JP5258090B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that automatically performs analyzes such as biochemical analysis and immunological tests.

  Conventionally, automatic analyzers that automatically perform analysis such as biochemical analysis and immunoassay by dispensing reagents and specimens into reaction containers and optically detecting reactions that occur in the reaction containers are known. ing. In such an automatic analyzer, if an abnormality is output in the analysis data due to the nature of the patient sample, etc., reanalysis of the sample in which the abnormality is output in the analysis data (hereinafter referred to as re-examination) is performed in order to confirm the cause of the abnormality in the analysis data. Is called). In this case, the automatic analyzer automatically supplies the sample whose abnormality is output to the analysis data to the sample aspiration position and performs a retest.

  Patent Document 1 describes an automatic analyzer that performs a retest by automatically supplying a rack holding a sample to be retested to a sample suction position. In this automatic analyzer, after the analysis is completed, the rack holding the sample to be retested is automatically taken out from the plurality of racks arranged in the same arrangement order as when the sample was supplied, and then retested. By returning this rack to the position taken out at the time of reexamination, the arrangement order of the racks is not changed even after the end of the reexamination.

JP-A-9-196926

  However, the automatic analyzer described in Patent Document 1, for example, even when a highly viscous sample is dispensed into a reaction container, the sample is clogged in the nozzle, and as a result, the analysis data becomes abnormal. Re-examination was automatically performed on high specimens without performing processing such as dilution. When such a highly viscous sample was re-dispensed for re-examination, there was a high possibility that the re-analysis analysis data would become abnormal due to the clogging of the sample again. Therefore, there is a problem that the time required for the retest and the reagent used in the retest may be wasted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that can reduce the time required for retesting and the waste of reagents used in the retesting.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an automatic analyzer according to the present invention makes it possible to collect a sample container in which a sample is stored so as to be able to be supplied to a sample aspirating position and the sample container. A holding unit for holding the sample container from the supply unit via the sample aspiration position to the collection unit or the supply unit; In the automatic analyzer for analyzing the sample dispensed from the reaction container to the reaction vessel, the detection means for detecting nozzle clogging of the nozzle, and when the detection means detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle, the nozzle clogging of the nozzle A specimen container for transporting a specimen container that contains the detected specimen to the recovery unit, and that contains a specimen that is not subject to nozzle clogging and that is to be retested Characterized by comprising a control means for controlling said conveying means so as to perform the process of automatic retest is transported to the supply unit.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the detection means detects the nozzle clogging, an indication that the nozzle clogging has occurred is added to the information of the specimen in which the nozzle clogging has occurred. An adding means for adding information, wherein the control means transports a sample container containing the sample to which the additional information is attached to the recovery unit, and the sample that is not attached with the additional information and is to be retested The transporting means is controlled so as to transport the sample container containing the sample to the supply unit and perform automatic retesting.

  Further, in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, in the above invention, when the detection unit detects the nozzle clogging, it is determined whether or not the nozzle clogging was detected at the time of dispensing a different sample dispensed immediately before. An abnormality determining means for determining, and when the abnormality determining means determines that nozzle clogging has been detected at the time of dispensing of a different sample dispensed immediately before, the abnormality of the nozzle is notified and the analysis operation is stopped. And an abnormality control means for controlling.

  In the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when the detection unit detects clogging of a nozzle for dispensing a sample, and the detection unit detects clogging of the nozzle, the control unit detects that the nozzle is clogged. A sample container for storing the detected sample is transported to the recovery unit, and a sample container for storing the sample to be retested is detected by detecting the nozzle clogging and is automatically retested. Therefore, the specimen container that contains the specimen in which the nozzle clogging is detected is collected before the retesting without being subjected to the automatic retesting process, and the retesting caused by the occurrence of the nozzle clogging again. It is possible to reduce the waste of the reagent used for the longer time and retesting.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic analyzer 10 includes a sample supply unit 2, a measurement unit 3, and a control device 4 as conveying means. The sample supply unit 2 is disposed on the side of the measurement unit 3 and transports a rack 25 holding a plurality of sample containers 25a for storing the sample to the sample aspiration position. The measurement unit 3 dispenses the specimen and the reagent into the reaction container 30b, and optically measures the reaction occurring in the reaction container 30b. The control device 4 controls the entire automatic analyzer 10 including the measurement unit 3 and the sample supply unit 2 and analyzes measurement data in the measurement unit 3. The automatic analyzer 10 automatically performs biochemical analysis of a plurality of specimens sequentially in cooperation with each other.

  The sample supply unit 2 transfers the sample container 25a to the sample aspirating position by transporting the rack 25 as described above. The specimen in the specimen container 25a transferred to the specimen aspirating position is dispensed by the specimen dispensing mechanism 31 into the reaction container 30b transported to the specimen aspirating position. On the side surface of the specimen container 25a, an identification code label (not shown) in which information of the contained specimen, for example, information such as the subject number, sex, age, and collection date of the subject is recorded. Further, an identification code label (not shown) on which rack information including a rack number and analysis items of the samples stored in each sample container 25a is recorded is attached to the side surface of the rack 25. The identification code label is realized by a bar code label, but may be realized by a recording medium such as an IC tag capable of writing and erasing electromagnetic information.

  The supply unit 20 in the sample supply unit 2 is a conveyor provided with a plurality of L-shaped attachments 20a orthogonal to the transport direction. The supply unit 20 is a standby place for transporting the rack 25 holding the sample container 25a containing the sample to be analyzed to the sample suction position. Each rack 25 held by the supply unit 20 is sequentially sent to the transport unit 23 and transported to the sample aspirating position.

  The standby unit 21 in the sample supply unit 2 is a conveyor that is arranged in parallel to the supply unit 20 and includes a plurality of L-shaped attachments 21a that are orthogonal to the transport direction. The standby unit 21 temporarily waits for the sample that has been dispensed. For example, the standby unit 21 temporarily holds the rack 25 until sample analysis data is obtained.

  The collection unit 22 in the sample supply unit 2 is a conveyor that is arranged in parallel with the supply unit 20 and the standby unit 21 and includes a plurality of L-shaped attachments 22a orthogonal to the transport direction. The collection unit 22 temporarily holds the rack 25 that holds the sample container 25a that stores the sample to be collected, which is transported from the standby unit 21, in a collectable manner.

  The transport unit 23 in the sample supply unit 2 is a conveyor provided with a rack pusher 23a and a rack drawer 23b. The transport unit 23 sequentially transports the rack 25 supplied from the supply unit 20 to the sample suction position, and transports the rack 25 after the sample suction to the standby unit 21. Further, the transport unit 23 transports the rack 25 supplied from the standby unit 21 to the collection unit 22 or the supply unit 20. The rack pusher 23a described above is provided in the vicinity of the sample aspirating position and in the vicinity of the respective transport inlets of the supply unit 20, the standby unit 21 and the recovery unit 22, and pushes out the rack 25 on the transport unit 23 by a drive mechanism (not shown). The sample is aspirated or transported into each transport inlet of the supply unit 20, the standby unit 21, and the recovery unit 22. On the other hand, the rack drawing device 23b performs a process of pulling out the rack 25 arranged at each conveyance outlet of the supply unit 20 and the standby unit 21 onto the conveyance unit 23 by a driving mechanism (not shown). An identification code reading device 24 is provided on the transport unit 25 at a position immediately before being transported to the sample suction position. The identification code reading device 24 reads information on the identification code label attached to the rack 25 and the sample container 25 a that are transported from the supply unit 20 to the sample suction position, and outputs the read information to the control device 4.

  The reaction tank 30 includes a heat retaining member (not shown) and a wheel 30a. The wheel 30a holds a plurality of reaction vessels 30b and is rotated by a drive mechanism (not shown) to transfer the reaction vessel 30b in the circumferential direction. This reaction tank 30 is covered with a disk-shaped lid (not shown), and with a heat insulation member (not shown) disposed on the inner side and the outer side in the radial direction of the wheel 30a, a heat insulation tank that keeps the internal temperature at a body temperature level. Is configured.

  The sample dispensing mechanism 31 has an arm 31a to which a nozzle 31b for aspirating and discharging a sample is attached to the tip. The arm 31a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around a vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The sample dispensing mechanism 31 has an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element. The sample dispensing mechanism 31 sucks the sample from the sample container 25a transferred to a predetermined position in the sample container 25a transferred to the sample suction position of the sample supply unit 2 by the nozzle 31b, and rotates the arm 31a clockwise in the figure. The sample is discharged into the reaction container 30b transported to the sample discharge position on the reaction tank 30 and dispensed. After the dispensing of each specimen is completed, the nozzle 31b is washed in the washing tank 31d and repeatedly used for dispensing the specimen. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the sample dispensing mechanism 31 includes a pressure sensor 31c as a detection unit that detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b. For example, the pressure sensor 31 c detects the pressure in the pipe 31 f that connects the nozzle 31 b and the intake / exhaust mechanism 31 e when the specimen is aspirated, and outputs the detected pressure to the control device 4.

  The first reagent dispensing mechanism 32 has an arm 32a to which a nozzle 32b for sucking and discharging the first reagent is attached at the tip. The arm 32a freely moves up and down in the vertical direction and rotates around the vertical line passing through its base end as a central axis. The first reagent dispensing mechanism 32 has an intake / exhaust mechanism using an intake / exhaust syringe or a piezoelectric element (not shown). The first reagent dispensing mechanism 32 sucks the first reagent in the first reagent container 34a transferred to a predetermined position on the first reagent storage 34 by the nozzle 32b, and rotates the arm 32a counterclockwise in the figure. Then, the first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 30b conveyed to a predetermined position on the reaction tank 30 to perform dispensing. After completion of the dispensing of the first reagent, the nozzle 32b is washed in the washing tank 32c and repeatedly used for dispensing the first reagent.

  Similar to the first reagent dispensing mechanism 32, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 includes an arm 33 a having a nozzle 33 b that sucks and discharges the second reagent attached to the tip, and an unillustrated suction / exhaust syringe or piezoelectric element. The reaction that has the used suction / discharge mechanism and is sucked by the nozzle 33b into the second reagent container 35a transferred to the predetermined position on the second reagent storage 35 and then transferred to the predetermined position on the reaction tank 30 Dispense and dispense the second reagent into the container 30b. After completing the dispensing of the second reagent, the nozzle 33b is washed in the washing tank 33c and repeatedly used for dispensing the second reagent.

  The first reagent storage 34 can detachably store a plurality of first reagent containers 34a in which the first reagent dispensed first among the two types of reagents dispensed in the reaction container 30b is accommodated. The first reagent storage 34 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise about a vertical line passing through the center of the first reagent storage 34 as a driving mechanism (not shown) is driven under the control of the control device 4. The desired first reagent container 34a is transferred to the reagent aspirating position by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 32.

  The second reagent container 35 includes a plurality of second reagent containers 35a in which a second reagent dispensed next to the first reagent among the two kinds of reagents dispensed in the reaction container 30b is detachable. Can be stored. Similar to the first reagent storage 34, the second reagent storage 35 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise under the control of the control device 4, and the desired second reagent container 35 a can be divided into the second reagent storage. Transfer to the reagent suction position by the injection mechanism 33.

  The stirring unit 37 stirs the mixed solution of the first reagent and the sample or the first reagent, the second reagent, and the sample dispensed in the reaction container 30b to promote the reaction.

  The photometry unit 38 irradiates the reaction container 30b, which has been transferred to a predetermined measurement position, with measurement light from the light source 38a, disperses the light transmitted through the mixture of the specimen and the reagent in the reaction container 30b, and uses the light receiving element 38b. By measuring the intensity of each wavelength light, the absorbance at a wavelength peculiar to the mixed liquid of the specimen and the reagent to be analyzed is measured.

  The cleaning unit 39 sucks and discharges the liquid mixture in the reaction vessel 30b that has been measured by the photometric unit 38 by a nozzle (not shown), and performs cleaning by injecting and sucking cleaning liquid such as detergent and cleaning water. .

  The control device 4 includes a control unit 41, an input unit 42, an analysis unit 43, an output unit 44, and a storage unit 45. Each unit described above in the measurement unit 3, the sample supply unit 2, and the control device 4 is connected to the control unit 41. The control unit 41 is realized by a CPU or the like, and controls processing and operation of each unit of the automatic analyzer 10. The control unit 41 performs predetermined input / output control on information input / output to / from each of these components, and performs predetermined information processing on this information.

  The control unit 41 includes a detection unit 41a as a detection unit that detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b, and a sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detection unit 41a when the detection unit 41a detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b. Information adding section 41b as an adding means for adding additional information indicating that the nozzle 31b is clogged to the analysis data of the above as a nozzle clogging flag, and a sample container 25a for storing a sample with the nozzle clogging flag added to the analysis data Is held in the rack 25, the rack 25 is transported to the collection unit 22, and at least one sample container 25a that does not have a nozzle clogging flag and contains a sample to be retested. The sample supply unit 2 is configured so that the held rack 25 is transported to the supply unit 20 and the automatic retest process is performed. And a transport control section 41c serving as a control means for controlling.

  The input unit 42 is realized by a keyboard, a mouse, or the like, and can input various information such as the number of samples. The analysis unit 43 obtains the concentration of the detection target in the sample based on the measurement result measured by the photometry unit 38, and performs component analysis of the sample. The output unit 44 is realized by a display panel, a printer, or the like, and outputs various types of information such as sample analysis data and alarms. The storage unit 45 includes a hard disk that magnetically stores information, and a memory that electrically reads various programs related to this process from the hard disk when the automatic analyzer 10 executes the process. The storage unit 45 stores the analysis data of the sample including the absorbance and the like that have been processed.

  In the automatic analyzer 10 configured as described above, the first reagent dispensing mechanism 32 dispenses the first reagent from the first reagent container 34a to the reaction container 30b with respect to the plurality of reaction containers 30b that are sequentially transported. The sample dispensing mechanism 31 dispenses a predetermined amount of sample from the sample container 25a to the reaction container 30b. Subsequently, after the stirring unit 37 stirs and reacts the first reagent and the sample in the reaction container 30b, the photometry unit 38 measures the absorbance of the mixed solution of the first reagent and the sample. Further, the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 dispenses the second reagent from the second reagent container 35a to the reaction container 30b as necessary. Subsequently, after the stirring unit 37 stirs and reacts the mixed solution of the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent in the reaction container 30b, the photometry unit 38 sets the first reagent, the sample, and the second reagent. Measure the absorbance of the mixture. Then, the analysis unit 43 analyzes the measurement result and automatically performs component analysis of the sample. In addition, the cleaning unit 39 cleans and dries the reaction container 30b that has been measured by the photometric unit 38, and a series of analysis operations are continuously repeated.

  Here, when the detection unit 41a detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b based on the pressure at the time of aspiration of the sample output by the pressure sensor 31c, the information addition unit 41b causes the detection unit 41a to clog the nozzle 31b. When a nozzle clogging flag is added to the analysis data of the detected specimen, and at least one specimen container 25a containing the specimen to which the nozzle clogging flag is added is held in the rack 25, the transport control unit 41c uses this rack. 25 is transported to the recovery unit 22, and the rack 25 in which the sample container 25a containing the sample to which the nozzle clogging flag is added is not held and at least one sample container 25a holding the sample to be retested is held. It is made to convey to the supply part 20, and it is made to perform an automatic retest process.

  Next, the analysis processing procedure by the control unit 41 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 3 shows an overall flowchart of the analysis processing procedure by the control unit 41. In FIG. 3, first, the control unit 41 performs an initial analysis process on each sample stored in the sample container 25a held in one rack 25 (step S100). Thereafter, the control unit 41 performs rack transport processing including automatic re-inspection processing based on the first analysis processing result (step S200). That is, based on the first analysis processing result, the control unit 41 transports the rack 25 to the recovery unit 22 and recovers the sample container, or transports the rack 25 to the supply unit 20 to perform automatic retest processing. This process is terminated.

  FIG. 4 is a detailed flowchart of the first analysis processing procedure shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 41 first pulls the rack 25 held by the supply unit 20 onto the transport unit 23, and starts transporting the rack 25 to the sample aspirating position by the transport unit 23 (see FIG. 4). Step S101). Next, the control unit 41 reads the information of the identification code label affixed to the sample container 25a and the rack 25 by the identification code reader 24 while the rack 25 is being transported to the sample suction position, and is held in the rack 25. Information on each sample obtained is acquired (step S102). Next, after pushing out the rack 25 from the position P in the vicinity of the sample aspirating position, the control unit 41 intermittently moves the transport unit 23 and transports each sample container 25a together with the rack 25 to the sample aspirating position (step). S103).

  Next, the control unit 41 dispenses the first reagent into the reaction container 30b by the first reagent dispensing mechanism 32 (step S104). Thereafter, the control unit 41 dispenses the sample from the sample container 25a at the sample aspirating position to the reaction container 30b by the sample dispensing mechanism 31 (step S105). Thereafter, the detection unit 41a determines whether nozzle clogging has been detected in the nozzle 31b by this sample dispensing (step S106). When the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S106; Yes), the information adding unit 41b adds a nozzle clogging flag to the analysis data of the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S107). Information indicating that re-examination is necessary (hereinafter referred to as a re-examination flag) is added to the analysis data of the sample (step S112). Thereafter, the control unit 41 outputs the sample analysis data to the output unit 44 (step S113). In this case, a nozzle clogging flag and a retest flag are added to this sample, and this sample is subsequently identified as one that needs to be retested due to nozzle clogging but is not subject to automatic retesting.

  On the other hand, when nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is not detected (step S106; No), the control unit 41 dispenses the second reagent into the reaction container 30b by the second reagent dispensing mechanism 33 (step S108). Thereafter, an analysis value of one analysis item is calculated (step S109). Thereafter, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the analysis of all the analysis items of the sample has been completed (step S110). When the analysis of all analysis items of the sample is not completed (step S110; No), the control unit 41 proceeds to step S104 and repeats the above-described processing. On the other hand, when the analysis of all analysis items of this sample is completed (step S110; Yes), the control unit 41 further determines whether or not the sample is a retest target based on the analysis data of this sample ( Step S111). When this sample is a retest target (step S111; Yes), the control unit 41 adds a retest flag to the analysis data of the sample in which nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S112). Thereafter, the control unit 41 outputs the sample analysis data to the output unit 44 (step S113). In this case, only the retest flag is added to this sample, and this sample is subsequently identified as being subject to automatic retest. On the other hand, when the sample is not a retest target (No at Step S111), the control unit 41 outputs the analysis data of the sample as it is to the output unit 44 (Step S113). In this case, this sample is not re-examined and is identified as having been analyzed.

  Thereafter, the control unit 41 determines whether or not the initial analysis of the samples stored in all the sample containers 25a held in the rack 25 has been completed (step S114). When the initial analysis of the samples stored in all the sample containers 25a held in the rack 25 is not completed (step S114; No), the control unit 41 proceeds to step S103 and repeats the above-described processing. On the other hand, when the initial analysis of the samples stored in all the sample containers 25a held in the rack 25 is completed (step S114; Yes), the control unit 41 transports the rack 25 to the vicinity of the standby unit 21 by the transport unit 23. After that, the rack 25 is pushed out and conveyed to the standby unit 21 (step S115), and the process returns to step S100.

  Next, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 5, the conveyance process procedure including the automatic re-inspection process in step S200 by the control unit 41 will be described. In FIG. 5, first, the transport control unit 41 c stores the sample in which the nozzle clogging flag is added to the sample analysis data among the samples stored in the sample container 25 a held in the rack 25 waiting in the standby unit 21. It is determined whether or not at least one sample container 25a is held (step S201). When at least one sample container 25a that holds a sample with the nozzle clogging flag added to the analysis data is held in the rack 25 (step S201; Yes), the transport control unit 41c transports the rack 25 from the standby unit 21. After being pulled out to the unit 23 and transported to the vicinity of the recovery unit 22, the rack 25 is pushed out and transported to the recovery unit 22 (step S205), and the process returns to step S200. As a result, the sample container 25a that stores the sample in which nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected can be collected without being subjected to automatic retest processing. Then, the operator collects the sample container 25a containing the sample with the nozzle clogging flag added to the analysis data, and performs processing such as diluting the sample with the nozzle clogging flag added to the analysis data, The cause of the clogging of the nozzle 31b can be eliminated, and then the specimen is re-examined by the operator.

  On the other hand, among the samples stored in the sample container 25a held in the rack 25, when the sample container 25a that stores the sample in which the nozzle clogging flag is added to the analysis data is not held (step S201; No), the control unit 41 determines whether or not at least one sample container 25a containing the sample with the retest flag added to the analysis data is held in the rack 25 (step S202). When the sample container 25a that stores the sample with the retest flag added to the analysis data is not held by the rack 25 (step S202; No), the control unit 41 pulls the rack 25 from the standby unit 21 to the transport unit 23 and collects it. After transporting to the vicinity of the section 22, the rack 25 is pushed out and transported to the collection section 22 (step S205), and the process returns to step S200.

  On the other hand, when at least one sample container 25a that holds the sample with the retest flag added to the analysis data is held in the rack 25 (step S202; Yes), the control unit 41 transports the rack 25 from the standby unit 21. After being pulled out to the unit 23 and conveyed to the vicinity of the supply unit 20, the rack 25 is pushed out and conveyed to the supply unit 20 (step S203). As a result, the sample container 25a containing the sample without the nozzle clogging flag and the retest flag added to the analysis data can be automatically supplied to the sample aspirating position so as to be automatically retested. Thereafter, the control unit 41 holds the rack 25, and after performing the automatic retesting process for each sample to which the nozzle clogging flag is not added and the retesting flag is added to the analysis data (step S204), the rack 25 is moved to the rack 25. It is conveyed again to the collection unit 22 (step S205), and the process returns to step S200.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 41a does not detect nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b, and only the rack 25 containing the sample to be retested is supplied to the supply unit 20 as an automatic retest processing target and automatically retested. The rack 25 containing the sample including the sample in which nozzle clogging is detected is transported to the recovery unit 22 so that the sample in which nozzle clogging is detected is not subject to automatic retest processing. Therefore, it is possible to prevent repeated re-examination due to nozzle clogging, and to reduce the time required for re-examination and the waste of reagents used in the re-examination.

  In the first embodiment of the present invention, the information adding unit 41b adds the nozzle clogging flag to the analysis data of the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detecting unit 41a. It is possible to easily identify the specimen in which the detection is detected.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the first embodiment described above, when the detection unit 41a detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b, the rack 25 holding the sample container 25a that stores the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected is stored in the collection unit 22. In the second embodiment, the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b was also detected for the different sample dispensed immediately before the sample for which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b was detected by the detection unit 41a. In such a case, the abnormality is notified and the analysis operation is stopped.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 51 further adds a nozzle abnormality determination unit 51a as an abnormality determination unit and an abnormality control unit as an abnormality control unit to the control unit 41 of the automatic analyzer 10 according to the first embodiment. 51b. The nozzle abnormality determination unit 51a determines whether the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected for a different sample dispensed immediately before the sample for which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected by the detection unit 41a. Further, the abnormality control unit 51b determines that the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected for the different sample dispensed immediately before the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detection unit 41a. In such a case, the abnormality of the nozzle 31b is notified and the analysis operation is stopped. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the same reference numerals are given to the same components.

  Here, with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7, the first analysis process by the control part 51 is demonstrated in detail. This first analysis process is a process corresponding to step S100 of FIG. 3, and thereafter, a rack transport process including an automatic re-inspection process of step S200 is performed. In FIG. 7, the control unit 51 first pulls the rack 25 held in the supply unit 20 to the transport unit 23, and starts transporting the rack 25 to the sample aspirating position by the transport unit 23 (step S301). Next, the control unit 51 reads the information on the identification code label affixed to the sample container 25a and the rack 25 by the identification code reader 24 and is held in the rack 25 while the rack 25 is being transported to the sample suction position. Information about each specimen is acquired (step S302). Next, the control unit 51 pushes out the rack 25 from the position P in the vicinity of the sample aspirating position, and then intermittently operates the transport unit 23 to transport the sample to the sample aspirating position (step S303).

  Next, after dispensing the first reagent into the reaction container 30b (step S304), the control unit 51 dispenses the specimen from the specimen container 25a to the reaction container 30b (step S305). The detection unit 41a detects whether or not the nozzle 31b is clogged by the dispensing of the sample (step S306). When the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S306; Yes), the nozzle abnormality determination unit 51a detects It is determined whether nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected for a different sample dispensed immediately before the sample for which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected by the unit 41a (step S307). When the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is not detected for the different sample dispensed immediately before the sample for which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detection unit 41a (step S307; No), the information adding unit 41b A nozzle clogging flag is added to the analysis data of the sample in which nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S308). Thereafter, the control unit 51 adds a retest flag to the analysis data of the sample in which nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected (step S315). Thereafter, the control unit 51 outputs the analysis data of the sample to the output unit 44 (step S316).

  On the other hand, when the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected for the different sample dispensed immediately before the sample for which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detection unit 41a (step S307; Yes), the abnormality control unit 51b Then, information notifying the abnormality of the nozzle 31b is output to the output unit 44 (step S309), a process for stopping the analysis operation is performed (step S310), and this process is terminated. Thereby, the operator can know that the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b which cannot be eliminated even by the cleaning in the cleaning tank 31d has occurred.

  On the other hand, when the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is not detected (step S306; No), the control unit 51 dispenses the second reagent into the reaction container 30b (step S311) and calculates the analysis value of one analysis item. (Step S312). Next, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the analysis of all analysis items of the sample has been completed (step S313). When the analysis of all analysis items of the sample is not completed (step S313; No), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S304 and repeats the above-described processing. On the other hand, when the analysis of all the analysis items of the sample is completed (step S313; Yes), the control unit 51 determines whether or not the sample is a retest target based on the analysis data of the sample (step S314). ). When the sample is a retest target (step S314; Yes), the control unit 51 adds a retest flag to the analysis data of the sample (step S315). Next, the control unit 51 outputs the sample analysis data to the output unit 44 (step S316).

  Thereafter, the control unit 51 determines whether or not the initial analysis of all the samples held in the rack 25 has been completed (step S317). When the initial analysis of all the samples held in the rack 25 has not been completed (step S317; No), the control unit 51 proceeds to step S303 and repeats the above-described processing. On the other hand, when the initial analysis of all samples held in the rack 25 is completed (step S317; Yes), the control unit 51 transports the rack 25 to the vicinity of the standby unit 21 by the transport unit 23, and then pushes out the rack 25. Then, it is conveyed to the standby unit 21 (step S318), and the process returns to step S100 in FIG.

  In the second embodiment of the present invention, the same effect as that of the first embodiment is obtained, and a different sample dispensed immediately before the sample in which the nozzle abnormality determination unit 51a has detected the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b by the detection unit 41a. Also, it is determined whether or not nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected, and the nozzle abnormality determination unit 51a also detects the different samples dispensed immediately before the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b has been detected by the detection unit 41a. When it is determined that the nozzle clogging of 31b has been detected, the abnormality control unit 51b outputs information notifying the abnormality of the nozzle 31b to the output unit 44 and controls to stop the analysis operation. Abnormal analysis data is repeated because nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is not eliminated by cleaning in the cleaning tank 31d. It is possible to quickly deal.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the detection unit using the pressure sensor 31c is exemplified as the detection unit for detecting the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to detect the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b. For example, a microphone may be provided in the vicinity of the discharge port of the nozzle 31b, and the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b may be detected by a change in the sample discharge sound detected by the microphone.

  In the first and second embodiments described above, the example in which the nozzle clogging flag is added to the analysis data of the sample is illustrated. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected by the detection unit is accommodated. The rack 25 holding the sample container 25a may be transported to the collection unit 22 before the automatic retesting process. For example, information indicating that the nozzle 31b is not clogged is added as additional information to the analysis data of the sample whose nozzle 31b is not detected by the detecting means, and information indicating that the nozzle 31b is not clogged is added to the analysis data. The rack 25 holding the sample container 25 a for storing the sample to which no mark is added may be transported to the collection unit 22. Alternatively, when the detection unit 41a detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b, the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected as soon as the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is detected without adding the nozzle clogging flag to the sample analysis data. The rack 25 holding the sample container 25 a for storing the sample may be transported to the collection unit 22. In this case, a transport route is provided in which the rack 25 holding the sample container 25a for storing the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle 31b is held is transported from the sample suction position to the collection unit 22 without waiting in the standby unit 21. It is preferable to keep.

  Furthermore, in Embodiments 1 and 2 described above, the sample supply unit 2 includes the standby unit 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the analysis data of the sample stored in the sample container 25 a held in the rack 25 is used. Based on this, the rack 25 may be transferred from the sample aspirating position to the supply unit 20 or the collection unit 22 to be transported. For example, a transport unit 23 is provided in place of the standby unit 21, and the distance from the sample suction position to the branch position between the supply unit 20 and the recovery unit 22 is such that the supply unit 20 or the recovery unit is transported while transporting the rack 25 from the sample suction position. The distance may be such that analysis data serving as a criterion for allocating conveyance to 22 is obtained.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows a part of structure of the sample dispensing mechanism of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the analysis process implemented by the control part shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the sample accommodated in the sample container hold | maintained at one rack. It is a flowchart which shows the first analysis process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process at the time of performing reexamination automatically shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the automatic analyzer concerning Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the first analysis process which the control part shown in FIG. 6 implements.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Sample supply part 3 Measurement part 4,5 Control apparatus 10,60 Automatic analyzer 20 Supply part 21 Standby part 22 Recovery part 23 Conveyance part 23a Rack extrusion apparatus 23b Rack extraction apparatus 24 Identification code reader 25 Rack 25a Sample container 30 Reaction Tank 30a Wheel 30b Reaction vessel 31 Sample dispensing mechanism 31a, 32a, 33a Arm 31b, 32b, 33b Nozzle 31c Pressure sensor 31d, 32c, 33c Cleaning tank 31e Intake / exhaust mechanism 31f Piping 32 First reagent dispensing mechanism 33 Second reagent Injection mechanism 34 First reagent storage 35 Second reagent storage 37 Stirring section 38 Photometry section 38a Light source 38b Light receiving element 39 Washing section 41, 51 Control section 41a Detection section 41b Information addition section 41c Transport control section 51a Nozzle abnormality determination section 51b Abnormal control Part P position

Claims (3)

A supply unit that holds the sample container containing the sample so as to be able to be supplied to the sample aspiration position, and a recovery unit that holds the sample container so that the sample container can be collected; from the supply unit that passes through the sample aspiration position, In an automatic analyzer that includes a transport unit that transports the sample container to the supply unit, and that analyzes the sample dispensed from the sample container to the reaction container by a nozzle at the sample suction position.
Detecting means for detecting clogging of the nozzle;
When the detection unit detects nozzle clogging of the nozzle, the sample container containing the sample in which the nozzle clogging of the nozzle is detected is transported to the recovery unit, and the nozzle clogging of the nozzle is not detected and is to be retested. A control means for controlling the transport means so as to transport a specimen container containing a specimen to the supply unit and perform an automatic retest process;
An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising: When the detection means detects the nozzle clogging, it comprises an addition means for adding additional information indicating that the nozzle clogging has occurred to the information of the sample in which the nozzle clogging has occurred,
The control means transports a sample container containing a sample to which the additional information is attached to the recovery unit, and supplies a sample container to which the additional information is not attached and contains a sample to be retested to the supply unit. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transporting unit is controlled so as to be transported to an automatic retest process. When the detection unit detects the nozzle clogging, an abnormality determination unit that determines whether nozzle clogging has been detected at the time of dispensing a different sample dispensed immediately before;
An abnormality control means for notifying the abnormality of the nozzle and controlling to stop the analysis operation when the abnormality determination means determines that nozzle clogging has been detected at the time of dispensing of a different sample dispensed immediately before; ,
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

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