JP5358336B2 - Automatic analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem wherein, while an inspection engineer operating an automatic analyzer prepares consumables by predicting a replenishment time according to past experience and replenishes them during processing, or replenishes them by recognizing an alarm for informing of shortage of consumables hitherto, a time of shortage cannot be recognized accurately, because consumption of consumables depends on combinations of inspection request items of each specimen. <P>SOLUTION: Concerning this automatic analyzer, in a constitution wherein a plurality of function modules for processing a specimen are connected through a conveyance device, the conveyance device uses a conveyance route calculation means in order to determine a route for conveying the specimen, and the conveyance route calculation means uses at least an inspection request item and a consumables residual amount prediction value. When the consumables residual amount prediction value is smaller than a prescribed value, before consumables become deficient, the effect is reported to an operator, and interruption of inspection is prevented by conveying such a specimen that consumables become deficient to a different function module, to thereby enable continuous inspection. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus configured with a plurality of functional modules, such as an apparatus for pre-processing and post-processing of a biological specimen, and / or an automatic analyzer for analyzing a component of a biological specimen. The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer suitable for preventing processing from being interrupted.

  In clinical laboratories and clinical laboratories in hospitals, with the increase in the number of specimens (samples) to be analyzed, that is, the number of tests, automation of analysis by analyzers has become widespread in order to save labor and improve analysis processing throughput. For example, in Non-Patent Document 1, sample pretreatment is manually performed in advance, and after this sample is put into a state where it can be measured and analyzed by an analyzer, an inspection request item (component) ) Is automatically analyzed, and there is a description of an automatic analyzer that automatically outputs a form of the analysis result.

  In recent years, automatic analyzers have been introduced to meet further automation requirements. This type of device connects the functional modules such as the automatic analyzer and the sample processing device before and after the automatic analyzer, and exchanges the operation parameters between each device, the sample stored in the sample rack, etc. by the device that manages the whole, The process is automated. The apparatus composed of the functional modules processes samples using various consumables such as reagents, detergents, and dispensing tips.

  For example, when dispensing multiple specimens, the specimen processing device does not cause contamination of specimens by mixing different specimens, disposable dispensing tips, sample cups for storing specimens after dispensing, Use the sample rack where the cup will be installed. In addition, automatic analyzers that analyze specimens use dispensing tips for dispensing specimens, reagents filled in dedicated reagent containers, analysis cells that perform analysis reactions, and detergents that wash analysis cells To do.

  Since these consumables must be set in the limited space of the automatic analyzer, a sufficient amount cannot be set, and if a shortage of consumables occurs, the inspection engineer stops the equipment and replenishes it. Must. Traditionally, inspection technicians predict when consumables will be insufficient based on past experience, prepare in advance, and recognize alarms for consumables shortage that occur during analysis processing or when the automatic analyzer detects shortages of consumables I was doing replenishment when I did it. This is because the consumption of the consumables depends on the combination of the inspection request items, and the time when the consumable shortage occurs cannot be accurately predicted.

  In order to solve this problem, the automatic analyzer described in Patent Document 1 uses an estimated amount of remaining reagent based on the actual amount of reagent used in the period required for analysis and the period to be compared, for example, regarding the reagent consumption. Is calculated. In Patent Document 2, the accuracy is further improved by further dividing the day of the week and time into details.

JP 2008-180640 A JP 2008-209329 A

Automatic clinical analysis Koichi Ozawa, published by Kodansha Co., Ltd., pp. 1-58, June 10, 1985

  The calculation of the remaining reagent estimated amount described in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2 is based on prediction based on past results, and the past processing status does not necessarily match the current processing status. It was not possible to accurately calculate the time when the consumables were insufficient. As a result, there is a shortage of consumables at an unexpected time and processing interruptions occur, and additional replenishment must be made after recognizing the shortage of consumables, prolonging the processing interruption period and reducing the processing efficiency of the equipment There was a possibility.

  On the other hand, in order to minimize the interruption of processing, there is an apparatus having a configuration in which a plurality of functional modules having the same function are connected and reagent containers used for the same analysis item are mounted on the plurality of functional modules. In this case, when a shortage of reagents occurs in one functional module, it is transported to another functional module having the same function and equipped with a reagent container used for the same analysis item for analysis. In addition, the reagent can be exchanged by the operator by not transporting the specimen to the functional module in which the reagent shortage has occurred. As a result, even if a reagent shortage occurs, it is possible to cope without causing a processing interruption time. However, even with these devices, it is impossible to accurately predict when the consumables will be short. Therefore, when the specimen arrives at the functional module, the shortage of consumables will be detected and the sample processing will be interrupted by the transported functional module. ， Skip sometimes occurred.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an automatic analyzer that minimizes interruption of processing due to replenishment of consumables, etc., by reliably predicting the timing at which reagent shortage occurs.

  The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

In an automatic analyzer having a plurality of functional modules for processing a sample transported through a transport device, including consumables for processing the sample,
Examination request item information requested from the sample, consumables remaining amount information of consumables installed in the functional module used for processing the examination request item, and unprocessed processing scheduled in the functional module An automatic analyzer comprising: a functional module load degree calculated from the number of examination request items; and a transport path calculating means for determining a functional module for processing the sample from the number of test request items.

  In the present invention, consumables indicate reagents, dispensing tips, sample cups, analysis cells, detergents, etc. used in each functional module.

  The remaining amount information of consumables is a numerical value indicating how many analysis items the consumables mounted in each functional module can process at the current time. The difference between the “predetermined number of processing times” and “the number of processed times and the sum of the number of unprocessed inspection request items scheduled to be processed by the function module” or “remaining consumables” and “one time Thus, it is possible to accurately predict when the consumable shortage will occur. It is desirable that the remaining amount information of consumables is updated to reflect the processing status as processing proceeds.

  Further, it is desirable to memorize how much the processing status has advanced for the specimen. For example, whether or not the reading of the sample ID has been completed, whether or not the analysis item requested for the sample has been performed, whether or not a retest has been requested, whether or not the result has been confirmed including the retest is there. It is desirable that this information is also updated to reflect the progress.

  According to another aspect of the automatic analyzer according to the present invention, when the consumables remaining amount prediction value is smaller than a predetermined value, the operator is notified before the shortage of consumables occurs. Yes.

  According to the present invention, since it is possible to accurately predict when the specimen will run out of consumables before being transported to the functional module, the laboratory technician prepares for consumable supply in advance and minimizes interruption of the test. It can be kept in.

  In addition, since a sample that is short of consumables can be accurately predicted, the sample that is short of consumables can be transported to another functional module, thereby preventing interruption of processing and continuing inspection.

It is the schematic which shows the whole structure of the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the sampler part of the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the function module structure of the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention. It is a functional block diagram of the operation part with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped. It is an information structure figure of the reagent information storage part of the function of the operation part with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped. It is an information structure figure of the sample information storage part of the function of the operation part with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of the present invention was equipped. It is a processing flowchart of the conveyance path | route calculation means with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped. It is an example of notification when the consumable shortage with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped occurred. It is the information of the sample process state flag with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped. It is the information of the inspection request item process state flag with which the automatic analyzer which is one Example of this invention was equipped.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows the configuration of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a sampler unit 100 for loading and storing a sample rack, a rack transport unit 200 for transporting a sample rack between the sampler unit and each functional module, and a rack transport unit 200 are disposed along the rack transport unit 200. The function modules 400a and 400b, which are paired with the buffer units 300a and 300b and the buffer units 300a and 300b for temporarily transferring the sample rack to and from the buffer unit 300 and placed on the right side of the buffer unit, the buffer An example is shown of a system comprising functional modules 500 arranged on the left side of the unit 300a. These operate according to commands from the operation unit 600.

  FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the sampler unit 100.

  The sampler unit 100 includes a loading unit 101 for loading a sample rack into the system, a storage unit 102 for removing the sample rack from the system, a loading rack moving unit 103 for transporting the sample rack from the loading unit to the rack transporting unit 200, A rack ID identification unit 104 for identifying the ID of the sample rack, confirmation of whether a sample container is installed on the sample rack, a sample container height detecting unit 105 for detecting the height of the sample container, and a sample rack A sample ID identification unit 106 for identifying a sample ID attached to a constructed sample container, a storage rack moving unit 107 for moving a sample rack from the rack transport unit 200 to the storage unit 102, an emergency sample rack, or a book Sample labels from the sample transport system connected upstream of the system And a urgent sample supplying portion 108 for inputting click on the system.

  The sample rack installed on the input unit 101 is transported to the input rack moving unit 103 by the input lever 109. The input rack moving unit 103 moves the sample rack moved from the input unit to the position of the rack ID identification unit 104 and reads the rack ID, and then moves to the sample container height detection unit 105. The sample container height detection unit 105 checks whether or not a sample container is installed at each position of the sample rack and detects the height of the sample container. Thereafter, the sample rack is moved to the sample ID reading position, and the sample ID is read by the sample ID identification unit 106. Based on the sample rack ID and the sample ID information, necessary processing for the sample rack is determined, and a functional module as a transport destination is determined. The input rack moving unit 103 moves the sample rack to the rack transport unit 200 after the function module of the transport destination of the sample rack is determined.

  The sample transport system connected to the emergency sample rack or the upstream side of the sampler unit is loaded into the sampler unit 100 from the emergency sample loading unit 108. The sample rack input from the emergency sample input unit 108 is subjected to processing such as rack ID identification, determination of the presence / absence of a sample container, and sample ID identification in the same manner as the sample rack input from the input unit 101 described above. And moved to the rack transport unit 200.

  The sample rack that has undergone the necessary processing in each functional module is transported to the front of the storage unit 102 by the storage rack moving unit 107 and stored in the storage unit 102 by the storage lever 110.

  The rack transport unit 200 in FIG. 1 includes two rack transport lanes, that is, a feed lane 201 for transporting a sample rack from the sampler unit 100 to each functional module 400a, 400b, and a sample rack from each functional module 400a, 400b to the sampler unit 100. Return lane 202 is provided.

  FIG. 3 shows an example of the functional module. The functional module 400 includes a reagent cool box 407 in which the reagent container 408 is installed, a reaction disk 405 in which the reaction container 406 is installed, a sample dispensing mechanism 404 that dispenses the sample in the reagent container 408 into the reaction container 406, A reagent dispensing mechanism 409 for dispensing the reagent in the reagent container 408 into the reaction container 406, an agitation mechanism 410 for stirring the sample in the reaction container 406, and a photometer that reads the absorbance of the target component in the reaction container 406 or changes thereof. 411 and a cleaning mechanism 412 for cleaning the used reaction vessel 406 and the like. The reagent cool box 407 is provided with two openings 413 for the reagent dispensing mechanism 409 to suck the reagent in the reagent container 408.

  FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the operation unit 600. The operation unit 600 has functions such as operation of the automatic analyzer, registration of reagent information, registration of examination request items, output of operation instruction signals to the automatic analyzer, and collection of various data from the automatic analyzer. The operation unit 600 includes an operation device 610 such as a keyboard and a pointing device, a control device 620 that is a main body, and a display unit 630.

  Next, an implementation flow of the invention using these is shown. The operation unit 600 uses the operation device 610 to input reagent information for each reagent container from the input unit 621 and stores the reagent information in the reagent information storage unit 622. The reagent information for each reagent container may be input from the input unit 621 from the external system 640 and stored in the reagent information storage unit 622. Further, in the operation unit 600, sample information for each sample is registered from the input unit 621 using the operation device 610 and stored in the sample information storage unit 624.

  FIG. 5 shows the contents of the reagent information storage unit 622. In the reagent information storage unit 622, a reagent container code 6221, a reagent lot number 6222, a test request item name 6223, a test request item code 6224, a sample amount 6225, an analysis reaction time 6226, and a process are available for analysis using a reagent. There are 6227 times. When the reagent container is set in the reagent cool box 407 of the functional module 400, the reagent container code is read in the reagent cool box 407. The function module number of the functional module that has read the reagent container code of the reagent, the reagent cold storage number in which the reagent is set, and the position of the reagent in the reagent cold storage are input from the input unit 621 together with the reagent container code. And stored in the module number 6228 of the reagent information that matches the reagent container code 6221 of the reagent information storage unit 622.

  The processable count 6227 represents the remaining count that can be processed using the reagent. When a series of operations are performed in which the reagent dispensing mechanism 409 sucks the reagent from the reagent container 408 set in the reagent cool box 407 and discharges the reagent to the reaction container 406 on the reaction disk 405, the information is input to the input unit. It is input from 621 and stored in the reagent information storage unit 622 via the calculation unit 623. In the calculation unit 623, the processable number 6227 is subtracted according to a series of operations, and the processable number 6227 in the reagent information storage unit 622 is always the latest information.

  FIG. 6 shows the contents of the sample information storage unit 624. The sample information storage unit 624 includes a sample ID 6241, an inspection request item code 6242, a transport path 6243, and the like. The sample ID 6241 holds a sample processing state flag, and the examination request item code 6242 further holds an examination request item processing state flag processing state. Here, the sample processing state flag is set to “1” when the sample ID is read by the sample ID identification unit 106 and exists in the rack transport unit 200, for example. FIG. 9 shows information of the sample processing state flag that is set to “9” when the processing in the module is completed and stored in the storage unit 102.

  Sample information for each sample may be input from the external system 640 through the input unit 621 and stored in the sample information storage unit 624. The external system 640 includes a clinical test system and a system for maintenance of this apparatus, and uses communication means such as RS-232C and Ethernet (registered trademark). In some cases, portable recording media such as CD-R, DVD-R, and USB memory may be used.

  As the inspection request item processing state flag, for example, “1” is set when the dispensing mechanism 404 dispenses, and “2” is set when the inspection result is output. An example of the inspection request item processing state flag in the present embodiment is shown in FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a processing flow of the conveyance path calculation means, which is a feature of the present invention.

  For the sample processing state flag of the sample ID 6241, that is, the sample inserted into the apparatus (step S701), the transport path calculating means is equivalent to the number of functional modules installed (between step S702 and step S707). It is checked whether there are any inspection request items to be processed by the module (step S703). If there is an inspection request item to be processed by any module, the module is checked using the consumables remaining amount prediction value (step S704).

  When the estimated amount of consumable reagent remaining (step S704) is less than 1 when the sample is transported and analyzed, the display control unit 625 generates a message indicating that a reagent shortage occurs and outputs it. The message is displayed on the display unit 630 using the unit 626 and notified to the operator (step S706).

  If the predicted value of the remaining amount of consumable reagent is 1 or more, it is determined that the sample is to be processed by this functional module, and a module number is set in the transport path 6243 corresponding to the corresponding sample ID 6241 (step S705). As described above, based on the sample ID information, the functional module that is the transport destination for the sample rack and its transport path are determined. At this time, a case where the transport path is determined in consideration of the degree of load of the functional module may be considered. The function module load level means that the sample dispensing mechanism 404 collects samples in the empty number of reaction containers 406 that can be analyzed immediately and the samples mounted on the rack transport unit 200 and the sample rack 402 existing in the function module. The total number of specimens or / and the number of examination request items for each specimen is calculated.

  FIG. 8 shows a notification message confirmation dialog 800 when notifying the operator that a reagent shortage occurs in step S706. The operator is warned of the lack of reagents, and other than the function module (module 1) for which the estimated remaining amount of consumables for the reagent is calculated to be less than 1, this function module (module 2) is loaded with the same reagent. Notify that the specimen is to be transported. At this time, if the operator indicates the position on the reagent disk where the reagent whose consumables remaining amount is predicted is mounted or the rack whose function module to be transported has been changed, the operator immediately prepares for reagent replacement. And whether or not the function module needs to be changed. When the operator confirms the contents, the operator presses a confirmation button 801. In this embodiment, the consumables remaining amount prediction value is 1 as a threshold value. However, it is desirable that the threshold value is appropriately changed according to the usage mode of the apparatus.

  Next, a method for calculating the consumable item remaining amount prediction value will be described.

  As the first step, the consumables remaining amount prediction value is set such that the test request item processing state flag 6242 is 0 (that is, the sample processing state flag 6242 is 0 for each sample stored in the sample information storage unit 624). The number of specimens that have already been put into the apparatus and have not been tested is calculated for each test request item (A).

  As a second step, the examination request item code 6242 for each specimen ID 6241 and the module number stored as the transport path 6243 are referred to, the examination item code 6224 identical to the examination request item code 6242, and the same module No. Look for reagent container code 6221 with. The value obtained by subtracting (A) from the processable number of times 6227 stored in the corresponding reagent container code 6221 is the consumables remaining amount prediction value. The consumables remaining amount prediction value of 1 indicates that the possible number of processes is one.

  The input rack moving unit 103 moves the sample rack to the rack transport unit 200 after the transport destination of the sample rack is determined, and processing is performed according to the transport path 6243 determined thereafter.

  In the present embodiment, the remaining amount management of the reagent is mainly described. However, the present invention is not limited to the reagent, and can be applied to, for example, a cleaning reagent or a dispensing tip as long as it is a consumable used in an automatic analyzer. It is.

100 Sampler Unit 101 Input Unit 102 Storage Unit 103 Input Rack Moving Unit 104 Rack ID Identification Unit 105 Sample Container Height Detection Unit 106 Sample ID Identification Unit 107 Storage Rack Movement Unit 108 Emergency Sample Input Unit 109 Input Lever 110 Storage Lever 200 Rack Transport Unit 201 Feed lane 202 Return lane 300 Buffer unit 400, 500 Function module 402 Sample rack 403 Sample container 404 Sample dispensing mechanism 405 Reaction disk 406 Reaction container 407 Reagent cold storage 408 Reagent container 409 Reagent dispensing mechanism 410 Stirring mechanism 411 Photometer 412 Cleaning mechanism 413 Opening 600 Operation unit 610 Operation device 620 Control device 621 Input unit 622 Reagent information storage unit 623 Calculation unit 624 Sample information storage unit 625 Display control 626 output unit 630 display unit 640 external system 800 notification message confirmation dialog 801 confirmation button

Claims (6)

In an automatic analyzer having a plurality of functional modules for processing a sample transported through a transport device, including consumables for processing the sample,
A sample ID identifying unit for identifying a sample ID of a sample transported by the transport device;
Information on the inspection request item requested for the specimen ,
Obtained by calculating the number of specimens that have not been tested among the specimens identified by the specimen ID identification unit for each examination request item, and subtracting that number from the number of consumables that can be processed corresponding to the examination request item. , Consumables remaining amount prediction information of consumables installed in the functional module used for processing the sample ,
Functional module load degree calculated from the number of unprocessed inspection request items scheduled to be processed by the functional module ;
And a transfer path calculating means for determining a functional module for processing the sample from the automatic analyzer. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
With the progress of sample processing in the functional module,
An automatic analyzer comprising: a storage unit that updates and stores in which state the sample has been placed in the automatic analyzer until the end of processing. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein
The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the transport route calculation means calculates a route for transporting the sample to a functional module that processes the sample at the time when the examination request item information is registered. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1 , wherein
An automatic analyzer comprising notification means for notifying an operator when the consumable item remaining amount prediction information is smaller than a preset threshold value. The automatic analyzer according to claim 4 ,
The notification means includes at least a name of a consumable item to be insufficient, a name of a functional module in which the shortage of the consumable item occurs, a position of the functional module, a position in the functional module in which the consumable item is set, and a shortage of the consumable item. An automatic analyzer characterized by notifying information including time to occur or time until shortage occurs. In the automatic analyzer in any one of Claims 1-5 ,
The automatic analysis apparatus, wherein the consumable includes at least a dispensing tip, a sample cup, a sample rack, a reagent, and a detergent.

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