JP2010197047A - Dispensation method, dispenser, and analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a dispensation method which can maintain the accuracy of analysis by preventing the inclusion of a blood corpuscle into a plasma sample, a dispenser, and analyzer. <P>SOLUTION: The specimen dispenser 5 dispenses each layer component of the sample which is separated into two layers, and comprises: a dispensing probe 50a for dispensing the upper layer component; a dispensing probe 50b for dispensing the lower layer component; a liquid level detection part 54 for detecting the liquid level of the upper layer component and the liquid level of the lower layer component; an arm 51a for supporting the first dispensing probe 50a and the second dispensing probe 50b; and a dispensation control part 101a for performing control so that a part of the lower layer component and the upper layer component which have entered the first dispensing probe 50a is dummy-discharged. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a dispensing method, a dispensing apparatus, and an analyzer equipped with the dispensing apparatus.

  Conventionally, in a clinical test, a blood component is separated into a plurality of components such as plasma and blood cells and used as a measurement sample for blood group analysis. When using a sample separated into plasma, blood cells, etc., for analysis, separate the plasma and blood cells using two plasma probes and blood cell probes that also serve as electrodes for detecting the liquid level and interface. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  On the other hand, before aspirating a sample that has not been separated by a single dispensing probe and discharging it to the reaction vessel, the dummy sample that has been excessively aspirated should be discharged in a dedicated disposal position or a dispensing probe washing tank. Discloses a method for ensuring the accuracy of analysis while maintaining the accuracy of dispensing the specimen to be discharged into the reaction container (see, for example, Patent Document 2 or 3).

JP-A-5-306950 JP-A-62-228954 JP-A-2005-249585

  By the way, in the sample sorting method of Patent Document 1, two probes are lowered into a layer-separated sample, the plasma is sucked with a plasma probe, and further lowered to suck blood cells with a blood cell probe. However, blood cells may enter the plasma probe that has sucked the plasma due to an impact or the like when stopping the probe in the blood cells. However, even in such a case, no countermeasures have been taken before, and since it is discharged into the reaction container and analyzed, the mixed blood cells cause an abnormal reaction in the plasma reaction system, There was a possibility of causing abnormal analysis results.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing method, a dispensing apparatus, and an analyzer that can prevent the mixing of blood cells into a plasma sample and maintain analysis accuracy. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the dispensing method of the present invention separates the two first dispensing probes and the second dispensing probes into two layers using a dispensing means supported by one arm. A dispensing method for dispensing each layer component of a specimen, wherein a first suction step for sucking an upper layer component with a first dispensing probe, a second suction step for sucking a lower layer component with a second dispensing probe, A dummy discharge step of performing dummy discharge of a lower layer component that has entered the first dispensing probe and a part of the upper layer component sucked in the first suction step.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the dummy discharge step is performed outside the lower layer component.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the dummy discharge step is performed in the upper layer component.

  Further, the dispensing method of the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein in the above invention, after the dummy dispensing step, the sample dispensing step of dispensing each layer component to each reaction container by the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe, A cleaning step of cleaning the inner and outer walls of the first and second dispensing probes by a probe cleaning means.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, after the dummy discharging step, the first cleaning step of cleaning outer walls of the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe by the dispensing probe cleaning means. A sample discharging step of discharging each layer component to each reaction container by the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe, and the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing by the dispensing probe cleaning means. And a second cleaning step for cleaning the inner and outer walls with the probe.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, the upper layer component suction amount sucked in the first suction step is discharged in the dummy discharge step to the sample dispensing amount discharged into the reaction container in the sample discharge step. The dummy discharge amount to be added is added.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the lower layer component suction amount sucked in the second suction step is the sample dispensing amount.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the lower layer component suction amount sucked in the second suction step is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and the excessive suction amount.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, the upper layer component suction amount sucked in the first suction step is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount, the dummy discharge amount, and the excess suction amount. In addition, the lower layer component suction amount sucked in the second suction step is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and the excessive suction amount.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the liquid level height information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component is stored in the above invention, and the memory step stored in the memory step Calculation for calculating a dummy discharge position for discharging a part of the lower layer component and the upper layer component that have entered the first dispensing probe based on the liquid level information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component And a step.

  In the dispensing method of the present invention, in the above invention, the calculating step determines the dummy discharge position in the upper layer component in consideration of the specimen container information, the upper layer component suction amount and the lower layer component suction amount. Features.

  The dispensing method of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the upper layer component is plasma and the lower layer component is blood cells.

  The dispensing device of the present invention is a dispensing device that dispenses each layer component of a specimen separated into two layers, and dispenses a first dispensing probe that dispenses an upper layer component and a lower layer component. A liquid for detecting a second dispensing probe, one arm for supporting the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe, a liquid level height of the upper layer component, and a liquid level height of the lower layer component A surface detecting means; and a dispensing control means for controlling to discharge a part of the lower layer component entering the first dispensing probe and the upper layer component sucked by the first dispensing probe. And

  Moreover, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the dispensing control means performs a dummy discharge outside the lower layer component.

  Moreover, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the dispensing control means controls to discharge a dummy within the upper layer component.

  Moreover, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing probe cleaning means for cleaning the inner and outer walls of the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe.

  Moreover, the dispensing apparatus of the present invention is the above invention, wherein the inner and outer walls of the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe are washed by the outer wall after the dummy discharge, and the reaction container. It is characterized in that it is carried out separately for the inner and outer wall cleaning after each layer component is dispensed.

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the liquid level detection means is based on a change in capacitance or an impedance value when the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe are electrodes. The liquid level height of the upper layer component and the liquid level height of the lower layer component are detected.

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the upper layer component suction amount sucked by the first dispensing probe is at least the sample dispensing amount to be discharged to the reaction container, and the dummy discharge for dummy discharge is performed. It is characterized by adding quantities.

  The dispensing apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, the lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is the sample dispensing amount.

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and surplus salary. .

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the upper layer component suction amount sucked by the first dispensing probe is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount, the dummy discharge amount, and the excessive suction amount. The lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and the excessive suction amount.

  The dispensing device of the present invention is the above-described invention, wherein the liquid level height information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component is stored in the above invention, and the storage unit stores the liquid level height information. Calculation for calculating a dummy discharge position for discharging a part of the lower layer component and the upper layer component that have entered the first dispensing probe based on the liquid level information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component And means.

  In the dispensing device of the present invention, in the above invention, the calculating means determines the dummy discharge position in the upper layer component in consideration of the specimen container information, the upper layer component suction amount and the lower layer component suction amount. Features.

  Moreover, the dispensing device of the present invention is characterized in that, in the above invention, the upper layer component is plasma and the lower layer component is blood cells.

  Moreover, the analyzer of the present invention is characterized in that the sample is analyzed by a reaction between the sample dispensed by the dispensing device according to any one of the above and a reagent.

  In the present invention, the lower layer component that may accidentally enter the first dispensing probe for dispensing the upper layer component is discharged into the reaction vessel by performing dummy discharge outside the lower layer component together with the upper layer component that has been sucked in excess. Since it is possible to prevent contamination of the lower layer component with the upper layer component, it becomes possible to maintain and improve the analysis accuracy.

  Exemplary embodiments of a specimen dispensing method and an analyzer according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, this invention is not limited by this embodiment. In the description of the drawings, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an automatic analyzer that uses the sample dispensing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 1 controls a measurement mechanism 9 that measures light passing through a reaction product between a specimen and a reagent, and the entire automatic analyzer 1 including the measurement mechanism 9. And a control mechanism 10 for analyzing a measurement result in the measurement mechanism 9. The automatic analyzer 1 automatically performs analysis of a plurality of samples by cooperation of these two mechanisms.

  First, the measurement mechanism 9 will be described. The measurement mechanism 9 roughly includes a sample table 2, a reaction table 3, a reagent table 4, a sample dispensing device 5, a reagent dispensing device 7, and dispensing probe cleaning devices 6 and 8.

  The sample table 2 includes a disk-shaped table, and includes a plurality of sample container storage portions 21 that are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table. In each sample container storage unit 21, a sample container 22 containing a sample is detachably stored. The sample container 22 has an opening 22a that opens upward. The sample table 2 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 by a sample table driving unit (not shown) with a vertical line passing through the center of the sample table 2 as a rotation axis. When the sample table 2 rotates, the sample container 22 is transported to the sample aspirating position where the sample is aspirated by the sample dispensing device 5.

  The sample container 22 is attached with an identification label (not shown) having sample information relating to the type of sample contained and analysis items. On the other hand, the sample table 2 includes a reading unit 23 that reads information on the identification label of the sample container 22.

  The reaction table 3 has an annular table and includes a plurality of reaction container storage portions 31 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table. In each reaction container storage unit 31, a transparent reaction container 32 for storing a sample and a reagent is detachably stored in an open shape upward. The reaction table 3 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 by a reaction table driving unit (not shown) with a vertical line passing through the center of the reaction table 3 as a rotation axis. When the reaction table 3 rotates, the reaction container 32 is transported to the sample discharge position where the sample is discharged by the sample dispensing apparatus 5 or the reagent discharge position where the reagent is discharged by the reagent dispensing apparatus 7.

  The photometric device 33 includes a light source 33a and a light receiving unit 33b. The light source 33a emits analysis light having a predetermined wavelength, and the light receiving unit 33b measures a light beam emitted from the light source 33a and transmitted through a reaction solution in which a sample and a reagent contained in the reaction container 32 have reacted. In the photometric device 33, the light source 33 a and the light receiving unit 33 b are arranged at positions where the light source 33 a and the light receiving unit 33 b are opposed to each other in the radial direction with the reaction container storage unit 31 of the reaction table 3 interposed therebetween. The reaction table 3 includes a reaction container cleaning device 34 that discharges the measured reaction solution from the reaction container 32 and cleans the reaction container 32.

  The reagent table 4 has a disk-shaped table, and includes a plurality of reagent container storage portions 41 arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the table. In each reagent container storage unit 41, a reagent container 42 containing a reagent is detachably stored. The reagent container 42 has an opening 42a that opens upward. The reagent table 4 is rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow in FIG. 1 by a reagent table driving unit (not shown) with a vertical line passing through the center of the reagent table 4 as a rotation axis. When the reagent table 4 rotates, the reagent container 42 is transported to the reagent suction position where the reagent is sucked by the reagent dispensing device 7.

  The reagent container 42 is attached with an identification label (not shown) having reagent information relating to the type and amount of reagent contained. On the other hand, the reagent table 4 includes a reading unit 43 that reads information on the identification label of the reagent container 42.

  The sample dispensing device 5 has two dispensing probes for aspirating and discharging the sample attached to the distal end, and moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its proximal end as a central axis. A freely performing arm is provided. The sample dispensing device 5 is provided between the sample table 2 and the reaction table 3, sucks the sample in the sample container 22 transported to a predetermined position by the sample table 2 with a dispensing probe, rotates the arm, The sample is dispensed into the reaction container 32 conveyed to a predetermined position by the reaction table 3, and the sample is transferred into the reaction container 32 on the reaction table 3 at a predetermined timing.

  The reagent dispensing apparatus 7 has a dispensing probe for aspirating and discharging the reagent attached to the distal end portion, and freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its base end portion as a central axis. Provide an arm. The reagent dispensing device 7 is provided between the reagent table 4 and the reaction table 3, sucks the reagent in the reagent container 42 transported to a predetermined position by the reagent table 4 with a dispensing probe, rotates the arm, The reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 32 transported to a predetermined position by the reaction table 3, and the reagent is transferred into the reaction container 32 on the reaction table 3 at a predetermined timing.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sample dispensing device 5. The sample dispensing device 5 has two dispensing probes 50a and 50b as shown in FIG. The dispensing probes 50a and 50b are formed in a rod-like shape from stainless steel or the like, and the tip side has a tapered shape. The upper proximal end is attached to the distal end of the arm 51a with the distal end directed downward. The arm 51a is horizontally arranged, and its base end is fixed to the upper end of the support shaft 51b. The support shaft 51b is arranged vertically, and is rotated around the vertical axis O by the dispensing probe transfer unit 53. When the support shaft 51b rotates, the arm 51a turns in the horizontal direction and moves the dispensing probes 50a and 50b in the horizontal direction. Further, the support shaft 51 b is moved up and down along the vertical axis O by the dispensing probe transfer unit 53. When the support shaft 51b moves up and down, the arm 51a moves up and down in the vertical direction, and the dispensing probes 50a and 50b move up and down in the vertical (up and down) direction and in the longitudinal direction of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b.

  One end of a tube 52a is connected to the proximal end of the dispensing probe 50a. The other end of the tube 52a is connected to the syringe 55a. The syringe 55a includes a cylindrical cylinder 55a-1 to which the other end of the tube 52a is connected, and a plunger 55a- provided to be able to advance and retreat in the cylinder 55a-1 while sliding on the inner wall surface of the cylinder 55a-1. 2. The plunger 55 a-2 is connected to the plunger driving unit 56. The plunger drive unit 56 is configured using, for example, a linear motor, and moves the plunger 55a-2 forward and backward with respect to the cylinder 55a-1. One end of a tube 52b is connected to the cylinder 55a-1 of the syringe 55a. The other end of the tube 52b is connected to a tank 57 containing the extruded liquid L1 by a tube 52f through a terminal 52e.

  One end of a tube 52c is connected to the proximal end of the dispensing probe 50b. The other end of the tube 52c is connected to the syringe 55b. The syringe 55b includes a cylindrical cylinder 55b-1 to which the other end of the tube 52c is connected, and a plunger 55b- provided so as to be able to advance and retreat in the cylinder 55b-1 while sliding on the inner wall surface of the cylinder 55b-1. 2. The plunger 55 b-2 is connected to the plunger driving unit 56. The plunger drive unit 56 is configured by using, for example, a linear motor, and moves the plunger 55b-2 forward and backward with respect to the cylinder 55b-1. One end of a tube 52d is connected to the cylinder 55b-1 of the syringe 55b. The other end of the tube 52d is connected to a tank 57 that stores the extruded liquid L1 by a tube 52f through a terminal 52e.

  Further, electromagnetic valves 58b and 58c are connected in the middle of the tube 52a and the tube 52c, respectively, and the electromagnetic valve 58a and the pump 59 are connected in the middle of the tube 52f. In addition, as the extrusion liquid L1, an incompressible fluid such as distilled water or degassed water is applied. This extrusion liquid L1 is also applied as a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b.

  The sample dispensing device 5 drives the pump 59 to open the electromagnetic valves 58a, 58b, 58c, so that the extruded liquid L1 stored in the tank 57 passes from the tube 52f through the terminal 52e to the tube 52b, The cylinders 55a-1 and 55b-1 of the syringes 55a and 55b are filled through 52d. Further, the cylinders 55a-1 and 55b-1 are filled up to the tips of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b through the tubes 52a and 52b. In this way, the solenoid valve 58a is closed and the pump 59 is stopped in a state where the push liquid L1 is filled up to the tip of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b. When the sample is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50a, the electromagnetic valve 58b is opened and the electromagnetic valve 58c is closed, and then the plunger driving unit 56 is driven to move the plunger 55a-2 to the cylinder 55a-1. , The suction pressure is applied to the distal end portion of the dispensing probe 50a via the extrusion liquid L1, and the specimen is aspirated by this suction pressure. On the other hand, when the sample is ejected by the dispensing probe 50a, the plunger driving unit 56 is driven to move the plunger 55a-2 to the cylinder while the electromagnetic valve 58b is opened and the electromagnetic valve 58c is closed. By moving forward with respect to 55a-1, a discharge pressure is applied to the distal end portion of the dispensing probe 50a via the extrusion liquid L1, and the specimen is discharged by this discharge pressure.

  When the sample is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50b, the electromagnetic valve 58b is closed and the electromagnetic valve 58c is opened, and then the plunger driving unit 56 is driven to move the plunger 55b-2 to the cylinder 55b-1. By moving backward, the suction pressure is applied to the distal end portion of the dispensing probe 50b via the extrusion liquid L1, and the specimen is sucked by this suction pressure. On the other hand, when the sample is ejected by the dispensing probe 50b, the plunger driving unit 56 is driven to move the plunger 55b-2 to the cylinder while the electromagnetic valve 58b is closed and the electromagnetic valve 58c is opened. By moving forward with respect to 55b-1, a discharge pressure is applied to the distal end portion of the dispensing probe 50b via the extrusion liquid L1, and the specimen is discharged by this discharge pressure.

  The specimen dispensing device 5 is mainly intended to dispense specimens separated into plasma and blood cells individually by two dispensing probes 50a and 50b, and the other layer in each layer sample. In order to prevent sample contamination and carry-over, for example, it is desirable to use the dispensing probe 50a for plasma and the dispensing probe 50b for blood cells. On the other hand, some specimen samples are not layer-separated, or some are separated, and only one of the layer samples is dispensed. In such a case, either of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is used. It is preferable to decide in advance whether to dispense.

  The sample dispensing device 5 also includes a liquid level detection unit 54 that detects the liquid level of the sample dispensed by the dispensing probes 50a and 50b. In the liquid level detection unit 54, between the dispensing probes 50a and 50b when the dispensing probes 50a and 50b, which also function as electrodes, are lowered into the sample container 22 by the dispensing probe transfer unit 53 and come into contact with the test solution. The liquid level is detected by the change in conductivity. Further, the liquid level detection unit 54 detects not only the plasma liquid level that is the interface between air and plasma, but also the blood cell level that is the boundary between plasma and blood cells based on the change in the conductivity (impedance value) of the test liquid. . The sample dispensing apparatus 5 according to the first embodiment is suitable for the liquid level detection method based on conductivity because it includes two dispensing probes. However, the liquid level detection method using a CCD camera or the transmission through the sample using an LED as a light source You may measure light with a light-receiving part and may detect a liquid level based on the amount of transmitted light. Moreover, you may use together with an electrostatic capacitance type.

  Further, the sample dispensing device 5 receives a signal from the liquid level detection unit 54 and controls operations of the dispensing probe transfer unit 53, the plunger driving unit 56, the pump 59, the electromagnetic valves 58a, 58b, 58c, and the like. A dispensing control unit 101a is provided. In addition, the dispensing control unit 101a includes a liquid level information storage unit 101b that stores the liquid level information of the specimen, and a calculation unit 101c that calculates a dummy discharge position from the liquid level information. The control by the dispensing control unit 101a may be replaced by the control unit 101 of FIG.

  The dispensing probe cleaning device 6 is provided between the sample table 2 and the reaction table 3 and in the middle of the horizontal movement locus of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b in the sample dispensing device 5, and carries between the samples. In order to prevent overloading, the dispensing probe 50a, 50b is washed by the dispensing probe washing device 6 every time the sample is dispensed by the dispensing probes 50a, 50b. Dispensing the dispensing probes 50a and 50b in the washing water stored in the washing tank, or washing the outer wall surface using a spray pressure such as a shower, and the inner wall surface ejecting the extrusion liquid L1 from the dispensing probes 50a and 50b. Wash with The dispensing probe cleaning device 8 is provided between the reagent table 4 and the reaction table 3 and in the middle of the trajectory of the horizontal movement of the dispensing probe in the reagent dispensing device 7 to prevent carryover between reagents. Therefore, every time the reagent is dispensed by the dispensing probe, the dispensing probe is cleaned by the dispensing probe cleaning device 8.

  Next, the control mechanism 10 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the control mechanism 10 includes a control unit 101, an input unit 102, an analysis unit 103, a storage unit 104, an output unit 105, and a transmission / reception unit 107. Each unit included in the control mechanism 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 101. The control unit 101 is configured using a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 1. The control unit 101 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information. The analysis unit 103 is connected to the photometric device 33 via the control unit 101, analyzes the component concentration of the sample based on the amount of light received by the light receiving unit 33 b, and outputs the analysis result to the control unit 101. The input unit 102 is a part that performs an operation of inputting an inspection item or the like to the control unit 101. For example, a keyboard or a mouse is used.

  The storage unit 104 is configured by using a hard disk that magnetically stores information and a memory that loads various programs related to the process from the hard disk and electrically stores them when the automatic analyzer 1 executes the process. Various information including the analysis result of the specimen is stored. The storage unit 104 may include an auxiliary storage device that can read information stored in a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a PC card. In addition, the storage unit 104 stores information necessary for analysis of all analysis items that can be analyzed, for example, analysis conditions such as a sample dispensing amount, a dummy discharge amount, and an excessive suction amount. Here, the sample dispensing amount means the sample amount required for actual analysis, and the dummy discharge amount is the amount of the upper plasma component for dummy discharge together with the lower blood cell component that may accidentally enter. Further, the surplus aspiration amount is the amount of the sample that is aspirated excessively in consideration of the thinning of the sample due to the extruding liquid L1 and / or the dispensing probe for removing the washing water adhering after washing the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b It means the amount of sample that is aspirated excessively because the sample is discharged by the cleaning device 6. Normally, the amount of excess aspiration is set to the same amount for both the upper layer and lower layer components, and there are many cases where the upper layer and lower layer specimens have no or much excess aspiration amount depending on the required analysis accuracy. Since the plasma sample is not easily affected by the extruding liquid L1, the sample suction amount of the plasma component is the total amount of the sample dispensing amount and the dummy suction amount, and the sample suction amount of the blood cell component is the surplus of the sample dispensing amount. It may be the total amount with the suction amount.

  The output unit 105 is configured using a printer, a speaker, and the like, and outputs various information related to analysis under the control of the control unit 101. The output unit 105 includes a display unit 106 configured using a display or the like. The display unit 106 displays analysis contents, alarms, and the like, and a display panel or the like is used. The input unit 102 and the display unit 106 may be realized by a touch panel. The transmission / reception unit 107 has a function as an interface for performing transmission / reception of information according to a predetermined format via a communication network (not shown).

  In the automatic analyzer 1 having such a configuration, the sample dispensing device 5 dispenses a sample from the sample container 22 to the reaction container 32. In addition, the reagent dispensing device 7 dispenses a reagent from the reagent container 42 into the reaction container 32. The reaction container 32 into which the sample and the reagent are dispensed reacts while the sample and the reagent are agitated while being conveyed along the circumferential direction by the reaction table 3, and passes between the light source 33 a and the light receiving unit 33 b. pass. At this time, the analysis light emitted from the light source 33a and passed through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 32 is measured by the light receiving unit 33b and analyzed for component concentration and the like. After the analysis, the reaction vessel 32 is used by the reaction vessel washing device 34 after the measurement reaction solution is discharged and washed, and then used again for analyzing the specimen. The dispensing probes 50a and 50b after sample dispensing are washed by the dispensing probe washing device 6 every time dispensing is performed in order to prevent carryover between samples and clogging of the dispensing probe due to sample components and adhesion of dirt. Is done.

  Next, the dispensing operation by the dispensing probes 50a and 50b will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the dispensing operation according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 4 is an operation diagram showing the dispensing operation of the dispensing method according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the dispensing control unit 101a dispenses information such as the type of sample to be dispensed from the liquid level information storage unit 101b, the analysis item, the dispensed amount of each sample, the dummy discharge amount, the excess suction amount, and the like. Is acquired (step S101). Thereafter, the dispensing control unit 101a lowers the dispensing probes 50a and 50b into the sample container 22 (step S102), the liquid level detection unit 54 starts the liquid level detection (step S103), and detects the plasma liquid level. Until this is done (step S103: No), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level (step S103: Yes), the plasma level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S104). Subsequently, predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered from the liquid level detection position to the set plasma aspiration position (step S105), and the plasma component as the upper layer component is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50a (step S106). . The sample aspiration amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount to the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or an amount obtained by adding the surplus aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount and the dummy discharge amount. When the dummy discharge amount is aspirated excessively, the blood cell component of the lower layer component that may accidentally enter the dispensing probe 50a is discharged together with the plasma component to prevent the blood cell component from being mixed into the plasma component. be able to. The plasma aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request, such as the estimated center position of the plasma component.

  After the plasma component is aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered in the sample in order to aspirate the blood cell component as the lower layer component (step S107), until the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S108). : No), the dispensing probes 50a, 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell level (step S108: Yes), the descent of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is temporarily stopped, but a predetermined amount from the blood cell level detection position to the set blood cell suction position. The probe 50a, 50b is lowered (step S109). Although the blood cell component is aspirated at the set blood cell aspiration position (step S110), the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component is the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or the excess aspiration amount is added to the sample dispensing amount. Amount. The dispensing probe 50b that sucks the blood cell component as the lower layer component has no risk of entering the plasma component, and even if it enters, it is located in the upper layer of the blood cell component in the dispensing probe 50b. There is no risk of mixing in ingredients. Therefore, the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component by the dispensing probe 50b is a sample dispensing amount or an amount obtained by adding the excess aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount. The blood cell aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request such as the estimated center position of the blood cell component.

  After the blood cell component is aspirated, the calculation unit 101c calculates the dummy discharge position of the plasma component in the dispensing probe 50a (step S111). The dummy discharge position is calculated based on the plasma liquid level position stored in step S104. Since dummy discharge within the blood cell layer may not be performed completely due to the viscosity of the blood cell component, etc., the dummy discharge position may be outside the blood cell layer. In the first embodiment, the dummy discharge position is a position above the plasma liquid level position by a predetermined amount. However, since the plasma component and the blood cell component are aspirated, the actual plasma liquid level position is higher than the stored plasma liquid level position. Since it is lowered, dummy discharge may be performed at the stored plasma liquid level position. Although it depends on the volume of the sample container and the amount of sample to be stored, if a dummy discharge is performed near the sample container mouth, the sample may be scattered outside the sample container. It is desirable to perform dummy discharge. After the dummy discharge position is calculated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to the dummy discharge position (step S112), and a plasma component corresponding to the dummy discharge amount set from the dispensing probe 50a is dummy discharged (step S113). By this dummy discharge, blood cell components that may enter the dispensing probe 50a can be discharged, so that contamination of the blood cell components to the plasma components used for analysis can be prevented.

  After the dummy discharge, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to above the specimen container 22 (step S114), and after transporting to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are washed (step S115). . Since the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are inserted up to the inner bottom of the sample container 22, plasma and blood cell components are attached to the outer wall. This outer wall cleaning is performed to completely prevent the outer wall adhering component from being mixed into the reaction vessel 32. This outer wall cleaning is performed depending on the analysis item and may be omitted. In such a case, the outer wall is also cleaned during the inner wall cleaning in step S119 described later. Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are transported to the sample ejection position of the reaction table 3 (step S116), and a predetermined amount of plasma component is first ejected from the dispensing probe 50a into the reaction container 32 (step S117). Thereafter, another reaction container 32 is transported to the specimen discharge position by raising the dispensing probes 50a and 50b and rotating the reaction table 3. After the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, the dispensing probe 50b is transferred to the reaction container 32. A predetermined amount of blood cell components are discharged (step S118). Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are transported again to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the probe inner wall surface is cleaned (step S119), and the dispensing ends.

  The dispensing according to the first embodiment will be described again with reference to the operation diagram of FIG. The dispensing probes 50a and 50b are filled with the extrusion liquid L1 (see FIG. (4-1)), and suction pressure and discharge pressure are applied through the extrusion liquid L1. Although the dispensing probes 50a and 50b may be lowered as they are in the sample, air is aspirated before the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are inserted into the sample in order to completely prevent thinning of the sample by the extruding liquid L1. May be. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level, the lowering of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped (see FIG. (4-2)), and after the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the plasma component suction position, the dispensing is performed. Plasma components are aspirated by the probe 50a (see FIG. (4-3)). The suction amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount to the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or an amount obtained by adding the surplus suction amount to the sample dispensing amount and the dummy discharge amount. After the plasma components are aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, and after the liquid level detector 54 detects the blood cell liquid level, the descending of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped (see FIG. (4-4)). After the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the blood cell component suction position, the blood cell components are sucked by the dispensing probe 50b (see FIG. 4-5). The sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component by the dispensing probe 50b is a sample dispensing amount or an amount obtained by adding the excess aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount.

  After the blood cell component is aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to the dummy discharge position (see FIG. 4-6). In the first embodiment, the dummy discharge position is calculated based on the plasma liquid level position detected by the liquid level detection unit 54. The dummy discharge position is a plasma liquid level position stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b or a position above the plasma liquid level position by a predetermined amount. A predetermined amount of plasma component is discharged from the dispensing probe 50a as a dummy (see FIG. (4-7)). By this dummy discharge, the blood cell component that has entered is discharged together with the plasma component. Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to above the specimen container 22 (see FIG. 4-8), and after the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are washed on the outer wall, they are transported to the specimen discharge position, and each layer specimen is transferred to the reaction container 32. Are discharged respectively. In the case where surplus suction is performed for each layer specimen, after washing the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b, the surplus suction specimen may be discharged to remove the cleaning water adhering to the outer wall.

  Reagents in the reagent containers 42 held in the reagent table 4 are dispensed by the reagent dispensing device 7 into the reaction containers 32 into which the respective layer specimens have been dispensed by the dispensing method described above. After dispensing of each layer sample and reagent, the sample in the reaction container 32 is analyzed by the photometric device 33.

  Further, as a modification of the first embodiment, the plasma liquid level and the blood cell liquid level are detected not by the liquid level detection device including the dispensing probes 50a and 50b and the liquid level detection unit 54, but by the CCD camera to detect the plasma level. An example of dispensing a layer-separated specimen such as a blood cell will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the dispensing method according to the modification of the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, dispensing information such as the type of sample to be dispensed, the analysis item, the dispensed amount of each sample, the dummy discharge amount, and the excess suction amount is acquired from the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S201). ) Before the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered into the sample container 22, the plasma liquid surface position and the blood cell liquid surface position are detected by the CCD camera (step S202). After detecting the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position, the plasma suction position, blood cell suction position, and dummy discharge position are calculated based on the detected plasma liquid level position and blood cell liquid level position information (step S203). The plasma suction position, blood cell suction position, and dummy discharge position are individually set by the user from the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position. After the plasma liquid level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S204), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the calculated plasma suction position (step S205), and a predetermined amount of plasma component is removed by the dispensing probe 50a. Suction is performed (step S206). The suction amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount. Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered to the calculated blood cell aspiration position (step S207), and a predetermined amount of blood cell components are aspirated by the dispensing probe 50b (step S208). The dummy discharge amount is not added to the suction amount. Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are moved up to the dummy discharge position (step S209), and the dummy discharge amount of the plasma component is dummy discharged from the dispensing probe 50a (step S210).

  After the dummy discharge, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to above the sample container 22 (step S211), and after transporting to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are washed (step S212). ) The outer wall cleaning may be omitted depending on the analysis item. Thereafter, the sample is transported to the sample discharge position of the reaction table 3 (step S213). First, a predetermined amount of plasma component is discharged from the dispensing probe 50a to the reaction container 32 (step S214), and the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised and reacted. Due to the rotation of the table 3, another reaction container 32 is transported to the specimen discharge position, and after the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, a predetermined amount of blood cell components are discharged from the dispensing probe 50b to the reaction container 32 (step). S215). Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are transported again to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the inner wall surface of the probe is cleaned (step S216), and the dispensing ends. In this modification, a CCD camera is used as the liquid level detection means, but even if a means for detecting the liquid level based on the amount of transmitted light using an LED as a light source is used, a sample sample separated by the same flow is dispensed. can do.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment in which dummy discharge is performed in plasma, which is an upper layer component, will be described. In the second embodiment, by performing the dummy discharge of the plasma component in the plasma, it is possible to prevent the sample sample from being scattered outside the sample container 22 when performing the dummy discharge in the air above the plasma liquid surface position. There is an effect that the possibility of carry-over to another test sample or another sample by the discharged sample can be eliminated.

  A dispensing operation according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the dispensing operation according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 7 is an operation diagram showing the dispensing operation of the dispensing method according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the dispensing control unit 101a dispenses the types of samples to be dispensed from the liquid level information storage unit 101b, analysis items, dispensed amounts of each sample, dummy discharge amounts, surplus aspiration amounts, and the like. Information is acquired (step S301). Thereafter, the dispensing control unit 101a lowers the dispensing probes 50a and 50b into the sample container 22 (step S302), the liquid level detecting unit 54 starts the liquid level detection (step S303), and detects the plasma liquid level. Until this is done (step S303: No), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level (step S303: Yes), the plasma level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S304). Subsequently, predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered from the liquid level detection position to the set plasma aspirating position (step S305), and the plasma component as the upper layer component is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50a (step S306). . The sample aspiration amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount to the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or an amount obtained by adding the surplus aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount and the dummy discharge amount. When the dummy discharge amount is aspirated excessively, the blood cell component of the lower layer component that may accidentally enter the dispensing probe 50a is discharged together with the plasma component to prevent the blood cell component from being mixed into the plasma component. be able to. The plasma aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request such as the estimated center position of the plasma component.

  After the plasma component is aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered in the sample in order to aspirate the blood cell component as the lower layer component (step S307), and the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S308). : No), the dispensing probes 50a, 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S308: Yes), the lowering of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped. The blood cell liquid level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S309), and then the predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the set blood cell suction position (step S310). Although the blood cell component is aspirated at the set blood cell aspiration position (step S311), the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component is the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or the excess aspiration amount is added to the sample dispensing amount. Amount. The dispensing probe 50b that sucks the blood cell component as the lower layer component has no risk of entering the plasma component, and even if it enters, it is located in the upper layer of the blood cell component in the dispensing probe 50b. There is no risk of mixing in ingredients. Therefore, the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component by the dispensing probe 50b is a sample dispensing amount or an amount obtained by adding the excess aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount. The blood cell aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request such as the estimated center position of the blood cell component.

  After the blood cell component is aspirated, the calculation unit 101c calculates a dummy discharge position of the plasma component in the dispensing probe 50a (step S312). The dummy discharge position is calculated based on the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position stored in steps S304 and S309. For example, the dummy discharge position is set at an intermediate position between the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position. In the second embodiment, dummy ejection is performed in plasma, which is an upper layer component. By performing dummy discharge in plasma, scattering of the specimen sample outside the specimen container 22 can be prevented, and the possibility of carry-over to another test sample or another specimen by the dummy discharged specimen can be eliminated. Further, during dummy ejection, the blood cell sample that has been dummy ejected may not be ejected well and may adhere to the dispensing probe 50a. If a plasma sample is discharged to the reaction vessel 32 with the blood cell sample attached to the dispensing probe 50a, the blood cell sample adhering to the dispensing vessel 50 may be dropped together with the discharged plasma sample, which is a purpose of preventing contamination. Is inhibited. However, even if a blood cell sample adheres to the dispensing probe 50a by performing dummy discharge in plasma, the adhering blood cells when the dispensing probes 50a, 50b are pulled from the plasma liquid level thereafter. Since the sample can be removed by surface tension or the like, dummy discharge in plasma is more preferable. After the dummy discharge position is calculated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to the dummy discharge position (step S313), and the plasma component for the dummy discharge amount set from the dispensing probe 50a is dummy discharged (step S314). By this dummy discharge, blood cell components that may enter the dispensing probe 50a can be discharged, so that contamination of the blood cell components to the plasma components used for analysis can be prevented.

  After the dummy discharge, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to above the sample container 22 (step S315), and after transporting to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are washed (step S316). ), May be omitted depending on the analysis item. Since the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are inserted up to the inner bottom of the sample container 22, plasma and blood cell components are attached to the outer wall. This outer wall cleaning is performed in order to prevent the adhering components of the outer wall from entering the reaction vessel 32. Thereafter, the sample is transported to the sample discharge position of the reaction table 3 (step S317), and a predetermined amount of plasma component is first discharged from the dispensing probe 50a into the reaction container 32 (step S318). Thereafter, another reaction container 32 is transported to the sample discharge position by raising the dispensing probes 50a and 50b and rotating the reaction table 3, and after the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, the reaction container 32 is moved from the dispensing probe 50b to the reaction container 32. A predetermined amount of blood cell components are discharged (step S319). Thereafter, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are transported again to the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the probe inner wall surface is cleaned (step S320), and the dispensing ends.

  The dispensing according to the first embodiment will be described again with reference to the operation diagram of FIG. The dispensing probes 50a and 50b are filled with the extrusion liquid L1 (see FIG. (7-1)), and suction pressure and discharge pressure are applied through the extrusion liquid L1. Although the dispensing probes 50a and 50b may be lowered as they are in the sample, air is aspirated before the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are inserted into the sample in order to completely prevent thinning of the sample by the extruding liquid L1. May be. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level, the lowering of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped (see FIG. 7-2), and the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the plasma component suction position and then dispensed. Plasma components are aspirated by the probe 50a (see FIG. 7-3). The suction amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount to the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or an amount obtained by adding the surplus suction amount to the sample dispensing amount and the dummy discharge amount. After the plasma components are aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, and after the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level, the descending of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped (see FIG. 7-4). After the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the blood cell component aspirating position, the blood cell components are aspirated by the dispensing probe 50b (see FIG. (7-5)). The sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component by the dispensing probe 50b is a sample dispensing amount or an amount obtained by adding the excess aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount.

  After the blood cell component is aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to the dummy discharge position (see FIG. (7-6)). In the second embodiment, the dummy discharge position is calculated based on the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position detected by the liquid level detection unit 54. The dummy discharge position is an intermediate between the plasma liquid level position and the blood cell liquid level position stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b. A predetermined amount of plasma component is discharged from the dispensing probe 50a as a dummy (see FIG. 7-7). By this dummy discharge, the blood cell component that has entered is discharged together with the plasma component. In addition, since the dummy discharge is performed in the plasma, it is possible to prevent the sample from scattering to the outside of the sample container 22, and it is possible to remove the blood cell sample discharged to the dispensing probe 50a. After the dummy discharge, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to above the sample container 22 (see FIG. (7-8)). After the outer wall is cleaned by the dispensing probe cleaning device 6, the sample is transported to the sample discharge position. Each layer specimen is discharged. In the case where surplus suction is performed for each layer specimen, after washing the outer walls of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b, the surplus suction specimen may be discharged to remove the cleaning water adhering to the outer wall.

  Furthermore, as a modification of the second embodiment, after the blood plasma component and blood cell component are sucked by the dispensing probes 50a and 50b, the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level again while raising the dispensing probes 50a and 50b. Then, a dispensing method for calculating the dummy discharge position is exemplified. In this modification, it is not necessary to store the liquid level information, and the liquid level information storage unit 101b and the calculation unit 101c shown in FIG. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a dispensing method according to a modification of the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the dispensing control unit 101a dispenses the type of sample to be dispensed from the liquid level information storage unit 101b, the analysis item, the dispensed amount of each sample, the dummy discharge amount, the surplus suction amount, and the like. Information is acquired (step S401), and then the dispensing controller 101a lowers the dispensing probes 50a and 50b into the sample container 22 (step S402), and the liquid level detector 54 starts liquid level detection (step S402). Step S403). Until the plasma liquid level is detected (step S403: No), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered, and after the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level (step S403: Yes), it further reaches the set plasma aspiration position. The predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered (step S404). The plasma component that is the upper layer component is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50a at the plasma aspirating position (step S405).

  After sucking the plasma component, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered to suck the blood cell component, which is the lower layer component (step S406), and the liquid level detecting unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S407: No). The dispensing probes 50a, 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S407: Yes), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered by a predetermined amount to the set blood cell suction position (step S408). The blood cell component is sucked at the blood cell suction position (step S409). After the blood cell component is aspirated, the liquid level detector 54 detects the blood cell level (step S411) while raising the dispensing probes 50a and 50b (step S410). Until the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S411: No), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised, and after the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell liquid level (step S411: Yes), further separation is performed. The probe 50a, 50b is raised by a predetermined amount (step S412). The predetermined amount is set by the user as a dummy discharge position, and is a position on the predetermined amount from the blood cell liquid surface position. A plasma component corresponding to a dummy discharge amount set from the dispensing probe 50a at the dummy discharge position is discharged as a dummy (step S413). After the dummy discharge, steps S414 to S419 are performed in the same manner as in the second embodiment. Ends.

(Embodiment 3)
Next, a third embodiment in which the dummy discharge position in plasma, which is the upper layer component, is calculated based on the sample container information and the sample aspiration amount information of each layer in addition to the plasma liquid level position and blood cell liquid level position information will be described. . In the third embodiment, since the dummy discharge position is calculated based on various information, dummy discharge can be performed at a more accurate dummy discharge position.

  A dispensing operation according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the dispensing operation according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the dispensing control unit 101a sorts the sample to be dispensed from the liquid level information storage unit 101b, the analysis item, the dispensing amount of each sample, the dummy discharge amount, the surplus suction amount, the sample container information. And the like are acquired (step S501). Thereafter, the dispensing control unit 101a lowers the dispensing probes 50a and 50b into the sample container 22 (step S502), the liquid level detecting unit 54 starts the liquid level detection (step S503), and detects the plasma liquid level. Until this is done (step S503: No), the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the plasma liquid level (step S503: Yes), the plasma level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S504). Subsequently, predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered from the liquid level detection position to the set plasma aspiration position (step S505), and the plasma component as the upper layer component is aspirated by the dispensing probe 50a (step S506). . The sample aspiration amount is an amount obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount to the sample dispensing amount used for the analysis, or an amount obtained by adding the surplus aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount and the dummy discharge amount. When the dummy discharge amount is aspirated excessively, the blood cell component of the lower layer component that may accidentally enter the dispensing probe 50a is discharged together with the plasma component to prevent the blood cell component from being mixed into the plasma component. be able to. The plasma aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request, such as the estimated center position of the plasma component.

  After the plasma component is aspirated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are further lowered in the specimen in order to aspirate the blood cell component, which is a lower layer component (step S507), and until the liquid level detector 54 detects the blood cell level (step S508). : No), the dispensing probes 50a, 50b are lowered. After the liquid level detection unit 54 detects the blood cell level (step S508: Yes), the lowering of the dispensing probes 50a and 50b is stopped. The blood cell liquid level information is stored in the liquid level information storage unit 101b (step S509), and then the predetermined amount dispensing probes 50a and 50b are lowered to the set blood cell suction position (step S510). Although the blood cell component is aspirated at the set blood cell aspiration position (step S511), the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component is the sample dispensing amount used for analysis, or the excess aspiration amount is added to the sample dispensing amount. Amount. The dispensing probe 50b that sucks the blood cell component as the lower layer component has no risk of entering the plasma component, and even if it enters, it is located in the upper layer of the blood cell component in the dispensing probe 50b. There is no risk of mixing in ingredients. Therefore, the sample aspiration amount of the blood cell component by the dispensing probe 50b is a sample dispensing amount or an amount obtained by adding the excess aspiration amount to the sample dispensing amount. The blood cell aspiration position may be set based on the amount of sample aspiration, and the collection position may be determined according to the user's request such as the estimated center position of the blood cell component.

After the blood cell component is aspirated, the calculation unit 101c calculates the dummy discharge position of the plasma component in the dispensing probe 50a (step S512). The dummy discharge position is calculated based on the sample container information such as the sample aspiration amount and the inner cross-sectional area of the sample container extracted in step S501, and the plasma liquid surface position and blood cell liquid surface position stored in steps S504 and S509. . The dummy discharge position is set at the midpoint between the plasma liquid surface position and the blood cell liquid surface position as in the second embodiment, but in the third embodiment, the plasma liquid surface after the sample is aspirated by the dispensing probes 50a and 50b. A more accurate dummy discharge position is calculated by calculating the position and the blood cell liquid surface position from the sample suction amount of each layer and the inner cross-sectional area of the sample container. The plasma liquid level position and blood cell liquid level position after the sample aspiration are expressed by the following formulas (1) and (2).
Plasma liquid level position = Stored plasma liquid level position− (Plasma aspiration amount + blood cell aspiration amount) / Inner cross-sectional area of specimen container (1)
Blood cell liquid surface position = Stored blood cell liquid surface position−Blood cell suction volume / Inner cross-sectional area of specimen container (2)

The dummy discharge position is obtained by the following formula (3) from the plasma liquid surface position and blood cell liquid surface position obtained in (1) and (2).
Dummy discharge position = (plasma liquid level position−blood cell liquid level position) / 2 (3)
In the third embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the dummy discharge is performed in the plasma, which is the upper layer component, so that the specimen sample can be prevented from scattering out of the specimen container 22, and other tests using the dummy discharged specimen are performed. The possibility of carry-over to a sample or another specimen can be eliminated. Further, even if a blood cell sample adheres to the dispensing probe 50a by performing dummy discharge in the plasma, the attached blood cells are removed when the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are subsequently pulled from the plasma liquid level. The sample can be removed by surface tension or the like. Furthermore, since the dummy discharge position can be calculated more accurately, the dummy discharge in plasma can be reliably performed.

  After the dummy discharge position is calculated, the dispensing probes 50a and 50b are raised to the dummy discharge position (step S513), and the plasma component for the dummy discharge amount set from the dispensing probe 50a is dummy discharged (step S514). By this dummy discharge, blood cell components that may enter the dispensing probe 50a can be discharged, so that contamination of the blood cell components to the plasma components used for analysis can be prevented. After the dummy discharge, steps S515 to S520 are performed as in the second embodiment, and the dispensing is completed.

It is a schematic block diagram of the automatic analyzer which uses the dispensing apparatus concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the sample dispensing apparatus used with the automatic analyzer of FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a dispensing operation according to the first embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the dispensing operation | movement of the dispensing method concerning Embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a dispensing method according to a modification of the first embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a dispensing operation according to the second exemplary embodiment. It is an operation | movement figure which shows the dispensing operation | movement of the dispensing method concerning Embodiment 2. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a dispensing method according to a modification of the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a dispensing operation according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Automatic analyzer 2 Specimen table 4 Reagent table 5 Specimen dispensing device 6, 8 Dispensing probe washing device 7 Reagent dispensing device 9 Measuring mechanism 10 Control mechanism 21 Specimen container storage part 22 Specimen container 22a, 42a Opening part 23, 43 Reading unit 31 Reaction container storage unit 32 Reaction container 33 Photometric device 33a Light source 33b Light receiving unit 34 Reaction container cleaning device 41 Reagent container storage unit 42 Reagent container 50a, 50b Dispensing probe 51a Arm 51b Support shaft 52a, 52b, 52c, 52d, 52f Tube 52e Terminal 53 Dispensing probe transfer unit 54 Liquid level detection unit 55a, 55b Syringe 55a-1, 55b-1 Cylinder 55a-2, 55b-2 Plunger 56 Plunger drive unit 57 Tank 58a, 58b, 58c Solenoid valve 59 Pump 101 Control unit 101 a Dispensing control unit 101b Liquid level information storage unit 101c Calculation unit 102 Input unit 103 Analysis unit 104 Storage unit 105 Output unit 106 Display unit 107 Transmission / reception unit L1 Pushed liquid O Vertical axis

Claims (26)

A dispensing method for dispensing each layer component of a specimen separated into two layers using a dispensing means in which two first dispensing probes and a second dispensing probe are supported by one arm,
A first suction step of sucking an upper layer component with the first dispensing probe;
A second suction step of sucking a lower layer component with the second dispensing probe;
A dummy discharge step of performing dummy discharge of a lower layer component that has entered the first dispensing probe and a part of the upper layer component sucked in the first step;
A dispensing method characterized by comprising:   The dispensing method according to claim 1, wherein the dummy discharging step is performed outside the lower layer component.   The dispensing method according to claim 2, wherein the dummy discharging step is performed in the upper layer component. After the dummy discharging step, a sample discharging step of discharging each layer component to each reaction container by the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe,
A cleaning step of cleaning inner and outer walls of the first and second dispensing probes by a dispensing probe cleaning means;
The dispensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: A first cleaning step for cleaning the outer walls of the first and second dispensing probes by the dispensing probe cleaning means after the dummy discharging step;
A sample discharging step of discharging each layer component to each reaction container by the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe;
A second cleaning step of cleaning inner and outer walls of the first and second dispensing probes by the dispensing probe cleaning means;
The dispensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   The upper layer component suction amount sucked in the first suction step is obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount discharged in the dummy discharge step to the sample dispensing amount discharged into the reaction container in the sample discharge step. The dispensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.   The dispensing method according to claim 6, wherein the lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is the sample dispensing amount.   The dispensing method according to claim 6, wherein the lower layer component suction amount sucked in the second suction step is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and the excessive suction amount.   The sample amount of the upper layer component sucked in the first suction step is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount, the dummy discharge amount, and the excessive suction amount, and the lower layer component sucked in the second suction step The dispensing method according to claim 6, wherein the suction amount is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and an excessive suction amount. Storing the liquid surface height information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid surface height information of the lower layer component;
Based on the liquid level height information of the upper layer component stored in the storing step and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component, a part of the lower layer component and the upper layer component that have entered the first dispensing probe is discharged. A calculation step for calculating a dummy discharge position to be performed;
The dispensing method according to claim 1, comprising:   11. The dispensing method according to claim 10, wherein the calculating step determines a dummy discharge position in the upper layer component in consideration of sample container information, an upper layer component suction amount, and a lower layer component suction amount.   The dispensing method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the upper layer component is blood plasma and the lower layer component is a blood cell. A dispensing device for dispensing each layer component of a specimen separated into two layers,
A first dispensing probe for dispensing the upper layer component;
A second dispensing probe for dispensing the lower layer component;
One arm for supporting the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe;
Liquid level detection means for detecting the liquid level height of the upper layer component and the liquid level height of the lower layer component;
Dispensing control means for controlling to discharge a part of the lower layer component that has entered the first dispensing probe and the upper layer component sucked by the first dispensing probe,
A dispensing device comprising:   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the dispensing control unit controls to perform dummy discharge outside the lower layer component.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the dispensing control unit performs control so that dummy discharge is performed in the upper layer component.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a dispensing probe cleaning unit that cleans inner and outer walls of the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe.   Cleaning of the inner and outer walls of the first and second dispensing probes by the dispensing probe cleaning means includes cleaning the outer wall after the dummy discharge and cleaning the inner and outer walls after dispensing each layer component into the reaction vessel. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the dispensing is performed separately.   The liquid level detection means detects the liquid level height of the upper layer component and the liquid level of the lower layer component by changing the capacitance or impedance when the first dispensing probe and the second dispensing probe are used as electrodes. The dispensing device according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein a surface height is detected.   The amount of suction of the upper layer component sucked by the first dispensing probe is obtained by adding the dummy discharge amount for dummy discharge to at least the sample dispensing amount discharged to the reaction container. The dispensing device according to any one of 13 to 18.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is the sample dispensing amount.   The dispensing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the lower layer component suction amount sucked by the second dispensing probe is a total amount of the specimen dispensing amount and an excessive suction amount.   The upper layer component suction amount sucked by the first dispensing probe is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount, the dummy discharge amount, and the excessive suction amount, and the lower layer sucked by the second dispensing probe. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the component suction amount is a total amount of the sample dispensing amount and an excessive suction amount. Storage means for storing the liquid surface height information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid surface height information of the lower layer component;
Based on the liquid level height information of the upper layer component and / or the liquid level height information of the lower layer component stored in the storage means, the lower layer component and a part of the upper layer component that have entered the first dispensing probe are discharged. Calculating means for calculating a dummy discharge position to be performed;
The dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 22, further comprising:   24. The dispensing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the calculating means determines a dummy discharge position in the upper layer component in consideration of specimen container information, an upper layer component suction amount, and a lower layer component suction amount.   The dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 24, wherein the upper layer component is plasma and the lower layer component is a blood cell.   An analyzer for analyzing a specimen by a reaction between a specimen dispensed by the dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 13 to 25 and a reagent.

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