JP2008175731A - Automatic analyzer and maintenance method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic analyzer that facilitates maintenance management of a dispensing probe and a maintenance method thereof.
A sample dispensing probe for sucking a test sample from a sample container and discharging it to a reaction container and dispensing the test sample, and a liquid level of the test sample in the sample container A liquid level detector 16a for detecting the sample, a dispensing management unit 31 for determining the usage frequency of the sample dispensing probe 16,
A sample dispensing arm 10 for moving the sample dispensing probe 16, and a dispensing management unit 31.
When the usage frequency obtained in step S1 is outside the maintenance allowable range set in advance, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the cleaning position, and the liquid level detector 16a indicates that the sample dispensing probe 16 has been cleaned. To detect. Then, based on the detection signal from the liquid level detector 16a, information on the cleaning end time is stored in the maintenance information storage unit 34.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing a component contained in a liquid and a maintenance method thereof,
In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for analyzing components contained in body fluids such as human serum and urine, and a maintenance method thereof.

The automatic analyzer measures the change in color tone caused by the reaction of the mixture of the test sample dispensed in the reaction container and the reagent corresponding to the items of biochemical examination and immunological examination. Measure the concentration of various components in the sample and the activity of the enzyme.

In this automatic analyzer, measurement of a measurement item selected according to the inspection is performed from among a large number of items that can be measured by setting analysis conditions for each test sample. Then, the test sample is dispensed from the sample container to the reaction container by the sample dispensing probe, and the sample dispensing probe is washed with washing water to avoid contamination between the test samples every time the test sample is dispensed. Is done. Also,
The reagent is dispensed from the reagent container to the reaction container by the reagent dispensing probe, and the reagent dispensing probe is washed with washing water every time the reagent dispensing is completed to avoid contamination between the reagents. The test sample and reagent mixture dispensed into the reaction vessel are stirred by a stirrer and then measured by a photometric unit. The sample dispensing probe and the reagent dispensing probe are cleaned by sucking a cleaning solution having a cleaning power rather than the cleaning water into each dispensing probe after the measurement is completed.

By the way, in dispensing test samples and reagents, each dispensing probe moves into the sample container and reagent container for aspiration of the test sample and reagent, and the tip of each dispensing probe becomes the test sample and reagent. When contacted, the liquid level is detected, and each dispensing probe is stopped at a position reaching a predetermined depth from the detected liquid level. For detecting the liquid level, a liquid level detection method capable of detecting the liquid level with a single dispensing probe is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

According to this liquid level detection method, the voltage conversion circuit detects a change in capacitance between the dispensing probe and the conductor that occurs when each dispensing probe comes into contact with the specimen or reagent conductor. Thereby, the contamination between test samples and between reagents through the outer wall of each dispensing probe can be minimized.

However, when used over a long period of time, dirt that cannot be removed simply by bringing each dispensing probe into contact with the cleaning liquid adheres. Due to the adhesion of the dirt, for example, the test sample dispensed before becomes easy to be brought into the next sample container through the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe. And if the test sample in the next sample container contaminated with the previous test sample contains measurement items of trace components such as immunological tests, there is a problem that the analysis data of the measurement items deteriorates .

In order to avoid such a problem, the operator of the automatic analyzer performs cleaning by periodically wiping the outer wall of each dispensing probe manually with a cleaning liquid. Then, after the cleaning is performed, the maintenance record is recorded in a maintenance inspection book or the like. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3664456

However, there is a problem that it takes time and effort to move each dispensing probe to a cleanable place in order to perform cleaning. Also, operators who measure a large number of test samples every day are busy and may forget maintenance. Furthermore, even if maintenance is performed, there is a problem that it takes time to record maintenance records.

In addition, if maintenance is neglected, there is a problem that analysis data is adversely affected by contamination between test samples or reagents, and misdiagnosis occurs without noticing the analysis data that has been adversely affected.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that facilitates maintenance of a dispensing probe and a maintenance method thereof.

In order to achieve the above object, the automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 1 is an automatic analyzer that dispenses a test sample and a reagent into a reaction container and measures a mixture thereof. Alternatively, the reagent is aspirated from the container and discharged into the reaction container, a dispensing probe for dispensing the test sample or the reagent, and a dispensing management means for determining the frequency of use of the dispensing probe, When the usage frequency obtained by the dispensing management means is out of a preset allowable range, the dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a cleaning position and the dispensing probe moving means are moved. And detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe has been cleaned.

The automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 2 is an automatic analyzer that dispenses a test sample and a reagent into a reaction container and measures a mixed solution thereof, and the test sample or the reagent is removed from the container. A dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging into the reaction container to dispense the test sample or the reagent, inspection means for checking the degree of contamination of the dispensing probe, and inspection by the inspection means When the degree of contamination is outside a preset allowable range, the dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a cleaning position, and the dispensing probe is cleaned after moving to the cleaning position. And detecting means capable of detecting whether or not it is detected.

Furthermore, the maintenance method of the automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 12 is the maintenance method of the automatic analyzer in which the test sample and the reagent are dispensed into a reaction container and the mixed solution is measured. Alternatively, the use frequency of the dispensing probe that sucks the reagent from the container and discharges it to the reaction container is obtained by the dispensing management means, and the use frequency obtained by the dispensing management means is out of a preset allowable range. When the dispensing probe is moved to the cleaning position by the dispensing probe moving means,
It is detected by detection means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe moved by the dispensing probe moving means has been cleaned.

Furthermore, the maintenance method for an automatic analyzer of the present invention according to claim 13 is the maintenance method for an automatic analyzer in which a test sample and a reagent are dispensed into a reaction container and a mixture thereof is measured. The inspection means checks the degree of dirt on the dispensing probe that sucks the sample or the reagent from the container and discharges it to the reaction container, and the degree of dirt inspected by the checking means is out of the preset allowable range. When the dispensing probe is moved to the cleaning position by the dispensing probe moving means and detected by the detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe moved by the dispensing probe moving means has been cleaned. It is characterized by doing.

According to the present invention, when the usage frequency of each dispensing probe deviates from the preset allowable range, the dispensing probe is moved to the cleaning position, and it is detected whether or not the moved dispensing probe has been cleaned. Can do. And when the dispensing probe is cleaned, the cleaning information can be stored. As a result, maintenance work can be reduced, contamination between test samples and reagents via each dispensing probe can be prevented, and measurement can be performed accurately.

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

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an automatic analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 100 includes an analysis unit 18 having an analysis unit that dispenses standard items and test samples of various items and measures each item, and an analysis that drives and controls each analysis unit in the analysis unit 18. A control unit 19, a maintenance management unit 30 for managing maintenance of the analysis unit used for dispensing of the analysis unit 18, and standard sample data and test samples output from the analysis unit 18 by measuring standard samples and test samples And a data processing unit 50 that processes data to create a calibration curve and generate analysis data.

Also, an operation for performing an input of an analytical condition relating to a standard sample and a calibration curve of each item, an input of various command signals, and the like, an output unit 60 for outputting a calibration curve created by the data processing unit 50 and generated analysis data Unit 70, analysis control unit 19, maintenance management unit 30, data processing unit 50, and system control unit 80 that controls and controls output unit 60.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the configuration of the analysis unit 18. The analysis unit 18 selectively reacts with a sample container 17 containing a sample such as a standard sample or a test sample, a disk sampler 5 that holds the sample container 17, and components of each item included in the sample. A first reagent storage 1 having a rack 1a for holding a reagent container 6 containing a first reagent to be stored, and a rack 2a for holding a reagent container 7 containing a second reagent paired with the first reagent. 2 reagent storage 2. Then, the disk sampler 5, the rack 1a of the first reagent storage 1 and the rack 2a of the second reagent storage 2 rotate to stop at the positions controlled by the analysis control unit 19, respectively.

In addition, the sample dispensing probe 16 that performs dispensing to suck the sample from the sample container 17 and discharge it to the reaction container 3, and the sample dispensing probe 16 is washed with washing water every time the dispensing of the test sample is completed. First and second reagent dispensing for dispensing the first and second reagents from the washing tank 16b and the reagent containers 6 and 7 in the first and second reagent storages 1 and 2 and discharging them to the reaction container 3. Probe 14,
15, washing tanks 14 b and 15 b for washing the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 using washing water every time reagent dispensing is completed, the sample dispensing probe 16, and the first and second reagent dispensing A sample dispensing arm 10 that holds the dispensing probes 14 and 15 so as to be rotatable and vertically movable, and first and second reagent dispensing arms 8 and 9 are provided.

Furthermore, when the sample dispensing probe 16 comes into contact with the sample in the sample container 17, a liquid level detector 16a that detects the liquid level, and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 are provided as reagent containers 6 and 7, respectively. Liquid level detectors 14a, 1 for detecting the liquid level when contacted with the first and second reagents
5a. The signals from the liquid level detectors 16 a, 14 a, and 15 a are output to the analysis control unit 19 and the maintenance management unit 30.

Each of the liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, 15a has a capacitance sensor, and is provided between the sample dispensing probe 16 and the sample in the sample container 17, or the first and second reagent dispensing probes 1.
4 and 15 and the liquid level of the sample and the first and second reagents are detected from the change in capacitance formed between the first and second reagents in the reagent containers 6 and 7.

Furthermore, the sample discharged from each dispensing probe and the reaction disk 4 holding a plurality of reaction containers 3 arranged on the circumference containing the first and second reagents, and the reaction disk 3 were discharged into the reaction container 3. A stirring unit 11 that stirs a mixed solution of the sample and the first reagent, a mixed solution of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent, and a photometric unit 13 that measures the reaction vessel 3 containing each mixed solution.
And a washing nozzle for sucking each liquid mixture after the measurement in the reaction vessel 3 and washing the inside of the reaction vessel 3, and a washing unit 12 for holding the drying nozzle for drying the inside of the reaction vessel 3 so as to be movable up and down. I have.

The reaction disk 4 rotates and stops at a position controlled by the analysis control unit 19.
The photometric unit 13 irradiates the rotating reaction vessel 3 with light, converts the light transmitted through the mixed solution containing the standard sample into absorbance, generates standard sample data, and then outputs the standard sample data to the data processing unit 50. . In addition, light that has passed through the liquid mixture containing the test sample is converted into absorbance to generate test sample data, which is then output to the data processing unit 50. Furthermore, each analysis unit such as the reaction container 3 after measurement, the sample dispensing probe 16, the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14, 15 and the stirring unit 11 is washed and then used for measurement again.

The analysis control unit 19 includes a mechanism unit 20 including a mechanism that drives each analysis unit of the analysis unit 18 and a control unit 21 that controls each mechanism of the mechanism unit 20. The mechanism 20 includes a mechanism for rotating the racks 1a and 2a of the first and second reagent storages 1 and 2 and the disk sampler 5, a mechanism for rotating the reaction disk 4, a sample dispensing arm 10, and a first reagent dispensing. A mechanism for rotating and vertically moving the arm 8, the second reagent dispensing arm 9, and the stirring unit 11, respectively, and a washing unit 12
And a mechanism for moving up and down.

Further, a mechanism for driving a dispensing pump that sucks and discharges the sample from the sample dispensing probe 16, and a first that sucks and discharges the first and second reagents from the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15. And a mechanism for driving the second reagent pump, a mechanism for driving the stirrer of the stirring unit 11, a mechanism for driving the cleaning pump for sucking the mixed liquid, and discharging and sucking the cleaning liquid from the cleaning nozzle of the cleaning unit 12, and cleaning A mechanism for driving a drying pump that performs suction from the drying nozzle of the unit 12 is provided.

The control unit 21 is a control circuit 2 that controls the drive mechanism of the sample dispensing arm 10 of the mechanism unit 20.
2. A control circuit 23 for controlling the drive mechanism of the first reagent dispensing arm 8 and a control circuit 24 for controlling the drive mechanism of the second reagent dispensing arm 9 are provided.

The control circuit 22 rotates the sample dispensing arm 10 to the top of the disk sampler 5 at the height of the upper stop position, and then moves it downward. Based on the detection signal from the liquid level detector 16a of the analysis unit 18, the sample dispensing arm 10 is stopped when the tip of the sample dispensing probe 16 reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the sample. Further, based on the maintenance request information output from the system control unit 80, the sample dispensing arm 10 is rotated and moved up and down, and the sample dispensing probe 16 is separated from the conductor at a spatial position where it can be cleaned in the atmosphere. Move to a cleaning position.

The control circuit 23 rotates the first reagent dispensing arm 8 at the height of the upper stop position to above the reagent container 6 of the first reagent storage 1 and then moves it downward. Based on the detection signal from the liquid level detector 14a of the analysis unit 18, when the tip of the first reagent dispensing probe 14 reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the first reagent, the first reagent dispensing is performed. The arm 8 is stopped. Further, based on the maintenance request information output from the system control unit 80, the first reagent dispensing arm 8 is rotated and moved up and down to move the first reagent dispensing probe 14 to the cleaning position.

The control circuit 24 rotates the second reagent dispensing arm 9 at the height of the upper stop position to the upper side of the reagent container 7 of the second reagent storage 2 and then moves it downward. Then, based on the detection signal from the liquid level detector 15a of the analysis unit 18, when the tip of the second reagent dispensing probe 15 reaches a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the second reagent, the second reagent amount Note Arm 9 is stopped. Further, based on the maintenance request information output from the system control unit 80, the second reagent dispensing arm 9 is rotated and moved up and down,
The second reagent dispensing probe 15 is moved to the cleaning position.

The maintenance management unit 30 in FIG. 1 performs maintenance of each dispensing probe based on the detection signals of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent output from the liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, and 15a of the analysis unit 18. The dispensing management unit 31 that performs management, and the dispensing management unit 31 determine whether or not each dispensing probe has been maintained, and output information such as cleaning end time information and cleaning reminder information that is the determination result A determination unit 32 that performs maintenance, a maintenance information storage unit 33 that stores information related to maintenance such as a cleaning end time, and an inspection unit 34 that checks the degree of contamination of each dispensing probe.

The dispensing management unit 31 is the use frequency of each dispensing probe based on the detection signals of the sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent output from each liquid level detector 16a, 14a, 15a, for example, dispensing. The number of times is counted, and when the number of times of dispensing deviates from a preset allowable maintenance range, the maintenance time is determined, and maintenance request information for requesting maintenance of the dispensing probe is output to the system control unit 80.

In addition, the cleaning end time information of each dispensing probe output from the determination unit 32 is stored in the maintenance information storage unit 33, and the dispensing frequency, for example, the number of dispensing probes is reset to zero. Further, the cleaning end time information is read from the maintenance information storage unit 33, and based on the read cleaning end time information, a maintenance history that lists, for example, past cleaning times of each dispensing probe is created, and the created maintenance The history is output to the output unit 60.

For example, the measurement time or the number of days may be used as the use frequency. in this case,
Maintenance request information for requesting maintenance of each dispensing probe is output to the system control unit 80 when a preset measurement time or number of days has passed since the last saved cleaning end time.

The determination unit 32 determines whether or not each dispensing probe has been cleaned based on signals output from the liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, and 15a after each dispensing probe of the analysis unit 18 has moved to the cleaning position. Determine.

Here, each dispensing probe at the cleaning position is located away from the conductor. At this time, since the signals from the respective liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, 15a are out of the predetermined range, it is determined that each dispensing probe is not cleaned, and cleaning prompting information for prompting cleaning is sent to the system control unit. 80
Output to.

Then, as shown in FIG. 3, the operator of the automatic analyzer 100 applies a gauze containing, for example, a cleaning solution to the outer wall of each dispensing probe for cleaning. At this time, each liquid level detector 16a, 14
Since the signals from a and 15a fall within a predetermined range, it is determined that each dispensing probe has been cleaned, and information on the cleaning end time is output to the dispensing management unit 31 and the cleaning has been completed. A cleaning end message is output to the output unit 60.

In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not cleaning has been performed using each of the liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, and 15a.

The inspection unit 34 uses the sample dispensing probe 16 for the sample container 17 containing an inspection sample containing, for example, a dye, which is held in the disk sampler 5 of the analysis unit 18 and the sample container 17 containing a predetermined amount of physiological saline. Then, the reaction container 17 is dispensed, and the amount (intake amount) of the inspection sample brought into the sample container 17 containing physiological saline through the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe 16 is obtained.

The reagent containers 6 and 7 containing the inspection samples stored in the first and second reagent storages 1 and 2 and the reagent containers 6 and 7 containing a predetermined amount of physiological saline are divided into the first and second reagent portions. Note probe 14,
15 is dispensed into the reaction container 17, and the inspection sample is brought into the reagent containers 6 and 7 containing physiological saline through the outer walls of the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15. Find the amount.

When the obtained carry-in amount is larger than the allowable carry-in amount, it is determined that the outer wall of each dispensing probe is dirty enough to deteriorate the analysis data, and the maintenance request information of each dispensing probe is sent to the system control unit. Output to 80. Further, when the carry-in amount is equal to or less than the allowable amount, cleaning unnecessary information of each dispensing probe is output to the output unit 60.

Here, an example of the inspection operation of the sample dispensing probe 16 performed by the inspection unit 34 will be described. This is the same as the cleaning performed every time when the test sample is dispensed in the washing tank 16b after the inspection sample in the sample container 17 is dispensed into the reaction container 3 a predetermined number of times using the sample dispensing probe 16. The sample dispensing probe 16 is washed under conditions. Thereafter, the physiological saline in the sample container 17 is dispensed into the reaction container 3 a predetermined number of times using the sample dispensing probe 16.

After the physiological saline is dispensed, the sample dispensing probe 16 is washed in the washing tank 16b by using a larger amount of washing water than during measurement and taking a longer time. Thereafter, the physiological saline contained in the sample container 17 is dispensed into the reaction container 3 using, for example, the sample dispensing probe 16, and the concentration of the dye contained in the dispensed physiological saline is measured by the photometric unit 13. To do. From the measurement result measured by the photometry unit 13, the concentration of the dye contained in the physiological saline in the sample container 17 is measured by the photometry unit 13.

Further, in the same manner as the sample dispensing probe 16 described above, the first and second reagent containers 1 are used.
, 2 in the first and second reagent dispensing probes 1 and 2
4 and 15, the reaction container 3 is dispensed a predetermined number of times, and the concentration of the dye contained in the physiological saline contained in the reagent containers 6 and 7 is measured by the photometric unit 13. The amount of the pigment contained in the physiological saline contained in the water can be determined.

The data processing unit 50 includes a calculation unit 51 that generates a calibration curve and generates analysis data from the standard sample data and test sample data output from the analysis unit 18, and a calibration curve generated by the calculation unit 51 and the generated calibration curve. And a data storage unit 52 for storing analysis data and the like.

The calculation unit 51 creates a calibration curve from the standard sample data of each item output from the photometry unit 13 of the analysis unit 18, stores it in the data storage unit 52, and outputs it to the output unit 60. Also,
For the test sample data of each item output from the photometric unit 13 of the analysis unit 18, the calibration curve of the item is read from the data storage unit 52, and the concentration, activity value, etc. are analyzed using the read calibration curve. Data is generated and stored in the data storage unit 52 and output to the output unit 60.

The data storage unit 52 includes a hard disk or the like, stores the calibration curve output from the calculation unit 51 for each item, and stores the analysis data output from the calculation unit 51 for each test sample.

The output unit 60 includes a printing unit 61 that prints and outputs a calibration curve, analysis data, and the like output from the data processing unit 50 and a display unit 62 that outputs the display. The printing unit 61 includes a printer and prints out the calibration curve, analysis data, and the like output from the data processing unit 50 on printer paper based on a preset format.

The display unit 62 includes a monitor such as a CRT or a liquid crystal panel, displays a calibration curve and analysis data output from the data processing unit 50, and analyzes to set analysis conditions such as reagent conditions, wavelengths, and sample amounts for each item. Condition setting screen, input screen for subject information such as subject ID and subject name of subject, measurement item selection screen for selecting measurement item for each subject sample, and dispensing management portion of maintenance management portion 30 A maintenance history display screen for displaying the maintenance history of each dispensing probe created in 31 is displayed. In addition, information related to maintenance (maintenance information) such as cleaning prompting information, cleaning end message, and cleaning unnecessary information of each dispensing probe output from the maintenance management unit 30 is displayed. In addition,
An audio unit may be provided, and maintenance information from the maintenance management unit 30 may be output as audio.

The system control unit 80 includes a CPU (not shown) and a storage circuit 81, and includes command signals supplied from the operation unit 70, analysis conditions such as standard samples and calibration curves for each item, subject information, and measurement items for each test sample. After storing information such as, on the basis of such information, control for causing each analysis unit constituting the analysis unit 18 to perform measurement operation in a predetermined sequence of a predetermined cycle, or creation of a calibration curve, generation and output of analysis data Control the entire system such as control.

Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the automatic analyzer 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a measurement item setting screen displayed on the display unit 62. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of dispensing the test sample of the automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of dispensing the first reagent of the automatic analyzer 100. FIG. 7 shows an automatic analyzer 1
It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which dispenses the 2nd reagent of 00.

A calibration curve for each measurement item is stored in the data storage unit 52 of the data processing unit 50. When an item to be measured is selected and input from the operation unit 70, the selected measurement item is displayed on the measurement item setting screen of the display unit 62 and the measurement selected and input to the storage circuit 81 of the system control unit 80. The item information is saved.

In FIG. 4, it is the figure which showed an example of the measurement item setting screen by which selection input was displayed on the display part 62. FIG. This measurement item setting screen 63 is the I of the subject input on the subject information input screen.
"ID" field for displaying D, "Item" field for displaying item names in abbreviations, and items displayed in the "Item" field for each subject ID displayed in the "ID" field It consists of a measurement item setting area 63a for setting a name measurement item.

In the “ID” column, for example, “1” and “2” IDs of subjects input in advance are displayed. In the “item” column, for example, “GOT”, “GPT”, “Ca”, “HBsAg”
The item name is displayed.

In the measurement item setting area 63a, “◯” is displayed when the item name in the “item” column corresponding to the ID of each subject in the “ID” column is selected, and “0” is displayed when the item name is not selected.・ ”Is displayed. Then, for example, “G” displayed in the “ID” field from the operation unit 70 is “G”.
When “OT” and “Ca” are selected, one test “GO” is displayed in the measurement item setting area 63a.
“O” is displayed at a position corresponding to “Ca” which is two tests and “T”. In addition, "ID
When “GPT” and “HBsAg” are selected for “2” displayed in the “” column, “◯” is displayed at a position corresponding to “GPT” that is 3 tests and “HBSAg” that is 4 tests. Is displayed.

Measurement item setting information selected and input from the measurement item setting screen 63 is stored in the storage circuit 81 of the system control unit 80. Then, the measurement of the test sample is performed based on the input information, and is measured in order from the measurement items of one test.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of dispensing the test sample of the automatic analyzer 100.
First, the two sample containers 17 containing the test samples with the subject IDs “1” and “2” are held in the disk sampler 5 of the analysis unit 18. And if measurement start operation of a test sample is performed from the operation part 70, the automatic analyzer 100 will start operation | movement (step S1).

The system control unit 80 instructs the analysis control unit 19, the maintenance management unit 30, the data processing unit 50, and the output unit 60 to measure the measurement items for each test sample stored in the storage circuit 81. The control unit 21 of the analysis control unit 19 drives each mechanism of the mechanism unit 20 to operate each analysis unit of the analysis unit 18.

The sample dispensing probe 16 of the analysis unit 18 is selected and input on the measurement item setting screen 63.
An operation of dispensing a test sample for measuring the measurement item of the test (m = 1) is performed. And
After moving above the sample container 17 containing the test sample corresponding to the measurement item of the m test, the test sample moves down to a position reaching a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the test sample. The liquid level detector 16a
The test sample of the measurement item of the m test is detected, and the detection signal is output to the control circuit 22 of the control unit 21 and the dispensing management unit 31 of the maintenance management unit 30 (step S2).

The dispensing management unit 31 counts the number of dispensing of the sample dispensing probe 16 based on the detection signal output from the liquid level detector 16a. If the counted number of dispensing is within the maintenance allowable range set in advance (Yes in step S3), the process proceeds to step S9. When the number of dispensing is out of the allowable maintenance range (No in step S3), the maintenance request information is output to the system control unit 80.

The system control unit 80 stops the dispensing operation of the sample dispensing probe 16 based on the maintenance request information from the dispensing management unit 31 and moves the sample dispensing probe 16 to the cleaning position. For example, “cleaning the sample dispensing probe” Warning information such as “Please” is output to the output unit 60 (step S).
4).

After step S <b> 4, the liquid level detector 16 a outputs a signal to the determination unit 32 of the maintenance management unit 30. The determination part 32 is based on the signal from the liquid level detector 16a, and the sample dispensing probe 1
6 is determined whether or not cleaning has been performed.

If the signal from the liquid level detector 16a is out of the predetermined range (step S5)
No), it is determined that the cleaning has not been performed, and cleaning prompting information such as “the sample dispensing probe has not been cleaned yet” is output to the output unit 60 (step S6). . Thereafter, the process returns to step S5.

Further, when a cleaning operation is performed in which the outer wall of the sample dispensing probe 16 at the cleaning position is wiped down with gauze or the like containing a cleaning liquid, the signal from the liquid level detector 16a falls within a predetermined range. At this time (Yes in step S5), it is determined that cleaning has been performed, and information on the cleaning end time is output to the dispensing management unit 31 and a cleaning end message is output to the output unit 60 (step S7).

In this manner, the sample dispensing probe 16 is moved to the cleaning position, and the sample dispensing probe 16 that is not normally touched is touched for cleaning, so that the cleaning can be detected.

Based on the cleaning end time information output from the determination unit 32, the dispensing management unit 31 resets the number of times of dispensing of the sample dispensing probe 16 to 0 and stores the cleaning end time information in the maintenance information storage unit 33. Save (step S8).

Thus, the sample dispensing probe 16 can be maintained according to the usage frequency by resetting the usage frequency every time cleaning is completed and outputting the warning information when the allowable maintenance range is exceeded. Moreover, the maintenance history of the sample dispensing probe 16 can be browsed by storing the cleaning end time.

If “yes” in step S3 or m is 4 after step S8 (yes in step S9), the process proceeds to the step in FIG. If m is less than 4 (No in step S9), 1 is added to m and the process returns to step S2.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of dispensing the first reagent. After dispensing the test sample,
The first reagent dispensing probe 14 executes steps S11 to S18, and the measurement item setting screen 6
The first reagent corresponding to the measurement item of the n test selected and input in 3 is dispensed. This step S
Steps 11 to S18 are executed in the same manner as steps S2 to S9 in FIG.

After dispensing the first reagent, the agitation unit 11 includes the reaction container 3 containing the test sample and the first reagent.
Stir the mixture. After stirring the mixed solution, the process proceeds to the step in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of dispensing the second reagent. After stirring the mixed solution, the second reagent dispensing probe 15 executes Steps S21 to S28 and performs the measurement item setting screen 6.
The second reagent corresponding to the measurement item of the p test (p = 1) selected and input in 3 is dispensed. Steps S21 to S28 are executed in the same manner as steps S2 to S9 in FIG.

After dispensing the second reagent, the stirring unit 11 stirs the mixed solution in the reaction container 3 containing the test sample, the first reagent, and the second reagent. After stirring the mixed solution, the photometric unit 13
The reaction vessel 3 containing the first reagent and the second reagent is irradiated with light, and the light transmitted through the mixed solution is converted into absorbance to generate test sample data. Output.

The calculation unit 51 reads the calibration curve of each item from the data storage unit 52 for the test sample data of each measurement item output from the photometry unit 13, and generates analysis data using the read calibration curve. The data is stored in the data storage unit 52 and output to the output unit 60. The output unit 60 outputs each analysis data output from the calculation unit 51.

Then, the cleaning of all the analysis units of the analysis unit 18 is completed, and the subject IDs “1” and “1”
When the analysis data of all items “2” is output, the automatic analyzer 100 ends the measurement operation (step S29).

According to the embodiment of the present invention described above, when the usage frequency of each of the sample dispensing probes 16 and the first and second reagent dispensing probes 14 and 15 is out of the allowable maintenance range,
Alternatively, when the carry-in amount by inspection is larger than the allowable carry-in amount, each dispensing probe can be moved to a cleaning position separated from the conductor, and warning information can be output to the output unit 60. Thereby, maintenance of each dispensing probe according to use frequency can be performed.

And when the signal from each liquid level detector 16a, 14a, 15a is out of the predetermined range, it determines with each dispensing probe not being cleaned, and it outputs cleaning prompting information to the output part 60. it can. Further, when the signals from the liquid level detectors 16a, 14a, and 15a are within a predetermined range, it is determined that the dispensing probes have been cleaned, and a cleaning end message is output to the output unit 60. it can.

In addition, information on the cleaning end time at which cleaning has been performed is stored in the maintenance information storage unit 34, and a maintenance history of each dispensing probe is created based on the stored information on the cleaning end time and output to the output unit 60. Can do. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the time and effort required for maintenance.

By the above maintenance management, contamination between test samples and reagents via each dispensing probe can be prevented in advance and measurement can be performed with high accuracy.

The block diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the detail of a structure of the analysis part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows the example of the cleaning operation | work of the sample dispensing probe which concerns on the Example of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the measurement item setting screen displayed on the display part which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which dispenses the test sample of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which dispenses the 1st reagent of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention. The flowchart which shows the operation | movement which dispenses the 2nd reagent of the automatic analyzer which concerns on the Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 18 Analysis part 19 Analysis control part 20 Mechanism part 21 Control part 22,23,24 Control circuit 30 Maintenance management part 31 Dispensing management part 32 Judgment part 33 Maintenance information storage part 34 Inspection part 50 Data processing part 51 Calculation part 52 Data storage Unit 60 output unit 61 printing unit 62 display unit 70 operation unit 80 system control unit 81 storage circuit 100 automatic analyzer

Claims (13)

In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating the test sample or the reagent from the container and discharging it to the reaction container, and for dispensing the test sample or the reagent;
Dispensing management means for determining the usage frequency of the dispensing probe;
A dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a cleaning position when the use frequency determined by the dispensing management means is out of a preset allowable range;
An automatic analyzer comprising: detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe moved by the dispensing probe moving means has been cleaned. In an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures the mixture,
A dispensing probe for aspirating the test sample or the reagent from the container and discharging it to the reaction container, and for dispensing the test sample or the reagent;
Inspection means for checking the degree of contamination of the dispensing probe;
A dispensing probe moving means for moving the dispensing probe to a cleaning position when the degree of contamination inspected by the inspection means is out of a preset allowable range;
An automatic analyzer comprising: detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe has been cleaned after moving to the cleaning position. When the usage frequency determined by the dispensing management means is out of the preset allowable range,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, further comprising an output unit that outputs warning information of the dispensing probe. Based on a signal from the detection means, having a determination means for determining whether or not the dispensing probe has been cleaned;
The determination means determines that the dispensing probe is not cleaned when a signal from the detection means is out of a predetermined range, and when the signal from the detection means enters a predetermined range, 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that the dispensing probe has been cleaned. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, further comprising an output unit that outputs cleaning prompting information when a signal from the detection unit is out of a predetermined range. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4, further comprising an output unit that outputs a cleaning end message when a signal from the detection unit enters a predetermined range. Storage means for storing information on the cleaning time when the dispensing probe was cleaned;
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a creation unit that reads out cleaning time information stored in the storage unit and creates a maintenance history of the dispensing probe based on the read out cleaning time information. Automatic analyzer. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the detecting unit detects the conductor from a change in capacitance when the dispensing probe contacts the conductor. 4. The detection means detects the liquid level when the dispensing probe comes into contact with the liquid level of the test sample or reagent in the container,
The dispensing probe moving means stops the dispensing probe at a position at a predetermined depth from the liquid level of the test sample or reagent in the container based on a detection signal from the detection means. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2. The dispensing management means is the number of dispensing by the dispensing probe, or the number of days used for dispensing,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the use frequency is obtained by counting the measurement time. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning position is a position where the dispensing probe is separated from a conductor. In a maintenance method for an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures the mixture,
Using the dispensing management means to determine the frequency of use of the dispensing probe that sucks the test sample or the reagent from the container and discharges it to the reaction container,
When the usage frequency obtained by the dispensing management means is out of the preset allowable range, the dispensing probe is moved to the cleaning position by the dispensing probe moving means,
A method for maintaining an automatic analyzer, comprising: detecting by a detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe moved by the dispensing probe moving means has been cleaned. In a maintenance method for an automatic analyzer that dispenses a sample and a reagent into a reaction vessel and measures the mixture,
Check the degree of contamination of the dispensing probe that sucks the test sample or the reagent from the container and discharges it into the reaction container, to the inspection means,
When the degree of dirt inspected by the inspection means is out of the preset allowable range, the dispensing probe is moved to the cleaning position by the dispensing probe moving means,
A method for maintaining an automatic analyzer, comprising: detecting by a detecting means capable of detecting whether or not the dispensing probe moved by the dispensing probe moving means has been cleaned.

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