JPWO2008050396A1 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The analyzer 1 according to the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a second sample that requires an analysis time different from that of the first sample and the first sample, and processing timing for the predetermined first sample and a predetermined first A blank period during which processing for the first sample is not performed is provided between the processing timing for the first sample to be processed next to the sample, and each analysis for the first sample is performed when analysis of the second sample is necessary. The second sample is processed during the blank period after overtaking the process.

Description

  The present invention relates to an analyzer that analyzes a first sample and a second sample that requires an analysis time different from that of the first sample.

  The automatic analyzer can perform analysis processing on a large number of specimens simultaneously, and can analyze multiple components quickly and with high accuracy, making it suitable for testing in various fields such as immunology tests, biochemical tests, and blood transfusion tests. It is used. For example, an analyzer that performs an immunological test uses a reaction mechanism that reacts a sample and a reagent in a reaction container, a removal mechanism that removes unreacted substances in the reaction container, and light generated from the reaction solution of each reagent and specimen. Each measuring mechanism to be measured is placed on a plurality of turntables, and a plurality of dispensing transfer mechanisms for transferring specimens, reagents and reaction liquids are provided, and the processing timing of each mechanism is controlled to control various analysis contents. An immunological test is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-164508 A

  By the way, in the measurement mechanism, there are cases where the measurement process can be performed only once per cycle. For this reason, in the past, the analysis is started for the sample B instructed for the test item with the short analysis time after the analysis is continuously performed on the sample A for which the plurality of test items with the long analysis time is instructed. In this case, since the measurement process timing of the measurement mechanism is not overlapped, the measurement process of the sample B can be performed only after the measurement processes corresponding to all the test items of the sample A are completed. In other words, it is necessary to wait for the measurement process of the sample B with a short analysis time until all the measurement processes for the sample A with a long analysis time are completed. Furthermore, the waiting time of the sample B becomes longer as the quantity of the sample A having a longer analysis time is larger or as the number of analysis items of the sample A is larger.

As described above, in the conventional analyzer, the analysis result of the sample B that can be obtained in a short time can be obtained only after the analysis of the sample A is completed. There was a problem that results could not be obtained quickly. In particular, the sample B with a short analysis time is often an emergency sample for which an urgent result is desired. Conventionally, since the analysis result of the sample B cannot be obtained quickly, there is a problem in the emergency medical field. There was a case.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described drawbacks of the prior art, and even when analysis processing is performed on another sample, the analysis processing of a sample for which an urgent result is desired is quickly performed. An object of the present invention is to provide an analysis apparatus capable of performing the above.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an analyzer according to the present invention is a analyzer that analyzes a first sample and a second sample that requires an analysis time different from the first sample. Providing a blank period during which processing for the first sample is not performed between the processing timing for the first sample and the processing timing for the first sample processed next to the predetermined first sample, When the analysis of the second sample is necessary, the processing for the second sample is performed during the blank period by overtaking each process for the first sample.

  The analyzer according to the present invention further includes a control unit that controls a processing timing of each mechanism constituting the analyzer, and the control unit controls a processing timing for the first sample in the mechanism, and A blank period is generated.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the control unit generates the blank period by delaying an analysis start timing for a first sample to be processed next to the predetermined first sample. .

  Further, in the analyzer according to the present invention, the control means includes the generation timing pattern group of the blank period corresponding to the analysis time of each first sample and the analysis time of each second sample obtained in advance. Selecting a blank period generation timing pattern corresponding to the first specimen and the second specimen to be analyzed, and generating the blank period according to the selected blank period generation timing pattern. Features.

  The analyzer according to the present invention may be configured such that the second sample or the second sample is added to a mechanism that processes the second sample in accordance with a timing at which the mechanism that processes the second sample reaches the blank period. And a transfer mechanism for transferring a reaction solution of the sample and the reagent.

  In the analyzer according to the present invention, the transfer mechanism is an arm-shaped transfer mechanism that transfers a liquid to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing.

  In addition, the analyzer according to the present invention is on standby for waiting for a reaction solution of the second sample or the second sample and a reagent until a mechanism for processing the second sample reaches the blank period. The arm-shaped transfer mechanism includes the second sample or the second sample that waits on the standby table in accordance with a timing at which a mechanism for processing the second sample reaches the blank period. The reaction solution with the reagent is transferred to a mechanism for processing the second specimen.

  Moreover, the analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that the transfer mechanism is a table-like transfer mechanism that stores liquid and transfers it to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing.

  According to the present invention, the blank period during which processing for the first sample is not performed between the processing timing for the predetermined first sample and the processing timing for the first sample processed next to the predetermined first sample. When the analysis of the second sample is necessary, the processing for the second sample is performed in the blank period by overtaking each process for the first sample, so that the analysis process for the first sample, which is another sample, is performed. Even when the process is performed, the analysis process of the second sample whose result is urgently required can be quickly performed.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an analyzer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining measurement instructions, measurement start, and measurement processing timing for each sample in the analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a measurement instruction, a measurement start, and a timing of a measurement process for each sample in the analyzer according to the related art. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining other timings of measurement instruction, measurement start, and measurement processing for each specimen in the analyzer diagram shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing blank cycle generation processing of the timing control unit shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an analysis process in the analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operations of the sample transfer unit, the sample dispensing transfer mechanism, and the BF table shown in FIG. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a sample processed in each step shown in FIG. 7 in each cycle. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining operations of the immune reaction table, the BF table, and the first cuvette transfer mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining operations of the immune reaction table, the BF table, and the first cuvette transfer mechanism shown in FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the BF table shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the BF table shown in FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the BF table shown in FIG. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the mixed mode in the analyzer shown in FIG. FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining a normal mode in the analyzer shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Analyzer 2 Measurement mechanism 4 Control mechanism 21 Sample transfer part 21a Sample container 21b Sample rack 21c Normal lane 21d Passing lane 22 Chip storage part 23 Sample dispensing transfer mechanism 24 Immune reaction table 24a Outer peripheral line 24b Middle peripheral line 24c Inner peripheral line 25 BF table 26 first reagent storage unit 27 second reagent storage unit 28 first reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 29 second reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 30 enzyme reaction table 31 photometric mechanism 32 first cuvette transfer mechanism 33 second cuvette transfer mechanism 34 standby table 41 control unit 42 timing control unit 43 input unit 44 analysis unit 45 storage unit 46 output unit 47 transmission / reception unit

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an analyzer that performs an immunological test such as an antigen-antibody reaction of a test blood in each field such as a biochemical test and a blood transfusion test will be described as an example of the analyzer that is an embodiment of the present invention. Explained. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  First, examples will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the analyzer according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the analyzer 1 according to the embodiment performs a control of the measuring mechanism 2 that optically measures a reaction occurring between a sample and a reagent, and controls the entire analyzer 1 including the measuring mechanism 2. And a control mechanism 4 for analyzing a measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2. The analyzer 1 automatically performs immunological analysis of a plurality of specimens by cooperation of these two mechanisms. For example, the analyzer 1 simultaneously performs an analysis process on the sample A instructed for the test item a having many analysis processes and a long analysis time, and the sample B instructed for the test item b having a short analysis process and a short analysis time. ing.

  The measurement mechanism 2 includes a sample and reagent dispensing process to a reaction container that is transferred to each mechanism that performs each process, a stirring process, a reaction process in which a sample and a reagent are reacted in the reaction container, After performing a removal process for removing the reactants, the reaction solution in which the sample and the reagent have reacted is optically measured. The reaction container for which the optical measurement has been completed is discarded as it is.

  The control mechanism 4 is realized by using one or a plurality of computer systems, and is connected to the measurement mechanism 2 that optically measures the reaction in the reaction vessel. The control mechanism 4 controls the operation process of the measurement mechanism 2 and analyzes the measurement result in the measurement mechanism 2 using various software related to each process of the analyzer 1. The control mechanism 4 includes a control unit 41, an input unit 43, an analysis unit 44, a storage unit 45, an output unit 46, and a transmission / reception unit 47. These units included in the measurement mechanism 2 and the control mechanism 4 are electrically connected to the control unit 41.

  The control unit 41 is configured using a CPU or the like having a control function, and controls processing and operation of each component of the analyzer 1. The control unit 41 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The control unit 41 controls the analyzer 1 by reading out the program stored in the storage unit 45 from the memory. The control unit 41 includes a timing control unit 42.

  The input unit 43 is configured using a keyboard for inputting various information, a mouse for designating an arbitrary position on the display screen of the output unit 46, and the like, which are necessary for analyzing the sample. Information, instruction information of analysis operation, etc. are acquired from the outside.

  The storage unit 45 is configured using a hard disk that stores information magnetically and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the sample is stored. The storage unit 45 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card.

  The output unit 46 is configured by using a display, a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information related to analysis. The transmission / reception unit 47 has a function as an interface for performing transmission / reception of information according to a predetermined format via a communication network (not shown).

  The timing control unit 42 controls the processing timing of each mechanism of the measurement mechanism 2 that constitutes the analyzer in accordance with the analysis content. The timing control unit 42 provides a blank period in which processing for the sample A is not performed between the processing timing for the predetermined sample A and the processing timing for the sample A to be processed next to the predetermined sample A. If necessary, each process for sample A is overtaken and the process for sample B is performed during the blank period. The timing control unit 42 controls the processing timing for the specimen A in each mechanism constituting the measurement mechanism 2 to generate a blank period. The timing control unit 42 generates a blank period by delaying the analysis start timing for the sample A to be processed next to the predetermined sample A. The timing controller 42 overtakes the sample A in accordance with the timing when the mechanism for processing the sample B reaches the blank period with respect to the transfer mechanism in the measurement mechanism 2 that transfers the liquid or the reaction container containing the liquid. Control is performed so that the sample B or the reaction solution of the sample B and the reagent is transferred to a mechanism for processing the sample B.

  Next, the blank period generated by the control of the timing control unit 42 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a measurement instruction, measurement start, and timing of measurement processing for each specimen. The cycle in FIG. 2 is a time unit serving as a reference for processing operation in each mechanism of the measurement mechanism 2, and the optical measurement process in the measurement mechanism 2 is performed once per cycle.

  In FIG. 2, when analysis of test item a is instructed for samples A1 to A7, test item b of an analysis cycle shorter than test item a for samples A1 to A7 is instructed to sample B1. Will be described as an example. In the specimens A1 to A7, the inspection item a for which the measurement process is performed in the eighth cycle from the start of measurement is instructed. In the sample B1, the inspection item b for which the measurement process is performed in the second cycle from the start of measurement is instructed. For example, as shown in the column R1 of FIG. 2, after the measurement instructions for the samples A1 to A7 are sequentially given from the first cycle to the seventh cycle, the measurement instruction is given to the sample B1 at the eighth cycle.

  Next, the generation timing of blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6, which are blank periods, will be described by taking as an example a cuvette arrangement process in which cuvettes into which each sample is dispensed are arranged in each cuvette storage chamber on the processing table. The processing table has a plurality of cuvette storage chambers that can respectively store a plurality of cuvettes. By rotating this processing table, the cuvette storage chamber corresponding to the sample instructed to start measurement is transferred to the cuvette transfer position where the cuvette transfer means transfers the cuvette. The processing table rotates, for example, every cycle, and each cuvette storage chamber is transferred to the cuvette transfer position in the order of arrangement. First, as shown in the column R2 of FIG. 2, the timing control unit 42 generates blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 between the processing timings of the samples A1 to A7 in the cuvette placement processing. The blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 are generated at predetermined intervals by controlling the cuvette arrangement timing for the samples A1 to A7. In the column R2 of FIG. 2, one of the two cycles is controlled as the processing timing of the samples A1 to A7, and blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 are generated in the remaining one cycle.

  Specifically, after the timing control unit 42 starts the measurement of the sample A1 by performing the placement process on the processing table of the cuvette in which the sample A1 is dispensed in the second cycle as shown in the column R2 of FIG. The measurement of the sample A2 is started by performing an arrangement process on the cuvette processing table in which the sample A2 is dispensed in the fourth cycle instead of the third cycle, and a blank cycle Bs1 is generated in the third cycle. As a result, on the processing table, the cuvette is disposed between the cuvette storage chamber in which the cuvette for dispensing the sample A1 is disposed and the cuvette storage chamber in which the cuvette for dispensing the sample A2 is disposed. An empty cuvette storage room will be located. Then, for the sample A3 to which the measurement is instructed next, the cuvette placement process in which the sample A3 is dispensed is performed in the sixth cycle instead of the fifth cycle, and the measurement is started. A blank cycle Bs2 is generated. Then, for the sample A4, the cuvette arrangement process in which the sample A4 is dispensed is performed in the eighth cycle, the measurement is started, and the blank cycle Bs3 is generated in the seventh cycle, and for the sample A5, the cycle is 10 cycles. A cuvette arrangement process in which the specimen A5 is dispensed into the eye is performed, and measurement is started, and a blank cycle Bs4 is generated in the ninth cycle. In this case, in each mechanism, the cycle for processing the specimens A1 to A7 and the blank cycle are alternated. In other words, on the processing table, the cuvette storage chambers in which cuvettes into which the specimens A1 to A7 are dispensed are arranged alternately and the empty cuvette storage chambers in which no cuvettes are arranged are positioned alternately. Each mechanism can process samples other than the samples A1 to A7 during the blank cycle in which the processing on the samples A1 to A7 is not performed.

  In the sample B1, the measurement start process of the sample A5 to the sample A7 is overtaken as shown by the arrow Ya instead of the 15th cycle following the 14th cycle which is the measurement start cycle of the sample A7, and the 9th cycle. Measurement is started by performing a cuvette arrangement process in which the specimen B1 is dispensed during the generated blank cycle Bs4. In other words, after the cuvette placement process in which the sample A4 is dispensed in the eighth cycle is performed, the cuvette in which the sample B1 is dispensed is dispensed in the blank cycle Bs4 in the ninth cycle. The cuvette is placed in the empty cuvette storage room which is the next cuvette storage room after the cuvette storage room in which the cuvette is placed. As described above, the measurement start process for the sample B1 is performed in the 9th cycle, which is the next cycle after the 8th cycle in which the measurement is instructed, by overtaking the measurement start process for the samples A5 to A7 and interrupting at the blank cycle Bs4. .

  Next, the measurement process will be described. As shown in the column R3 of FIG. 2, in the sample A1 in which the measurement start process is performed in the second cycle, the measurement process is performed in the 10th cycle after the 8th cycle to the 8th cycle. Samples A2 to A7 are subjected to measurement processing at the 12th cycle, the 14th cycle, the 16th cycle, the 18th cycle, the 20th cycle, and the 22nd cycle with the blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 interposed therebetween.

  Then, in the sample B1, the measurement process is overtaken from the measurement process of the samples A2 to A4, and the measurement process is performed at the blank cycle Bs1 of the 11th cycle after the second cycle from the ninth cycle when the measurement instruction process is performed as indicated by the arrow Yb. Is done. As described above, the measurement process for the sample B1 is performed in the shortest analysis time after the measurement is instructed by overtaking the measurement process for the samples A2 to A4 and interrupting at the blank cycle Bs1.

  Here, a conventional analyzer will be described. In the conventional analyzer, as shown in FIG. 3, when the measurement processing instruction for the samples A1 to A7 is given from the first cycle to the seventh cycle, and the measurement instruction is given to the sample B1 at the eighth cycle, the measurement processing instruction is given. In this order, the cuvettes in which the samples A1 to A7 and the sample B1 are dispensed are sequentially arranged on the processing table in the order of the samples A1 to A7 and the sample B1, and the measurement is started. As a result, the specimen B1 can be measured in the 11th cycle after 2 cycles from the 9th cycle in which the measurement start process was performed as indicated by the arrow Yc. Since the measurement process for the sample A3 that received the measurement start instruction is performed in the eleventh cycle and is duplicated, the measurement process cannot be performed. Since the measurement processes for the samples A1 to A7 are continuous, in order for the sample B1 to receive the measurement process, as shown by the arrow Yd, it is necessary to wait until the 16th cycle when all the measurement processes for the samples A1 to A7 are completed. was there. Furthermore, the samples A1 to A7 have a longer time from the start of measurement to the end of measurement, and the longer the number of samples for which a measurement start instruction has been given earlier, the longer the waiting time for the sample B1. Therefore, the analysis result of the specimen B1 that can be obtained in a short time cannot be obtained quickly. In particular, the sample B1 having a shorter cycle from the start of measurement to the measurement process than the samples A1 to A7 is often an emergency sample for which an urgent result is desired, and conventionally, the sample B1 is an emergency sample. In some cases, the results of this analysis could not be obtained quickly, resulting in obstacles in the emergency medical field.

  On the other hand, in the analyzer 1 according to the present embodiment, the blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 provided between the processing timings of the samples A1 to A7 even when the analysis processing for the samples A1 to A7 is performed first. By interrupting each process for the sample B1, the analysis process for the sample B1 whose result is to be obtained urgently can be performed quickly.

  In FIG. 2, the case where one of the two cycles is set as a blank cycle has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, one of the three cycles is set as a blank cycle. May be. In this case, the timing control unit 42 generates a blank cycle by delaying the measurement start timing for the samples A1 to A7. Specifically, as shown in the column R5 of FIG. 4, the measurement of the samples A1 and A2 is started in the second cycle and the third cycle, and then the measurement of the sample A3 is started in the fifth cycle. Is provided with a blank cycle Bt1. Then, after the measurement of the sample A4 is started in the sixth cycle, the measurement of the sample A5 is started in the eighth cycle, and a blank cycle Bt2 is provided in the seventh cycle. Further, after the measurement of the sample A6 is started in the ninth cycle, the measurement of the sample A7 is started in the eleventh cycle, and a blank cycle Bt3 is provided.

  For the sample B1, as shown by an arrow Ya2, the measurement start process for sample A7 is overtaken instead of the 12th cycle following the 11th cycle instructed to start measurement of sample A7. Measurement is started by interrupting the blank cycle Bt3 generated in step (b). Then, as shown in the column R6, the measurement process for the sample A1 is performed in the 10th cycle after the 8th cycle from the second cycle, and the measurement process for the sample A2 is performed in the 11th cycle. Thereafter, the measurement process of the sample B1 is overtaken by the measurement process of the sample A3 to the sample A6, and is performed at the blank cycle Bt1 of the twelfth cycle after the second cycle from the tenth cycle when the measurement instruction process is performed as indicated by the arrow Yb2. It is done by interrupting. In this way, a blank cycle is performed so that the sample for which the analysis result should be obtained quickly can finish the measurement process earliest in correspondence with the analysis process and each processing timing of each analysis performed on the sample to be analyzed. It may be provided in a timely manner. In addition, in FIG. 2, the case where a blank cycle is generated in the cuvette arrangement process in which each cuvette to which each specimen is dispensed is arranged on the processing table has been described as an example. In other processes such as the stirring process, the removing process, and the reaction process, it is sufficient to generate the blank cycle by controlling the processing timing for the samples A1 to A7.

  In addition, the analysis process and processing timing of each analysis item are examined in advance, and multiple patterns of each processing timing and blank cycle insertion timing are set so that the same processing does not overlap when any analysis item overlaps. Just keep it. The timing control unit 42 considers both the processing capability of the apparatus and the urgency of result acquisition for each sample based on a plurality of preset patterns, and each processing timing and blank cycle insertion timing in each mechanism. Should be set.

  Specifically, this will be described with reference to FIG. First, the timing control unit 42 receives analysis instruction information for instructing the start of analysis for a predetermined sample input from the input unit 43 (step S2). The timing control unit 42 determines whether or not examination items having different analysis times overlap based on the received analysis instruction information (step S4). When the timing control unit 42 determines that the inspection items having different analysis times do not overlap (step S4: No), the timing control unit 42 controls each component of the measurement mechanism 2 at the processing timing at which the blank cycle insertion processing is not performed, and the blank cycle. End the insertion process. In addition, when the timing control unit 42 determines that the examination items having different analysis times are duplicated (step S4: Yes), it is determined whether or not to perform the overtaking process on a sample that needs to be analyzed quickly such as an emergency sample. The determination is made based on the instruction information input from the input unit 43 (step S6). When it is determined that the overtaking process is not executed (step S6: No), the timing control unit 42 controls each component of the measurement mechanism 2 at a processing timing at which the blank cycle insertion process is not performed, and performs the blank cycle insertion process. finish.

  On the other hand, if the timing control unit 42 determines that the overtaking process is to be executed (step S6: Yes), for example, from among each pattern of the blank cycle insertion timing stored in the storage unit 45, an overlapping inspection item is selected. The most suitable blank cycle insertion timing pattern is searched (step S8). For example, the storage unit 45 associates each blank cycle insertion timing pattern illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4 with one or more blank cycle insertion timing patterns most suitable for each combination of overlapping inspection items. Remember the table. The timing control unit 42 may search for the insertion timing pattern of the blank timing most suitable for the overlapping inspection items by referring to this table.

  Then, the output unit 46 presents the insertion timing pattern searched by the timing control unit 42 (step S10). Specifically, the output unit 46 shows the insertion timing pattern searched by the timing control unit 42, and displays a menu provided with a permission column that permits the insertion timing pattern and a non-permission column that does not permit the insertion timing pattern. Display output.

  And the timing control part 42 judges whether the insertion timing pattern shown by the output part 46 may be sufficient based on the instruction information input from the input part 43 (step S12). Specifically, the operator of the analyzer checks this menu, and when permitting the presented insertion timing pattern, operates the mouse or keyboard to select the permission column. In this case, since instruction information for permitting the presented insertion timing pattern is input from the input unit 43, the timing control unit 42 determines that the insertion timing pattern presented by the output unit 46 may be acceptable (step S12: Yes), this insertion timing pattern is set as the insertion timing of the blank timing (step S14), and each component is controlled so as to generate a blank timing according to this insertion timing pattern. On the other hand, the operator of the analyzer checks this menu, and when the presented insertion timing pattern is not permitted, operates the mouse or keyboard to select the non-permitted column. In this case, since instruction information that does not permit the presented insertion timing pattern is input from the input unit 43, the timing control unit 42 determines that the insertion timing pattern presented by the output unit 46 is not suitable (step S12). : No), the process returns to step S8, and the insertion timing pattern is searched again.

  As described above, the timing control unit 42 performs the analysis from the generation timing pattern of the blank period corresponding to the analysis time for each first sample and the analysis time for each second sample obtained in advance. A blank cycle generation timing pattern corresponding to the second sample and the second sample may be selected, and a blank cycle may be generated according to the selected blank period generation timing pattern.

  1 to 4, for ease of explanation, the case where the test item a is performed on the plurality of samples A1 to A7 and the test item b is performed on the sample B1 has been described. Not limited to this. For example, when a plurality of test items having a long analysis time are performed on one sample A, the process corresponding to the test item b of the sample B1 may be performed by overtaking each process on the sample A. In this embodiment, the analysis process corresponding to the inspection item for which the result is to be obtained quickly can be performed during the blank cycle overtaking the analysis process for the other inspection items, so the analysis of the inspection items having different analysis times is duplicated. Applicable to the case.

  Next, the measuring mechanism 2 in the analyzer 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the measurement mechanism 2 is roughly divided into a sample transfer unit 21, a chip storage unit 22, a sample dispensing transfer mechanism 23, an immune reaction table 24, a BF table 25, a first reagent storage unit 26, and a second reagent. A storage unit 27, a first reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 28, a second reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 29, an enzyme reaction table 30, a photometric mechanism 31, a first cuvette transfer mechanism 32, a second cuvette transfer mechanism 33, and a standby table 34 are provided. .

  The sample transfer section 21 includes a plurality of sample racks 21b that hold a plurality of sample containers 21a containing samples and are sequentially transferred in the direction of the arrows in the figure. The sample stored in the sample container 21a is blood or urine collected from the sample provider. The sample transfer unit 21 is provided with a normal lane 21c for transferring a sample to be processed normally without urgency, and an overtaking lane 21d for transferring an emergency sample requiring urgent analysis result acquisition.

  The chip storage unit 22 is provided with a chip case in which a plurality of chips are aligned, and chips are supplied from this case. This tip is a disposable sample tip that is attached to the tip of the nozzle of the specimen dispensing transfer mechanism 23 and is exchanged for every specimen dispensing in order to prevent carryover when measuring an infectious disease item.

  The specimen dispensing / transfer mechanism 23 has an arm that is attached to the distal end of a probe that sucks and discharges the specimen, and that freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through the base end of the specimen. Prepare. The sample dispensing transfer mechanism 23 sucks the sample in the sample container 21a moved to the predetermined position by the sample transfer unit 21 with the probe, rotates the arm, and dispenses it to the cuvette transported to the predetermined position by the BF table 25. Then, the specimen is transferred into the cuvette on the BF table 25 at a predetermined timing.

  The immune reaction table 24 has a reaction line for reacting a specimen with a predetermined reagent corresponding to an analysis item in each cuvette arranged. The immune reaction table 24 is rotatable for each reaction line with a vertical line passing through the center of the immune reaction table 24 as a rotation axis, and moves the cuvette arranged on the immune reaction table 24 to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. In the immune reaction table 24, as shown in FIG. 6, the peripheral line 24a for pretreatment and predilution, the intermediate peripheral line 24b for immune reaction between the specimen and the solid phase carrier reagent, and the immune reaction between the specimen and the labeling reagent. A triple reaction line structure having an inner peripheral line 24c may be formed.

  The BF table 25 performs BF (bound-free) separation for separating unreacted substances in the specimen or reagent. The BF table 25 is rotatable for each reaction line with a vertical line passing through the center of the BF table 25 as a rotation axis, and transfers the cuvette disposed on the BF table 25 to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. The BF table 25 has a magnetic flux collecting mechanism for collecting magnetic particle carriers necessary for BF separation, a BF cleaning nozzle for performing BF separation, and a stirring mechanism for dispersing the magnetically collected carriers.

  The first reagent storage unit 26 can store a plurality of reagent containers in which first reagents to be dispensed are stored in cuvettes arranged on the BF table 25. The second reagent storage unit 27 can store a plurality of reagent containers in which second reagents to be dispensed are stored in the cuvettes arranged on the BF table 25. The first reagent storage unit 26 and the second reagent storage unit 27 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise by driving a drive mechanism (not shown), and a desired reagent container can be moved to the first reagent dispensing transfer mechanism. 28 or the second reagent dispensing transport mechanism 29 is transported to the reagent suction position.

  The first reagent dispensing and transporting mechanism 28 has a probe for aspirating and discharging the first reagent attached to the distal end portion, and can freely move up and down in the vertical direction and rotate around a vertical line passing through its base end portion. An arm is provided. The first reagent dispensing and transferring mechanism 28 sucks the reagent in the reagent container moved to the predetermined position by the first reagent storage unit 26 with the probe, rotates the arm, and is transported to the predetermined position by the BF table 25. Dispense into. The second reagent dispensing / transferring mechanism 29 has a configuration similar to that of the first reagent dispensing / transporting mechanism 28, and aspirates the reagent in the reagent container moved to a predetermined position by the second reagent storage unit 27 with a probe, The arm is pivoted and dispensed into the cuvette transported to a predetermined position by the BF table 25.

  The enzyme reaction table 30 is a reaction line for performing an enzyme reaction that generates light in a cuvette into which a substrate solution has been injected. The photometric mechanism 31 measures luminescence emitted from the reaction solution in the cuvette. The photometry mechanism 31 includes, for example, a photomultiplier tube that detects weak light emission generated by chemiluminescence, and measures the light emission amount. The photometry mechanism 31 holds an optical filter, and calculates the true light emission intensity based on the measurement value dimmed by the optical filter according to the light emission intensity.

  The first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through the base end of the first cuvette, and moves the cuvette containing the liquid to the immune reaction table 24 at a predetermined timing. BF table 25, enzyme reaction table 30, standby table 34, cuvette supply unit (not shown), and arms for transferring to predetermined positions of a cuvette disposal unit (not shown) are provided. The second cuvette transfer mechanism 33 freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through the base end of the second cuvette as a central axis, and moves the cuvette containing the liquid to the enzyme reaction table at a predetermined timing. 30, a photometric mechanism 31, and an arm that moves to a predetermined position of a cuvette disposal unit (not shown).

  Until the mechanism for processing a predetermined emergency sample reaches the above-described blank cycle, the standby table 34 includes the predetermined sample, the sample and the predetermined reagent, a cuvette containing the predetermined sample, or the sample. And a cuvette containing a reaction solution of a predetermined reagent.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the analysis process for the specimen A and the specimen B will be described. First, the analysis process for the specimen A will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, after the cuvette is transferred from the cuvette supply unit (not shown) to the predetermined position of the BF table 25 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32, the first reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 28 first enters the cuvette. A first reagent dispensing process is performed in which a magnetic particle solid phase carrier reagent, which is one reagent, is dispensed (step S22). After that, the sample container 21a containing the sample A is transferred by the sample transfer unit 21, and the sample dispensing transfer mechanism 23 to which the chip supplied from the chip storage unit 22 is mounted is placed on the BF table 25 from the sample container 21a. The sample A is dispensed into the cuvette (step S23). The cuvette is stirred by the stirring mechanism of the BF table 25 (step S25), and then transferred to a predetermined position of the immune reaction table 24 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 to perform the first reaction (step S26). ).

  Then, after a certain reaction time has elapsed, the cuvette is transferred to the BF table 25 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32, the magnetic particle carrier is collected by the magnetic collection mechanism in the BF table 25, and the first is washed by the BF cleaning nozzle. 1BF cleaning is performed (step S27). Then, the labeling reagent, which is the second reagent, is dispensed into the cuvette after the BF separation by the second reagent dispensing transfer mechanism 29 (step S28), and stirred by the stirring mechanism. Next, the cuvette is transferred to a predetermined line of the immune reaction table 24 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 to perform the second reaction (step S29). Then, after a certain reaction time has elapsed, the cuvette is transferred to the BF table 25, the magnetic particle carrier is collected by the magnetic collecting mechanism, and the second BF cleaning is performed by the BF cleaning nozzle (step S30). Then, the substrate solution is injected into the cuvette (step S31) and stirred again. Then, the cuvette is transferred to the enzyme reaction table 30 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32, and an enzyme reaction is performed (step S32). After a certain reaction time has elapsed, the second cuvette transfer mechanism 33 transfers this cuvette to the photometry mechanism 31, and the photometry mechanism 31 measures the light emitted from the cuvette and outputs the measurement result to the control mechanism 4. (Step S33).

  On the other hand, the analysis process for the specimen B is different from the specimen A after the first reagent dispensing process (step S22) and the specimen dispensing process (step S23) are performed in the same manner as the specimen A. A note process (step S24) is performed. For the sample B, the stirring process (step S25), the first reaction process (step S26), and the first BF washing process (step S27) are performed in the same manner as the sample A, and then the second reagent dispensing process (step S28). The second reaction process (step S29) and the second BF washing process (step S30) are deleted, and the process proceeds to step S31, where the substrate injection process (step S31), the enzyme reaction process (step S32), and the measurement process (step S33) are performed. Done.

  Next, the process for providing the blank cycle described above will be described by taking, for example, a case where a blank cycle is generated by controlling the processing timing of the first reagent dispensing process. When a blank cycle is provided at the timing shown in FIG. 2, the timing control unit 42 delays the analysis start timing for the samples A1 to A7 by delaying the processing timing of the first reagent dispensing process (step S22) in FIG. A blank cycle is provided. After the first reagent dispensing process corresponding to the sample A1 in the second cycle, the first reagent dispensing process corresponding to the samples A2 to A7 is performed in the 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 cycles delayed by one cycle. As a result, blank cycles Bs1 to Bs6 are provided in the third, fifth, seventh, ninth, eleventh and thirteenth cycles. When the measurement of the sample B1 having a short analysis time is instructed, the first reagent dispensing process for the sample B1 is performed at the blank cycle Bs4, overtaking the process for the samples A5 to A7.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the BF table 25, first, a cuvette corresponding to the specimen A1 is arranged at P1, and the first reagent is dispensed. Also, a cuvette corresponding to the sample A2 is arranged at P3 and the first reagent is dispensed, a cuvette corresponding to the sample A3 is arranged at P5 and the first reagent is dispensed, and a cuvette corresponding to the sample A4 is arranged at P7. Is arranged and the first reagent is dispensed, and the cuvette corresponding to the specimen A5 is arranged at P9 and the first reagent is dispensed. As a result, a cuvette is not placed in P2 between P1 and P3, P4 between P3 and P5, and P6 between P5 and P7, and is empty. Then, in P8, which is an empty state between P7 and P9, before the cuvette corresponding to the sample A5 is arranged in P9, the cuvette corresponding to the sample B1 is interrupted and arranged, and the first reagent is dispensed. The Next, the specimen dispensing transfer mechanism 23 dispenses the specimens in the order of specimens A1 to A4 in the cuvettes of P1, P3, P5, and P7 that are sequentially moved to a predetermined position by the rotation of the BF table 25, and then the specimen. Overtaking the dispensing process of A5, the dispensing process of the sample B1 is performed in the cuvette of P8.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the waiting and overtaking of the sample B1 after the start of measurement will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a sample processed in each step during each cycle. For example, in cycle n and cycle (n + 1), as shown in FIG. 9, the stirring process in step S25, the first reaction process in step S26, and the first BF washing process in step S27 shown in FIG. , A5 in order. Thereafter, in the specimen B1, unlike the specimens A4 and A5, the second reagent dispensing process, the second reaction process, and the second BF washing process shown in steps S28 to S30 are omitted, and the substrate injection process in step S31 is performed. . However, in the cycle (n + 2) following the cycle (n + 1) where the first BF cleaning process for the sample B1 is completed, the substrate injection process (step S31) for the sample A3 is performed, so the substrate injection process for the sample B1 is performed. I can't do it.

  For this reason, in the cycle (n + 2), as shown by the arrow Ye, standby processing for waiting for the sample B1 is performed. In this case, in the cycle (n + 2), as shown by the arrow Yg in FIG. 10, the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 removes the cuvette containing the specimen A4 to perform the second reaction process (step S29). The cuvette containing the specimen B1 is transferred from the position P14 of the BF table 25 to the standby table 34 as indicated by the arrow Yh. The cuvette in which the sample B1 is stored waits on the standby table 34 during the cycle (n + 2).

  Then, when the blank cycle reaches the cycle (n + 3) at the time of the substrate injection process (step S31), the substrate injection process is performed on the sample B1 by overtaking the sample A4 as indicated by the arrow Yf in FIG. In this case, in the cycle (n + 3), the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 transfers the cuvette containing the specimen B1 from the standby table 34 to the position P11 of the BF table 25 as indicated by an arrow Yi in FIG. . Then, the BF table 25 transfers the cuvette containing the sample B1 to a predetermined substrate injection location, and performs a substrate injection process on the sample B1. In the cycle (n + 3), as indicated by the arrow Yj, the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 transfers the cuvette containing the specimen A4 from the immune reaction table 24 to P12 of the BF table 25, and the BF table 25 Then, the second BF cleaning process (step S30) is performed on the specimen A4.

  Thus, in the analyzer 1, the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 is used until the processing mechanism that processes the sample B1 next reaches the blank cycle so as not to overlap with the processing of the other samples A1 to A7. Then, the cuvette containing the specimen B1 is transferred to the standby table 34, and the cuvette containing the specimen B1 is put on standby. Then, the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32 processes the cuvette containing the sample B1 waiting in the standby table 34 next to the sample B1 in accordance with the timing when the processing mechanism that processes the sample B1 next reaches the blank cycle. Transfer to processing mechanism to perform. As a result, the analysis apparatus 1 can quickly process the sample B1 by overtaking the processing on the samples A1 to A7.

  Moreover, in the analyzer 1, the sample B1 may be processed by overtaking the processing of the samples A1 to A7 by controlling the rotation processing of each table. In the substrate injection process (step S31) of FIG. 7, a case where the substrate liquid is injected at the Pk position of the BF table 25 shown in FIG. 12 will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 12, for example, in the BF table 25, the cuvettes are arranged in the order of specimens A3, A4, B1, and A5. First, the cuvette containing the specimen A3 is transferred to the Pk position and the substrate is injected by rotating the BF table 25 as shown by the arrow Yk in FIG. It is transferred to the enzyme reaction table 30 by the transfer mechanism 32. Next, the cuvette containing the specimen B1 is transferred to the Pk position by the rotation of the BF table 25 as shown by the arrow Yl in FIG. 13, and the substrate injection process is performed. Then, the cuvette containing the specimen B1 is transferred to the enzyme reaction table 30 by the first cuvette transfer mechanism 32. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, the cuvette containing the specimen A4 is transferred to the Pk position and the substrate injection process is performed. In this manner, the timing control unit 42 can perform processing on the sample B1 by overtaking the processing on the samples A1 to A7 by controlling the rotation processing of each table such as the BF table 25.

  Further, in the analyzer 1, a mixed mode shown in FIG. 15 in which a blank cycle is provided between the sample A groups and the overtaking process for the sample B1 illustrated by the arrow Ym can be performed, and a sequential process without a blank cycle is performed. Any one of the normal modes shown in FIG. 16 may be freely selected. In the analyzer 1, the normal mode shown in FIG. 16 is normally set. When the mixed mode setting instruction information is input from the input unit 43, the mixed mode shown in FIG. Analysis results can be acquired quickly. Further, when the analyzer 1 is installed in a medical institution, the analyzer 1 performs the analysis process in the mixed mode during the period when the medical institution is designated as the emergency acceptance date, and in the normal mode during other periods. An analysis process may be performed. Thus, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to realize a highly versatile analyzer capable of selecting a flexible measurement mode corresponding to various states by making it possible to select either the normal mode or the mixed mode.

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

  As described above, the analyzer according to the present invention is useful for medical analyzers that analyze samples with different analysis times, and is particularly urgent even when analysis processing is performed on other samples. It is suitable for medical analyzers that perform analysis processing on specimens for which results are desired.

Claims (8)

In an analyzer for analyzing a first sample and a second sample that requires an analysis time different from that of the first sample,
A blank period during which processing for the first sample is not performed is provided between the processing timing for the predetermined first sample and the processing timing for the first sample processed next to the predetermined first sample. An analysis apparatus characterized in that when the analysis of the second sample is necessary, the process for the second sample is performed during the blank period by overtaking each process for the first sample. Comprising control means for controlling the processing timing of each mechanism constituting the analyzer,
The analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the control unit generates a blank period by controlling processing timing of the first specimen in the mechanism.   The analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the control unit generates the blank period by delaying an analysis start timing for a first sample to be processed next to the predetermined first sample.   The control means performs the analysis from the generation period pattern group of the blank period corresponding to the analysis time of each first sample and the analysis time of each second sample obtained in advance. 3. The analysis according to claim 2, wherein a generation timing pattern of the blank period corresponding to a sample and the second sample is selected, and the blank period is generated according to the generation timing pattern of the selected blank period. apparatus.   In accordance with the timing at which the mechanism for processing the second sample reaches the blank period, the reaction solution of the second sample or the second sample and the reagent is transferred to the mechanism for processing the second sample. The analyzer according to claim 2, further comprising a transfer mechanism that performs the operation.   The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the transfer mechanism is an arm-shaped transfer mechanism that transfers a liquid to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing. A standby table for waiting for a reaction solution of the second sample or the second sample and a reagent until a mechanism for processing the second sample reaches the blank period;
The arm-shaped transfer mechanism is a reaction between the second sample or the second sample and a reagent that waits on the standby table in accordance with a timing at which a mechanism for processing the second sample reaches the blank period. The analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the liquid is transferred to a mechanism for processing the second specimen.   6. The analyzer according to claim 5, wherein the transfer mechanism is a table-like transfer mechanism that stores a liquid and transfers the liquid to a predetermined position at a predetermined timing.

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