JPH07120472A - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Minimize the waste of the sample when the dispensing part is in a dispensing failure state. [Structure] In the sample dispensing section of the automatic analyzer, the sample in the sample tank formed in the cartridge is sucked through the nozzle and the pipe, and the sucked sample is discharged into the plurality of reaction tanks formed in the cartridge. When performing the injection operation (step 156), if the detected value of the pressure in the pipe by the pressure sensor is out of the specified range (Yes in step 158), the detected value may be outside the specified range. It is counted whether the number of times is continuous (step 168), and the nozzle and the pipe are washed (step 162). If the detected pressure value is out of the predetermined range for m times or more even after cleaning, the inspection process is stopped, the execution is displayed, and the abnormality repair process is performed (step 172-176).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer, and in particular, a sample stored in a sample tank of a cartridge is dispensed into a reaction tank and a sample in the reaction tank is analyzed using a reagent. The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer for continuously performing the above for a plurality of samples stored in a plurality of cartridges.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, diagnosis in the field of medical treatment,
To reduce the work of tests, etc., automatically measure the concentration of specific components related to diagnostic items among various components contained in samples such as blood and urine collected from subjects. There is known an automatic analyzer that analyzes a sample by doing so. In this automatic analyzer, when an antigen is taken as an example of a specific component in a sample, the measurement is performed as follows.

That is, antibody-immobilized magnetic microbeads in which an antibody that specifically reacts with a specific antigen in a sample is bound to magnetic microbeads are put into a sample, and unreacted antibody-immobilized magnetic microbeads are removed by a magnet. After that, a labeled antibody in which a labeling substance is bound is added to the specifically reactive antibody, and the unreacted labeled antibody is removed. In this state, the sample contains the labeling substance at a concentration proportional to the concentration of the specific antigen, and the physical quantity representing the concentration of the labeling substance is measured (for example, when the labeling substance is an enzyme). Is charged with a luminescent substance that emits light using the enzyme as a catalyst to measure the amount of luminescence), and the concentration of the specific antigen is measured by converting the measured value of the physical quantity into the concentration of the antigen.

Thereby, for example, reagents such as antibody-immobilized magnetic microbeads and labeled antibodies prepared by using an antibody that specifically reacts with a specific antigen related to a diagnostic item are set in an automatic analyzer, Furthermore, if the sample to be analyzed collected from the subject is set in the automatic analyzer and the analysis is instructed, the above-mentioned measurement process is performed and the concentration of the specific antigen is output, so labor saving in diagnosis, inspection, etc. Can be realized.

By the way, diagnosis for a plurality of diagnostic items,
For the purpose of shortening the time required for the test, an automatic analyzer has been proposed which is capable of simultaneously measuring the concentrations of a plurality of types of specific antigens in a sample to be analyzed. In this automatic analyzer, a cartridge provided with a sample tank for storing a sample and a plurality of reaction tanks is used, and the sample to be analyzed stored in the sample tank of the cartridge is dispensed to each reaction tank,
By introducing different reagents corresponding to each diagnostic item into each reaction tank, different reactions are performed in each reaction tank, and the concentrations of a plurality of types of specific antigens can be simultaneously measured.
Further, by sequentially transferring a plurality of cartridges that store different samples to be analyzed, it is possible to sequentially perform the measurement on the plurality of samples to be analyzed.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned automatic analyzer, the dispensing of the sample is performed by the dispensing unit configured by connecting the syringe and the nozzle via the pipe. A component in the sample adheres to the inner wall of the pipe, the adhered component becomes a resistance against the passage of the sample, the inside of the nozzle or the pipe is blocked, so-called clogging occurs, and the dispensing unit Was sometimes in a poor dispensing state.

For this reason, the automatic analyzer is provided with a sensor for detecting the occurrence of clogging of the dispensing unit, and when the clogging of the dispensing unit is detected by the sensor, the dispensing of the sample and the specific antigen are immediately performed. The test process, including the measurement of the concentration, was to be stopped. However, if clogging of the dispensing part is detected during continuous processing of multiple samples to be analyzed, dispensing has already been performed and reagents have been added at the time when clogging is detected. As described above, there is a problem that the sample is wasted because the reaction by the reagent proceeds even if the execution of the inspection process is stopped as described above.

Further, in order to solve this, if the sensor is omitted and the dispensing unit is configured to ignore the situation even if the dispensing unit is in a defective dispensing state and to continue processing for each sample, the dispensing unit The sample that was not dispensed at the time of the poor dispensing state is dispensed by the dispensing unit that is in the poor dispensing state, so the amount of sample dispensed to the reaction tank There is a problem that a normal dispensing operation such as a change is not performed and a large error is added to the measured value, resulting in wasted sample to be analyzed.

The present invention has been made in consideration of the above facts, and an object of the invention is to obtain an automatic analyzer which can minimize the waste of the sample when the dispensing section is in a poor dispensing state. Is.

[0010]

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is configured such that a sample stored in a sample tank formed in a cartridge is sucked and a sample sucked is formed in the cartridge. A dispensing unit that dispenses a sample by discharging into the reaction tank, an analysis unit that analyzes the sample dispensed into the reaction tank by the dispensing unit using a reagent, and a sample tank Conveying means for sequentially conveying a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample to the dispensing section and the analyzing means, a detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing section due to the sample, and a dispensing failure by the detecting means When the state of defective dispensing is continuously detected more than a predetermined number of times, the transportation by the transporting means, the dispensing by the dispensing unit and the analysis by the analyzing means are continued until the state is continuously detected more than a predetermined number of times. At least It is configured to include a control means for stopping the operation of the dispensing unit.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the sample is dispensed by sucking the sample stored in the sample tank formed in the cartridge and discharging the sucked sample into the reaction tank formed in the cartridge. A dispensing unit, an analyzing unit for analyzing a sample dispensed into the reaction tank by the dispensing unit using a reagent, and a dispensing unit for a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample in the sample tank. And a transporting means for sequentially transporting to the analyzing means, a detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing section by the sample, and an analyzing means performs analysis when a defective dispensing state is detected by the detecting means. When the number of samples being analyzed is greater than the number of samples that have not been dispensed by the dispensing unit, at least the transport by the transporting means and the analysis by the analyzing means are continued, and the number of samples being analyzed is When less than the number of samples dispense is not performed is configured to include a control means for stopping the operation of at least the dispensing unit.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the sample is dispensed by sucking the sample stored in the sample tank formed in the cartridge and discharging the sucked sample into the reaction tank formed in the cartridge. A dispensing unit, an analyzing unit that analyzes a sample dispensed into the reaction tank by the dispensing unit using a reagent, and a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample in the sample tank Of the sample and the analyzing means, a conveying means for sequentially conveying the sample, a detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing portion due to the sample, and a detecting means for continuously detecting the defective dispensing state for a predetermined number of times or more. During this period, the transportation by the transportation means, the dispensing by the dispensing unit and the analysis by the analysis means are continued, and if the defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more, the sample analyzed by the analysis means The number of When the number of samples that has not been dispensed by the method is greater than the number of samples that have not been dispensed, the transport by the transport means and the analysis by the analysis means are continued at least, When it is less than the number, at least the control means for stopping the operation of the dispensing part is included.

[0013]

[Function] Generally, in an automatic analyzer, in order to prevent the components in the sample adhered to the dispensing unit when dispensing a sample from mixing in when dispensing the next sample, the dispensing unit is Each time a sample of a single cartridge is dispensed, it is often configured to perform a cleaning operation for cleaning the dispensing section by, for example, a cleaning means, and such a cleaning operation dispenses the dispensing section. Note: Poor condition is likely to be resolved. Therefore, in the invention described in claim 1, a detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing portion by the sample is provided, and conveyance is performed until the defective dispensing state is continuously detected by the detecting means a predetermined number of times or more. The transport by means, the dispensing by the dispensing unit, and the analysis by the analyzing unit are continued, and at least the operation of the dispensing unit is stopped when a defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more.

The poor dispensing state of the dispensing unit may be, for example, clogging of the pipe for sucking and discharging the sample. Further, the detection means can be configured by, for example, a pressure sensor or the like that detects the pressure in the pipeline. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the transport by the transport means, the dispensing by the dispenser, and the analysis by the analysis means are continued until the dispensing failure state of the dispensing section is continuously detected a predetermined number of times.
The defective dispensing state is resolved by the above-mentioned cleaning operation, etc., until the defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more.
It is highly possible that the dispensing by the dispensing unit and the analysis by the analyzing means are normally performed. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the waste of the sample when the dispensing unit is in a poor dispensing state.

When a defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more, at least the operation of the dispensing unit is stopped. At this time, the transport by the transport means and the analysis by the analysis means should be continued. This is preferable because at least the sample that has been dispensed normally will be analyzed as usual.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, a detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing portion by the sample is provided, and when the defective dispensing state is detected by the detecting means, analysis is performed by the analyzing means. Number of samples (hereinafter T)
Is greater than the number of samples that have not been dispensed by the dispensing unit (hereinafter referred to as n), at least the number of samples that have been analyzed by allowing the transport by the transport means and the analysis by the analysis means to continue. When T is less than the number n of samples that have not been dispensed, at least the operation of the dispensing unit is stopped.

Therefore, when T> n, the transportation by the transportation means and the analysis by the analysis means are continued, whereby at least T samples are normally analyzed, and
When <n, the operation of the dispensing unit is stopped, and at least n samples are stored in an unprocessed state (undispensed and unanalyzed), so that the dispensing unit became defective. In this case, it is possible to minimize the waste of the sample.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, until the detecting unit detects the defective dispensing state of the dispensing unit for a predetermined number of times or more in succession, the transport unit transports, the dispensing unit dispenses and analyzes the unit. Continue analysis by. As a result, like the invention according to claim 1, the defective dispensing state is eliminated by a cleaning operation or the like until the defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more, and dispensing and analysis by the dispensing unit is performed. It is very likely that the instrumental analysis will be successful. Also,
When a defective dispensing state is detected continuously a predetermined number of times or more, the number T of samples analyzed by the analyzing means is larger than the number n of samples not dispensed by the dispensing unit. At least the transport by the transport means and the analysis by the analysis means are continued at least, and at least the operation of the dispensing unit is performed when the number T of the samples being analyzed is smaller than the number n of the samples not being dispensed. Stop. As a result, when T> n as in the second aspect of the invention, the transport by the transport means and the analysis by the analysis means are continued, so that at least T samples are normally analyzed, and T <n. At this time, the operation of the dispensing unit is stopped, so that at least n samples are stored in an unprocessed state. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the waste of the sample in the case where the dispensing section becomes defective in dispensing.

The number T of samples analyzed by the analyzing means is limited to a value obtained by subtracting the number of samples analyzed by the analyzing means from the number of samples dispensed by the dispensing unit. Not the number of samples that have been analyzed by the analysis means from the number of samples dispensed by the dispensing unit,
And a value obtained by subtracting the number of samples that have been analyzed by the analysis means but failed in dispensing (that is, the number of samples normally analyzed by the analysis means).

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows an external view of an automatic analyzer 10 according to the first embodiment. The automatic analyzer 10 includes a casing 12, and on the right front side of the casing 12 when viewed from the front (direction of arrow A in FIG. 1), a loading for loading a cartridge 14 (see FIG. 3) storing a sample therein is provided. A mouth 26 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, the cartridge 14 includes a sample tank 16 for storing a sample.
And a diluting tank 18 used for diluting the sample, and a reaction tank 2 for performing different reactions depending on inspection items.
0, 22, and 24 are integrally formed. The loading port 26 can be opened and closed by a lid 26A.

A floppy disk drive 88 is provided above the loading port 26, and a keyboard 90 for an operator to input data and a liquid crystal display 92 for displaying inspection results and the like are provided above the floppy disk drive 88. Has been. Further, inside the left front side of the casing 12 when viewed from the front, a reagent storage (not shown) for storing reagents such as antibody-immobilized magnetic microbeads and a luminescent substance described later in a constant environment is provided. A printer 94 for printing the inspection result is provided above the reagent storage.

Further, when viewed from the front, inside the interior of the casing 12 on the back side, the measuring unit 2 which constitutes a part of the analyzing means of the present invention.
8 (see FIG. 2) are provided. The measuring unit 28 measures the amount of luminescence as described later as a physical quantity related to the concentration of the specific antigen in the sample. Cartridge 14 is loading port 2
It is loaded into the cartridge standby unit 30 via 6. The cartridge standby unit 30 can be loaded with a large number of cartridges 14, and the loaded cartridges 14 are sent to the transport line 32 one by one. The transfer line 32 is provided with a transfer unit (not shown),
The cartridge 14 sent from the cartridge standby unit 30 is conveyed toward the measuring unit 28 in the direction of arrow B in FIG.

The measuring unit 28 has a motor 118 (see FIG. 5).
Is provided to convey the cartridge 14 conveyed on the conveyance line 32 to the motor 118.
It is conveyed in the direction of arrow C in FIG. Measuring unit 2
8, a transport line 34, a first reagent dispensing section 36, a first reaction channel 38, a second reagent dispensing section 40, a second reaction channel 42, and an unreacted component removing section 4 along the transport direction of the cartridge 14.
4, a luminescent reagent dispensing part 46, a hydrogen peroxide dispensing part 48, and a photometric part 50 are sequentially formed. A transport line 52 is connected to the downstream side of the photometry unit 50 in the transport direction of the cartridge 14, and the transport line 52 is connected to a cartridge discharge unit 54 for accommodating the cartridge 14 that has passed through the measurement unit 28.

On the other hand, a sample dispensing section 56 as a dispensing section of the present invention is provided on the side of the transfer line 34. Figure 4
As shown in, the sample dispensing unit 56 includes a nozzle 96. One end of a pipe 98 is connected to the nozzle 96,
The other end of the pipe 98 is connected to the normally open end (indicated by “no” in FIG. 4) of the three-way valve 100. 3-way valve 10
Reference numeral 0 has a normally open end, a normally closed end (indicated by "nc" in FIG. 4) and a common end (indicated by "com" in FIG. 4), and further connected to a solenoid 102.
The three-way valve 100 normally connects the common end and the normally open end, and connects the common end and the normally closed end when the solenoid 102 is excited.

A syringe 106 is connected to a common end of the three-way valve 100 via a pipe 104. Syringe 106
Has a piston 106A connected to a pulse motor 108. When the pulse motor 108 is driven, the piston 10A
6A is moved in the arrow E direction or the arrow F direction in FIG. The normally closed end of the three-way valve 100 is connected to the cleaning buffer 112 via the pipe 110. A cleaning liquid containing a surfactant and the like is stored in the cleaning buffer 112. Further, a pressure sensor 114 as a detecting means of the present invention is attached to an intermediate portion of the pipe 98. The pressure sensor 114 detects the pressure in the pipe 98.

Further, members such as the nozzle 96, the pipes 98, 104, the three-way valve 100, the syringe 106, the pulse motor 108 of the sample dispensing section 56 are assembled in a single block 116. This block 116 includes a motor 120
By transmitting the driving force (see FIG. 5), the cartridge 14 can be moved in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (arrow C direction in FIG. 2). This block 116
The nozzle 96 is moved to a position corresponding to each tank of the cartridge 14 located at the site where the sample dispensing unit 56 is disposed.

A reagent dispensing unit 58 is provided in the first reagent dispensing section 36. The reagent dispensing unit 58 is rotatable in the direction of the arrow D in FIG. 2, and the cartridge 1 positioned in the first reagent dispensing section 36 in the rotated state.
It corresponds to 4. Reagent dispensing unit 58
Is equipped with three nozzles (not shown).
In the nozzle of the book, the reagent dispensing unit 58 has the cartridge 14
The three reaction tanks 2 of the cartridge 14 corresponding to
It corresponds to 0, 22, and 24. The first reagent is supplied to the three nozzles from the reagent storage described above.

The second reagent dispensing unit 40 is also provided with a reagent dispensing unit 60 having the same structure as the reagent dispensing unit 58. The second reagent solution is supplied from the reagent storage to three nozzles (not shown) of the reagent dispensing unit 60. Further, the second reagent dispensing section 40 is provided with an unreacted component removing unit 62. The unreacted component removing unit 62 includes a magnet (not shown) and a nozzle having the same configuration as the nozzle 96 of the reagent dispensing units 58 and 60. Also,
The unreacted component removing unit 44 also includes an unreacted component removal unit 62.
An unreacted component removing unit 64 having the same configuration as the above is provided.

The luminescent reagent dispensing section 46 includes a reagent dispensing unit 66 having the same configuration as the reagent dispensing units 58 and 60, and an unreacted component removing unit 68 having the same configuration as the unreacted component removing units 62 and 64. Is provided. A luminescent reagent is supplied from a reagent storage to three nozzles (not shown) of the reagent dispensing unit 66. The hydrogen peroxide dispensing unit 48 is also provided with a reagent dispensing unit 70 having the same configuration as the above reagent dispensing unit. Hydrogen peroxide solution is supplied from a reagent storage to three nozzles (not shown) of the reagent dispensing unit 70.

The photometric unit 50 is provided with a photometric unit 72. The photometric unit 72 is rotatable in the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2 similarly to the reagent dispensing unit 58, and corresponds to the cartridge 14 located in the photometric unit 50 in the rotated state. The photometric unit 72 is provided with three nozzles, and the light emission amount of the liquid sucked through each nozzle can be measured by the light receiving element 80 (see FIG. 5).

As shown in FIG. 5, the light receiving element 80 is connected to the input / output port 84D of the control section 84 via the analog-digital converter (A / D converter) 82. Control unit 8
Reference numeral 4 includes a CPU 84A, a ROM 84B, a RAM 84C, and an input / output port 84D, which are connected to each other via a bus 86. The reagent dispensing units 58, 60, 66, 70 and the photometric unit 7 are connected to the input / output port 84D.
2. Unreacted component removing units 62, 64, 68 are connected, and the operation of each unit is controlled by the control unit 84. Further, the above-mentioned printer 94, liquid crystal display 92, keyboard 90 and floppy disk drive 88 are connected to the input / output port 84D.

The driver 1 is connected to the input / output port 84D.
The motor 120 of the sample dispensing unit 56, the pulse motor 108, the solenoid 102, and the motor 118 of the measuring unit 28 are connected via 24, 74, 76, and 122.
The pressure sensor 114 is connected via the converter 78.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. The sample to be measured by the measuring unit 28 of the automatic analyzer 10 is dispensed into the sample tank 16 of the cartridge 14. The cartridge 14 into which the sample has been dispensed in the sample tank 16 is loaded into the cartridge standby unit 30 via the loading port 26. When a predetermined number of cartridges 14 are loaded and a sample analysis is instructed, the control unit 84 stores the total number N of loaded cartridges 14 and the cartridge standby unit 30 adds one cartridge 14 at a predetermined time interval. It is sent to the transport line 32. Cartridge 14 sent to the transport line 32
Is conveyed in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 2 from the conveying line 32 to the sample dispensing unit 56 of the measuring unit 28.

The sample dispensing unit 56 performs the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. That is, step 150
Then, the data K stored in the predetermined area provided on the memory is set to "0". In the next step 152, it is determined whether or not the cartridge 14 has reached the site where the sample dispensing unit 56 is disposed. When the cartridge 14 reaches the site where the sample dispensing unit 56 is provided, in Step 154, the cartridge 1
4 is set at the dispensing position, and the sample in the cartridge 14 set at the dispensing position in step 156 is dispensed.

That is, the motor 120 is driven and the nozzle 96 of the sample dispensing section 56 is moved to the sample tank 16 of the cartridge 14.
Pulse motor 10 after moving to the position corresponding to
8 to drive the piston 106A of the syringe 106 in FIG.
Gradually move in the direction of arrow E. This allows the pipe 9
Negative pressure is generated in the nozzles 8, 104 and the nozzle 96, and the sample tank 16
The sample stored therein is gradually sucked into the nozzle 96 and the pipe 98. At this time, if the detected value of the pressure by the pressure sensor 114 is out of a predetermined range, it is stored in a memory or the like. When a predetermined amount of sample is sucked into the nozzle 96 and the pipe 98, the pulse motor 108
Is stopped and the motor 120 is driven to move the nozzle 96 to a position corresponding to the reaction tank 20 of the cartridge 14.

Further, the pulse motor 108 is driven to gradually move the piston 106A of the syringe 106 in the direction of arrow F in FIG. As a result, positive pressure is generated in the pipes 98, 104 and the nozzle 96, and the sample sucked in the nozzle 96 and the pipe 98 is gradually discharged into the reaction tank 20. A dispensing operation for dispensing the sample in the sample tank 16 to the reaction devices 20, 22, and 24 is performed by sequentially changing the reaction tanks for discharging the sample to the reaction tanks 22 and 24 and repeating the above operation. Complete.

In the next step 158, it is determined whether or not the pressure detection value detected by the pressure sensor 114 is out of the predetermined range in the above-mentioned dispensing operation. If the determination in step 158 is negative, it is determined that the nozzle 96 and the pipe 98 are not clogged, and the sample is dispensed normally, and the data K is set to "0" in step 160. A cleaning operation is performed in the next step 162.

That is, the solenoid 102 is turned on and 3
The one-way valve 100 is switched to drive the pulse motor 108 to suck the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning buffer 112. Next, the solenoid 102 is turned off, the three-way valve 100 is switched again, and the pulse motor 108 is driven to drive the pulse motor 108 so that the sucked cleaning liquid is discharged through the pipe 98 and the nozzle 96. As a result, the components attached to the pipe 98 and the inner wall of the nozzle 96 are removed and cleaned. Further, in this cleaning operation, the nozzle 96
The outer periphery of is also cleaned.

When the cleaning operation is completed, it is determined in step 164 whether dispensing of N cartridges 14, that is, all the cartridges 14 set in the automatic analyzer 10 is completed. If the determination in step 164 is negative, the process returns to step 152 and the above process is repeated.

On the other hand, as described above, each reaction tank 20-2
The cartridge 14 in which the sample is normally dispensed in 4 is conveyed sequentially along the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2 and the amount of luminescence is measured to determine the concentration of the specific antigen. At this time, the sample in each reaction tank is in a state of containing various kinds of antigens as shown in FIG. 7 (A). In the automatic analyzer 10, different reactions are carried out in the respective reaction tanks so that the concentrations of three kinds of antigens can be simultaneously measured. However, in the following, in order to simplify the description, specific antigens (see FIG. The measurement of the amount of luminescence for determining the concentration of the diamond) will be described.

The cartridge 14 that has reached the first reagent dispensing section 36 is dispensed with the first reagent into each reaction tank by the reagent dispensing unit 58. Here, as the first reagent, antibody-immobilized magnetic microbeads in which an antibody that specifically reacts with a specific antigen is bound to magnetic microbeads are dispensed. For the dispensed first reagent, the cartridge 14 has the first reaction path 38
While being transported, it reacts with and binds to a specific antigen (see FIG. 7 (B)).

When the cartridge 14 reaches the second reagent dispensing section 40, the magnet of the unreacted component removing unit 62 first comes into contact with each reaction tank, and in this state, the nozzle sucks the reaction solution in each reaction tank. . As a result, FIG. 7 (C)
As shown in (1), the magnetic microbeads are attracted to the magnet, so that the specific antigen remains in the reaction tank and other antigens are removed together with the reaction solution (so-called B / F separation). Next, the reagent dispensing unit 60 dispenses the second reagent into each reaction tank. Here, as the second reagent, a labeled antibody in which a labeling enzyme is bound to an antibody that specifically reacts with a specific antigen is dispensed. The second reagent dispensed is stored in the second cartridge 14
While being transported through the reaction path 42, it reacts with and binds to a specific antigen (see FIG. 7D).

The cartridge 14 has an unreacted component removing section 44.
When it reaches, the B / F separation is performed by the unreacted component removing unit 64 in the same manner as described above. Next, the cartridge 14 is conveyed to the luminescent reagent dispensing unit 46, and B / F separation is performed again by the unreacted component removing unit 68. The unreacted second reagent is removed from these (FIG. 7).
(See (E)). Then, the reagent dispensing unit 66 dispenses the luminescent reagent. Here, as the luminescent reagent, a luminescent reagent that emits light using the labeling enzyme of the second reagent as a catalyst is dispensed.

Further, in the hydrogen peroxide dispensing unit 48, the reagent dispensing unit 70 dispenses hydrogen peroxide solution into each reaction tank. As a result, the dispensed luminescent reagent emits light (see FIG. 7 (F)). This luminescence amount depends on the amount of the labeling enzyme in the reaction tank, that is, the amount (concentration) of the specific antigen. Therefore, a luminescence amount corresponding to the concentration of the specific antigen in the sample can be obtained. When the cartridge 14 reaches the photometric unit 50, the light receiving element 80 of the photometric unit 72 measures the light emission amount of the reaction liquid in each reaction tank. The measured value of luminescence is A
It is taken into the control unit 84 via the / D converter 82.

A calibration curve for converting the measured luminescence amount into the concentration of the specific antigen is stored in advance in the control section 84, and the measured value of the taken luminescence amount is converted into the concentration of the specific antigen, and the printer At 94, it is printed on the recording paper and output. The cartridge 14 in which the sample is dispensed, the light emission amount is measured, and the inspection process is completed is sequentially conveyed to the cartridge discharge unit 54.

Next, in the sample dispensing section 56, the nozzle 9
6. A case will be described in which the components of the sample adhere to the inside of the pipe 98 to cause clogging and a poor dispensing state.
When the dispensing is in a poor state, the pressure detection value of the pressure sensor 114 is out of the predetermined range while the sample is being sucked from the sample tank 16. When the detected value of the pressure is out of the predetermined range, the sample is not dispensed into each reaction tank of the cartridge 14 at all, or the amount of the sample dispensed into each reaction tank is incorrect, and the sample is dispensed. You can judge that it failed. In such a case, the determination of step 158 is affirmed after the dispensing operation of step 156 is performed, and the process proceeds to step 166.

At step 166, it is determined whether or not the value of the data K has become a predetermined value m or more. A value of about "2" or "3" is set as the predetermined value m. Step 1
If the determination in 66 is negative, “1” is added to the data K in step 168. In the next step 170, information for identifying the cartridge 14 that has failed in sample dispensing is stored. This information is used to output “inspection failure due to clogging” for the sample of the cartridge when outputting the processing result (concentration of the specific antigen) as described above. After performing the process of step 170, the process shifts to step 162 described above.

Therefore, until the determination of step 166 is affirmed, the inspection process of the automatic analyzer 10 is not stopped only by counting up the data K, and the sample dispensing unit 56 also performs the cleaning operation. Each operation including is performed as usual. By this cleaning operation, the nozzle 96 and the pipe 9
There is a high possibility that the clogging in 8 will be cleared. When the clogging (dispensing failure state) is resolved by washing once or twice, the determination in step 158 is denied and the data K becomes "0", so that the sample that has already been dispensed normally Each processing is performed normally for the sample dispensing unit 56.
Since the sample in the cartridge 14 that has reached the point is normally dispensed, the sample is wasted as compared with the conventional case where the execution of the inspection process is immediately stopped when the occurrence of the clogging is detected. Not likely to do.

On the other hand, when the detected pressure value is out of the predetermined range continuously m times or more, the determination in step 166 is affirmed. In this case, since it can be determined that an abnormality that is difficult to eliminate by the above-described cleaning operation has occurred, the process moves to step 172, the execution of the inspection process in the automatic analyzer 10 is stopped, and the sample dispensing unit 56 is executed. Dispensing of sample and analysis of sample in measuring unit 28 (measurement of luminescence amount)
To stop. In the next step 174, the fact that the execution of the inspection process has been stopped is displayed on the liquid crystal display 92 or the like, and in step 176 an abnormality repair process is performed.

In this abnormality repair processing, the pipe 98 and the nozzle 96 are filled with the cleaning liquid in the same manner as the above-described cleaning operation, and then a dispensing operation is performed to monitor the pressure value, and the detected pressure value is within a predetermined range. The determination as to whether or not it is repeated a predetermined number of times.
When no abnormality in the pressure value is detected while the above processing is repeated a predetermined number of times, the cartridge 14 in the automatic analyzer 10 is transported to the cartridge discharge section 54, and preparations for performing the processing again are performed. If an abnormality in the pressure value is detected even after the above processing is repeated a predetermined number of times, the operator is notified that an abnormality that cannot be automatically repaired has occurred, and the processing ends.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The second embodiment is the first
Since the configuration is the same as that of the embodiment, the operation of the second embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown also in FIG. 8, in the second embodiment, when the pressure detection value by the pressure sensor 114 is out of the predetermined range in the dispensing operation of step 156 and the determination of step 158 is affirmative, step In 167, the number of samples (the number of cartridges) T during the execution of the inspection process and the number of samples (the number of cartridges) n in which the sample is not dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 56 are taken in and whether T is n or less. Determine whether.
The number T of cartridges during the inspection process is calculated by the following equation (1).

T = number of cartridges dispensed in the sample dispensing unit-number of cartridges for which the inspection process is completed (1) When the determination process of step 167 is denied, the inspection process of the automatic analyzer 10 is stopped. The sample dispensing unit 56 dispenses the reagent and the measuring unit 28 dispenses reagents and the like, and T samples during the inspection process are wasted. Therefore, after storing the information for identifying the cartridge 14 in which the sample dispensing has failed in step 170, the process proceeds to step 162, and the inspection process of the automatic analyzer 10 is continued. As a result, n samples are dispensed in the poor dispensing state, and n samples may be wasted (the poor dispensing state is resolved by further performing the cleaning operation. In this case, the number of wasted samples is reduced.) However, since the T (T> n) samples are normally processed, the sample waste can be minimized.

When the determination in step 167 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 172, the execution of the inspection process is stopped as in the first embodiment, and it is displayed in step 174 that the execution of the inspection process is stopped. In step 176, the abnormality repair processing is performed. As a result, T samples during the execution of the inspection process are wasted, but n samples (n ≧ T) are not dispensed to the n samples in the dispensing failure state.
Since the sample is stored in an undispensed state, it is possible to minimize the waste of the sample.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. The same parts as those in the first and second embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. Since the third embodiment has the same configuration as the first embodiment, the operation of the third embodiment will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

As shown in FIG. 9, in the third embodiment, when the detected value of the pressure by the pressure sensor 114 is out of the predetermined range in the dispensing operation of step 156 and the determination of step 158 is affirmative, Step 166 as in one embodiment
Then, it is determined whether the value of the data K is equal to or larger than the predetermined value m,
If the determination is negative, the data K in step 176.
Is incremented by 1 and the information for identifying the cartridge 14 for which sample dispensing failed in step 170 is stored. After performing the process of step 170, the process shifts to step 162 described above to continue the execution of the inspection process.

On the other hand, when the detected pressure value is out of the predetermined range for m or more consecutive times and the determination in step 166 is affirmative, in step 167 as in the second embodiment, the sample under the inspection process is being executed. The number T and the sample number n in which the sample is not dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 56 are taken in, and it is determined whether T is n or less. When the determination in step 167 is negative, the process proceeds to step 170, and the information for identifying the cartridge 14 in which the sample dispensing has failed is stored. After performing the process of step 170, the process shifts to step 162 described above to continue the execution of the inspection process. When the determination in step 167 is affirmative, the execution of the inspection process is stopped in step 172, the execution of the inspection process is displayed in step 174, and step 176 is displayed.
The abnormality repair process is performed.

Therefore, the inspection process continues to be executed at least m times or more continuously until the detected pressure value falls outside the predetermined range. There is a high possibility that the clogging will be cleared, and when the clogging is cleared, the inspection process will continue to be performed on the sample that has already been dispensed normally, and the sample will reach the sample dispensing unit 56 next. Cartridge 1
Dispensing is normally performed for the sample in 4 as well.

When the pressure detection value is out of the predetermined range m times or more continuously, the number T of samples during the inspection process and the sample dispensing unit 56 dispenses the sample. The number n of samples that are not present is compared, and if T is greater than n, the execution of the inspection process is continued, so that the inspection process is normally executed for T (T> n) samples. When T is n or less, the execution of the inspection process is stopped and n (n ≧ T) samples are stored in an undispensed state, so that the waste of samples is minimized. be able to.

In the above, as the number T of samples during the inspection process, as shown in the equation (1), the number of samples (cartridges) dispensed in the sample dispensation unit is the sample for which the inspection process is completed. The value obtained by subtracting the number (cartridge number) was used, but the number is not limited to this. The number of samples dispensed by the sample dispensing unit, the number of samples completed the inspection process, and the inspection process A value obtained by subtracting the number of samples that are in execution but failed in dispensing in the sample dispensing unit, that is, the number of samples in which the inspection process is normally performed may be applied.

Further, in the above, as the execution of the inspection process is stopped, the dispensing by the sample dispensing unit 56 and the analysis of the sample (measurement of the luminescence amount) in the measuring unit 28 are suspended, but the present invention is not limited to this. However, the dispensing of the sample by the sample dispensing unit 56 is stopped, the carriage of the cartridge 14 in the measuring unit 28 is continued, and only the sample that has been dispensed normally is measured by the measuring unit. The reagent may be used at 28 to perform the measurement.

Further, although the pressure sensor 114 is used as the detecting means in the above, the present invention is not limited to this, and the load applied to the pulse motor 108 by detecting the current flowing through the pulse motor 108, for example. It is also possible to configure so as to detect a defective dispensing state of the sample dispensing unit 56 by detecting the above. Further, the pipe 98 or the like may be formed of a transparent or translucent tube or the like, and the component attached to the inner wall of the pipe or the like, which causes the poor dispensing state of the sample dispensing unit 56, may be optically detected. Further, the cleaning operation using the cleaning liquid has been described above as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this, and compressed air, for example, can be used as the conduit 98 and the nozzle 9.
6 The cleaning operation may be performed by spraying the inside.

Further, the measuring method in the above measuring section 28 is merely an example, and the measuring method is not limited to the above measuring method. For example, although the amount of luminescence of the luminescent reagent that emits light using the labeling enzyme as a catalyst is measured in the above, for example, when a radioisotope is used as the labeling substance, the radiation dose can be measured.

[0065]

As described above, the invention according to claim 1 conveys by the conveying means until the detecting means continuously detects the defective dispensing state of the dispensing portion a predetermined number of times or more.
Continue the dispensing by the dispensing unit and the analysis by the analysis means,
If a defective dispensing state is detected for a certain number of times or more in succession, the operation of at least the dispensing unit is stopped.
There is an excellent effect that the waste of the sample when the dispensing unit is in the poor dispensing state can be minimized.

According to the second aspect of the invention, when the detecting unit detects a defective dispensing state of the dispensing unit, the number of samples analyzed by the analyzing unit is determined by the dispensing unit. If the number of undissolved samples is greater than the number of undissolved samples, at least the transport by the transporting means and the analysis by the analyzing means are continued, and at least when the number of samples being analyzed is less than the number of undispensed samples. Since the operation of the injection part is stopped, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the waste of the sample when the injection part is in a poor injection state can be minimized.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, until the detecting unit detects the defective dispensing state of the dispensing unit continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, the transport unit transports the dispensing unit, and the dispensing unit analyzes and analyzes the unit. If the dispensation failure state is detected continuously for a predetermined number of times or more, the number of samples being analyzed by the analysis means is the number of samples not dispensed by the dispensing unit. When the number is larger than the number, at least the conveyance by the conveying means and the analysis by the analyzing means are continued, and when the number of samples being analyzed is smaller than the number of samples not being dispensed, at least the operation of the dispensing unit is performed. Since it is stopped, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that it is possible to minimize the waste of the sample when the dispensing unit is in a poor dispensing state.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an automatic analyzer according to this embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the inside of an automatic analyzer.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sample dispensing unit.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram around a control unit.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the first embodiment.

7A to 7F are explanatory diagrams for explaining a process of measuring a light emission amount in a measurement unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the third embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Automatic Analyzer 14 Cartridge 16 Sample Tank 20 Reaction Tank 22 Reaction Tank 24 Reaction Tank 28 Measuring Section 56 Sample Dispensing Section 84 Control Section 114 Pressure Sensor 118 Motor

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A dispensing unit for dispensing a sample by sucking a sample stored in a sample tank formed in a cartridge and discharging the sucked sample into a reaction tank formed in the cartridge, Analyzing means for analyzing a sample dispensed in the reaction tank by the dispensing section using a reagent, and a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample in the sample tank to the dispensing section and the analyzing means. Conveying means for sequentially conveying, detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing part due to the sample, and conveying by the conveying means until the detecting means continuously detects the defective dispensing state for a predetermined number of times or more. An automatic analysis including: a control means for continuing the dispensing by the dispensing section and the analysis by the analyzing means, and at least stopping the operation of the dispensing section when a defective dispensing state is detected continuously for a predetermined number of times or more. apparatus. 2. A dispensing unit for dispensing a sample by sucking a sample stored in a sample tank formed in a cartridge and discharging the sucked sample into a reaction tank formed in the cartridge, Analytical means for analyzing the sample dispensed into the reaction tank by the dispensing section using a reagent, and a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample in the sample tank are sequentially transported to the dispensing section and the analyzing means. The transport means, the detecting means for detecting the poor dispensing state of the dispensing section by the sample, and the number of the samples analyzed by the analyzing means when the defective dispensing state is detected by the detecting means. When the number of samples that has not been dispensed by the dispensing unit is greater than at least the transport by the transport unit and the analysis by the analysis unit are continued, and the number of samples for which the analysis is performed is the dispensed. Automatic analyzer when had less than the number of samples including a control means for stopping the operation of at least the dispensing unit. 3. A dispensing unit for dispensing a sample by sucking a sample stored in a sample tank formed in a cartridge and discharging the sucked sample into a reaction tank formed in the cartridge, Analyzing means for analyzing a sample dispensed in the reaction tank by the dispensing section using a reagent, and a plurality of cartridges each storing a sample in the sample tank to the dispensing section and the analyzing means. Conveying means for sequentially conveying, detecting means for detecting a defective dispensing state of the dispensing part due to the sample, and conveying by the conveying means until the detecting means continuously detects the defective dispensing state for a predetermined number of times or more. , If the dispensing unit continues the analysis by the dispensing unit and the analysis by the analyzing unit, and if a defective dispensing state is continuously detected a predetermined number of times or more, the number of samples analyzed by the analyzing unit is determined by the dispensing unit. Dispensing by At least when the number of samples that are not being dispensed is smaller than the number of samples that are not being dispensed. An automatic analyzer including: a control unit that stops the operation of the dispensing unit.