a measurement result or an analysis result by the automatic analyzer is seriously hindered.

The automatic analyzer according to this embodiment is an automatic analyzer that accommodates a test sample and performs analysis by sucking the test sample from a sample container having a recording medium in which identification information of the test sample is recorded. A sample suction section for sucking the test sample accommodated in each of the sample containers for a predetermined number of times of dispensing, and a sample container transfer for transporting the sample container to a suction position by the sample suction section And an information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information recorded on the recording medium of the sample container at both the first suction timing and the last suction timing in the number of times of dispensing at the suction position. The timing of the first suction among the dispensing times
Whether the identification information acquired in step 1 matches the identification information acquired at the timing of the last suction.
And a determination unit for deciding.

It is a schematic perspective view which shows the whole structure of the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic top view which shows the rack sampler of the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the control structure of the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic top view which shows arrangement | positioning of the reading part of the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the sampling probe corresponding to the change of the position of the arm part in FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the sampling probe corresponding to the change of the position of the arm part in FIG. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the sampling probe corresponding to the change of the position of the arm part in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes which acquire identification information in the automatic analyzer concerning 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes which acquire identification information in the automatic analyzer concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes which acquire identification information in the automatic analyzer concerning 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows a series of processes which acquire identification information in the automatic analyzer concerning 6th Embodiment. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the whole structure of the automatic analyzer concerning 10th Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[First Embodiment]
(Schematic configuration of automatic analyzer)
An outline of the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the automatic analyzer 100.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a first reagent container 110 that stores reagent bottles 111, a second reagent container 120 that stores reagent bottles 121, and a reaction tube disposed around the first reagent container 110. And a reaction disk 130 for storing 131. Each of the reagent bottles 111 and 121 contains a first reagent and a second reagent used for analyzing the test sample.

  In addition, the automatic analyzer 100 has a rack sampler 140 disposed in the vicinity of the first reagent storage 110. In the rack sampler 140, a rack tray 140a is arranged and stored. Sample containers 140b are arranged on the rack tray 140a. Furthermore, the automatic analyzer 100 has a disk sampler 141. A plurality of sample containers 141a are placed on the disk sampler 141 in the circumferential direction. The rack sampler 140 and the disk sampler 141 convey the test sample to a suction position by the sampling probe 142c (see reference sign P in FIGS. 5A to 5C).

  A first reagent arm 112 and a second reagent arm 122 are provided around the reaction disk 130. The first reagent arm 112 and the second reagent arm 122 respectively dispense (suction / discharge) the reagent from the reagent bottles 111 and 121 of the first reagent container 110 and the second reagent container 120 to the reaction tube 131, respectively.

  A sampling arm 142 is provided around the reaction disk 130. The sampling arm 142 enables the test sample to be dispensed into the reaction tube 131 from the sample containers 140b and 141a of the rack sampler 140 and the disk sampler 141.

  Further, around the reaction disk 130 in the automatic analyzer 100, a stirring unit 150, a photometric unit 160, and a reaction tube cleaning unit 170 are provided. The sample is stirred and measured by the stirring unit 150, the photometric unit 160 and the like. The reaction tube cleaning unit 170 cleans the reaction tube 131 that has been measured. Although not shown, the automatic analyzer 100 is provided with a cleaning mechanism for cleaning the probes (112c, 122c, 142c) in the first reagent arm 112, the second reagent arm 122, and the sampling arm 142. This cleaning mechanism is provided, for example, in the probe rotation path.

  Further, the rack sampler 140 is provided with a reading unit 190 corresponding to a position where the sampling probe 142c of the sampling arm 142 sucks the test sample from the sample container 140b (hereinafter simply referred to as “suction position”). It is done. The reading unit 190 reads a barcode provided on the sample container 140b.

  The sampling arm 142 corresponds to an example of a “sample suction unit”. The rack sampler 140 or the disk sampler 141 corresponds to an example of a “sample container transfer unit”. The reading unit 190 corresponds to an example of an “information acquisition unit”.

(Configuration of each part of automatic analyzer)
Hereinafter, the configuration of each part of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 2 is a schematic top view showing the rack sampler 140 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 conceptually shows the rack sampler 140.

<Reagent rack and first reagent storage>
As shown in FIG. 1, in the first reagent storage 110, a plurality of reagent bottles 111 are arranged in a ring shape. Each of the reagent bottles 111 contains various first reagents that react with components of specific items included in the standard sample and the test sample. The first reagent storage 110 has a rack portion (not shown) that can be rotated in a state where the reagent bottle 111 is accommodated. The rack unit is rotationally driven by a reagent rack driving unit 211 described later.

<Second reagent storage>
The second reagent storage 120 is disposed in the vicinity of the first reagent storage 110 as shown in FIG. 1 and has the same configuration as the first reagent storage 110. That is, in the second reagent storage 120, a reagent bottle 121 is arranged in a ring shape, and a rack portion is provided that allows the reagent bottle 121 to move along an annular locus. The reagent bottle 121 contains various second reagents that react with components of specific items included in the standard sample and the test sample. The automatic analyzer is not limited to one having a plurality of reagent containers, and for example, may have a configuration that does not include the second reagent container 120 or a structure that has only the second reagent container 120.

<Reaction disk>
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the reaction disk 130 is formed in an annular shape so as to surround the first reagent storage 110. A reaction tube 131 is arranged on the reaction disk 130 in an annular shape according to the shape of the reaction disk 130. The reaction tube 131 accommodates a test sample and a reagent to be analyzed and measured by the automatic analyzer 100. The reaction tube 131 can dispense the first and second reagents and the test sample from the opening. Further, the reaction disk 130 rotates while accommodating the reaction tube 131. The reaction disk 130 is driven to rotate by a reaction disk drive unit 213 described later.

<Rack sampler>
Further, as shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 100 is provided with a rack sampler 140 for transferring the rack tray 140a. On the rack tray 140a, for example, five sample containers 140b are arranged in a substantially linear shape. The sample container 140b accommodates standard samples, test samples, and the like for each item. Here, the rack sampler 140 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 which is a schematic top view of the rack sampler 140.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the rack sampler 140 includes a plurality of rack trays 140a. The arrangement direction and the number of arrangements of the rack trays 140a in the rack sampler 140 can be appropriately changed. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the rack trays 140a are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the sample containers 140b in the rack tray 140a. .

  Further, although not particularly illustrated, the rack sampler 140 has a transport unit such as a belt conveyor, and the rack tray 140a is transferred in the arrangement direction (X direction in FIG. 2) by the transport unit. 2, the rack sampler 140 has a rack tray supply position F and a rack tray collection position R. Between the rack tray supply position F and the rack tray collection position R, a rack tray 140a is provided. A rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c is provided to send out to the suction position. The rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c also performs an operation of drawing the rack tray 140a that has been sent out.

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the rack tray 140a is supplied to the rack tray supply position F of the rack sampler 140, the transport unit moves the rack tray 140a from the rack tray supply position F to the rack tray collection position R (rack The tray 140a is conveyed in the arrangement direction X). When the rack tray 140a is transferred from the rack tray supply position F to the rack tray supply / discharge section 140c, the rack tray supply / discharge section 140c sends the rack tray 140a out of the arrangement of the rack tray 140a group. The direction in which the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c sends out the rack tray 140a is the direction of the suction position by the sampling probe 142c of the sampling arm 142, for example, the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction X of the rack tray 140a (FIG. 2). Y1 direction). When the rack tray 140a is sent out of the array, the test sample is dispensed from the sample containers 140b accommodated in the rack tray 140a by the sampling probe 142c of the sampling arm 142.

  When the test sample is dispensed from the predetermined number of sample containers 140b in the rack tray 140a sent out of the array, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c pulls the rack tray 140a into the array. When the drawing of the rack tray 140a by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c is completed, the transport unit transports the dispensed rack tray 140a to the rack tray collection position R. The rack sampler 140 repeats feeding and drawing of the rack tray 140a.

<Reader>
The reading unit 190 reads an information recording medium such as a bar code (see symbol B in FIG. 5A) provided in the sample container 140b, and acquires identification information of the test sample. For example, a barcode reader corresponds to the reading unit 190. Any information recording medium such as a two-dimensional code or a three-dimensional color code can be selected. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the rack sampler 140 is provided with a reading unit 190 corresponding to the suction position of the test sample of the sampling probe 142c. The position of the reading unit 190 is, for example, the entrance portion of the pull-in path of the rack tray 140a by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c.

  That is, the reading unit 190 is provided at a position facing the barcode of the sample container 140b arranged at the suction position of the sample to be examined by the sampling probe 142c. For example, a position around the sample container 140b at the suction position or a position adjacent to the sample container 140b at the suction position. Further, the reading unit 190 is arranged so that its reading surface faces the barcode position of the sample container 140b at the suction position.

  Therefore, the reading unit 190 can acquire the identification information of the sample container 140b itself that is to be dispensed by the sampling probe 142c. In other words, the reading unit 190 can make a one-to-one correspondence between the test sample sucked by the sampling probe 142c and discharged to the reaction tube 131 and the sample container 140b having identification information of the test sample. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) occurring between the identification information and the test sample to be measured / analyzed can be detected with certainty. Can be avoided.

  The reading unit 190 reads the barcode in order from the sample container 140b on the leading end side of the delivery at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent out by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c, and the test sample assigned to each sample container 140b is read. Identification information is acquired. Further, the reading unit 190 reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position in response to the liquid level detection in the sampling arm 142. That is, the identification information is acquired at the timing when the test sample is sucked by the sampling probe 142c or is about to be sucked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a mismatch occurs between the test sample and the identification information of the test sample.

<Disc Sampler>
As shown in FIG. 1, in the automatic analyzer 100, a disk sampler 141 having a sample container 141 a is provided around the reaction disk 130. The disk sampler 141 is disposed at a position that intersects the circumference drawn by the rotation trajectory of the sampling probe 142c. That is, the disk sampler 141 is provided at a position that intersects with the extension line of the rotation trajectory of the sampling arm 142 from the suction position to the discharge position to the reaction tube 131. Here, the “discharge position” is a predetermined position in the arrangement of the reaction tubes 131 in the reaction disk 130, and is a position where the sampling probe 142c stops for discharging the test sample (hereinafter simply referred to as “discharge position”). "Position"). The sample container 141a can also accommodate standard samples and test samples for each item. Note that the automatic analyzer 100 may be configured without the disk sampler 141.

<First reagent arm>
A first reagent arm 112 is provided around the reaction disk 130. The first reagent arm 112 has a rotating shaft 112 a that stands substantially vertically around the reaction disk 130. An arm portion 112b extending in a direction substantially orthogonal to the standing direction of the rotation shaft 112a is connected to the upper end of the rotation shaft 112a. The arm portion 112b is rotatable about a rotation shaft 112a. The rotation shaft 112a is provided so as to be movable up and down (up and down). A reagent probe 112c is connected to the tip of the arm portion 112b.

  The reagent probe 112c is rotated so as to reciprocate between at least the inlet of the reagent bottle 111 of the first reagent storage 110 and the reaction tube 131. The reagent probe 112c is moved up and down together with the arm portion 112b by the vertical movement of the rotation shaft 112a. The reagent probe 112c is provided with a pump, sucks the reagent from the inlet of the reagent bottle 111 of the first reagent storage 110, and discharges the reagent into the reaction tube 131 in which the test sample is accommodated. Operations such as rotation, raising / lowering, suction, and discharge in the first reagent arm 112 are performed by driving an arm driving unit 212 described later. When the first reagent storage 110 is not provided as the automatic analyzer 100, the corresponding first reagent arm 112 is also not provided.

<Second reagent arm>
As shown in FIG. 1, a second reagent arm 122 is provided between the reaction disk 130 and the second reagent storage 120. The second reagent arm 122 has the same configuration as the first reagent arm 112. The second reagent arm 122 is provided with a rotating shaft 122a, an arm portion 122b, and a reagent probe 122c. Further, the reagent probe 122c rotates about the rotation shaft 122a through the arm portion 122b. The reagent probe 122c rotates at least between the reagent bottle 121 and the reaction tube 131. The reagent probe 122c is moved up and down together with the arm portion 122b by the vertical movement of the rotating shaft 122a. Further, the second reagent arm 122 includes a pump, which sucks the reagent from the reagent bottle 121 of the second reagent storage 120 and discharges it to the reaction tube 131 in which the test sample is accommodated. When the second reagent storage 120 is not provided as the automatic analyzer 100, the corresponding second reagent arm 122 is also not provided.

<Sampling arm>
As shown in FIG. 1, a sampling arm 142 is provided between the reaction disk 130 and the rack sampler 140. The sampling arm 142 has the same configuration as the second reagent arm 122 and the first reagent arm 112 described above. The sampling arm 142 is provided with a rotating shaft 142a, an arm portion 142b, and a sampling probe 142c. The sampling probe 142c rotates about the rotation shaft 142a through the arm 142b. The sampling probe 142c rotates at least between the sample container 140b and the reaction tube 131. The sampling probe 142c is moved up and down together with the arm portion 142b by the vertical movement of the rotating shaft 142a (FIG. 5A, reference numeral 142c ′ shown by a broken line). Further, the sampling arm 142 is provided with a pump, which sucks the test sample from the sample container 140b of the rack sampler 140 and discharges it to the reaction tube 131 at the discharge position.

  The sampling arm 142 is provided with a detection unit 142d (see FIG. 3) for detecting the liquid level of the test sample in the sample container 140b when the test sample is sucked from the sample container 140b. As the detection unit 142d, an arbitrary method such as a method of detecting a change in capacitance or resistance, a method of using refraction or reflection by light or ultrasonic waves, or a method of detecting the pressure of the liquid in the sampling probe 142c is used. It is possible to adopt. It is possible to provide a similar detection unit for the first reagent arm 112 and the second reagent arm 122. The detection unit 142d corresponds to an example of a “detection unit”.

<Agitator unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the stirring unit 150 is disposed on the downstream side of the discharge position of the sampling probe 142 c in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 130. The agitation unit 150 agitates the mixed solution of the test sample and the reagent contained in the reaction tube 131 that has been conveyed. As described above, when the test sample and the reagent are stirred in the reaction tube 131, a reaction between a specific component in the test sample and the reagent may occur, and the absorbance of the test sample may change.

<Metering unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the photometric unit 160 is arranged on the downstream side (traveling direction side) from the position of the stirring unit 150 in the rotation direction of the reaction disk 130 (FIG. 4). The reaction tube 131 is moved by the reaction disk 130 from the stirring position of the stirring unit 150 to the position of the photometry unit 160 disposed on the downstream side (see FIG. 1). The photometric unit 160 measures the absorbance of the mixed solution in the reaction tube 131. Thereby, the density | concentration etc. about the predetermined component in a test sample can be obtained.

<Reaction tube cleaning unit>
The liquid mixture of the test sample and the reagent that has been measured by the photometric unit 160 is discarded from the reaction tube 131 by the reaction tube cleaning unit 170. Further, the reaction tube 131 in a state where the mixed solution is discarded is cleaned by the reaction tube cleaning unit 170.

(control)
Next, the control configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic top view showing the arrangement of the reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the automatic analyzer 100 includes a drive unit 210, an analysis unit 220, a data processing unit 230, an operation unit 240, a display unit 250, a printing unit 260, a storage unit 270, and an identification unit 280. . These units are controlled by the control unit 200. In FIG. 3, the analysis unit 220 is a unit in which the units (stirring unit 150, photometry unit 160, reaction tube cleaning unit 170, etc.) shown in FIG. 1 are combined into one “analysis unit 220” in FIG. 3. The other parts are components of the automatic analyzer 100 not shown in FIG.

  The controller 200 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The storage unit 270 stores a control program in advance, and the CPU functions as the control unit 200 when the control program is appropriately expanded on the RAM.

  The drive unit 210 is a motor or a pump that performs various drives of the reagent storage (110, 120), the reaction disk 130, the arms (112, 122, 142) that perform various dispensings, and the samplers (140, 141). The drive unit 210 includes a reagent rack drive unit 211, an arm drive unit 212, a reaction disk drive unit 213, and a sampler drive unit 214.

  The reagent rack driving unit 211 drives the rack part of the first reagent container 110 and the rack part of the second reagent container 120, respectively. The arm driving unit 212 drives the first reagent arm 112, the second reagent arm 122, and the sampling arm 142, respectively. The reaction disk drive unit 213 drives the reaction disk 130. The sampler driving unit 214 drives the rack sampler 140 and the disk sampler 141, respectively. When an operator of the automatic analyzer 100 performs an operation for operating the automatic analyzer 100 via the operation unit 240, the control unit 200 corresponds to the operation, and each of the drive units 210 is based on the control program described above. The drive unit is controlled to be driven by a predetermined amount. Further, the drive unit group of the drive unit 210 is operated in conjunction by the control unit 200.

<Reagent rack drive unit>
The reagent rack driving unit 211 is provided in each of the first reagent container 110 and the second reagent container 120. When each reagent rack drive unit 211 is driven by the control unit 200, the rack portions (not shown) of the first reagent storage 110 and the second reagent storage 120 rotate individually. The reagent rack driving unit 211 repeats the operation of receiving an instruction from the control unit 200, rotating the rack unit by a predetermined angle, and then stopping for a while.

<Sampler drive unit>
The sampler driving unit 214 is individually provided for each of the rack sampler 140 and the disk sampler 141. When each sampler driving unit 214 is driven by the control unit 200, the sample container 140b in the rack sampler 140 and the sample container 141a in the disk sampler 141 are respectively transferred to the suction position by the sampling probe 142c.

  When the rack tray 140a is arranged at the rack tray supply position F of the rack sampler 140, the control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214, and the direction from the rack tray supply position F to the rack tray collection position R is driven by the transport unit described above. The rack tray 140a is transferred (FIG. 2). When the rack tray 140a is transferred to the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c, the control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214 and causes the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c to send the rack tray 140a to the suction position by the sampling probe 142c.

  When the test sample is dispensed from a predetermined number of sample containers 140b in the rack tray 140a sent out of the array, the control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214 and the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c performs racking. Pull the tray 140a into the array. When the pulling-in is completed, the control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214, and the rack tray sampler 140 transports the pulled-in rack tray 140a to the rack tray collection position R.

  When the sampler driving unit 214 is driven, the disk sampler 141 rotates in synchronization with the dispensing operation of the sampling probe 142c. Further, when the disk sampler 141 rotates by a predetermined angle, the driving of the sampler driving unit 214 is stopped and the rotation is stopped for a while. The sampler driving unit 214 is stopped until the suction operation by the sampling probe 142c is completed. When the suction is completed, the sampler driving unit 214 starts to rotate again.

  Note that the sampler driving unit 214 is not necessarily driven corresponding to each operation of the sampling arm 142. For example, the control unit 200 is based on the time required from when the sampling probe 142c of the sampling arm 142 completes the suction of the specimen contained in one sample container 141a to when the specimen of the next sample container 141a is completed. However, the sampler driving unit 214 may be driven.

<Arm drive unit>
The arm driving unit 212 is provided in each of the first reagent arm 112, the second reagent arm 122, and the sampling arm 142. The arm driving unit 212 in each arm is divided into a driving unit that performs rotational driving, a driving unit that performs lifting driving, and a driving unit that performs dispensing. Hereinafter, each drive unit that performs each operation will be described.

  The drive unit that drives the rotation drives the rotation shafts 112a, 122a, and 142a of the first reagent arm 112, the second reagent arm 122, and the sampling arm 142, respectively. This drive unit rotates each probe between the suction position and the discharge position by rotating the rotation shaft 112a and the like (see FIG. 4).

  Each drive unit that performs the up-and-down driving of the rotation shaft 112a and the like lowers the rotation shaft 112a and the like when the reagent probes 112c and 122c reach the suction positions of the first reagent and the second reagent. As a result, the arm portion 112b is lowered, and the lower ends of the reagent probe 112c and the like are lowered toward the aspiration target (test sample and the like), respectively (see FIG. 5A, reference numeral 142c '). Further, each driving unit that performs the raising / lowering drive similarly lowers the rotating shaft 112a and the like when the reagent probe 112c and the like reach the position of the reaction tube 131. Hereinafter, the drive for moving the rotary shafts 112a, 122a, 142a up and down is simply referred to as “lifting drive”.

  Similarly, each driving unit that performs the raising / lowering drive lowers the sampling probe 142c by lowering the rotating shaft 142a when the sampling probe 142c reaches the suction position or discharge position of the test sample. In addition, after aspirating and discharging the test sample, the controller 200 is driven to raise the sampling probe 142c. As a result, the arm portion 142b is rotatable.

  In addition, after the suction / discharge operation (dispensing operation), each drive unit that performs the raising / lowering drive raises the rotation shaft 112a and the like so that each arm can be rotated again, and the reagent probes 112c, 122 and It is driven to raise the sampling probe 142c.

  Each drive unit that performs the dispensing operation drives a pump provided in each arm to perform a suction operation at the suction position and a discharge operation at the discharge position. Note that the amounts by which the first reagent, the second reagent, and the test sample are aspirated and discharged by driving the pump are determined in advance by the test order. For example, the sampling probe 142c does not complete a single suction / discharge when dispensing the test sample in the sample container 140b into the reaction tube 131. In this case, the sampling probe 142c sucks a predetermined amount of the test sample determined in the inspection order with respect to one sample container 140b, discharges it to the reaction tube 131, and the next sucked test sample is A series of operations of discharging to another reaction tube 131 is repeated.

<Reaction disk drive>
The reaction disk drive unit 213 is driven by the control unit 200 and rotates the reaction disk 130. The rotation operation of the reaction disk 130 is performed in correspondence with, for example, a dispensing operation in each of the reagent probes 112c and 122c and the sampling probe 142c, and each operation of the stirring unit 150, the photometry unit 160, and the reaction tube cleaning unit 170.

  The reaction disk drive unit 213 is not rotated and stopped until the suction and discharge operations are completed. The reaction disk drive unit 213 is not rotated and stopped until the operations of the stirring unit 150, the photometry unit 160, and the reaction tube cleaning unit 170 for each reaction tube 131 are completed. After that, when each part around the reaction disk 130 completes various operations on the reaction tube 131, the rotation operation is started again.

  As described above, the reaction disk drive unit 213 is controlled to repeat a series of operations of rotating the reaction disk 130 by a predetermined angle, stopping, and rotating the reaction disk 130 corresponding to the operation of each unit. Note that “rotate by a predetermined angle” indicates a rotational movement of the reaction disk 130 such that the reaction tube 131 moves by a predetermined number. Further, the rotational movement of the reaction disk 130 is performed in accordance with each position so as not to deviate from the operation position of each part (for example, the ejection position of the sampling probe 142c).

<Analysis Department>
The analysis unit 220 is each part (the stirring unit 150, the photometric unit 160, the reaction tube cleaning unit 170, etc.) of the automatic analyzer 100 shown in FIG. 1 as described above. The control unit 200 causes the analysis unit 220 to perform a series of operations (dispensing, stirring, photometry, etc.) related to analysis of the test sample, various types of cleaning, and the like.

<Data processing section>
The data processing unit 230 processes standard sample data and test sample data as analysis results by the analysis unit 220 to create a calibration curve and generate analysis data. These data are transmitted to the storage unit 270 and stored. Further, these data are displayed on the display unit 250 and printed by the printing unit 260 in accordance with the measurer's instruction. However, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, various data generated by the data processing unit 230 may not be transmitted depending on the determination result of the identification information by the identification unit 280. Further, depending on the determination result by the identification unit 280, the data processing unit 230 may not generate various data. The data processing unit 230 corresponds to an example of an “output unit”.

<Operation section and display section>
The operation unit 240 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and an electronic pen. When the electronic pen is provided, the display unit 250 uses a touch panel type LCD (Liquid Crystal Display / for example, a tablet) as a display. The operation unit 240 enables input of analysis conditions such as standard samples and calibration curves for each item and various command signals. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the display unit 250 may receive information from the error processing unit 282 and display an identification information determination error in accordance with a determination result by the identification unit 280.

<Printing section>
The printing unit 260 receives various data from the data processing unit 230 and the storage unit 270, and prints analysis results and the like. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the printing unit 260 may receive information from the error processing unit 282 and print an identification information determination error according to the determination result by the identification unit 280.

<Identification part>
Next, the identification unit 280 in the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 6 together with the operation of the automatic analyzer in the first embodiment described above. 5A to 5C are schematic perspective views showing the position of the sampling probe 142c corresponding to the change (142b to 142b '') of the position of the arm part 142b in FIG. FIG. 5A shows a case where the sampling probe 142c is in the suction position, and corresponds to the position of the arm portion 142b indicated by the solid line in FIG. FIG. 5B shows a case where the sampling probe 142c is in the middle of rotation, and corresponds to the arm portion 142b ′ indicated by a broken line in FIG. FIG. 5C shows a case where the sampling probe 142c is at the ejection position, and corresponds to the arm portion 142b ″ indicated by the broken line in FIG.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an outline of the dispensing operation of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment and an outline of a series of identification information processing. In FIG. 6, steps 01 to 09 show the dispensing flow of the automatic analyzer 100. Steps 101 to 105 show a processing flow relating to identification information performed in parallel with the dispensing operation.

(Step 01)
The control unit 200 in the automatic analyzer 100 drives the sampler driving unit 214 to transport the rack tray 140a by the transport unit of the rack sampler 140. Thereby, the rack tray 140a is transferred from the rack tray supply position F to the rack tray collection position R (X direction in FIGS. 2 and 4) and reaches the rack tray supply / discharge section 140c. Further, the control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214 and causes the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c to send the rack tray 140a to the suction position by the sampling probe 142c.

(Step 02)
The control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent out of the rack tray 140a group by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c. As a result, the barcode passes in front of the reading surface of the reading unit 190 in order from the sample container 140b at the head position of the rack tray 140a to be sent out. In this way, each barcode of the sample container 140b sent out together with the rack tray 140a is sequentially read from the leading end side in the sending direction of the rack tray 140a, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A. Thereby, the identification information as these bar codes is acquired sequentially.

(Step 101)
The control unit 200 sends the identification information acquired by the reading unit 190 at this timing to the storage unit 270 and temporarily stores it.

  The identification information of the test sample in each sample container 140b temporarily stored at this timing is handled differently depending on whether or not an inspection order has been acquired in advance before reading by the reading unit 190. The outline of handling of the identification information at this point is as follows. When the test order is acquired in advance, the identification information acquired when passing in front of the reading unit 190 is used to determine whether or not the test sample is compatible with the test order. . On the other hand, when the inspection order is not acquired in advance, the identification information acquired by the reading unit 190 is used to acquire the inspection order from an inspection order system such as RIS (Radiology Information System). However, in any case, the identification information acquired here can be used for matching determination in step 104 described later.

(Step 03)
Before and after the reading unit 190 completes reading the barcodes in the order of delivery of the rack tray 140a (S02), the first sample container 140b in the rack tray 140a is brought to the suction position by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c. To be reached. The control unit 200 moves the sampling probe 142c to the suction position (see reference numeral 142b in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A). Further, the control unit 200 lowers the suction port of the sampling probe 142c and lowers it below the liquid level of the test sample in the sample container 140b at the suction position.

(Step 04 / Step 102)
In response to the suction port of the sampling probe 142c reaching the liquid level by the arm driving unit 212 (see FIG. 5A, reference numeral 142c ′), the detection unit 142d detects the liquid level. The detection unit 142d sends information indicating that the liquid level has been detected to the control unit 200 (FIG. 3).

(Step 05)
In response to receiving the liquid level detection information (S102), the control unit 200 causes the sampling probe 142c to suck the test sample in the sample container 140b by a predetermined amount.

(Step 06 / Step 103)
Further, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 in response to receiving the liquid level detection information (S102). The reading unit 190 reads a barcode provided on the sample container 140b at the suction position, and acquires identification information of the test sample contained in the sample container 140b. The reading unit 190 sends the acquired identification information to the determination unit 281. Note that either step 05 or step 06 may be first or may be synchronized.

(Step 07)
When the sampling probe 142c finishes a predetermined amount of suction (S05), the control unit 200 moves the sampling probe 142c to the discharge position to the reaction tube 131 (FIGS. 5B to 5C (see FIG. 4 as appropriate)). Further, the control unit 200 controls the sampling probe 142 c to discharge the test sample into the reaction tube 131.

(Step 104)
When the determination unit 281 receives the identification information from the reading unit 190 (S103), the determination unit 281 acquires the identification information of the sample container 140b at the suction position stored in advance in the storage unit 270. Further, the determination unit 281 determines whether these pieces of identification information match.

(Step 105)
When the identification information does not match (S104; No), the determination unit 281 sends information indicating that the identification information does not match to the error processing unit 282. The error processing unit 282 performs predetermined error processing. The contents of error processing will be described later.

  Note that after the error processing by the error processing unit 282, the measurement and analysis processing by the automatic analyzer 100 may be temporarily stopped. However, in this embodiment, some of the reaction tubes 131 of the reaction disk 130 have the same identification information. These test sample and reaction tube 131 have already been subjected to processing such as stirring, photometry, and washing, and have various statuses depending on the current position of the reaction tube 131. Reagents and test samples are valuable, and some types can be used only in small quantities. Therefore, it is desirable to continue the measurement and analysis processing after the error processing, that is, after Step 105, the process proceeds to Step 08.

(Step 08)
The automatic analyzer 100 determines whether the dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times when the discharge (S07) of the sampling probe 142c is completed. When the predetermined number of times of dispensing has not been completed (S08; No), the process returns to step 03. The determination about the number of times of dispensing is performed without error processing if the identification information matches as a result of the comparison of the identification information by the determination unit 281 (S104; Yes). If error processing is being performed, this determination is made after step 105.

(Step 09)
When it is determined that dispensing has been completed a predetermined number of times (S08; Yes), the automatic analyzer 100 determines whether there is an unmeasured sample container 140b on the rack tray 140a. If there is an unmeasured sample container 140b (S09; Yes), the process returns to step 01. When there is no unmeasured sample container 140b (S09; No), the dispensing operation is finished for the rack tray 140a.

  Next, the content of error processing by the error processing unit 282 will be described.

<Error handling 1>
The error processing unit 282 sends error processing information to the data processing unit 230. The error processing information includes information that the test sample dispensed / approached at a specific time point (or order) is related to error processing. When the data processing unit 230 receives the error processing information, the data processing unit 230 specifies the reaction tube 131 containing the test sample related to the error processing based on the information.

  For example, it is assumed that the error processing information includes information indicating from which point in time the mismatch of identification information has occurred. In this case, based on the information, the data processing unit 230 specifies which reaction tube 131 has been dispensed with the test sample corresponding to the error processing retroactively from the present time to the time point when the mismatch occurred.

  In this embodiment, since the reading unit 190 reads and acquires identification information every time the liquid level is detected, even when a mismatch of identification information occurs due to a malfunction of the rack sampler 140, etc. It can be determined by the control unit 200 or the like whether or not the performed dispensing is an error. In some cases, error processing can be performed before the test sample is discharged. The error processing information corresponds to an example of “error information”.

<Error handling 2>
The data processing unit 230 processes the reaction tube 131 identified as an error as if the test sample in the reaction tube 131 is related to the discrepancy of the identification information. For example, the data processing unit 230 can be configured not to perform measurement and analysis on the test sample. Alternatively, the data processing unit 230 may be configured not to output the measurement / analysis result for the corresponding part to the display unit 250 and the printing unit 260. In addition, it is possible to configure so that reagent dispensing is not performed to the specified reaction tube 131.

<Error handling 3>
The error processing unit 282 can output information (position and the like) of the reaction tube 131 specified by the data processing unit 230 and error processing information to the display unit 250 and the printing unit 260.

  In the case of outputting to the display unit 250 as error processing by the error processing unit 282, it may be displayed that an error has occurred, for example, that the identification information does not match. Further, when outputting to the printing unit 260, it may be printed that an error has occurred in the printing unit 260, for example, that the identification information does not match. In addition, a sound indicating an error may be output from a sound output unit (not shown). The error processing unit 282 corresponds to an example of a “control unit”.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the present embodiment reads a barcode from the sample container 140b arranged at a position where the sample to be tested is sucked by the sampling probe 142c. Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, discrepancy (non-correspondence) between the identification information can be reliably detected, so that the test results continue to be output with the discrepancy between the identification information and the sample to be measured / analyzed. Can be avoided.

  Further, the reading unit 190 acquires identification information at the timing when the test sample is sucked or about to be sucked. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which measurement / analysis is continued with a discrepancy between the test sample and the identification information of the test sample.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, the acquisition timing of identification information is different from that in the first embodiment. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these differences will be described.

  Of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment, the first reagent storage 110, the second reagent storage 120, the reaction disk 130, the rack sampler 140, the disk sampler 141, the first reagent arm 112, the second reagent arm 122, and the sampling arm. Since the configuration and operation of 142 are the same as those in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted. In addition, the configuration of the drive unit 210, the analysis unit 220, the data processing unit 230, the operation unit 240, the display unit 250, the printing unit 260, and the storage unit 270 in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus will be described. Omit.

  Also in the second embodiment, the sample container 140b is sent to the rack tray supply / discharge portion 140c and reaches the suction position. Further, since the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample from the sample container 140b, the sample container 140b stops at the suction position. The reading unit 190 in the second embodiment reads the barcode when the sample container 140b reaches the suction position and stops at the suction position, and acquires the identification information of the test sample.

  In the second embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the step of causing the reading unit 190 to read the barcode in order from the sample container 140b at the head position is performed at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent out. Is also possible. Hereinafter, a series of steps for acquiring identification information in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic flowchart showing a series of steps for acquiring identification information in the second embodiment.

(Step 21)
The control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214. As a result, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c further feeds the rack tray 140a conveyed to the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c to a suction position by the sampling probe 142c.

  Note that the control unit 200 may operate the reading unit 190 at a timing when the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c sends out the rack tray 140a. In that case, the acquired identification information is sent to the storage unit 270 to be temporarily stored.

(Step 22)
When the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c sends out the rack tray 140a (S21), the sample container 140b reaches the suction position by the sampling probe 142c. When the sample container 140b reaches the suction position, the control unit 200 stops driving the sampler driving unit 214. As a result, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c stops and the sample container 140b stops at the suction position. The control unit 200 further operates the reading unit 190 in response to one of the sample containers 140b being stopped at the suction position, reads the barcode of the sample container 140b, and acquires the identification information of the test sample.

(Step 201)
The control unit 200 sends the identification information acquired by the reading unit 190 at this timing (S22) to the storage unit 270 and temporarily stores it.

(Step 23)
In step 22, before and after the barcode reading is completed, the control unit 200 moves the sampling probe 142c to the suction position (see reference numeral 142b in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5A). Further, the control unit 200 lowers the suction port of the sampling probe 142c to reach the level below the liquid level of the test sample in the sample container 140b at the suction position (142c ′ indicated by a broken line in FIG. 5A).

(Steps 24-29)
Steps 24-29 in the automatic analyzer 100 of the second embodiment, that is, the liquid level detection by the detection unit 142d (S24), the dispensing of the test sample (S25, 27), and the identification information acquisition according to the liquid level detection (S26) ), Determination of the number of times of dispensing (S28), determination of the presence / absence of measurement of the sample container (S29), and the like are the same as the processing of the first embodiment (steps 04 to 09), and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Step 203)
Further, the control unit 200 detects the liquid level in step 24, and operates the reading unit 190 in response to receiving the liquid level detection information in step S202. When the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information of the test sample from the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position, the identification information is sent to the determination unit 281.

(Step 204)
When receiving the identification information from the reading unit 190, the determination unit 281 acquires the identification information acquired in step 201 from the storage unit 270. Further, the determination unit 281 determines whether these pieces of identification information match.

(Step 205)
When the identification information does not match (S204; No), the determination unit 281 sends information indicating that the identification information does not match to the error processing unit 282. The error processing unit 282 performs predetermined error processing. Note that the content of the error processing is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

  When the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent out, the determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information matches the identification information acquired in step 22. .

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment acquires the identification information of the test sample at the timing when the sample container 140b reaches the suction position by the sampling probe 142c. Further, the reading unit 190 acquires identification information at the timing when the test sample is sucked or about to be sucked. Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) between the identification information can be reliably detected, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment will be described. In 3rd Embodiment, the timing of acquisition of identification information differs compared with the automatic analyzer 100 concerning 2nd Embodiment. Other parts are the same as those of the second embodiment.

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 100 determines whether dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times when the sampling probe 142c finishes discharging (see the first embodiment S08). When determining that the dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times, the control unit 200 further determines whether there is an unmeasured sample container 140b on the rack tray 140a (see the first embodiment S09).

  If there is an unmeasured sample container 140b as a result of the determination, the control unit 200 conveys the rack tray 140a by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c, and sucks the next sample container 140b with respect to the dispensed sample container 140b. Send to. In response to the determination to move the dispensed sample container 140b, the reading unit 190 in the third embodiment reads the barcode of the sample container 140b before being moved from the suction position, and the test sample Get identification information for.

  Also in the third embodiment, the control unit 200 causes the detection unit 142d of the sampling arm 142 to detect the liquid level at the suction position, causes the sampling probe 142c to suck the test sample, and further causes the sample container 140b at the suction position to Control for reading the barcode is performed (see S03 to 06, S102, and 103 in the first embodiment). However, in the third embodiment, the identification information of the test sample acquired according to the liquid level detection is temporarily stored in the storage unit 270.

  The determination unit 281 matches the identification information of the test sample acquired in response to the determination to move the dispensed sample container 140b and the identification information acquired and stored in response to the liquid level detection. Judge whether to do. If the identification information does not match as a result of the determination, the error processing unit 282 is caused to perform predetermined error processing. The error processing is as described above.

  In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is also possible to perform a process of reading the barcode in order of the reading unit 190 from the sample container 140b at the head position at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent out. . When performing this step, the determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information matches the identification information of the test sample acquired in accordance with the movement of the sample container 140b.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the third embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the third embodiment also acquires identification information at the timing when the test sample is sucked or about to be sucked. Further, the reading unit 190 reads the barcode of the sample container 140b before the movement in response to the determination to move the dispensed sample container 140b, and acquires the identification information of the test sample. Accordingly, the reading unit 190 does not match the identification information (non-correspondence) by matching the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 and the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. Can be reliably detected, and a situation in which measurement and analysis are continued with the discrepancy occurring can be avoided.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the fourth embodiment will be described. In the fourth embodiment, the timing of the identification information match determination by the determination unit 281 is added compared to the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the second embodiment.

  As described above, the automatic analyzer 100 determines whether dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times when the sampling probe 142c finishes discharging (see the first embodiment S08). That is, the sampling probe 142c may aspirate the test sample from the sample container 140b a plurality of times.

  When the sampling probe 142c performs aspiration several times with respect to one sample container 140b, the automatic analyzer 100 identifies each time the detection unit 142d detects the liquid level of the test sample in one sample container 140b. Are acquired (see the first embodiment S03-09).

  The control unit 200 according to the fourth embodiment causes the storage unit 270 to store the acquired identification information each time the identification information corresponding to the liquid level detection of the detection unit 142d is acquired.

  The determination unit 281 in the fourth embodiment determines whether the identification information and the corresponding identification information stored in the storage unit 270 in advance each time the identification information is acquired corresponding to the liquid level detection. To do. The determination by the determination unit 281 is performed for each piece of identification information acquired after the first dispensing from one sample container 140b until the control unit 200 determines that the dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times. Done.

  For example, the determination unit 281 makes a determination by comparing the identification information acquired this time for one sample container 140b with the identification information that is read from the storage unit 270 and acquired immediately before. In other words, the format is such that it is determined whether the identification information acquired first from one sample container 140b matches the identification information acquired the second time or the identification information acquired the second time and the third time. Become.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the fourth embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the fourth embodiment also acquires identification information at the timing when the test sample is sucked or is about to be sucked. The determination unit 281 in the fourth embodiment determines whether the acquired identification information matches the identification information stored in the storage unit 270 each time it is acquired corresponding to the liquid level detection. The determination by the determination unit 281 is performed for each piece of identification information acquired after the first dispensing from one sample container 140b until the control unit 200 determines that the dispensing has been performed a predetermined number of times. Done.

  Therefore, the determination unit 281 makes a one-to-one correspondence between the test sample dispensed in the reaction tube 131 and the sample container 140b having identification information of the test sample. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) between the identification information can be reliably detected, and a situation in which measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Fifth Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the acquisition timing of the identification information is different from that of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, this difference will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information in response to the detection unit 142d of the sampling arm 142 detecting the liquid level of the test sample in the sample container 140b. In contrast, in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the fifth embodiment, the barcode of the sample container 140b in which the reading unit 190 is at the suction position in accordance with the suction of the test sample by the sampling probe 142c (see the first embodiment S05). To obtain identification information.

  Hereinafter, a series of steps for acquiring identification information in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing a series of steps for acquiring identification information in the fifth embodiment.

(Step 51)
The control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214 to further feed the rack tray 140a transported to the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c to a suction position by the sampling probe 142c (Y1 direction in FIG. 2).

(Step 52)
The control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 at a timing (S51) when the rack tray 140a is sent out by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c. As a result, as the rack tray 140a is sent out, the barcode sequentially passes in front of the reading surface of the reading unit 190 from the sample container 140b at the head of the rack tray 140a, and the identification information is acquired.

(Step 501)
The control unit 200 sends the identification information acquired by the reading unit 190 at this timing to the storage unit 270 and temporarily stores it.

(Step 53)
The control unit 200 moves the sampling probe 142c to the suction position (see FIG. 4, reference numeral 142b, FIG. 5A). Further, the control unit 200 lowers the suction port of the sampling probe 142c to reach the liquid level of the test sample in the sample container 140b at the suction position.

(Step 54)
In response to the suction port of the sampling probe 142c reaching the liquid level by the arm driving unit 212 (S53), the detection unit 142d detects the liquid level. The detection unit 142d sends information indicating that the liquid level has been detected to the control unit 200 (FIG. 3).

(Step 502)
The control unit 200 drives the sampler driving unit 214 in response to receiving the liquid level detection information. That is, the sampling probe 142c is controlled to suck a predetermined amount of the test sample in the sample container 140b. In addition, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 in response to the suction control. The timing of the operation by the reading unit 190 is the timing of starting the suction of the test sample by the sampling probe 142c or the timing of ending the suction.

  The suction start timing is, for example, the timing at which the control unit 200 receives the liquid level detection information and performs control (S55) to cause the sampling probe 142c to perform suction. The suction end timing is, for example, the timing at which the control unit 200 determines that the suction of a predetermined amount of the test sample by the sampling probe 142c has ended. The control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 at any of these timings.

(Step 55)
The sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample in the sample container 140b by a predetermined amount.

(Step 56)
The reading unit 190 reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position, and acquires the identification information of the test sample. Note that either step 55 or step 56 may be first or may be synchronized.

(Step 503)
Further, when the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information of the test sample from the barcode of the sample container 140b arranged at the suction position, the control unit 200 sends the identification information to the determination unit 281.

(Step 504)
When receiving the identification information from the reading unit 190, the determination unit 281 acquires the identification information acquired in step 501 from the storage unit 270. Further, the determination unit 281 determines whether these pieces of identification information match.

(Step 505)
When the identification information does not match (S504; No), the determination unit 281 sends information indicating that the identification information does not match to the error processing unit 282. The error processing unit 282 performs predetermined error processing. Note that the content of the error processing is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Steps 56-58)
Steps 57 to 58 in the automatic analyzer 100 of the fifth embodiment, that is, discharge of the test sample (S57), determination of the number of dispensing (S58), determination of the presence or absence of measurement of the sample container (S59), etc. Since it is the same as the process (S07-09) of 1 embodiment, description is omitted.

<Modification 1>
Note that the control unit 200 may cause the reading unit 190 to further operate at the timing when the sampling probe 142c is rotated to the reaction tube 131b to read the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position. In this case, the identification information acquired at the timing of starting or ending suction is stored in the storage unit 270 at the time of acquisition. Further, the determination unit 281 is configured to determine whether the identification information acquired at the probe rotation timing matches the stored identification information.

<Modification 2>
The control unit 200 further operates the reading unit 190 at the timing when the sampling probe 142c is lowered with respect to the sample container 140b at the suction position, and reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position. Also good. In this case, the identification information acquired at the probe lowering timing is stored in the storage unit 270 at the time of acquisition. Further, the determination unit 281 is configured to determine whether the identification information acquired at the timing of starting or ending suction matches the stored identification information.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the fifth embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the fifth embodiment acquires the identification information of the test sample at the timing when the sampling probe 142c starts sucking the test sample from the sample container 140b or when the suction is finished. . Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) between the identification information and the identification information can be found with certainty, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Sixth Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the acquisition timing of identification information is different from that in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment described above. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, this difference will be described.

  The automatic analyzer 100 according to the sixth embodiment does not respond to the detection of the liquid level of the test sample, but instead of reading the test sample by the sampling probe 142c (see the first embodiment S07), the reading unit 190. Reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position to obtain the identification information.

  Hereinafter, a series of steps for obtaining identification information in the automatic analyzer 100 according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart showing a series of steps for acquiring identification information in the sixth embodiment.

(Steps 61-65, 601, 602)
Steps 61 to 65 in the automatic analyzer 100 of the sixth embodiment, that is, transport of the sample container 140b (S61), reading when transporting the rack tray 140a (S62), detection of the liquid level of the sample container 140b (S63, 64), The aspiration of the test sample (S65) and the like are the same as the processing (S01 to 05) of the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted. Similarly, the storage of the identification information in steps 601 and 602 in the sixth embodiment and the suction instruction according to the liquid level detection are the same as the processing in the first embodiment (S101, S102), and thus the description thereof is omitted. To do.

(Step 603)
When the sampling probe 142c finishes the predetermined amount of suction (S65), the control unit 200 moves the sampling probe 142c to the discharge position to the reaction tube 131 (FIGS. 5B to 5C). Further, the control unit 200 performs control to lower the sampling probe 142 c and discharge the test sample to the reaction tube 131. In addition, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 in response to the control for causing the sampling probe 142c to discharge the test sample. The timing of the operation by the reading unit 190 is the timing at which the sampling probe 142c starts to discharge the test sample or ends the discharge.

  The discharge start timing is, for example, the timing at which the control unit 200 performs control to lower the sampling probe 142c and drive the sampler driving unit 214 to cause the sampling probe 142c to discharge. The discharge end timing is, for example, the timing when the control unit 200 determines that all the test sample in the sampling probe 142c has been discharged. The control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 at any of these timings.

(Step 66)
The sampling probe 142 c is lowered by the control unit 200 at the discharge position to the reaction tube 131 and discharges the test sample to the reaction tube 131.

(Step 67)
The reading unit 190 reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position, and acquires the identification information of the test sample. When the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information of the test sample, the identification information is sent to the determination unit 281. Note that either step 66 or step 67 may be first or may be synchronized.

(Step 604)
When the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information of the test sample from the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position, the control unit 200 sends the identification information to the determination unit 281.

(Step 605)
When receiving the identification information from the reading unit 190, the determination unit 281 acquires the identification information acquired in step 601 from the storage unit 270. get. Further, the determination unit 281 determines whether these pieces of identification information match.

(Step 606)
If the identification information does not match (step 605; No), the determination unit 281 sends information indicating that the identification information does not match to the error processing unit 282. The error processing unit 282 performs predetermined error processing. Note that the content of the error processing is the same as that in the first embodiment, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

(Steps 68 and 69)
Steps 68 and 69 in the automatic analyzer 100 of the sixth embodiment, that is, determination of the number of times of dispensing, determination of the presence or absence of measurement of the sample container, and the like are the same as the processing of the first embodiment (steps 08 and 09). Therefore, the explanation is omitted.

<Modification 1>
Note that the control unit 200 may cause the reading unit 190 to further operate at the timing when the sampling probe 142c is rotated to the reaction tube 131b to read the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position. In this case, the identification information acquired at the probe rotation timing is stored in the storage unit 270 at the time of acquisition. Further, the determination unit 281 may determine whether or not the identification information acquired at the discharge start or end timing matches the stored identification information.

<Modification 2>
Further, the control unit 200 may further operate the reading unit 190 at the timing when the sampling probe 142c is lowered at the discharge position to read the barcode of the sample container 140b at the discharge position. In this case, the identification information acquired at the probe lowering timing is stored in the storage unit 270 at the time of acquisition. Further, the determination unit 281 may determine whether or not the identification information acquired at the timing of starting or ending suction matches the stored identification information.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the sixth embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the sixth embodiment acquires the identification information of the test sample at the timing when the sampling probe 142c starts to discharge the test sample to the reaction tube 131 or at the timing when the discharge ends. . Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) can be reliably found with the identification information, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Seventh Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the seventh embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the seventh embodiment, the timing for obtaining the identification information is partially omitted as compared with the automatic analyzer 100 according to the fifth embodiment described above. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these differences will be described.

<First suction timing>
In the fifth embodiment, the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information each time the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample. On the other hand, the automatic analyzer 100 according to the seventh embodiment does not have to suck the sample to be tested, but according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c first sucks from one sample container 140b, the sample container at the suction position. The identification information 140b is acquired.

  That is, after the sample container 140b has been transported to the suction position by the rack tray supply / discharge unit 140c, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 in accordance with the timing at which the sampling probe 142c first sucks the test sample. The determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at this time matches the identification information acquired when the rack tray 140a is sent out.

<Last suction timing>
The automatic analyzer 100 according to the seventh embodiment may acquire the identification information at the following timing in addition to the above timing. For example, the identification information of the sample container 140b at the suction position may be acquired according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c last sucks from one sample container 140b.

  That is, for each sample container 140b, a single dispensing amount by the sampling probe 142c and the number of dispensings to be performed on the sample container 140b are determined. Therefore, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 at the time of the last suction at the determined number of dispensing, that is, according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c sucks the test sample. The determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at this time matches the identification information acquired when the rack tray 140a is sent out.

  Further, in the seventh embodiment, the control unit 200 may acquire the identification information at both the first suction timing and the last suction timing. In this case, the determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at the timing of the first suction matches the identification information acquired at the timing of the last suction.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the seventh embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 in the seventh embodiment acquires the identification information of the test sample from the sample container 140b at the suction position according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c sucks first or last from one sample container 140b. . Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) can be reliably found with the identification information, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Eighth Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the eighth embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the eighth embodiment, the timing for acquiring the identification information is partially omitted as compared with the automatic analyzer 100 according to the sixth embodiment described above. Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these differences will be described.

<First discharge timing>
In the sixth embodiment, the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information every time the sampling probe 142c discharges the test sample. On the other hand, the automatic analyzer 100 according to the eighth embodiment sucks the test sample in one sample container 140b according to the timing at which the test sample is first discharged to the reaction tube 131, not every time the test sample is discharged. The identification information of the test sample is acquired from the sample container 140b at the position.

  After the sample container 140b has been transported to the suction position by the rack tray supply / discharge section 140c, the sampling probe 142c starts suction of the test sample from the sample container 140b that has reached the suction position. After the first suction, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 in accordance with the timing at which the sampling probe 142c discharges the test sample to the reaction tube 131. The determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at this time matches the identification information acquired when the rack tray 140a is sent out.

<Final discharge timing>
The automatic analyzer 100 according to the eighth embodiment may acquire identification information at the following timing in addition to the above timing. For example, the identification information of the test sample may be acquired from the sample container 140b at the suction position according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c is finally discharged from one sample container 140b.

  In other words, the control unit 200 operates the reading unit 190 according to the last discharge in the number of times of dispensing to be performed on the sample container 140b, that is, according to the timing at which the test sample is finally discharged by the sampling probe 142c. . The determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at this time matches the identification information acquired when the rack tray 140a is sent out.

  Further, in the eighth embodiment, the control unit 200 may acquire the identification information at both the first ejection timing and the last ejection timing. In this case, the determination unit 281 may determine whether the identification information acquired at the first ejection timing matches the identification information acquired at the last ejection timing.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the eighth embodiment described above will be described.

  The reading unit 190 according to the eighth embodiment acquires identification information of the test sample from the sample container 140b at the suction position according to the timing at which the sampling probe 142c discharges from the one sample container 140b first or last. . Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) can be reliably found with the identification information, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Ninth Embodiment]
Next, an automatic analyzer 100 according to the ninth embodiment will be described. In the automatic analyzer 100 according to the ninth embodiment, the configuration of the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c in the rack sampler 940 is different from that of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first to eighth embodiments. Further, at least two reading units are provided around the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c (190a, 190b). Other parts are the same as those of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the first embodiment. Hereinafter, these differences will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer 100 according to the ninth embodiment.

<Rack sampler>
In the ninth embodiment, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c in the rack sampler 940 can perform the supply operation and the collection operation of the rack tray 140a in conjunction with each other. In other words, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c collects the rack tray 140a including only the measured sample container 140b in conjunction with the operation of sending the rack tray 140a containing the unmeasured sample container 140b out of the array. The action can be performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c has a supply path for sending out the rack tray 140a containing the unmeasured sample container 140b, and the recovery of the rack tray 140a that has only the measured sample container 140b. Roads are provided. In the example of FIG. 10, the supply path is a conveyance path on the left side of the portion indicated by reference numeral 940c. In the example of FIG. 10, the collection path is a conveyance path on the right side of the portion indicated by reference numeral 940c. When the rack tray 140a is disposed on the rack sampler 140, the rack tray 140a is transported by the transport unit described above and reaches the supply path of the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c.

  In addition to the rack tray 140a in the supply path, the rack tray supply / discharge section 940c can further stop the rack tray 140a at a position corresponding to the suction position of the sampling probe 142c (collection path side). That is, as shown in FIG. 10, in the ninth embodiment, in addition to the arrangement of the rack tray 140a group in the rack sampler 940, the rack tray 140a that is being sucked and the rack tray 140a that is waiting to be measured next are Can be held. The rack tray 140a being sucked indicates the rack tray 140a having the sample container 140b that is currently being dispensed. The waiting rack tray 140a refers to the rack tray 140a that is transferred to the suction position next to the rack tray 140a that is being suctioned. In the following, the position where the standby rack tray 140a is held is referred to as a “standby position”.

  When dispensing of a predetermined number of times is completed for all the sample containers 140b in the rack tray 140a being aspirated, and the control unit 200 determines that there is no unmeasured sample container 140b (see the first embodiment S09), the control The unit 200 causes the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c to (1) pull back the rack tray 140a in the suction position to the rack collection position in the rack sampler 940. (2) In conjunction with this pull back operation, the waiting rack tray 140a is transported from the supply path to the supply position on the collection path side. (3) Further, in conjunction with this operation, the rack tray 140a is sent out of the arrangement of the rack tray 140a group in the supply path to be in a standby state.

  As described above, the control unit 200 transfers the rack tray 140a in the forward order from the rack supply position in the rack sampler 940 in order of the supply path, the suction position, the recovery path, and the rack recovery position of the rack tray supply / discharge section 940c. .

<Reader>
As shown in FIG. 10, the reading units in the ninth embodiment are provided in at least two positions of the standby position and the suction position of the rack tray supply / discharge unit 940c. Here, the reading unit disposed with respect to the standby position is referred to as a reading unit 190a, and the reading unit disposed with respect to the suction position is referred to as a reading unit 190b.

  The reading unit 190a reads the barcode of each sample container 140b passing through the reading surface at the timing when the rack tray 140a is sent to the standby position, and acquires the identification information of the test sample. The reading unit 190b reads the barcode of the sample container 140b at the suction position at an arbitrary timing described in the first to eighth embodiments and acquires the identification information of the test sample.

(Function and effect)
The operation and effect of the automatic analyzer according to the ninth embodiment described above will be described.

  Since the automatic analyzer 100 according to the ninth embodiment sequentially sends out the rack tray 140a, it is possible to increase the efficiency of measurement of the test sample. Further, the reading unit 190 acquires the identification information of the test sample from the sample container 140b at the suction position. Therefore, the reading unit 190 can associate the test sample dispensed into the reaction tube 131 with the sample container 140b having the identification information of the test sample on a one-to-one basis. As a result, a mismatch (non-correspondence) between the identification information can be reliably detected, and a situation in which the measurement / analysis is continued with the mismatch occurring can be avoided.

[Modification]
Next, a modified example of the above-described automatic analyzer 100 according to the first to ninth embodiments will be described. The timing of the operation of the reading unit 190 in the automatic analyzers of the first to eighth embodiments described above can be combined as appropriate. However, the first embodiment and the ninth embodiment, the fifth embodiment and the seventh embodiment, and the sixth embodiment and the eighth embodiment cannot be combined.

  In the automatic analyzer to which this modified example is applied, the timing of the operation of the reading unit is greater than that of each embodiment, so that it is possible to more reliably detect the mismatch (non-correspondence) of the identification information more reliably. Can also avoid the situation where measurement and analysis continue with the discrepancy.

  Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, the above-described embodiment has been presented as an example, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Automatic analyzer 110 1st reagent storage 111 Reagent bottle 112 1st reagent arm 112a, 122a, 142a Rotating shaft 112b, 122b, 142b Arm part 112c, 122c Reagent probe 120 2nd reagent storage 121 Reagent bottle 122 2nd reagent arm 130 Reaction disk 131 Reaction tube 140, 940 Rack sampler 140a, 141a Rack tray 140b Sample container 140c, 940c Rack tray supply / discharge unit 141 Disk sampler 142 Sampling arm 142c Sampling probe 142d Detection unit 190, 190a, 190b Reading unit 200 Control unit 210 Drive unit 212 Arm drive unit 213 Reaction disk drive unit 214 Sampler drive unit 220 Analysis unit 230 Data processing unit 250 Display unit 260 Printing 270 determination unit 282 the error processing storage unit 280 recognition unit 281 unit B barcode F rack tray supplying position R rack tray collecting position P suction position

Claims (3)

An automatic analyzer that houses a test sample and performs analysis by sucking the test sample from a sample container having a recording medium on which identification information of the test sample is recorded,
A sample aspirating unit for aspirating the test sample contained in each of the sample containers for a predetermined number of dispensing times ;
A sample container transfer section for transferring the sample container to a suction position by the sample suction section;
In the suction position, an information acquisition unit that acquires the identification information recorded on the recording medium of the sample container at both the first suction timing and the last suction timing among the number of dispensings ;
Among the number of dispensings, the identification information acquired at the timing of the first suction and the last suction
A determination unit that determines whether the identification information acquired at the timing matches,
Automatic analyzer equipped with. The sample suction unit includes a detection unit that detects a liquid level of a test sample in the sample container transferred to the suction position,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the information acquisition unit acquires the identification information in response to detection of the liquid level by the detection unit. An output unit for outputting an analysis result of the test sample;
When the determination unit obtains a determination result that the identification information does not match, the error information is output to the output unit, and only for a test sample other than the test sample determined not to match automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for outputting the analysis result to the output unit.