JP2015010985A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automatic analyzer capable of detecting abnormality in a suction abnormality detection function for detecting suction abnormality in a sample probe and thereby suppressing a reduction in analysis efficiency due to the possibility of normal suction of a sample being erroneously determined to be suction abnormality.SOLUTION: The automatic analyzer comprises: a suction abnormality detection unit 11c for detecting the occurrence of clogging of a sample probe for dispensing a sample in a sample container into a reaction vessel; and an erroneous detection determination unit 11d for determining, when clogging of the sample probe is detected by the suction abnormality detection unit 11c, whether or not the result of detection of the clogging by the suction abnormality detection unit 11c is erroneous detection, the determination being made on the basis of an amount of the sample sucked by the sample probe and a predetermined amount of the sample to be sucked.

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer and an analysis method for analyzing components of biological samples such as plasma, serum, and urine.

  In the automatic analyzer, since various samples are analyzed, the analysis process and the analysis result may be affected depending on the nature of the sample. For example, since serum, which is one type of analysis target of an automatic analyzer, contains a coagulation substance such as fibrin, the sample probe that dispenses the sample is clogged due to the influence thereof, and a specified amount of sample (here, Serum) may not be aspirated.

  As a conventional technique corresponding to such a case, for example, in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-46846), a pressure sensor provided in a suction channel detects the pressure in the suction channel after the suction operation is stopped. In addition, a sample suction device that detects clogging of the suction flow path, insufficient suction amount, and the like based on the result of comparing the change rate calculated based on the detected pressure with a predetermined threshold value is disclosed.

JP 2000-46846 A

  However, the above prior art has the following problems.

  In other words, in the case of a configuration that detects clogging of the sample probe based on the pressure in the suction flow path obtained by the pressure sensor, the pressure detection accuracy is affected by slight bending of the sample probe or a minute change in the state of the suction flow path. May occur, and abnormal suction such as clogging of the suction flow path or insufficient suction amount may not be detected normally. In other words, if the abnormal suction is not detected normally, it may be erroneously detected that the abnormal suction has occurred even though the sample has been normally sucked.

  And in order to prevent the secondary damage of the suction abnormalities with other sample probes, the samples that have generated suction abnormalities such as clogging (in this case, the samples that are erroneously detected as causing the suction abnormalities) A measure is taken such that all analysis requests are canceled. In this case, the analysis process is completed without obtaining any measurement results in spite of the sample normally sucked by the sample probe, and it takes a lot of time to obtain the analysis results by re-examination. End up.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and detects an abnormality in the suction abnormality detection function for detecting an abnormality in the suction of a sample probe, resulting in a decrease in analysis efficiency due to an erroneous determination that a normal suction of the sample is an abnormal suction. An object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer capable of suppressing the above-described problem.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention accommodates a sample container that contains a sample to be analyzed, a reagent container that contains a reagent used for analyzing the sample, and a reaction liquid in which the sample and the reagent are mixed. A reaction container, a sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample in the sample container into the reaction container, a reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container into the reaction container, and a reaction solution in the reaction container. When an analysis mechanism that analyzes the contained target component, a suction abnormality detection mechanism that detects occurrence of clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism, and a clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism that is detected by the suction abnormality detection mechanism, An erroneous detection determination unit that determines whether the detection result of clogging by the abnormal suction detection mechanism is a false detection based on the suction amount of the sample by the sample dispensing mechanism and a predetermined scheduled suction amount of the sample And also with To.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the suction abnormality detection function for detecting a suction abnormality of a sample probe, and to suppress a decrease in analysis efficiency due to an erroneous determination that causes normal suction of a sample to be a suction abnormality.

It is a figure which extracts and shows roughly one of the some analysis units which comprise the automatic analyzer which concerns on 1st Embodiment. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of an automatic analyzer according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the whole structure of the whole management computer. It is a figure which shows the processing flow at the time of the sample attraction | suction process in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detection function abnormality detection setting screen in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow at the time of the sample attraction | suction process in 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the detection function abnormality detection setting screen in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow at the time of the sample attraction | suction process in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the process flow at the time of the sample attraction | suction process in 4th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the processing flow of the sample probe return process in a modification.

(1) First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1-1) Overall Configuration FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 1 is one of a plurality of analysis units constituting the automatic analyzer. It is a figure which extracts and shows schematically.

  1 and 2, the automatic analyzer includes a sample rack loading unit 1 for loading a sample rack 92 for holding a plurality of sample containers 91 for storing samples to be analyzed, and each sample container held in the sample rack 1. 91, an ID reading unit 2 for reading an identification ID (not shown) attached to 91, a transport line 3 for transporting each sample rack 92 loaded in the sample rack loading unit 1 to various places in the automatic analyzer, and retesting The re-examination transport line 4 that transports the sample rack 92 that holds the sample container 91 that is the target of the inspection, and the sample rack 92 that is arranged along the transport line 3 and transported by the transport line 3 is respectively drawn in lines 51 and 61. , 71, 81, and a plurality of (for example, four) analysis units 5, 6, 7, 8 for analyzing the sample stored in the sample container 91, and a sample rack standby for waiting for the sample rack 92 9, a sample rack recovery unit 10 of the processing in the automatic analyzer to collect the sample rack 92 has been completed, is schematically configured from the overall management computer 11 for controlling the automatic analyzer entire operation. The analysis units 5, 6, 7, 8, the sample rack input unit 1, and the sample rack collection unit 10 are computers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 that perform control for necessary processing in each analysis unit. Each is equipped.

  Although the types of the analysis units 5, 6, 7, and 8 constituting the automatic analyzer can be changed depending on the analysis target, in this embodiment, all the analysis units 5, 6, 7, and 8 are subjected to biochemical analysis. An example of a unit will be described. Other configurations used as the analysis unit include, for example, an electrolyte analysis unit in addition to the biochemical analysis unit described in the present embodiment, and these are combined with the biochemical analysis unit to provide an automatic analyzer. May be configured.

(1-2) Analysis units 5, 6, 7, 8
The configuration of the analysis unit 5 will be described. The other analysis units 6, 7, and 8 have the same configuration as the analysis unit 5, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The analysis unit 5 holds a casing 62, a lead-in line 51 from the transport line 3 arranged along the casing 62, and a sample transported on the lead-in line 51 while holding a sample container 91 that stores a sample to be analyzed. A rack 92, reagent disks 41 and 42 in which a plurality of reagent containers 40 for storing reagents used for sample analysis are arranged in the circumferential direction, and a reaction container 35 for storing a reaction liquid in which the sample and the reagent are mixed are arranged in the circumferential direction. The reaction disk 36 arranged side by side, the sample dispensing mechanisms (sample probes) 94 and 95 for dispensing the sample in the sample container 91 into the reaction container 35, the reagent disks 41 and 42, and the reaction disk 36 are disposed. Reagent dispensing mechanisms (reagent probes) 20, 21, 22, 23, which are provided so as to be movable along the rails 25, 26 and dispense the reagent in the reagent container 40 into the reaction container 35, and the reaction container 5, stirring mechanisms 30 and 31 for stirring the reaction solution contained in the detector 5, a detection optical device 49 for detecting light irradiated from the light source 50 to the reaction vessel 35 and transmitted through the reaction solution, and a used reaction vessel 35. A container cleaning mechanism 45 for cleaning, a sample probe 94, 95, a reagent probe 20, 21, 22, 23, and a cleaning port 54 for cleaning the stirring mechanisms 30, 31 are roughly provided.

  The sample probes 94 and 95 have a sample pump (not shown), and the pump accommodates the sample accommodated in the sample container 91 and discharges it to the reaction container 35. The sample probes 94 and 95 are respectively provided with pressure sensors 94 a and 95 a for detecting the internal pressure (that is, the sample flow path in the sample probes 94 and 95), and the detection results are sent to the overall management computer 11. .

  When the rack 92 is drawn into the lead-in line 51 and the reagent container 91 held by the rack 92 is arranged at the sample suction position, the sample probes 94 and 95 (in fact, either one) are applied to the sample in the sample container 91. When it descends and contacts the liquid level of the sample, the liquid level is detected and controlled to stop the descent operation. In this state, after the sample probes 94 and 95 suck a predetermined amount of sample by the operation of the sample pump, the sample probes 94 and 95 rise to the top dead center. While the sample probes 94 and 95 are sucking the sample, the pressure fluctuation in the flow path is monitored by the pressure sensor 94a94b, and if it is determined that the pressure fluctuation during the suction is abnormal, a predetermined amount is sucked. Therefore, the operator is warned by adding an alarm to the analysis result of this sample.

  The sample sucked by the sample probes 94 and 95 is discharged into the reaction container 35 of the reaction disk 36. The reaction container 35 from which the sample has been discharged is moved to the first reagent dispensing position by the rotation of the reaction disk 36, and is moved from the reagent container 40 of the reagent disks 41 and 42 by the reagent probes 20, 21, 22 and 23. One reagent is dispensed. The reaction container 35 into which the first reagent has been dispensed is moved to the stirring position and stirred by the stirring devices 31 and 32. Subsequently, when it is necessary to add the second reagent, the stirring reaction container 35 is moved to the second reagent dispensing position, and from the reagent container 40 held on the reagent disks 41 and 42, the reagent The second reagent is dispensed by the probes 20, 21, 22, and 23. The reaction container 35 into which the second reagent has been dispensed is moved to the stirring position and stirred by the stirring devices 31 and 32. Then, the reaction vessel 35 containing the reaction solution is moved to the measurement position, where the multi-wavelength absorbance measurement of the reaction solution is performed by the detection optical device 49, and the analysis result of the analysis item is obtained.

(1-3) Overall management computer 11
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the overall management computer.

  In FIG. 3, the overall management computer 11 is based on the storage unit 11a for storing various settings, analysis conditions, analysis results, etc., the calculation unit 11b for performing various calculation processes, and the detection results from the pressure sensors 94a and 95a. When the clogging of the sample probe 94, 95 is detected by the suction abnormality detection unit 11c that detects the occurrence of clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism (sample probe) 94, 95, and the suction abnormality detection unit 11c, the sample probe 94, An erroneous detection determination unit 11d that determines whether the detection result of clogging by the abnormal suction detection unit is a false detection based on the suction amount of the sample by 95 and the predetermined suction amount of the sample; In order to perform various operations, a misdetection response processing unit 11e that performs various processes based on the determination result in the unit 11d, a display unit 19 for performing various settings, and the like. And an operation portion 18.

(1-4) Sample Aspiration Processing FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of sample aspiration processing by the sample probe. Here, a description will be given of a sample suction process in the sample probe 94.

  In FIG. 4, the overall management computer 11 lowers the sample probe 94 into the sample container 91 (step S401), and the lowering amount when the sample probe 94 is stopped by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) ( A) is stored (step S402). Subsequently, the suction of the sample is started (step S403), and it is determined whether or not the sample probe 94 is clogged by the suction of the sample (step S404). If the determination result in step S404 is NO, the suction process ends. If the determination result in step S404 is YES, a clogging removal cleaning operation for removing clogging of the sample probe 94 is performed (step S405), and another analysis item of the same sample is analyzed again. Then, the sample probe 94 is lowered into the sample container 91 (step S406), and the lowering amount (B) when the sample probe 94 is stopped by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) is stored (step S407). . Subsequently, the amount of sample suction when the clogging of the sample probe 94 is detected is calculated by the following equation (step S408). The sample suction amount is calculated by the following (Formula 1).

Sample suction amount = (Descent amount (B) −Descent amount (A)) × Sample container cross-sectional area (Equation 1)
Note that the cross-sectional area of the sample container is stored in advance in the storage unit 11a and the like.

  Here, it is determined whether the sample suction amount is within a predetermined range (step S409). If the determination result is NO, it is determined that clogging has been detected normally, and the suction processing is terminated. If the determination result in step S409 is YES, it is determined that the clogging detection is a false detection, the sample probe 94 is disabled (step S410), and the process ends.

(1-5) Effect The effect in this Embodiment is demonstrated.

  For example, in the case of a configuration that detects clogging of the sample probe based on the pressure in the suction channel obtained by the pressure sensor, the detection accuracy of the pressure is affected by slight bending of the sample probe or a minute change in the state of the suction channel. May occur, and abnormal suction such as clogging of the suction flow path or insufficient suction amount may not be detected normally. In other words, if the abnormal suction is not detected normally, it may be erroneously detected that the abnormal suction has occurred even though the sample has been normally sucked. And in order to prevent the secondary damage of the suction abnormalities with other sample probes, the samples that have generated suction abnormalities such as clogging (in this case, the samples that are erroneously detected as causing the suction abnormalities) A measure is taken such that all analysis requests are canceled. In this case, the analysis process is completed without obtaining any measurement results in spite of the sample normally sucked by the sample probe, and it takes a lot of time to obtain the analysis results by re-examination. End up.

  In contrast, in the present embodiment, the sample dispensing mechanism detects the clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism when the clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism is detected by the suction abnormality detecting mechanism and the suction abnormality detecting mechanism. Based on the suction amount of the sample by the mechanism and the predetermined suction amount of the sample, it was attacked with an erroneous detection determination unit that determines whether the detection result of clogging by the abnormal suction detection mechanism is a false detection Therefore, it is possible to detect an abnormality in the suction abnormality detection function for detecting an abnormality in the suction of the sample probe, and to suppress a decrease in analysis efficiency due to an erroneous determination that causes a normal suction of the sample to be an abnormal suction.

  That is, in this embodiment, since the corresponding sample probe is disabled from the point of time when the clogging detection abnormality is detected, the abnormality of the clogging detection function can be checked most strictly, and there is a possibility that a normal sample is clogged. The possibility of erroneously determining that there is a sample is the lowest. Therefore, the clogging detection function can be performed by continuing the analysis process for samples to be analyzed after the clogging detection function abnormality occurs with the same sample probe using another analysis unit or another sample probe of the same analysis unit. Can be prevented from occurring in other normal samples, and delay in reporting the analysis results can be suppressed.

  In this embodiment, the position where the sample probe detects the liquid level when the sample probe descends when clogging is detected and the position where the sample probe stops when the sample probe descends the next item. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a camera capable of detecting the liquid level height of the sample container 91 is installed in the vicinity of the sample suction position, the liquid level drop amount at the time of clogging detection is measured, and the sample suction amount is calculated from the liquid level drop amount and the sample container cross-sectional area. It is good also as a structure to calculate. Also, check the position where the sample probe stopped when detecting the liquid level when the sample probe was lowered when clogging was detected, and the position where the sample probe was released from the liquid level when the sample probe was raised after sample suction. The sample suction amount may be calculated from the difference between the two and the cross-sectional area of the sample container.

(2) Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, when the erroneous detection of the clogging detection of the sample probe reaches a preset number of times, the corresponding sample probe is disabled.

(2-1) Clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen 501
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen displayed on the display unit in the present embodiment.

  The clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen 501 is a screen for setting the number of times of erroneous detection of clogging detection, a number input unit 502 for inputting a set number of times, an OK button 503 for confirming the input number as a set value, and an input And a Cancel button 504 for invalidating the number of times the image is recorded.

(2-2) Sample Aspiration Processing FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of sample aspiration processing by the sample probe in the present embodiment. Here, a description will be given of a sample suction process in the sample probe 94.

  In FIG. 6, the overall management computer 11 lowers the sample probe 94 into the sample container 91 (step S601), and the lowering amount when the sample probe 94 stops by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) ( A) is stored (step S602). Subsequently, the suction of the sample is started (step S603), and it is determined whether or not the sample probe 94 is clogged by the suction of the sample (step S604). If the determination result in step S604 is NO, the suction process ends. If the determination result in step S604 is YES, a clogging removal cleaning operation for removing clogging of the sample probe 94 is performed (step S605), and another analysis item of the same sample is analyzed again. Then, the sample probe 94 is lowered into the sample container 91 (step S606), and the lowering amount (B) when the sample probe 94 is stopped by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) is stored (step S607). . Subsequently, the amount of sample suction when the clogging of the sample probe 94 is detected is calculated by the following equation (step S608). The sample suction amount is calculated by the following (Formula 1).

Sample suction amount = (Descent amount (B) −Descent amount (A)) × Sample container cross-sectional area (Equation 1)
Note that the cross-sectional area of the sample container is stored in advance in the storage unit 11a and the like.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the sample suction amount is within a predetermined range (step S609). If the determination result is NO, it is determined that clogging has been detected normally, and the number of consecutive clogging detection abnormal times ( The number of erroneous detection) is reset to 0 (zero) (step S610), and the suction process is terminated. If the determination result in step S609 is YES, it is determined that the clogging detection is an erroneous detection, the continuous clogging detection abnormality count is increased by 1 (step S611), and the continuous clogging detection abnormal count is detected as clogging detection. It is determined whether the number of times set on the function abnormality detection setting screen 501 is equal to or greater than the threshold (step S612). If the determination result is YES, it is determined that the clogging detection is a false detection and the sample probe 94 cannot be used. (Step S613) If the determination result is NO, it is determined that clogging has been detected normally, and the suction process is terminated.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(2-3) Effects Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In the first embodiment, the most severe check for clogging detection is performed, but even if it is unclear whether the sample or the clogging detection function is abnormal, the clogging detection function is detected as an abnormality. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the configuration is made such that the corresponding sample probe 94 is disabled when clogging detection abnormality is continuously detected a certain number of times. Thereby, when abnormality of the clogging detection function is detected continuously a plurality of times, it can be determined that the probability that clogging detection is a sample abnormality is low. In other words, the present embodiment can stably detect a case in which an abnormality occurs in the clogging detection suddenly due to a failure or the like.

(3) Third Embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, when the frequency of erroneous detection of clogging detection of a sample probe reaches a preset threshold value, the corresponding sample probe is disabled.

(3-1) Clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen 701
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen displayed on the display unit in the present embodiment.

  The clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen 701 is a screen for setting a threshold relating to the frequency of erroneous detection of clogging detection. A frequency input unit 702 for inputting the occurrence frequency and a period input for inputting a period for which the occurrence frequency is to be calculated. A unit 703, an OK button 704 for confirming the input value as a set value, and a cancel button 705 for invalidating the input value.

(3-2) Sample Aspiration Processing FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of sample aspiration processing by the sample probe in the present embodiment. Here, a description will be given of a sample suction process in the sample probe 94.

  In FIG. 8, the overall management computer 11 lowers the sample probe 94 into the sample container 91 (step S801), and the lowering amount when the sample probe 94 stops by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) ( A) is stored (step S802). Subsequently, the suction of the sample is started (step S803), and it is determined whether or not the sample probe 94 is clogged by the suction of the sample (step S804). If the determination result in step S804 is NO, the suction process ends. If the determination result in step S804 is YES, a clogging removal cleaning operation for removing clogging of the sample probe 94 is performed (step S805), and another analysis item of the same sample is analyzed again. Then, the sample probe 94 is lowered into the sample container 91 (step S806), and the descending amount (B) when the sample probe 94 is stopped by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) is stored (step S807). . Subsequently, the amount of sample suction when the clogging of the sample probe 94 is detected is calculated by the following equation (step S808). The sample suction amount is calculated by the following (Formula 1).

Sample suction amount = (Descent amount (B) −Descent amount (A)) × Sample container cross-sectional area (Equation 1)
Note that the cross-sectional area of the sample container is stored in advance in the storage unit 11a and the like.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the sample suction amount is within a predetermined range (step S809), and if the determination result is NO, the clogging detection date and time is stored in the storage unit 11a (step S810), and is normal. It is determined that clogging has been detected, and the suction process is terminated. If the determination result in step S809 is YES, it is determined that the clogging detection is a false detection, the occurrence date and time of the clogging detection abnormality is stored in the storage unit 11a (step S811), and the occurrence frequency is calculated. (Step S812). The occurrence frequency is calculated by the following (Formula 2).

Frequency of occurrence = C × 100 / (C + D) (Formula 2)
C: Number of occurrences of clogging detection abnormality within a specified period D: Number of times of clogging detection detection within a specified period Note that the number of clogging detection abnormalities and the number of clogging detection detections within a specified period are the clogging detection date and time stored in the storage unit 11a. Calculated from the date and time when the clogging detection error occurred.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the occurrence frequency is equal to or higher than a frequency threshold set on the clogging detection function abnormality detection setting screen 701 (step S813). If the determination result is YES, it is determined that clogging detection is a false detection. Then, the sample probe 94 is disabled (step S814). If the determination result is NO, it is determined that clogging has been detected normally, and the suction process is terminated.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(3-3) Effect Also in the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the corresponding sample dispensing mechanism is disabled from the detection frequency of the clogging detection abnormality within a certain period, the sample probe abnormality, clogging detection sensor (pressure sensor), etc. Even when the clogging detection function abnormality occurs discontinuously due to the deterioration and the frequency thereof gradually increases, it is possible to efficiently determine the detection error of clogging detection.

(4) Fourth Embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the present embodiment, when it is determined that the detection of the clogging of the sample probe is erroneously detected, the corresponding sample is re-inspected.

(4-1) Sample Aspiration Processing FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a processing flow at the time of sample aspiration processing by the sample probe in the present embodiment. Here, a description will be given of a sample suction process in the sample probe 94.

  In FIG. 9, the overall management computer 11 lowers the sample probe 94 into the sample container 91 (step S901), and the lowering amount when the sample probe 94 stops by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) ( A) is stored (step S902). Subsequently, the suction of the sample is started (step S903), and it is determined whether or not the sample probe 94 is clogged by the suction of the sample (step S904). If the determination result in step S904 is NO, the suction process ends. If the determination result in step S904 is YES, a clogging and cleaning operation for removing clogging of the sample probe 94 is performed (step S905), and another analysis item of the same sample is analyzed again. Then, the sample probe 94 is lowered into the sample container 91 (step S906), and the lowering amount (B) when the sample probe 94 is stopped by detecting the liquid level by a liquid level detection mechanism (not shown) is stored (step S907). . Subsequently, the amount of sample suction when the clogging of the sample probe 94 is detected is calculated by the following equation (step S908). The sample suction amount is calculated by the following (Formula 1).

Sample suction amount = (Descent amount (B) −Descent amount (A)) × Sample container cross-sectional area (Equation 1)
Note that the cross-sectional area of the sample container is stored in advance in the storage unit 11a and the like.

  Here, it is determined whether the sample suction amount is within a predetermined range (step S909). If the determination result is NO, it is determined that clogging has been detected normally, and the suction processing is terminated. If the determination result in step S909 is YES, it is determined that the clogging detection is a false detection, a flag is set to instruct execution of reanalysis of the same item of the sample (step S910), and suction processing is performed. Exit.

  Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment.

(4-2) Effects In the present embodiment configured as described above, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

  Further, in the present embodiment, analysis is not impossible even in the case of erroneous clogging detection (false detection), the same item is analyzed again, and the sample is handled as having no abnormality so that this sample can be analyzed by other analysis. Since the analysis can be continued even in the unit, it is not necessary to re-analyze due to the fact that the measurement result is not output, and the delay of the result report can be prevented. In addition, it is good also as a structure which analyzes the same item with another sample probe of the same analysis unit.

(5) Modifications of First to Fourth Embodiments Modifications of the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In the first to fourth embodiments, the present embodiment returns a sample probe that has become unusable due to a clogging detection abnormality (false detection) to a usable state.

(5-1) Sample Probe Return Processing FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a processing flow of sample probe return processing in the present embodiment. Here, a case where the sample probe 94 of the analysis unit 5 that has become unusable due to a clogging detection abnormality is returned will be described.

  In FIG. 10, the overall management computer 11 puts a sample rack 92 holding a sample container 901 containing a plurality of samples (reference samples) having a known viscosity into the analysis system (step S11). When the sample rack 92 is recognized, the sample rack 92 is transported to the analysis module 5 having the sample probe 94 that cannot be used due to abnormal clogging detection (step S12). When the rack 92 is transported to the analysis unit 5, subsequently, a suction process of a reference sample having a known viscosity stored in the sample container 91 is started by the sample probe 94 in which the clogging detection abnormality has occurred (step S13). Then, clogging is determined by the clogging detection function (step S14), and it is determined whether the clogging determination result is correct (step S15). Here, since a sample having a known viscosity is sucked in the suction process, the sample in the sample container 91 on the rack 92 is set to be clogged or set so as not to clog. Since it is clear whether the sample has been processed, it can be easily determined whether the clogging determination result is correct.

  If the determination result in step S15 is YES, it is determined whether or not there is a next reference sample (step S16). If the determination result is YES, the next reference sample is set as a target for suction processing. The process of step S13 is performed.

  If the determination result in step S15 is NO, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the clogging detection function, the sample probe 94 is left unusable (step S18), and the process ends.

  If the determination result in step S16 is YES, correct clogging is detected for all prepared reference samples, and it is determined that there is no abnormality in the clogging detection function, and the sample probe 94 is used. It is possible (step S19), and the process is terminated.

  About another structure, it is the same as that of each of 1st-4th embodiment.

(5-2) Effects Also in the present modification configured as described above, the same effects as those of the first to fourth embodiments can be obtained.

  In addition, in this modification, the clogging detection function check is performed for sample probes that are determined to be unusable due to clogging detection abnormalities during operation. It is possible to minimize the deterioration of In this modification, the clogging detection function check is performed only for the sample probes that cannot be used due to the clogging detection abnormality. However, when the clogging detection function check rack 91 is put into the analysis system, By performing the clogging detection function check on the sample probe, it is possible to ensure the reliability of the clogging detection function of each sample probe.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Sample rack input part 2 ID reading part 3 Transport line 4 Reexamination transport lines 5, 6, 7, 8 Analysis unit 9 Sample rack standby part 10 Sample rack collection part 11 Overall management computer 11a Storage part 11b Calculation part 11c Abnormal suction Detection unit 11d Error detection determination unit 11e Error detection response processing unit 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Computer 18 Operation unit 19 Display unit 20, 21, 22, 23 Reagent dispensing mechanism (reagent probe)
25, 26 Rail 30, 31 Stirring mechanism 35 Reaction container 36 Reaction disk 40 Reagent container 41, 42 Reagent disk 49 Detection optical device 50 Light source 51, 61, 71, 81 Lead-in line 54 Washing port 62 Housing 91 Sample container 92 Sample rack 94 , 95 Sample dispensing mechanism (sample probe)
94a, 95a Pressure sensor

Claims (8)

A sample container for storing a sample to be analyzed;
A reagent container containing a reagent used for analysis of the sample;
A reaction container containing a reaction liquid in which the sample and the reagent are mixed;
A sample dispensing mechanism for dispensing the sample in the sample container into the reaction container;
A reagent dispensing mechanism for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container into the reaction container;
An analysis mechanism for analyzing the target component contained in the reaction solution in the reaction vessel;
A suction abnormality detection mechanism for detecting occurrence of clogging in the sample dispensing mechanism;
When clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism is detected by the suction abnormality detection mechanism, the suction abnormality detection is performed based on the sample suction amount by the sample dispensing mechanism and a predetermined sample suction amount. An automatic analyzer comprising: an error detection determination unit that determines whether a detection result of clogging by a mechanism is an error detection. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
If the detection result by the suction abnormality detection mechanism is determined to be erroneous detection by the erroneous detection determination unit, the sample portion that has been determined to be erroneous detection by the clogging detection mechanism erroneous detection determination unit An automatic analyzer characterized by a false detection handling processing unit that stops using the injection mechanism. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
If the detection result by the suction abnormality detection mechanism is determined to be erroneous detection by the erroneous detection determination unit, the sample portion that has been determined to be erroneous detection by the clogging detection mechanism erroneous detection determination unit An automatic analyzer comprising a false detection handling processing unit for re-implementing an analysis item to be dispensed of the sample by the injection mechanism. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
When the detection result by the suction abnormality detection mechanism is determined to be erroneous detection by the erroneous detection determination unit, and when it is determined continuously by the clogging detection mechanism erroneous detection determination unit a predetermined number of times. And an erroneous detection response processing unit that stops the use of the sample dispensing mechanism that has been determined to be erroneous detection. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4,
An automatic analyzer comprising a number setting unit for setting the number of times. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
When the detection result of the suction abnormality detection mechanism is determined to be erroneous detection by the erroneous detection determination unit, the number of times the clogging of the sample dispensing mechanism is detected by the clogging detection mechanism during a predetermined period. When the ratio of the number of times that the clogging detection mechanism erroneous detection determination unit determines that it is erroneous detection is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the sample dispensing mechanism that has been determined to be erroneous detection is used. An automatic analyzer comprising a false detection response processing unit that stops use. The automatic analyzer according to claim 6,
An automatic analyzer comprising a threshold setting unit for setting the threshold. The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,
The erroneous detection handling processing unit dispenses a reference sample having a known viscosity by the sample dispensing mechanism that has been discontinued, and was not determined to be erroneous detection by the clogging detection mechanism erroneous detection determination unit. In this case, an automatic analyzer characterized in that the sample dispensing mechanism can be used.

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