JPH0843405A - Instrument for biochemical analysis - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent insertion of a cartridge into a false storage chamber by a simple mechanism, in order to maintain a measuring performance by inserting the cartridge into an optimum storage chamber on the basis of the characteristics of a dry type analytical element held in the cartridge, in an instrument having a plurality of cartridge storage chambers. CONSTITUTION:This instrument has a plurality of storage chambers 11a, 11b and 21 storing cartridges 3 and 4 wherein dry type analytical elements 1 and 2 are held, and the cartridges are provided with data recording parts 32 wherein cartridge information containing data on the dry type analytical elements held in the cartridges is recorded. The instrument is equipped with a data reading means for reading the cartridge information in these data recording parts and with a control means 28 which selects the storage chamber wherein the cartridge is to be stored on the basis of the cartridge information read by the data reading means and also opens a cartridge insertion port 48a, 48b or 87 of this storage chamber.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a dry analytical element having a reagent layer which causes a change in optical density due to a chemical reaction, a biochemical reaction or an immunological reaction with a predetermined biochemical substance contained in a sample such as blood or urine. Or, it relates to a biochemical analyzer that performs biochemical analysis using a dry analytical element for electrolyte measurement for quantitatively analyzing the activity (or concentration) of a specific ion contained in a sample by potentiometry. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, it has been possible to quantitatively analyze the content of a specific chemical component contained in the sample or its activity value, or the content of a tangible component, simply by spotting and supplying a small droplet of the sample. A dry-type integrated multi-layer analytical element (also referred to as a multi-layer analytical element or a multi-layer analytical film) or at least one pair of ion-selective electrodes having an ion-selective layer as an outermost layer that selectively responds to specific ions. A dry-type electrolyte analysis element equipped with it has been developed and put into practical use. Further, a filter paper type test piece and an improved single-layer or multi-layer test piece have been proposed, and some of them have been put into practical use.

A plurality of types of dry analytical elements having different characteristics corresponding to measurement items are prepared, and the dry analytical elements are housed in respective cartridges according to the types. In addition, there is a technology in which information necessary for measuring the measurement items and characteristics of the stored dry analytical element is recorded on a magnetic card, and a biochemical analyzer is equipped with a magnetic card reader for reading the data of the magnetic card. , JP-A-5-264535. In the biochemical analyzer of this prior example, the cartridge storage is not installed, the dry analysis element is supplied to the supply unit, and the sample is sequentially spotted for measurement, and various types of measurement are selected. It is not something that can be done on a regular basis.

On the other hand, while a plurality of cartridges in which dry analytical elements having different measurement items are previously stored in a biochemical analyzer are stored in a storage cabinet and stored, the dry analytical elements are taken out from the corresponding cartridges based on the command of the measurement item. There is a biochemical analyzer that does this. For example, in order to sequentially take out and supply dry analytical elements one by one from a large number of stored cartridges in accordance with measurement items, the cartridges are arranged in a ring in a storage and stored, and the cartridges are rotated to apply. The structure to select the cartridge is
For example, JP-A-59-20858 (US Pat. No. 4,512,95)
No. 2), US Pat. No. 5,089,418, and the like.

In the storage of the dry analytical element, it is necessary to adjust and maintain the humidity within a certain range in order to keep the performance constant and ensure the measurement accuracy. That is, the dry analytical element contains a biochemical material such as an enzyme or an antibody corresponding to the measurement item, and it is generally preferable to store it at low humidity because the reaction is not started. Also, some dry analytical elements, such as total protein (T
P), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-
For C) and albumin (ALB) measurement, it is necessary to maintain the humidity of the storage atmosphere in a predetermined range over the vicinity of 0% RH which is a condition different from the above.

When the cartridges containing the dry analytical elements having different characteristics as described above are stored in different storage cabinets, there is a demand to prevent the cartridges from being inserted into the storage cabinets having the wrong storage conditions. There has also been proposed a biochemical analysis device in which the color is classified according to the dry analytical element in which the cartridge is housed, the cartridge is inserted into the storage through the insertion port corresponding to the color, and the cartridge information is read when the cartridge is inserted.

[0007]

By the way, it is preferable that the dry analytical element is stored under several humidity conditions as described above, since it deteriorates with time and its measurement performance changes depending on the humidity during storage. As an example, 0 to 15% for group A and 1 for group B
If there is a storage humidity condition such as 0 to 30% and C group is 0 to 30%, and there is a storage cabinet for A group and B group, it is possible to store the cartridges of C group in both storage cabinets. is there.

If there is an empty space in either the group A storage box or the group B storage box, the group C cartridge can be inserted into the empty space. The device does not read the cartridge information such as the type and characteristics of the dry analysis element before inserting it into the storage cabinet, and when inserting it into the storage cabinet, the operator checks the empty space of the prescribed storage cabinet before inserting it. Since it is necessary to completely prevent the occurrence of erroneous insertion, there is a possibility that the storage conditions may be wrong and the dry analytical element may be deteriorated or the measurement performance may be changed to lower the measurement accuracy.

Further, in the case of reading the cartridge information when the cartridge is inserted into the storage, an information reading device is required at the insertion port of each storage, which is disadvantageous in terms of cost.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and when a cartridge is loaded into a plurality of storage chambers from the respective cartridge insertion ports, the cartridge information previously attached to the cartridge is read, and the corresponding cartridge insertion is performed based on the information. It is an object of the present invention to provide a biochemical analyzer in which only the mouth is opened and erroneous insertion is prevented.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, a biochemical analyzer of the present invention has a plurality of storage chambers for storing a cartridge containing a dry analytical element, the cartridge containing the dry analytical element. Data reading section for reading cartridge information of the data recording section of the cartridge, and a storage room for storing the cartridge based on the cartridge information read by the data reading section. And a control means for opening the cartridge insertion port of the corresponding storage chamber.

It is preferable that the plurality of storage chambers have different storage conditions such as humidity, and the control means selects the storage chamber according to the storage condition based on the characteristics of the dry analysis element.

Further, when the dry analytical element housed in the cartridge has an interaction, it is preferable that the control means selects a storage chamber according to the influence of the interaction based on the characteristics of the dry analytical element. .

[0014]

In the biochemical analyzer of the present invention, when the cartridge containing the dry analysis element is stored in the storage room, first, the storage dry analysis recorded in the data recording unit attached to the cartridge in advance. The cartridge information including the data about the element is read by the data reading means, and the storage room for storing the cartridge is selected based on the read cartridge information according to the storage humidity condition, the influence of interaction, the empty space, etc. ,
By automatically opening the cartridge insertion port of the corresponding storage room and inserting the cartridge from this cartridge insertion port, the storage conditions do not meet even if the operator does not confirm the type of storage room and empty space Prevents erroneous insertion into the storage room.

By reading the cartridge information before inserting the cartridge into the storage chamber, the information of the cartridge to be inserted into each storage chamber can be read by one data reading means, which is advantageous in terms of cost.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a biochemical analyzer as one embodiment of the present invention.

The biochemical analyzer 10 has a general measuring system
A main storage box 11 for storing a cartridge 3 containing a dry analysis element 1 made of a dry analysis film piece as shown in FIG.
And an incubator 12 arranged beside the main storage 11 for keeping the dry analysis element 1 at a constant temperature for a predetermined time, and an element transfer means 13 for taking out and transferring the dry analysis element 1 from the main storage 11 to the incubator 12. And a sample holding means for holding a sample container 77 containing a plurality of samples such as serum and urine
14 and the sample of the sample holding means 14 are transported to the incubator 12 by the element transporting means 13 before the dry analytical element 1
It is provided with a first spotting means 15 for spotting and a measuring means 16 arranged below the incubator 12.

Further, as an electrolyte measuring system, an electrolyte storage 21 for storing an electrolyte cartridge 4 in which a dry analytical element 2 with an electrolyte slide as shown in FIG. 5 is also stored.
And a transport means 22 for transporting the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 from the electrolyte cartridge 4 in the electrolyte storage 21 to the spotting position.
A second spotting means 23 for spotting a sample from the specimen holding means 14 on the electrolyte dry analysis element 2, and a third spotting means for similarly depositing a reference liquid from the reference liquid container 97 on the electrolyte dry analysis element 2. It is provided with spotting means 24 and potential difference measuring means 25 installed in front of the electrolyte spotting position. On the other hand, in the vicinity of the first and second spotting means 15, 23, the spotting nozzles 83,
A tip supply means 26 for holding a nozzle tip 78 mounted on the tip of 93 is installed.

A data reading means 27 is provided in the biochemical analysis device 10 as described above, and the data reading means 27 is provided.
A control unit 28 as a control means for operating the various means according to the cartridge information read by
Are installed as shown in FIG.

First, the general measurement system will be described. The main storage 11 includes a cartridge 3 (see FIG. 2) in which an unused substantially square or rectangular dry analysis element 1 (dry analysis film piece) is stored. ) For storing the dry analytical element 1 out of the cartridge 3 in the main storage 11 as a part of the transport means 13 below it.
Is installed.

The dry analytical element 1 is provided by coating or adhering a reagent layer on a light-transmissive support made of a plastic sheet such as an organic polymer sheet such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or polystyrene, and then developed on this. It is a film piece (chip) in which layers are laminated by a laminating method or the like and does not have a mount corresponding to a mount in a conventional chemical analysis slide.

The reagent layer contains a hydrophilic polymer binder such as gelatin or a porous layer containing a detection reagent (chemical analysis reagent or immunoassay reagent) which selectively reacts with the analyte and a reagent component necessary for color development reaction. It is composed of at least one layer. Further, the spreading layer is made of a material resistant to abrasion with the outside, for example, a woven fabric or a knitted fabric made of synthetic fibers such as polyester, a woven fabric made of a blend of natural fibers and synthetic fibers, a knitted fabric, a non-woven fabric, or paper. Thus, the sample is spread so as to function as a protective layer and the sample spotted on the spreading layer can be uniformly supplied onto the reagent layer.

The dry analytical element 1 is housed in the cartridge 3 for each measurement item.
Is a rectangular box-shaped divided box body 31, and a first opening 3a through which only one dry analytical element 1 can pass is formed near the bottom of one side surface of the box body 31, and the bottom surface is formed on the bottom surface. A substantially U-shaped second opening 3b into which a suction cup 60 (suction cup) for sucking and holding the element 1 enters is formed. Further, a regulation member (not shown) for holding the contained dry analytical element 1 in the direction of the opening 3b is provided inside.

Further, vertical ribs 3c are provided on the side surface of the box body 31 on which the first opening 3a is formed and the side surface opposite to the side surface. The formation length is different, which allows the cartridge 3 to be stored in the main storage
It is locked and held in the cartridge accommodating portion A of the frame 41 of 11, and misidentification of the cartridge insertion direction is prevented. On the side of the box 31, the dry analytical element 1 stored
A bar code data recording section 32 having cartridge information representing data and the like is additionally provided.

The cartridge 3 accommodates a large number of dry analysis elements 1 in a stacked state according to measurement items,
A double ring in the cartridge storage portion A of the inner or outer storage chambers 11a and 11b arranged in the disk-shaped frame 41 of the main storage 11 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. It is loaded in a shape.

The main storage 11 includes a case main body 42 having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall, and a lid 43 for closing the upper surface of the case main body 42.
And a frame 41 is rotatably supported on the bottom of the case body 42. The case main body 42 and the lid 43 are filled with a heat insulating material between the front and back plate materials. The main storage 11 is installed on the base by a lower frame 44.

The frame 41 is a three-layer disc member 41a, 41b, 41c.
And a tooth portion is formed on the outer periphery of the lower disc member 41c, and the drive gear 45a of the body motor 45 is meshed with the rotation stop position for drive control. Further, the lower end of one of the vertical ribs 3c of the cartridge 3 inserted from above is brought into contact with and retained by the lower disc member 41c.

Then, on the bottom surface of the main storage 11, the case body 42 at the taking-out position by the lower element taking-out means 17 is provided.
Element outlets 46, 46 are opened to the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side, respectively, on the bottom wall of the device, and the inner and outer element outlets 46, 46 are selectively opened by a disk-shaped lower shutter 47. Also,
The lid 43 at the take-out position has cartridge insertion openings 48a and 48b for inserting and ejecting the cartridge 3 on the inner peripheral side and the outer peripheral side, respectively, and the inner and outer cartridge inserting openings 48a and 48b are disc-shaped. It is selectively opened by the shutter 49.

The lower shutter 47 is rotatably disposed between the upper and lower plate members on the bottom wall of the case body 42 of the main storage 11 where the element outlet 46 is opened, and is located at one place on the disk. An opening 47a is formed so as to match the element outlet 46, and a drive gear 51a is meshed with a tooth portion formed on the outer periphery of the opening 47a to be rotationally driven by the lower shutter motor 51. This bottom shutter
When the opening 47a of 47 coincides with one of the inner and outer element outlets 46 and stops, the opening operation is performed, and when the opening 47a rotates to a position not coincident with any of the element outlets 46, it is in the closed state.

Similarly, the upper shutter 49 is rotatably disposed between the upper and lower plate members of the lid 43 of the main storage 11 in which the cartridge insertion ports 48a and 48b are opened, and the upper shutter 49 is provided at one place on the disk. Opening that matches the inner and outer cartridge insertion openings 48a, 48b
49a (see FIG. 4) is provided. A wire 52 is hung on the outer periphery of the upper shutter 49 and a part of the wire 52 is fixed. The wire 52 is guided to the lower side by an outer cable 53 and wound around a pulley 54a of a lower upper shutter motor 54. When a part of the cartridge is fixed and rotated by the drive of the upper shutter motor 54, it is opened when the opening 49a of the upper shutter 49 is aligned with one of the inner and outer cartridge insertion openings 48a, 48b and stopped, and any cartridge is inserted. It is closed when it is rotated to a position that does not match the mouths 48a and 48b.

Further, a partition member 55 is arranged between the inside and the outside of the cartridge housing portion A of the frame 41, and the main storage
The inside of 11 is divided into an inside storage room 11a and an outside storage room 11b. And the container at the center of the inner storage room 11a
A humidity control agent 57 is stored in 56, and a dehumidification agent 58 is stored in the case main body 42 in the outer storage chamber 11b. The dehumidifying agent 58 in the outer storage chamber 11b is silica gel, zeolite, molecular sieve, activated clay, activated alumina or the like, and dehumidifies the humidity in the outer storage chamber 11b for group A near 0% RH. On the other hand, the humidity control agent 57 in the inner storage chamber 11a is composed of the above dehumidifying agent containing a predetermined amount of water, lithium chloride, potassium acetate, a solution of a predetermined concentration of glycerin, etc. The humidity of the chamber 11a is adjusted to a constant range for the group B, which exceeds about 0% RH.

As shown in FIG. 3, the element take-out means 17 is provided with a take-out suction cup 60 for adsorbing and holding the dry analytical element 1 and a positioning arm 61 for positioning the cartridge 3, which are movable up and down. ing.

The take-out suction cup 60 is held so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the base member 62, and is driven up and down via a belt by driving a suction cup lifting motor 63. On the other hand, the positioning arm 61 disposed adjacent to the extraction suction cup 60 is held so as to be able to move up and down with respect to the base member 62, and the pinion gear 65 drives the rack gear 66 by the drive of the arm lifting motor 64 to move up and down. It is configured to move. Further, the base member 62 has a structure in which the block 67 at the bottom is installed along a rail 68 laid on a base.
It is installed so as to be movable in the radial direction of 41, and the moving position of the element extracting means 17 is controlled by connecting a driving mechanism (not shown).

The suction cup 60 of the element take-out means 17 rises and comes into close contact with the lowermost dry analytical element 1 of the cartridge 3 which is positioned by the positioning arm 61, sucks it under reduced pressure, and then sucks it. As shown in FIG. 2, the dry analytical element 1 is taken out from the first opening 3a of the cartridge 3 while being slid toward the center side in a state where the dry analytical element 1 is slightly lowered and curved. After that, the pickup suction cup 30 is moved downward and is conveyed to the outside from the element pickup port 46.

Next, in the incubator 12 shown in FIG. 1, a disk-shaped main body 70 is rotatably supported by a rotary drive mechanism (not shown), and the dry analytical elements 1 are housed on the circumference of the main body 70 at predetermined intervals. A plurality of cells 71 are arranged, and the dry analytical element 1 is incubated in the cells 71. The main body 70 of the incubator 12 has a lower disk and an upper disk made of metal, a cell 71 is formed between the both disks, and a heater is built in so that the dry analytical element 1 is heated to a predetermined temperature (for example, 37 ° C.). Heated and held.

Although not shown, photometric windows are opened at predetermined intervals in the lower disk corresponding to the formation positions of the cells 71, and the dry analytical element 1 inserted in the cells 71 is set at a predetermined position. An element holder to be fixed is provided, and a photometric head 72 of the measuring means 16 is provided below the main body 70 at the measurement position.

The carrying means 13 for carrying the dry analytical element 1 from the main storage 11 to the incubator 12 is the element taking-out means 17 of FIG. 3 having the sucking cup 60 for taking out the dry analytical element 1 from the cartridge 3, The dry analysis element 1 held by the suction cup 60 is held and received from below with the reagent layer being on the upper surface, and is inserted into the cell 71 of the incubator 12 from the side opening. A mounting member 73 and a holding suction cup (not shown) for holding and holding the dry analytical element 1 held by the transfer member 73 in the cell 71 of the incubator 12 by projecting and retracting from below the cell 71 are provided.

At the element ejection position of the incubator 12, the dry analytical element 1 after measurement is taken out from the cell 71 of the incubator 12 by an ejection mechanism (not shown) and is discarded in the disposal box 74.

The sample holding means 14 is provided with a sample table 76 that is rotated, and a plurality of sample containers 77 containing samples are set on the inner and outer peripheral parts of the sample table 76, and the sample containers 77 are rotated by the rotation. It is sequentially moved to the supply position.

The tip supply means 26 on the back of the first and second spotting means 15, 23 are provided with spotting nozzles 83, 93 which will be described later.
The tip rack 79 and the dilution container 80, in which the nozzle tips 78 mounted at the tip of the nozzle are arranged and slid, are slidably moved, and the position of the nozzle tip 78 or the dilution container 80 is sequentially rotated. Movement is controlled so that it is located below 93.

Further, the first spotting means 15 for spotting the sample from the sample container 77 onto the dry analysis element 1 sucks the sample onto the tip of the sampler arm 82 provided on the base 81 so as to be rotatable and movable up and down. It has a spotting nozzle 83 for discharging, and the pipette-shaped nozzle tip 78 is attached to the tip of the spotting nozzle 83, and sucks and moves a sample from a sample container 77 of a sample table 76 to move the transfer member. The dry analytical element 1 held on 73 is spotted. A diluent holder 84 is arranged adjacent to the sample table 76.

The spotted dry analytical element 1 is incubated in the incubator 12 and measured by the measuring means 16 arranged below the incubator 12. The measuring means 16 has the photometric head 72 for measuring the optical density due to the color reaction between the dry analytical element 1 and the analyte in the sample. The photometric head 72 irradiates the reagent layer with the irradiation light for measurement containing light of a predetermined wavelength through the light-transmissive support, and detects the reflected light by the photodetector, which is not shown. Light from a light source (lamp) is incident on the photometric head 72 through an interference filter, and the reagent layer is irradiated with the light in the photometric head 72.

The reflected light from the reagent layer of the dry analysis element 1 carries optical information (specifically, the amount of light) according to the amount of dye produced in the reagent layer, and this optical information is carried. The reflected light is incident on the photo-detecting element of the photometric head 72, is photoelectrically converted, and is sent to the determination unit via the amplifier. In the judgment section,
The optical density of the dye formed in the reagent layer is determined based on the level of the input electric signal, and the concentration (content) or activity value of the predetermined biochemical substance in the sample is calculated by the colorimetric principle. .

On the other hand, explaining the mechanism of the electrolyte measuring system,
As shown in FIG. 5, the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 (electrolyte slide) is for examining the electrolyte of the sample by an electrical change, and the outer part is covered with a frame member 2a made of plastic, and the sample point is on the upper surface. A spot 2b, a reference liquid spot 2c, and a bridge 2d connecting both spots are provided, and three types of multilayer film electrode pairs (Na, K, C) are provided inside.
l electrode pair for measurement) is installed, and a distribution member in contact with the electrode is installed, and the sample and the reference liquid are spotted at the same time and the potential difference between them is detected.

The electrolyte cartridge 4 for accommodating the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 as described above is formed into two rectangular half-tubes by engaging the box bodies 34 formed as two separate left and right half casings at the center. An outlet 4a for taking out the dry analysis slide 1 is provided at the top of the box 34 formed. The outlet 4a has a slit-like opening on one side surface so that one electrolyte dry analysis element 2 can be inserted therethrough, and an opening 4b into which a slide member 90 described later enters is formed on the opposite side surface. Two vertical ribs 4c extending in the vertical direction are provided on both side surfaces of the box body 34 so that vertical grooves 4d are formed between the vertical ribs 4c, and ratchet teeth 35 are formed on the inner surface. ing.

The electrolyte cartridge 4 has a holding member 36 for holding the contained electrolyte dry analysis element 2 on the outlet 4a side.
The holding member 36 is provided with a locking claw 36 for locking the holding position.
a is provided. The holding member 36 is moved upward in response to the removal of the electrolyte dry analysis element 2, and a protrusion 36b for that purpose is provided so as to protrude from the vertical groove 4d, and the locking claw 36a is provided with the ratchet teeth 35. Lock on.

On the outer surface of the box body of the electrolyte cartridge 4, a data recording section 32 by a bar code having cartridge information showing data on the stored electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is attached similarly to the cartridge 3. ing.

FIG. 1 for accommodating the electrolyte cartridge 4
The electrolyte storage 21 is provided in a rotary drive type, and two cartridge storage portions are formed on both sides of the rotation center. The electrolyte storage 21 is rotationally driven by the select motor 86, and one cartridge 4 is at the take-out position. Be moved. Further, the insertion opening 87 of the cartridge 4 is provided in the upper part, a third shutter 88 is installed in this portion, and the third shutter motor 89 is driven to open / close the cartridge.

The transport means 22 for taking out and transporting the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 from the electrolyte cartridge 4 has a slide member 90 for pushing out the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 on the uppermost part of the electrolyte cartridge 4 and transporting it to the spotting position. A mechanism for driving the slide member 90 is installed, and the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is taken out from the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 and transported to a spotting position, and then transported to a measurement position by the potential difference measuring means 25. Is.

The sampler arm 91 of the second spotting means 23 is
Similar to the first sampler arm 82, the base 92 is provided so as to be pivotable and vertically movable, and has a spotting nozzle 93 for sucking and discharging a sample at the tip, and the tip of the spotting nozzle 93 has a pipette-like shape. The nozzle tip 78 is mounted and the sample table 76
The sample is sucked from the sample container 77, moved, and spotted on the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 which is transported to the spotting position.

Similarly, the reference liquid arm 94 of the third spotting means 24 is also rotatably and vertically movable on the base 95, has a spotting nozzle 96 at the tip, and sucks the reference liquid from the reference liquid container 97. Then, the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is spotted, and the measuring means 25 measures the potential difference. Electrolyte dry analysis element 2 after use
And the chip 78 is disposed of in the disposal box 98.

In the data recording section 32 attached to the cartridge 3 containing the dry analysis element 1 and the electrolyte cartridge 4 containing the electrolyte dry analysis element 2, information on the dry analysis elements 1 and 2, for example, Amount of spotted liquid, measurement wavelength, data processing method, basic calibration curve, quantitative range,
The display range, the number of display digits, the lot number, the item code, the item name, the correction coefficient, and other information, such as the number of the dry analysis elements and the storage room No., are recorded. The data reading means 27 for reading the cartridge information is composed of a bar code reader, and the information is inputted to the control computer 100 of the control unit 28 as shown in FIG.

The control computer 100 includes the upper and lower shutter motors 54 and 51 and the frame motor 4 of the general measurement system.
5, output a drive signal to the third shutter motor 89 and select motor 86 of the electrolyte measurement system to open and close them,
Also, the selection operation is controlled, and the cartridge information is collated with the data management computer 101 to select and determine the insertion storages 11 and 21 and the storage chambers 11a and 11b of the cartridge 3 to be inserted. The data management computer 101 includes a data memory 102, and is connected with a keyboard 103 and a display 104. Then, commands such as measurement items are input and operated by the keyboard 103.

In the data memory 102, the types of the cartridges 3 stored in the storage chambers 11a and 11b of the current main storage chamber 11 and the amount of the dry analytical element 1 and the electrolyte storage chamber 21 are stored.
The number of electrolyte cartridges 4 and the amount of the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 stored in are stored, and when the biochemical analyzer 10 is started, the types of the cartridges 3 and 4 and the amounts of the dry analysis elements 1 and 2 are stored. Is displayed on the display 104, and the remaining ones are marked. Then, the operator prepares the cartridges 3 and 4 of the type with the mark or the cartridges 3 and 4 to be particularly used.

Then, the data recording section 32 of the prepared cartridges 3 and 4 by the bar code is read by the data reading means 27 of the biochemical analyzer 10. The cartridge information is sent to the data management computer 101 via the control computer 100, and the data management computer 101 determines the types of the cartridges 3 and 4 and stores them in the inner storage room 11a on the humidity control side of the main storage 11. It should be determined whether it should be stored in the outer storage chamber 11b on the low humidity side or is to be inserted into the electrolyte storage 21.

Based on this, the control computer 100 drives the shutter motors 54 and 89 corresponding to the storage portion to be inserted and opens them, and after a certain period of time, closes them to insert the cartridges 3 and 4 by the operator. In addition, cartridge information such as the types of newly inserted cartridges 3 and 4, the number of dry analytical elements 1 and 2 to be stored, etc.
It is to be recorded in addition to 102.

Further, the storage rooms 11a and 11b of the main storage 11
Depending on the type of the cartridge 3, the same storage chamber 11a, 11
When stored in b, there is something that affects the measurement performance due to interaction. Therefore, the cartridges 3 of the measurement items having such a relationship have the same storage chambers 11a, 11
It is preset to be separately inserted into separate storage chambers 11a and 11b so that it is not inserted into b.

Specifically, for example, a dry analytical element for measuring total protein (TP) (eg, the analytical element described in JP-A-61-292063 Example 3) and a dry analytical element for measuring ammonia (NH ₃ ) are used. It has a relationship with an element (eg, the analysis element described in Example 1 of JP-A-04-157364). The dry analytical element for TP measurement has a high pH in the layer and PVP as a sample binder.
The polymer, which is a copolymer of (polyvinylpyrrolidone) and PAA (polyacrylamide), is hydrolyzed over time to generate NH ₃ gas. This NH ₃ gas reacts with the dry analysis element for NH ₃ measurement, and has an effect of causing a positive error in the measured value. Therefore, the dry analytical element for TP measurement and the dry analytical element for NH ₃ measurement are separately stored in separate storage chambers 11a and 11b. For example, the cartridge containing the dry analytical element for TP measurement is inside. The cartridge containing the dry analysis element for NH ₃ measurement stored in the storage chamber 11a is set in advance so as to be separately stored in the outer storage chamber 11b.

The flowchart of FIG. 7 shows an example of an interrupt routine for driving and controlling the shutters 49, 88 of the cartridge insertion ports 48a, 48b, 87 into which the cartridge 3 is inserted. When the information reading operation of the data recording section 32 of the cartridges 3 and 4 to be inserted is performed by the data reading means 27 (S1), it is first determined whether or not the electrolyte cartridge 4 is present (S2), and the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is set. In the case of the stored electrolyte cartridge 4, in step S3, the select motor 86 is set so that the empty storage portion of the electrolyte storage 21 or the empty electrolyte cartridge 4 is located on the cartridge insertion port side.
And a third shutter motor 89 to open the cartridge insertion opening 87 (S).
4).

On the other hand, if the determination in step S2 is NO,
In the case of the cartridge 3 accommodating the dry analysis element 1 which is not for electrolyte measurement, it is judged whether or not it is the low humidity type (group A) cartridge 3 (S5), and in the case of the group A cartridge 3, the frame motor 45 is used. It drives to stop the empty cartridge storage A or the empty cartridge 3 in the outer storage chamber 11b at the position of the cartridge insertion port 48b (S
6) The upper shutter motor 54 is driven to open the outer cartridge insertion port 48b (S7). Further, in the case of the humidity control type (group B) cartridge 3, the frame motor 45 is driven in step S8 to move the empty cartridge storage portion A of the inner storage chamber 11a or the empty cartridge 3 to the cartridge insertion port 48a. While stopping at the position, the upper shutter motor 54 is driven to open the inner cartridge insertion port 48a (S9).

After determining the electrolyte storage 21 and the storage chambers 11a, 11b to be inserted as described above and opening the corresponding cartridge insertion ports 48a, 48b, 87, the timer is started in step S10 and the predetermined time is passed. When (S1
1) The upper shutter motor 54 or the third shutter motor 89 is driven to operate the shutters 49 and 88, and the cartridge insertion ports 48a, 48b and 87 are closed, and the cartridges 3 and 4 are inserted between them. To do.

If there are empty cartridges 3 and 4 in the cartridge insertion portion, they are taken out from the cartridge insertion ports 48a, 48b and 87 and then the cartridges 3 and 4 are inserted.

The measurement operation of the biochemical analyzer 10 will be described. First, as a preparatory operation, the measurement items of the sample are designated from the keyboard 103, and the sample container 77 containing the sample is set on the sample table 76. Chip rack 7
9. Set the dilution container 80 in the chip supply means 26. When a start command is issued, in the case of the main measurement system, the element transfer means
The dry analytical element 1 stored at a predetermined humidity is taken out of the cartridge 3 corresponding to the measurement item from the main storage 11 by the take-out suction cup 60 of 13. The dry analytical element 1 held by the extraction suction cup 60 is transferred to the transfer member 73 and moved to the spotting position, and the sample is spotted on the reagent layer.

In this spotting, after the nozzle tip 78 is attached to the tip of the spotting nozzle 83 of the first spotting means 15, the nozzle tip 78 is moved onto the predetermined specimen container 77 of the specimen table 76.
The tip of the is immersed in the sample, and a predetermined amount of sample is sucked into the nozzle tip 78. Then, the spotting nozzle 83 is moved to the center of the dry analysis element 1 on the transfer member 73, and then the spotting nozzle 83 is moved downward to make the sample from the nozzle tip 78 on the reagent layer of the dry analysis element 1. Is dropped by a predetermined amount. The dropped sample is spread and diffused and mixed with the reagent.

After the spotting, the dry analytical element 1 is inserted into the cell 71 of the incubator 12 by the transfer member 73, and when the dry analytical element 1 is sealed and heated to a predetermined temperature by a predetermined incubation. The reagent layer causes a color reaction (dye formation reaction). Then, the optical density of the dye generated by this color reaction is measured by the photometric head 72 of the measuring means 16 at every predetermined time or after a predetermined time elapses during the color reaction.

Similarly, when measuring the electrolyte of the sample, the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is pushed out by the slide member 90 from the electrolyte cartridge 4 in the electrolyte storage 21,
Transport to the spotting position. After that, the tip 78 is attached to the spotting nozzle 93 in the sampler arm 91 of the second spotting means 23, the sample is sucked and the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 is spotted, and the reference liquid of the third spotting means 24 is provided. A reference liquid is sucked from the reference liquid container 97 by the arm 94 and spotted on the electrolyte dry analysis element 2, and the electrolyte dry analysis element 2 after spotting is transported to the measurement position and the potential difference measurement means 25 measures the potential difference change. Is.

In the above embodiment, the data recording section 32 attached to the cartridges 3 and 4 is based on the bar code. However, this data recording section is based on another recording system such as a magnetic stripe. The data reading means 27 may be changed accordingly.

In the main storage 11 of the embodiment of the present invention, the cartridges 3 are arranged in a double ring shape,
Although the compartments 11a and 11b have two compartments, the cartridge may have a ring shape of three or more layers, and the compartment of the storage compartment may have two compartments or more.

Further, in the above embodiment, the shutter 88 is also provided at the cartridge insertion port 87 of the electrolyte measuring system, but the size of the electrolyte cartridge 4 is clearly different from the cartridge 3 of the general measuring system. If it is possible, the shutter for the cartridge insertion opening 87
Application is possible without 88.

[0070]

According to the present invention, a cartridge is provided with a data recording section for recording cartridge information including data relating to the contained dry analytical element, and the cartridge information is read by the data reading means to store the cartridge. By installing a control unit that selects the chamber and opens the cartridge insertion port of the corresponding storage chamber, the storage condition can be set simply by inserting the cartridge newly inserted into the storage chamber from the opened cartridge insertion port. It is possible to prevent incorrect insertion into a storage room that does not fit,
Good measurement accuracy can be maintained, and the cartridge information is read before the cartridge is inserted into the storage chamber, which reduces the number of data reading units installed and is advantageous in terms of cost.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a biochemical analyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state where a dry analytical element is taken out from a cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a main storage.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the storage unit with a lid portion cut away.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of an electrolyte cartridge.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control unit.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of cartridge insertion processing.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1,2 Dry analytical element 3,4 Cartridge 10 Biochemical analyzer 11 Main storage 11a, 11b Storage 12 Incubator 21 Electrolyte storage (storage) 27 Data reading means 28 Control unit (control means) 31,34 Box 32 Data recording unit 45 Frame motor 47,49 Shutter 48a, 48b, 87 Cartridge insertion port 51,54,88 Shutter motor 57 Humidifier 58 Dehumidifier 86 Select motor 100 Control computer 101 Data management computer 102 Data memory 103 Keyboard 104 display

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A biochemical analyzer having a plurality of storage chambers for accommodating a cartridge containing a dry analytical element, wherein the cartridge has a data recording section for recording cartridge information including data relating to the accommodated dry analytical element. Data reading means for reading the cartridge information of the data recording portion of the cartridge, and a storage room for storing the cartridge based on the cartridge information read by the data reading means, and opening the cartridge insertion opening of the corresponding storage room. And a control means for controlling the biochemical analysis device. 2. The storage conditions such as humidity are different among the plurality of storage chambers, and the control means selects the storage chamber according to the storage condition based on the characteristics of the dry analysis element. Biochemical analyzer. 3. When the dry analytical element housed in the cartridge has an interaction, the control means selects the storage chamber according to the influence of the interaction based on the characteristics of the dry analytical element. The biochemical analyzer according to claim 1 or 2.