JP2009115614A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer that can be miniaturized while preventing a general specimen from being mixed with a specimen for precision management and can reduce time required for analysis. <P>SOLUTION: The distance between an intersection P1 of a first circle for forming a transfer path of a specimen vessel for storing a specimen and a fourth circle for forming a transfer path of a reaction vessel for allowing the specimen to react with a reagent and an intersection P2 of a second circle for forming a transfer path of a reagent vessel for storing a reagent or the specimen vessel for precision management for storing the specimen for precision management and the fourth circle is made equal to the distance between an intersection P3 of a third circle for forming the transfer path of a second reagent vessel for storing the reagent and the fourth circle and the intersection P2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of a specimen by reacting a specimen with a reagent and optically measuring the result of the reaction.

  Conventional automatic analyzers that analyze specimen components by reacting specimens with reagents and optically measuring the results of this reaction regularly perform various kinds of precision management using specimens for quality control. Is going. When storing a quality control sample in an automatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer has a function of keeping the quality control sample at a constant temperature in order to prevent deterioration and denaturation of the quality control sample. There is a need. In view of this point, a conventional automatic analyzer includes a container holder with a cold insulation function for holding a container for storing a quality control sample in a place different from a container for storing a general sample (for example, (See Patent Document 1). According to such a conventional technique, not only can the quality control sample be kept in an appropriate state, but also an effect of preventing confusion between a general sample and the quality control sample can be obtained.

JP 2000-258431 A

  However, in the above-described conventional technology, a large amount of space is required to store a general sample and a quality control sample in different places, which has been an obstacle to realizing downsizing of the apparatus.

  In addition, the above-described conventional technique has a problem that it is difficult to shorten the time required for analysis because analysis of a general sample and analysis of a quality control sample must be performed under different controls.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and can reduce the size of the apparatus and reduce the time required for analysis while preventing confusion between a general sample and a quality control sample. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can be used.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention reacts a sample to be analyzed with a reagent and optically measures the result of the reaction, thereby analyzing the analysis target. An automatic analyzer for analyzing a component of a sample, a sample container holder for holding a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample so as to be transportable along a circumference of a first circle, a reagent container for storing a reagent, and A plurality of quality control sample containers for storing quality control samples are held side by side so as to be transportable along a circumference of a second circle concentric with the first circle and having a diameter different from that of the first circle. The multi-liquid container holder and the second reagent container containing the reagent are arranged on the circumference of a third circle that is concentric with the first and second circles and has a diameter different from each of the first and second circles. A plurality of reagent container holders arranged side by side so as to be transportable along When the reaction container located below the sample container holder, the multi-liquid container holder and the reagent container holder and reacting the sample and the reagent is projected onto a predetermined plane together with the first to third circles, A plurality of reaction vessel holders that are arranged and held so as to be transportable along a circumference of a fourth circle that intersects each of the first to third circles, and an intersection of the first circle and the fourth circle on the plane; A sample dispensing means for discharging a sample from the sample container located at a position immediately below the reaction container, the reagent container located at the intersection of the second circle and the fourth circle on the plane, or A multi-liquid dispensing means for discharging the reagent contained in the reagent container or the quality control sample contained in the quality control sample container to the reaction container located immediately below the quality control sample container; A reagent dispensing means for discharging a reagent from the second reagent container located at the intersection of the third circle and the fourth circle to the reaction container located immediately below, a reagent contained in the reagent container, And a cold storage means for keeping the reagent stored in the quality control sample container and the reagent stored in the second reagent container at a constant temperature, the first circle and the first on the plane. The minimum value of the distance between the intersection of the four circles and the intersection of the second circle and the fourth circle is the intersection of the second circle, the fourth circle, the third circle, and the fourth circle. It is characterized by being equal to the minimum value of the distance to the intersection of the circles.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when analyzing the components of the specimen in the above invention, the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges a first reagent that first reacts with the specimen to be analyzed to the reaction container. The reagent dispensing means discharges the second reagent to be reacted second with the sample to be analyzed to the reaction container, and when analyzing the components of the quality control specimen, the reagent dispensing means One reagent is discharged into the reaction container, and the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent into the reaction container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the position at which the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the first reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the component of the sample is the component of the quality control sample. The multi-liquid dispensing means is the same as the position where the quality control sample is discharged into the reaction container.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when analyzing the components of the quality control sample in the above invention, the position at which the multi-liquid dispensing unit discharges the quality control sample to the reaction container is The liquid dispensing means is different from a position where the second reagent is discharged to the reaction container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the position at which the reagent dispensing unit discharges the second reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the component of the sample is the component of the quality control sample. In the analysis, the reagent dispensing means is different from a position at which the first reagent is discharged to the reaction container.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when analyzing the component of the specimen in the above invention, the reagent dispensing means discharges the first reagent to be reacted first with the specimen to be analyzed to the reaction container, The multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent to be reacted second with the analyte to be analyzed to the reaction container, and when analyzing the components of the quality control specimen, the multi-liquid dispensing means The first reagent is discharged into the reaction container, and the reagent dispensing means discharges the second reagent into the reaction container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the position at which the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the component of the sample is the component of the quality control sample. The multi-liquid dispensing means is the same as the position where the quality control sample is discharged into the reaction container.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when analyzing the components of the quality control sample in the above invention, the position at which the multi-liquid dispensing unit discharges the quality control sample to the reaction container is The liquid dispensing means is different from a position where the first reagent is discharged to the reaction container.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, the position at which the reagent dispensing unit discharges the first reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the component of the sample is the component of the quality control sample. In the analysis, the reagent dispensing means is different from a position where the second reagent is discharged to the reaction container.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the analysis of the sample components and the analysis of the quality control sample are performed in parallel.

  According to the present invention, the quality control sample transfer path is positioned on the inner peripheral side of the general sample transfer path, and the reagent transfer path is also a general sample or each quality control sample transfer path. Set to be concentric, and set so that some reagent transfer paths overlap with the quality control sample transfer path, and has a structure that keeps the reagents and quality control samples all together cold. Therefore, it is possible to prevent confusion between a general sample and a quality control sample without providing a separate quality control sample holder. In addition, since the specimen and the reagent are configured to fit in one circular area, and the reaction container is three-dimensionally disposed below, the space can be saved. In addition, by making the distance between the dispensing position of the general specimen and the dispensing position of the quality control specimen equal to the distance between the dispensing position of each specimen and the dispensing position of the reagent corresponding to that specimen, A general sample analysis operation and a quality control sample analysis operation can be performed under the same control. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and reduce the time required for analysis while preventing confusion between a general specimen and a quality control specimen.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiment”) will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the drawings referred to in the following description are merely schematic, and when the same object is shown in different drawings, dimensions, scales, and the like may be different.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The automatic analyzer 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a measurement unit 101 that optically measures a reaction result of a sample (sample) such as blood or body fluid to be analyzed and a reagent according to a test item of the sample, A data processing unit 201 that controls the automatic analyzer 1 including the unit 101 and analyzes a measurement result in the measurement unit 101, and these two units cooperate to biochemically analyze a plurality of samples. Is a device that performs automatically and continuously. The “liquid” here includes a liquid containing a small amount of a solid component.

  The measurement unit 101 holds a plurality of specimen container holders 11 that hold a plurality of specimen containers 51 that contain general specimens including urgent specimens, and a plurality of reagent containers 52 that contain reagents according to test items, and also performs quality control. A multi-liquid container holder 12 holding a plurality of sample containers 53 (accuracy control sample containers) for storing a sample for use, and a reagent that is located on the inner peripheral side of the multi-liquid container holder 12 and stores a reagent corresponding to a test item Reagent container holder 13 holding a plurality of containers 54 (second reagent containers), reaction container holder 14 holding a plurality of reaction containers 55 for reacting a specimen and a reagent, multi-liquid container holder 12 and reagent container holder 13 is a cold storage 15 as a cold storage means for keeping the region including 13 at a constant temperature, and an agitation unit 16 for agitating the liquid inside the reaction vessel 55 held by the reaction vessel holder 14. The photometric unit 17 that irradiates light to the reaction vessel 55 held by the reaction vessel holder 14 and optically measures the light transmitted through the reaction vessel 55 out of the irradiated light, and the reaction vessel held by the reaction vessel holder 14 And a reaction container cleaning unit 18 for cleaning 55.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing each configuration of the specimen container holder 11, the multi-type liquid container holder 12, the reagent container holder 13, and the reaction container holder 14 and their positional relationship. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main part of the measurement unit 101, and is a schematic diagram in which a mechanism for dispensing a sample and a reagent is added to the partial cross-sectional view along the line AA in FIG. is there.

  The sample container holder 11 is rotatable about the fixed shaft 19, holds the sample container 51, and holds the holding part 111 having a small diameter on the bottom surface side of the first circle C <b> 1 that forms the transfer locus of the sample container 51. A plurality are provided along the circumference.

  A bearing 20 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the sample container holder 11 and the main body of the automatic analyzer 1, and a gear 21 is provided on the bottom surface of the sample container holder 11. For the gear 21, the holder driving unit 22 transmits the driving force. The holder driving unit 22 is realized using, for example, a motor and a gear that transmits a driving force of the motor and can mesh with the gear 21.

  The sample container 51 held by the holding unit 111 has a bottomed hollow cylindrical shape for containing the sample Sp, a protruding portion 512 protruding from the bottom surface of the main body 511, and a sample stored in the main body 511. A piston 513 that generates a discharge pressure with respect to Sp; and a small-diameter nozzle 514 that is attached so as to penetrate from the bottom surface of the main body portion 511 to the protruding portion 512 and whose tip is directed downward and exposed to the outside. And it has a shape that can be fitted to the holding portion 111.

  The piston 513 moves forward and backward by driving the piston driving unit 23. The movement amount of the piston 513 is controlled by the control unit 44 included in the data processing unit 201. When the piston 513 moves downward by a predetermined amount, the specimen Sp corresponding to the movement amount is discharged through the nozzle 514 to the reaction container 55 located immediately below. As described above, in the first embodiment, the piston 513, the nozzle 514, and the piston driving unit 23 have at least part of the function of the sample dispensing means for dispensing the sample.

  The piston drive unit 23 is provided only at the position of the intersection point P1 on the same plane between the first circle C1 and the fourth circle C4 forming the transfer locus of the reaction vessel holder 14. In other words, the piston drive unit 23 can drive only the piston 513 of the sample container 51 that is stationary at the position of the intersection P1.

  The multi-liquid container holder 12 is rotatable about the fixed shaft 19 and has a holding part 121 that holds the reagent container 52 and a holding part 122 that holds the sample container 53. The holding parts 121 and 122 are concentric with the first circle C1 and have a diameter smaller than that of the first circle C1, and a plurality of holding parts 121 and 122 are arranged along the circumference of the second circle C2 forming the transfer path of the reagent container 52 and the sample container 53. It is provided one by one.

  A bearing 24 is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the multi-liquid container holder 12 and the cool box 15, and a gear 25 is provided on the bottom surface of the multi-liquid container holder 12. The holder driving unit 26 transmits a driving force to the gear 25. The holder driving unit 26 is realized using a motor and a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor and can mesh with the gear 25, similarly to the holder driving unit 22 described above.

  The reagent container 52 held by the holding part 121 has a bottomed hollow cylindrical shape for containing the reagent Rg, a protruding part 522 protruding from the bottom surface of the main body part 521, and a reagent contained in the main body part 521. A piston 523 that generates a discharge pressure with respect to Rg; and a small-diameter nozzle 524 that is attached so as to penetrate from the bottom surface of the main body 521 to the protrusion 522 and that has a tip directed downward and exposed to the outside. In addition, the shape can be fitted to the holding portion 121. The height of the lower end of the nozzle 524 is preferably substantially the same as the height of the lower end of the nozzle 514 of the sample container 51.

  In addition, the sample container 53 held by the holding unit 122 has a bottomed hollow cylindrical shape that accommodates the quality control sample QC, a protruding portion 532 that protrudes from the bottom surface of the main body portion 531, and a main body portion. A piston 533 that generates a discharge pressure with respect to the quality control sample QC accommodated in 531 and a thin hole that is attached so as to penetrate from the bottom surface of the main body portion 531 to the protruding portion 532 and that is exposed to the outside with its tip directed downward. And a shape that can be fitted to the holding portion 122. The height of the lower end of the nozzle 534 is desirably substantially the same as the height of the lower end of the nozzle 514 included in the sample container 51 and the height of the lower end of the nozzle 524 included in the reagent container 52.

  The pistons 523 and 533 are moved forward and backward by driving the piston driving unit 27. Each movement amount of the pistons 523 and 533 is controlled by the control unit 44 included in the data processing unit 201. When the piston 523 moves downward by a predetermined amount, the reagent Rg corresponding to the movement amount is discharged through the nozzle 524 to the reaction vessel 55 located immediately below. When the piston 533 moves downward by a predetermined amount, the quality control sample QC corresponding to the movement amount is discharged through the nozzle 534 to the reaction vessel 55 located immediately below. As described above, in the first embodiment, the piston 523, the nozzle 524, the piston 533, the nozzle 534, and the piston driving unit 27 are at least a part of the multi-liquid dispensing means for dispensing the reagent or the specimen for quality control. It has a function.

  The piston drive unit 27 is provided only at the positions of intersections P2 and P5 on the same plane between the second circle C2 and the fourth circle C4. In other words, the piston drive unit 27 can drive only the piston 523 of the reagent container 52 or the piston 533 of the sample container 53 that is stationary at the intersection P2 or P5.

  The quality control sample QC is a sample whose concentration of a component contained in the sample is known, for example, a sample for preparing a calibration curve.

  The reagent container holder 13 is rotatable around the fixed shaft 19 and holds a plurality of reagent containers 54. The reagent container holder 13 is a container placement for holding a plurality of reagent containers 54 side by side along the circumference of a third circle C3 that is concentric with the second circle C2 and has a diameter smaller than that of the second circle C2. Part 131, disk part 132 that supports container mounting part 131, and cylindrical part 133 that is provided at the center part of disk part 132 and is rotatable about fixed shaft 19 as a rotation center. The container mounting part 131 includes a plurality of holding parts 134 that hold the reagent containers 54 along the circumference of the third circle C3. A bearing 28 is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 133 and the outer peripheral surface of the fixed shaft 19, and a gear 29 is provided on the bottom surface of the cylindrical portion 133. The holder driving unit 30 transmits driving force to the gear 29. The holder driving unit 30 is realized by using a motor and a gear that transmits the driving force of the motor and can mesh with the gear 29, like the holder driving unit 22 described above.

  The reagent container 54 held by the holding part 134 has a bottomed hollow prismatic shape, accommodates the reagent Rg, and protrudes from the bottom surface of the main body part 541 and a main body part 541 that can be fitted to the holding part 134. A protrusion 542, a piston 543 that generates a discharge pressure with respect to the reagent Rg contained in the main body 541, and a penetrating portion from the bottom surface of the main body 541 to the protrusion 542 are attached, and the tip is directed downward and externally attached. A small-diameter nozzle 544 exposed to the surface. The height of the lower end of the nozzle 544 is substantially the same as the height of the lower end of the nozzle 514 included in the sample container 51, the height of the lower end of the nozzle 524 included in the reagent container 52, and the height of the lower end of the nozzle 534 included in the sample container 53. It is desirable to be. Depending on the shape of the reagent container holder 13, the reagent container 52 can be mounted on the container mounting portion 131.

  The piston 543 moves forward and backward by driving the piston drive unit 31. The movement amount of the piston 543 is controlled by the control unit 44 included in the data processing unit 201. When the piston 543 moves downward by a predetermined amount, the reagent Rg corresponding to the movement amount is discharged through the nozzle 544 to the reaction vessel 55 located immediately below. As described above, in the first embodiment, the piston 543, the nozzle 544, and the piston driving unit 31 have at least a part of the function of the reagent dispensing means for dispensing the reagent.

  The piston drive unit 31 is provided only at the intersections P3 and P4 between the third circle C3 and the fourth circle C4. In other words, the piston drive unit 31 can drive only the piston 543 of the reagent container 54 that is stationary at the intersections P3 and P4.

  In the first embodiment, the multi-liquid container holder 12 and the reagent container holder 13 are provided on the inner peripheral side with respect to the sample container holder 11. For this reason, there is no possibility of confusion between the sample container 51 for storing a general sample and the sample container 53 for storing a quality control sample. In addition, since the sample container 51 having a higher replacement frequency than the reagent containers 52 and 54 and the sample container 53 is located on the outer peripheral side, it is easy to replace the container, and contamination between the sample and the reagent is performed at the time of replacement. There is no fear. Furthermore, since the multi-liquid container holder 12 and the reagent container holder 13 are located on the inner peripheral side of the specimen container holder 11, it is easy to install a cold storage 15 for keeping the reagent and the quality control specimen cold.

  The reaction vessel holder 14 has a bottomed hollow prism shape and includes a plurality of holding portions 141 for holding the reaction vessel 55 formed using a transparent material. The holding part 141 is provided along the circumference of the fourth circle C4 that forms the transfer locus of the reaction vessel 55. The fourth circle C4 includes the first circle C1, the second circle C2 and the second circle C2 when the first circle C1, the second circle C2, and the third circle C3 are projected onto a predetermined plane (for example, the surface in FIG. 1). And the third circle C3. The reaction container holder 14 can be rotated in the circumferential direction of the fourth circle C4 by driving the holder driving unit 32.

  Windows 142 and 143 are provided on the outer and inner side surfaces of the reaction vessel holder 14 for transmitting the light emitted from the photometry unit 17 to the reaction vessel 55, respectively. Moreover, the reaction container holder 14 has a thermostat (not shown) for keeping the temperature inside the reaction container 55 held by the holding part 141 at about 37 ° C.

  The cool box 15 is provided so as to surround the reagent containers 52 and 54 and the sample container 53, and in order to suppress deterioration and denaturation of the reagent and the quality control sample stored in the reagent containers 52 and 54 and the sample container 53, respectively. It has the function of keeping the specimen for quality control at a constant temperature. The cool box 15 includes a holder accommodating portion 151 that accommodates the multi-purpose liquid container holder 12 and the reagent container holder 13, a lid portion 152 that is openable and closable above the holder accommodating portion 151, a holder accommodating portion 151 and a lid portion 152. And a temperature sensor 154 for measuring the temperature inside the cool box 15.

  The holder accommodating portion 151 has an opening at the center, a first member 151a through which the fixed shaft 19 and the cylindrical portion 133 of the reagent container holder 13 pass, and an annular shape disposed on the outer periphery of the first member 151a. A second member 151b and a third member 151c disposed on the outer periphery of the second member 151b and surrounding the outer edge of the reagent container holder 13 from the bottom surface to the side surface are provided. A narrow circular gap for exposing the nozzle 544 to the outside is provided at the boundary between the first member 151a and the second member 151b. A narrow circular gap for exposing the nozzle 524 and the nozzle 534 to the outside is provided at the boundary between the second member 151b and the third member 151c.

  The piston driving unit 27 is located above the positions P2 and P5 of the lid 152 where the reagent stored in the reagent container 52 held by the multi-liquid container holder 12 or the sample for quality control stored in the sample container 53 is dispensed. An opening 152a for driving the piston 523 or 533 is provided. An opening 152b for driving the piston 543 by the piston drive unit 31 is located above the positions P3 and P4 for dispensing the reagent contained in the reagent container 54 held by the reagent container holder 13 in the lid 152. Are provided.

  The photometry unit 17 includes a light source 17a that emits white light, a spectral optical system 17b that splits white light that has passed through the reaction vessel 55 among the white light that is emitted by the light source 17a, and light that is spectrally separated by the spectral optical system 17b. And a light receiving element 17c that receives each component and converts it into an electrical signal.

  The reaction container cleaning unit 18 sequentially performs each process of suction of the reaction liquid, discharge and suction of the detergent, discharge and suction of the cleaning liquid, and drying for one reaction container 55. The cleaning liquid used by the reaction vessel cleaning unit 18 is, for example, ion exchange water.

  In FIG. 1, the positional relationship among the stirring unit 16, the photometry unit 17, and the reaction vessel cleaning unit 18 is not necessarily accurate. These exact positional relationships are appropriately determined according to conditions such as the rotation mode of various container holders and the dispensing operation.

  Next, the configuration of the data processing unit 201 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the data processing unit 201 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and an input unit 41 that receives input of information necessary for analyzing a sample, information including an operation instruction signal of the automatic analyzer 1, and the like. An output unit 42 that has a display device such as a liquid crystal display and a printer, and outputs information related to the analysis of the sample, a data generation unit 43 that generates analysis data of the sample based on the measurement result in the measurement unit 101, and an automatic analysis A control unit 44 that controls the apparatus 1 and a storage unit 45 that stores various types of information including calculation results based on the measurement results of the measurement unit 101 are realized by a computer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The

  The data generation unit 43 performs analysis calculation of the measurement result received from the photometry unit 17 of the measurement unit 101. In this analytical operation, the absorbance of the liquid inside the reaction vessel 55 is calculated based on the measurement result sent from the photometry unit 17, or the reaction is performed using the absorbance calculation result and various information such as a calibration curve and analysis parameters. Analytical data for each specimen is generated by quantitatively determining the components of the liquid inside the container 55.

  In addition to the analysis data generated by the data generation unit 43, the storage unit 45 includes test items, sample information, reagent types, sample and reagent dispensing amounts, sample and reagent expiration dates, and calibration curves used for analysis. Memorize parameters required for analysis.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a mutual positional relationship between the dispensing positions P1 to P5 where the automatic analyzer 1 having the above configuration dispenses various specimens and reagents. A straight line Ln (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) shown in the figure is a straight line passing through the center O of the fourth circle C4 and the dispensing position Pn. In FIG. 4, the angle formed by the straight line L1 and the straight line L2 is equal to the angle formed by the straight line L2 and the straight line L3, and the magnitude thereof is θ. In other words, on the plane shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the dispensing position P1 and the dispensing position P2 (the intersection of the first circle C1 and the fourth circle C4, the second circle C2 and the fourth circle C4 The minimum value of the distance to the intersection is the distance between the dispensing position P2 and the dispensing position P3 (the intersection of the second circle C2 and the fourth circle C4, and the intersection of the third circle C3 and the fourth circle C4). Is equal to the minimum distance). The angle formed between the straight line L2 and the straight line L4 is equal to the angle formed between the straight line L3 and the straight line L5, and the size thereof is φ.

  Since the dispensing positions P1 to P5 of the automatic analyzer 1 have the above-described positional relationship, it is possible to analyze a general sample and a quality control sample under the same control. Hereinafter, it will be specifically described that a general sample measurement sequence and a quality control sample measurement sequence can be executed under the same control.

  First, an example of a general sample measurement sequence performed by the automatic analyzer 1 will be described. The sample container holder 11 performs a rotating operation to place the sample container 51 that contains the sample to be discharged to the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P1. Thereafter, when the empty reaction container 55 reaches the dispensing position P <b> 1 by the rotation of the reaction container holder 14, the sample container 51 positioned above the nozzle 514 discharges a predetermined amount of sample. For example, the reaction container holder 14 is rotated counterclockwise in FIGS. 1 and 4 for one rotation + 1 position and stopped, and after the time necessary for discharging various liquids has elapsed, the rotation operation described above is performed. repeat.

  When the reaction container holder 14 repeats the above-described rotation operation and the reaction container 55 from which the sample has been discharged reaches the dispensing position P2, the reagent container 52 located above the sample container 52 passes through the nozzle 524 and changes the sample according to the test item. The first reagent to be reacted first is discharged. Prior to this discharge operation, the multi-liquid container holder 12 performs a rotation operation to place the reagent container 52 containing the first reagent discharged to the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P2. When arranging the reagent container 52 at the dispensing position P2, it is more preferable if the multi-liquid container holder 12 is rotated in a direction where the distance to the dispensing position P2 is closer.

  Thereafter, the reaction container 55 from which the first reagent has been discharged is transferred to the agitation unit 16 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14. The agitation unit 16 agitates the mixed solution of the specimen and the first reagent accommodated in the reaction container 55.

  The photometry unit 17 measures the absorbance of the mixed solution contained in the reaction container 55 when the reaction container 55 after stirring the specimen and the first reagent passes through the optical path of the light source 17a by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14. The measurement result is transmitted to the data processing unit 201. In the data processing unit 201 that has received the measurement result of the photometry unit 17, the data generation unit 43 performs an analysis operation based on the received measurement result. Thereafter, the output unit 42 outputs the analysis data obtained by the analysis calculation, while the storage unit 45 stores and stores the analysis data.

  Subsequently, when the reaction container 55 reaches the dispensing position P4 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14, the reagent container 54 located above the second reaction container 55 reacts with the specimen secondly through the nozzle 544 according to the test item. 2 Discharge the reagent. Prior to this discharge operation, the reagent container holder 13 performs a rotation operation to place the reagent container 54 containing the second reagent discharged to the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P4.

  Thereafter, the reaction container 55 from which the second reagent has been discharged is transferred to the stirring unit 16 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14. The agitation unit 16 agitates the mixed solution of the specimen and the first and second reagents accommodated in the reaction container 55.

  When the reaction container 55 after stirring the specimen and the first and second reagents passes through the optical path of the light source 17a by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14, the photometry unit 17 absorbs the liquid mixture contained in the reaction container 55. And the measurement result is transmitted to the data processing unit 201. The processing of the data processing unit 201 that has received the measurement result of the photometry unit 17 is the same as described above.

  The reaction container cleaning unit 18 cleans the reaction container 55 that has been measured by the photometry unit 17. Thereby, the measurement sequence in the case of analyzing a general sample is completed.

  In addition, the photometry part 17 is measuring with respect to all the reaction containers 55 which pass the optical path of the light source 17a, when the reaction container holder 14 rotates. For this reason, during one measurement sequence, the photometry unit 17 measures the reaction container 55 at a timing other than the above. The data processing unit 201 stores, in the storage unit 45, at least the measurement results at the timing described above among the measurement results sent from the photometry unit 17. The processes of the photometric unit 17 and the data processing unit 201 described here are the same in the case of a quality control sample measurement sequence described later.

  Next, the measurement sequence of the quality control sample will be described. The multi-liquid container holder 12 performs a rotating operation to place the sample container 53 that contains the quality control sample to be discharged to the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P2. Thereafter, when the empty reaction container 55 reaches the dispensing position P <b> 2 by the rotation of the reaction container holder 14, the sample container 53 positioned above the nozzle discharges a predetermined amount of quality control sample. It is assumed that the reaction container holder 14 rotates in the same manner as the general sample measurement sequence described above.

  When the reaction container holder 14 repeatedly performs the above-described rotation operation and the reaction container 55 from which the specimen for quality control has been discharged reaches the dispensing position P3, the reagent container 54 positioned above it becomes an inspection item via the nozzle 544. The corresponding first reagent is discharged. Prior to this discharge operation, the reagent container holder 13 performs a rotation operation to place the reagent container 54 containing the first reagent to be discharged into the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P3.

  Thereafter, the reaction container 55 from which the first reagent has been discharged is transferred to the agitation unit 16 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14. The agitation unit 16 agitates the mixed solution of the specimen and the first reagent accommodated in the reaction container 55.

  When the reaction container 55 after stirring the quality control sample and the first reagent passes through the optical path of the light source 17a by the rotation of the reaction container holder 14, the photometry unit 17 absorbs the liquid mixture contained in the reaction container 55. And the measurement result is transmitted to the data processing unit 201. The processing of the data processing unit 201 that has received the measurement result of the photometry unit 17 is the same as described above.

  Subsequently, when the reaction container 55 reaches the dispensing position P <b> 5 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14, the reagent container 52 located thereabove discharges the second reagent corresponding to the inspection item via the nozzle 524. Prior to this discharge operation, the multi-liquid container holder 12 performs a rotation operation to place the reagent container 52 containing the second reagent discharged to the reaction container 55 at the dispensing position P5.

  Thereafter, the reaction container 55 from which the second reagent has been discharged is transferred to the stirring unit 16 by the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14. The agitation unit 16 agitates the mixed solution of the specimen and the first and second reagents accommodated in the reaction container 55.

  The photometry unit 17 mixes the reaction container 55 accommodated when the reaction container 55 after stirring the quality control sample and the first and second reagents passes through the optical path of the light source 17a by the rotation of the reaction container holder 14. The liquid absorbance is measured, and the measurement result is transmitted to the data processing unit 201. The processing of the data processing unit 201 that has received the measurement result of the photometry unit 17 is the same as described above.

  The reaction container cleaning unit 18 cleans the reaction container 55 that has been measured by the photometry unit 17. Thereby, the measurement sequence in the case of analyzing the quality control sample is completed.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram collectively showing various dispensing positions in the two measurement sequences described above. In the table T1 shown in the figure, the sample dispensing position, the first reagent dispensing position, and the second reagent dispensing position are arranged vertically for each of the case of analyzing a general sample and the case of analyzing a quality control sample. It is described.

  When the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14 when analyzing a general sample and the rotation operation of the reaction container holder 14 when analyzing a quality control sample are the same, sample dispensing when analyzing a general sample The time interval from the position P1 to the first reagent dispensing position P2 is equal to the time interval from the sample dispensing position P2 to the first reagent dispensing position P3 when analyzing the quality control sample. In this case, the time interval from the first reagent dispensing position P2 to the second reagent dispensing position P4 when analyzing a general sample and the first reagent dispensing position P3 when analyzing the quality control reagent → The time interval of the second reagent dispensing position P5 is also equal.

  Therefore, in the first embodiment, the analysis of the general sample and the analysis of the quality control sample can be performed under the same control. As a result, for example, by considering the arrangement of various reagents and the quality control sample in the multi-liquid container holder 12, it is possible to perform the analysis of a general sample and the quality control sample in parallel. Time can be shortened and efficient analysis can be realized.

  According to the first embodiment of the present invention described above, the quality control sample transfer path is located on the inner peripheral side of the general sample transfer path, and the reagent transfer path is also the general sample and accuracy. Set so that it is concentric with each transfer path of the control sample, and further set the transfer paths of some of the reagents to overlap the transfer path of the quality control sample, and put the reagent and the quality control sample together Since it has a structure for keeping it cool, it is possible to prevent a general sample from being mixed with a quality control sample without providing a separate quality control sample holder. In addition, since the specimen and the reagent are configured to fit in one circular area, and the reaction container is three-dimensionally disposed below, the space can be saved. In addition, by making the distance between the dispensing position of the general specimen and the dispensing position of the quality control specimen equal to the distance between the dispensing position of each specimen and the dispensing position of the reagent corresponding to that specimen, A general sample analysis operation and a quality control sample analysis operation can be performed under the same control. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and reduce the time required for analysis while preventing confusion between a general specimen and a quality control specimen.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the reaction container is arranged below the other various containers, and the liquid is directly discharged from the various containers. Dispensing using a common nozzle between containers is not necessary, and contamination between samples and between reagents can be prevented. In addition, as with conventional automatic analyzers, a dispensing mechanism that dispenses various specimens eliminates the need for an arm with a nozzle, which saves space in this sense and dispenses itself. It can be performed efficiently in a short time.

  Note that the various dispensing positions in the case of analyzing a general sample and a quality control sample using the automatic analyzer 1 are not limited to those shown in the table T1 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating another example of setting various dispensing positions in the automatic analyzer 1. As shown in the table T2 of FIG. 6, when analyzing a general sample, after dispensing the sample at the dispensing position P1, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P4, and the second reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P2. Dispense with. On the other hand, when analyzing the quality control sample, after dispensing the quality control sample at the dispensing position P2, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P5, and the second reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P3. To do.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a main part of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The measurement unit 102 of the automatic analyzer 2 shown in the figure is located on the outer peripheral side of the sample container holder 61 and the sample container holder 61 that holds a plurality of sample containers 51 that contain general samples including emergency samples, and for testing. A plurality of reagent containers 52 for holding reagents corresponding to the items are held, a multi-liquid container holder 62 for holding a plurality of sample containers 53 for storing samples for quality control, and an outer peripheral side of the multi-liquid container holder 62 As a cold storage means for collectively cooling the reagent container holder 63 that holds a plurality of reagent containers 54 that contain reagents according to the test items, the sample container holder 61, the multi-liquid container holder 62, and the reagent container holder 63 A cold storage 64. The configuration of the measurement unit 102 other than that described here is the same as the configuration of the measurement unit 101 described in the first embodiment. For this reason, in FIG. 7, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 are given to the components corresponding to the components of the measurement unit 101.

  FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing each configuration of the specimen container holder 61, the multi-liquid container holder 62, the reagent container holder 63, and the reaction container holder 14 and their positional relationship. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, each configuration of the specimen container holder 61, the multi-liquid container holder 62 and the reagent container holder 63 will be described.

  The sample container holder 61 includes a plurality of holding portions 611 that hold the sample container 51 along the circumference of the first circle C1 ′ that forms the transfer locus of the sample container 51. The sample container holder 61 is driven in the same manner as the reagent container holder 13 described in the first embodiment.

  The multi-liquid container holder 62 includes a holding unit 621 that holds the reagent container 52 and a holding unit 622 that holds the sample container 53. The holding portions 621 and 622 are concentric with the first circle C1 ′ and larger in diameter than the first circle C1 ′, and are arranged on the circumference of the second circle C2 ′ forming the transfer path of the reagent container 52 and the sample container 53. A plurality of each is provided.

  The reagent container holder 63 has a holding portion 631 that holds a plurality of reagent containers 54 along the circumference of a third circle C3 ′ that is concentric with the second circle C2 ′ and larger in diameter than the second circle C2 ′. Have multiple. The reagent container holder 63 is driven in the same manner as the sample container holder 11 described in the first embodiment.

  In the second embodiment, the piston drive unit 23 that drives the piston 513 of the sample container 51 is provided only at the dispensing position P1 ′. Further, the piston drive unit 27 that drives the piston 523 of the reagent container 52 and the piston 533 of the sample container 53 is provided only at the dispensing positions P2 ′ and P5 ′. Furthermore, the piston drive unit 31 that drives the piston 543 of the reagent container 54 is provided only at the dispensing positions P3 ′ and P4 ′.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the mutual positional relationship between the dispensing positions P1 ′ to P6 ′ at which the automatic analyzer 2 dispenses various specimens and reagents. A straight line Ln ′ (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) shown in the figure is a straight line passing through the center O of the fourth circle C4 and the dispensing position Pn ′. In FIG. 9, the angle formed by the straight line L1 ′ and the straight line L2 ′ is equal to the angle formed by the straight line L2 ′ and the straight line L3 ′ (angle size θ ′). Therefore, on the plane shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the dispensing position P1 ′ and the dispensing position P2 ′ (the intersection of the first circle C1 ′ and the fourth circle C4, the second circle C2 ′ and the fourth circle). Is the distance between the dispensing position P2 ′ and the dispensing position P3 ′ (the intersection of the second circle C2 ′ and the fourth circle C4 and the third circle C3 ′). And the minimum value of the distance between the intersection point and the fourth circle C4). Further, the angle formed between the straight line L2 ′ and the straight line L4 ′ is equal to the angle formed between the straight line L3 ′ and the straight line L5 ′, and the angle when rotated counterclockwise from the straight line L2 ′ to the straight line L4 ′, and the straight line Both of the angles when rotated counterclockwise from L3 ′ to the straight line L5 ′ are φ ′.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting various dispensing positions when the automatic analyzer 2 analyzes a general sample and a quality control sample, respectively. As shown in the table T3 of FIG. 10, when analyzing a general specimen, after dispensing the specimen at the dispensing position P1 ′, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P2 ′, and the second reagent is dispensed. Dispensing at position P4 '. On the other hand, when analyzing the quality control sample, after dispensing the quality control sample at the dispensing position P2 ′, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P3 ′, and the second reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P5 ′. Dispense with. The setting of various dispensing positions is not limited to the case shown in the table T3. For example, various dispensing positions can be set according to a table in which the dispensing position Pn (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) of the table T2 in FIG. 6 is replaced with Pn ′.

  In FIG. 9, the angle formed between the straight line L4 ′ and the straight line L5 ′ is equal to the angle formed between the straight line L5 ′ and the straight line L6 ′ (angle size θ ′). Therefore, on the plane shown in FIG. 9, the distance between the dispensing position P4 ′ and the dispensing position P5 ′ (the intersection of the first circle C1 ′ and the fourth circle C4, the second circle C2 ′ and the fourth circle). The minimum distance from the intersection of the circle C4) is the distance between the dispensing position P5 ′ and the dispensing position P6 ′ (the intersection of the second circle C2 ′ and the fourth circle C4 and the third circle C3 ′). Equal to the minimum distance to the intersection of the fourth circle C4). In view of this, various dispensing positions in the case of analyzing a general sample and a quality control sample using the automatic analyzer 2 are not limited to those shown in the table T3 of FIG.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating another example of setting various dispensing positions in the automatic analyzer 2. As shown in the table T4 of FIG. 11, when analyzing a general sample, after dispensing the sample at the dispensing position P6 ′, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P5 ′, and the second reagent is dispensed. Dispensing at position P3 ′. On the other hand, when analyzing the quality control sample, after dispensing the quality control sample at the dispensing position P5 ′, the first reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P4 ′, and the second reagent is dispensed at the dispensing position P2 ′. Dispense with.

  According to the second embodiment of the present invention described above, as in the first embodiment described above, the apparatus can be miniaturized and analysis can be performed while preventing confusion between a general sample and a quality control sample. Can be shortened.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been described in detail so far, but the present invention should not be limited to the above-described first and second embodiments. For example, in FIG. 1, since there is another intersection between the first circle C1 and the fourth circle C4, it is possible to provide a mechanism for discharging the specimen at this other intersection.

  The configurations of the sample dispensing means, the various liquid dispensing means, and the reagent dispensing means are not limited to those described above, and various samples and reagents may be ejected by the piezoelectric effect using a piezoelectric element. However, various specimens and reagents may be discharged by air pressure.

  Moreover, it is good also as a structure which attaches directly the nozzle which dispenses a specimen and a reagent to a specimen container holder or a reagent container holder.

  Further, a mechanism for moving the specimen container holder, the multi-liquid container holder and the reagent container holder up and down with respect to the measurement unit may be provided. In this case, it is possible to provide a cleaning unit for cleaning the nozzles provided in the sample container holder, the multi-liquid container holder, and the reagent container holder in the course of movement of each holder.

  The automatic analyzer according to the present invention can be applied not only to the biochemical analysis of a specimen but also to the case of performing an immunological analysis of a specimen or the case of performing a genetic analysis of a specimen. it can.

  As described above, the present invention can include various embodiments and the like not described herein, and various design changes and the like can be made without departing from the technical idea specified by the claims. It is possible to apply.

It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the principal part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the mutual positional relationship of the sample container holder which the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention has, a multi-liquid container holder, a reagent container holder, and a reaction container holder. It is the figure which added the mechanism which dispenses various samples and a reagent to each structure of the sample container holder which the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention has, a various liquid container holder, a reagent container holder, and a reaction container holder. It is a figure which shows typically the mutual positional relationship of the dispensing position of various specimens and reagents in a measurement unit. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the various dispensing positions at the time of the general sample analysis of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the sample analysis for quality control. It is a figure which shows the setting example (2nd example) of various dispensing positions at the time of the general sample analysis of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention, and the sample analysis for quality control. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the principal part of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the mutual positional relationship of the sample container holder which the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention has, a multi-liquid container holder, a reagent container holder, and a reaction container holder. It is a figure which shows typically the mutual positional relationship of the sample container holder which the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention has, a multi-liquid container holder, a reagent container holder, and a reaction container holder. It is a figure which shows the example of a setting of the various dispensing position at the time of the general sample analysis of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and the sample analysis for quality control. It is a figure which shows the setting example (2nd example) of various dispensing positions at the time of the general sample analysis of the automatic analyzer which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention, and the sample analysis for quality control.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Automatic analyzer 11, 61 Specimen container holder 12, 62 Various liquid container holder 13, 63 Reagent container holder 14 Reaction container holder 15, 64 Cold storage 16 Stirring part 17 Photometry part 17a Light source 17b Spectroscopic optical system 17c Light receiving element 18 Reaction vessel cleaning unit 19 Fixed shaft 20, 24, 28 Bearing 21, 25, 29 Gear 22, 26, 30, 32 Holder drive unit 23, 27, 31 Piston drive unit 41 Input unit 42 Output unit 43 Data generation unit 44 Control unit 45 Storage section 51, 53 Sample container 52, 54 Reagent container 55 Reaction container 101, 102 Measurement unit 111, 121, 122, 134, 141, 611, 621, 622, 631 Holding section 131 Container mounting section 132 Disk section 133 Cylinder Portion 142, 143 Window 151 Holder receiving portion 151a First member 151 2nd member 151c 3rd member 152 Lid part 152a, 152b Opening part 153 Cooler 154 Temperature sensor 201 Data processing unit 511, 521, 531, 541 Main body part 512, 522, 532, 542 Protrusion part 513, 523, 533, 543 Piston 514, 524, 534, 544 Nozzle QC Sample for quality control Rg Reagent Sp Sample T1, T2, T3, T4 Table

Claims (10)

An automatic analyzer that analyzes a component of the sample to be analyzed by reacting the sample to be analyzed with a reagent and optically measuring a result of the reaction,
A sample container holder for holding a plurality of sample containers for storing a sample so as to be transportable along the circumference of the first circle;
A reagent container for storing a reagent and a quality control sample container for storing a quality control sample can be transferred along a circumference of a second circle that is concentric with the first circle and has a diameter different from that of the first circle. A plurality of liquid container holders,
A plurality of second reagent containers that contain the reagents can be transported along a circumference of a third circle that is concentric with the first and second circles and has a diameter different from each of the first and second circles. A reagent container holder for holding the pieces side by side;
When the reaction container located below the sample container holder, the multi-liquid container holder and the reagent container holder and reacting the sample and the reagent is projected onto a predetermined plane together with the first to third circles, A plurality of reaction vessel holders that are arranged and held so as to be transportable along a circumference of a fourth circle that intersects with each of the first to third circles;
A sample dispensing means for discharging a sample from the sample container located at the intersection of the first circle and the fourth circle on the plane to the reaction vessel located immediately below;
The reagent contained in the reagent container or the quality control stored in the reaction container located directly below the reagent container or the quality control sample container located at the intersection of the second circle and the fourth circle on the plane A multi-liquid dispensing means for discharging a quality control specimen contained in the specimen container;
Reagent dispensing means for discharging a reagent from the second reagent container located at the intersection of the third circle and the fourth circle on the plane to the reaction container located immediately below;
A cold storage means for keeping the reagent stored in the reagent container, the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample container, and the reagent stored in the second reagent container at a constant temperature;
With
On the plane, the minimum value of the distance between the intersection of the first circle and the fourth circle and the intersection of the second circle and the fourth circle is the second circle and the fourth circle. An automatic analyzer characterized by being equal to a minimum distance between an intersection of circles and an intersection of the third circle and the fourth circle. When analyzing the components of the specimen, the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges a first reagent that first reacts with the specimen to be analyzed to the reaction container, and the reagent dispensing means includes the specimen to be analyzed and 2 Discharging a second reagent to be reacted to the reaction container,
When analyzing the components of the quality control sample, the reagent dispensing means discharges the first reagent to the reaction container, and the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The position at which the multi-liquid dispensing unit discharges the first reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the components of the specimen is determined by the multi-liquid dispensing means when analyzing the components of the quality control sample. 3. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the position is the same as the position at which the sample for use is discharged into the reaction container.   When analyzing the components of the quality control sample, the position where the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the quality control sample to the reaction container is the position where the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2, wherein the automatic analyzer is different from a position where the automatic analyzer is operated.   The position at which the reagent dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the components of the specimen is such that the reagent dispensing means removes the first reagent when analyzing the components of the quality control specimen. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the automatic analyzer is different from a position to be discharged into the reaction container. When analyzing the components of the specimen, the reagent dispensing means discharges a first reagent that first reacts with the specimen to be analyzed to the reaction container, and the multi-liquid dispensing means includes the specimen to be analyzed and 2 Discharging a second reagent to be reacted to the reaction container,
When analyzing the components of the quality control sample, the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the first reagent to the reaction container, and the reagent dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1.   The position at which the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the second reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the components of the specimen is determined by the multi-liquid dispensing means when the multi-liquid dispensing means analyzes the components of the quality control specimen. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the position is the same as the position at which the sample is discharged into the reaction container.   When analyzing the components of the quality control sample, the position where the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the quality control sample to the reaction container is the position where the multi-liquid dispensing means discharges the first reagent to the reaction container. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6, wherein the automatic analyzer is different from a position where the automatic analyzer is operated.   The position at which the reagent dispensing means discharges the first reagent to the reaction container when analyzing the component of the specimen is such that the reagent dispensing means removes the second reagent when analyzing the component of the quality control specimen. The automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the automatic analyzer is different from a position to be discharged into the reaction container.   10. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the analysis of the sample components and the analysis of the quality control sample are performed in parallel.

Images