JP6979054B2 - Specimen analyzer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sample analyzer that analyzes a sample prepared by mixing a sample and a reagent.

A sample analyzer for analyzing a sample prepared by mixing a sample and a reagent is known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a blood coagulation measuring device. In this blood coagulation measuring device, a sample container containing a sample is conveyed by a rack, and the sample contained in the sample container is dispensed into a cuvette. The cuvette into which the sample is dispensed is transferred to the heating table unit. The cuvette in the heating table unit is transferred to the detection unit by the third catcher unit after the reagent is dispensed. The detection unit makes optical measurements on the sample contained in the cuvette. The cuvette containing the sample for which the measurement has been completed is dropped into the waste hole by the third catcher unit.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2010-133920

In such a sample analyzer, it is desired to keep the installation area small.

A main aspect of the present invention relates to a sample analyzer. Sample analyzer according to the present embodiment is installed on the base that spread in the horizontal direction, spread the reagent container containing a reagent used for analysis of the sample and multiple reagent which can be installed table, in the horizontal direction opposite the base A support part located above the suction position for sucking the reagent from the reagent container on the reagent table and the discharge position for discharging the reagent to the reaction container, and the reagent dispensing part for dispensing the reagent. , A detection unit that detects signals for analysis from measurement samples prepared from samples and reagents dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit, and a control unit that analyzes samples based on the signals detected by the detection unit. And. The reagent dispensing section is supported with respect to the above-mentioned surface of the support section. The reagent dispensing section includes a pipette for dispensing reagents and a horizontal transfer section for moving the pipette in a horizontal direction between a suction position and a discharge position.

According to the present invention, the installation area of the sample analyzer can be kept small.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an outline configuration of a sample analyzer according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the sample analyzer according to the embodiment. FIG. 3A is a side view of the cross section of the reaction vessel according to the embodiment. 3 (b) and 3 (c) are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the transfer unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 4A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the transfer unit according to the embodiment. 4 (b) and 4 (c) are diagrams schematically showing the configuration of the vicinity of the arm portion of the transfer portion according to the embodiment, respectively. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the configuration of the reaction vessel storage unit and the reaction vessel supply unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing the configuration of the reaction vessel supply unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configurations of the reagent dispensing section, the reagent table, the support section, and the base according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration in the vicinity of the heating table according to the embodiment. FIG. 8A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the light irradiation unit according to the embodiment. FIG. 8B is a view of the filter unit as viewed from the light incident side. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the detection unit according to the embodiment cut along a plane parallel to the YZ plane. FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the detection unit according to the embodiment cut along a plane parallel to the XX plane. FIG. 10A is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of the housing according to the embodiment. FIG. 10B is a schematic view of the configuration of the housing according to the embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a measurement unit and a configuration of an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a transfer route of the reaction vessel according to the embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a transfer route of the reaction vessel according to the embodiment.

The sample analyzer of the embodiment irradiates a measurement sample prepared by adding a reagent to the sample, and the obtained transmitted light or scattered light is coagulated, synthetic substrate method, immunoturbidimetric method or aggregation. It is a blood coagulation analyzer that analyzes the coagulation ability of blood by analyzing it by the method. The specimen analyzed in the embodiment is plasma or serum isolated from blood.

An outline of the sample analyzer of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 1, the XYZ axes are orthogonal to each other, the positive direction of the X axis corresponds to the left direction, the positive direction of the Y axis corresponds to the rear direction, and the positive direction of the Z axis corresponds to the vertical downward direction. In other figures, the XYZ axes are set in the same manner as in FIG.

The sample analyzer 10 includes a heating table 11, a reagent dispensing unit 12, a detection unit 13, a first transfer unit 14, a second transfer unit 15, a first disposal transfer unit 16, and a second disposal. The transfer unit 17, the first sample transfer unit 18, the second sample transfer unit 19, the sample dispensing unit 20, the reagent table 21, the disposal unit 22, the transfer unit 23, and the control unit 24. Be prepared. The first transfer unit 14, the second transfer unit 15, the first disposal transfer unit 16, and the second disposal transfer unit 17 include a catcher for gripping the reaction vessel 33 and a mechanism for driving the catcher.

The transport unit 23 transports the sample rack 31 holding the sample container 32. The sample dispensing unit 20 sucks the sample contained in the sample container 32 and discharges the sucked sample into the reaction container 33. The first sample transfer unit 18 and the second sample transfer unit 19 transfer the reaction vessel 33 into which the sample has been dispensed to the heating table 11.

The heating table 11 includes a holding hole 11a and a heater 11b. The holding hole 11a holds the reaction vessel 33 transferred by the first sample transfer unit 18 or the second sample transfer unit 19. The heater 11b heats the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 11a to 37 ° C. The time during which the reaction vessel 33 is heated by the heating table 11 is determined for each measurement item in order to obtain accurate measurement results in the detection unit 13. When, for example, Thrombocheck (registered trademark) PT Plus manufactured by Sysmex Corporation is used in the measurement item PT, the heating time is 3 minutes. In the measurement item APTT, for example, when Thrombocheck (registered trademark) APTT manufactured by Sysmex Corporation is used, the heating time is 3 minutes. In the measurement item D-dimer, for example, when Rias Auto (registered trademark) D-dimer Neo manufactured by Sysmex Corporation is used, the heating time is 3 minutes.

The reagent dispensing unit 12 includes a first reagent dispensing section 12a and a second reagent dispensing section 12b. The first reagent dispensing unit 12a sucks the reagent from the reagent container 34 held in the reagent table 21, and the sucked reagent is collected from the heating table 11 by the first transfer unit 14 in the first region 13e of the detection unit 13. Discharge to the reaction vessel 33 at a predetermined position where the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the first holding portion 13a. The second reagent dispensing unit 12b sucks the reagent from the reagent container 34 held in the reagent table 21, and the sucked reagent is transferred from the heating table 11 to the second region 13f of the detection unit 13 by the second transfer unit 15. The reaction vessel 33 is discharged to the reaction vessel 33 at a predetermined position where the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the second holding portion 13c.

When it is necessary to dispense the reagent to the reaction vessel 33 heated by the heating table 11 based on the measurement items, the first reagent dispensing section 12a and the second reagent dispensing section 12b further use the reagents. The corresponding reagent is sucked from the reagent container 34 held on the table 21, and the sucked reagent is dispensed into the reaction container 33 heated by the heating table 11.

The detection unit 13 has a plurality of first holding units 13a and a plurality of first detection units 13b provided corresponding to the plurality of first holding units 13a, respectively. Further, the detection unit 13 has a plurality of second holding units 13c and a plurality of second detecting units 13d provided corresponding to the plurality of second holding units 13c, respectively. The first holding unit 13a and the first detecting unit 13b are arranged parallel to the X axis on the positive side of the Y axis of the detection unit 13. The second holding unit 13c and the second detecting unit 13d are arranged parallel to the X axis on the negative side of the Y axis of the detection unit 13. The first holding unit 13a and the first detection unit 13b are arranged in the first region 13e on the positive side of the Y axis of the detection unit 13, and the second holding unit 13c and the second detection unit 13d are negative on the Y axis of the detection unit 13. It is arranged in the second region 13f on the side.

The first region 13e and the second region 13f do not necessarily have to extend in the X-axis direction as shown in FIG. 1. For example, each region in which the holding portion and the detecting portion are arranged is divided into two in the X-axis direction. May be set in the first region 13e and the second region 13f. The first region 13e and the second region 13f may be set in other layouts.

The first holding unit 13a and the second holding unit 13c have the same configuration as each other, and the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d have the same configuration as each other. The first detection unit 13b detects a signal for analysis from the measurement sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the first holding unit 13a. The second detection unit 13d detects a signal for analysis from the measurement sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the second holding unit 13c.

The first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d irradiate the side surfaces of the reaction vessel 33 held by the first holding unit 13a and the second holding unit 13c with light, respectively, and detect the transmitted light or the scattered light. It receives light with a device and outputs a detection signal according to the amount of received light. The detection signal is output to the second control unit 24b of the control unit 24. The first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d each irradiate the reaction vessel 33 with light of several wavelengths in a time-division manner, and output a detection signal for the light of each wavelength to the second control unit 24b. do. Both the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d are configured to be able to measure all the measurement items performed by the sample analyzer 10. Since the change in the reaction that occurs in the measurement sample in the reaction vessel 33 differs depending on the sample, the time required to complete the measurement also differs depending on the sample.

The first transfer unit 14 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 11a of the heating table 11 to any one of the plurality of first holding parts 13a included in the first region 13e of the detection unit 13. .. The second transfer unit 15 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 11a of the heating table 11 to any one of the plurality of second holding parts 13c included in the second region 13f of the detection unit 13. .. That is, the first transfer unit 14 is used for transferring the reaction vessel 33 to the first region 13e, and the second transfer unit 15 is used for transferring the reaction vessel 33 to the second region 13f.

In the detection unit 13, the reaction vessel 33 whose measurement has been completed is discarded by the first disposal transfer unit 16 or the second disposal transfer unit 17 at any time. The first disposal transfer unit 16 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to be disposed of held in the first holding unit 13a of the first region 13e to the disposal unit 22. The second disposal transfer unit 17 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to be disposed of held in the second holding unit 13c of the second region 13f to the disposal unit 22. The first disposal transfer unit 16 and the second disposal transfer unit 17 can transfer the reaction vessel 33 to be disposed of in the detection unit 13 to the disposal unit 22 in parallel.

The first sample transfer unit 18 and the second sample transfer unit 19 transfer the reaction vessel 33 to which the sample has been dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 20 to the heating table 11 as described above. The sample dispensing unit 20 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 at a predetermined position on the transport path of the transport unit 23, and dispenses the sucked sample into the reaction container 33. The reagent table 21 holds a reagent container 34 containing various reagents used for measurement. The disposal unit 22 includes a disposal port. The measured reaction vessel 33 transferred by the first disposal transfer unit 16 and the second disposal transfer unit 17 is dropped into the disposal port of the disposal unit 22.

The control unit 24 includes a first control unit 24a and a second control unit 24b. The first control unit 24a controls a mechanism for measuring the measurement sample in the sample analyzer 10. The second control unit 24b analyzes the sample in the reaction vessel 33 based on the signals detected by the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d.

As described above, the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d output the detection signal obtained from the measurement sample when irradiated with light of several wavelengths, respectively, to the second control unit 24b. The second control unit 24b analyzes the sample based on the coagulation method, the synthetic substrate method, the immunoturbidimetry method or the agglutination method based on the acquired detection signal for each wavelength.

For example, in the coagulation time method, the measurement sample is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 660 nm, and the time when fibrinogen is converted to fibrin is analyzed by detecting the transmitted light or scattered light from the measurement sample with a photodetector. The measurement items of the coagulation time method include PT (prothrombin time), APTT (activated partial thromboplastin time) and Fbg (fibrinogen amount). Further, in the synthetic substrate method, the measurement sample is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 405 nm, and the transmitted light or scattered light from the measurement sample is detected by a photodetector. The measurement items of the synthetic substrate method include ATIII, α2-PI (α2-plasmin inhibitor), PLG (plasminogen) and the like. Further, in the immunoturbidimetry method, light having a wavelength of 800 nm is applied to the measurement sample, and transmitted light or scattered light from the measurement sample is detected by a photodetector. Measurement items of the immunoturbidimetry method include D-dimer and FDP. Further, in the platelet aggregation method, the measurement sample is irradiated with light having a wavelength of 575 nm, and the transmitted light or scattered light from the measurement sample is detected by a photodetector.

For example, the second control unit 24b calculates the absorbance of the measurement sample based on the detection signals output from the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d, and the time until the calculated absorbance exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Is calculated as the coagulation time of the measurement sample. Instead of the absorbance, the turbidity may be obtained from the detection signal, and the time until the turbidity exceeds a predetermined threshold value may be calculated as the coagulation time of the sample. Further, the time until the detection signals output from the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d exceed a predetermined threshold value may be calculated as the coagulation time of the measurement sample.

The reagent dispensing unit 12 sucks the reagent corresponding to the measurement item of the sample contained in the reaction vessel 33 from the reagent vessel 34 held in the reagent table 21, and dispenses the sucked reagent into the reaction vessel 33.

For example, when measuring the measurement item APTT based on the coagulation time method, the reagent dispensing unit 12 sucks the first reagent from the reagent container 34 containing the first reagent containing a phospholipid and an activator. The aspirated first reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 33 heated by the heating table 11. In this way, the first reagent is mixed with the sample. Then, when the reaction vessel 33 is transferred from the heating table 11 to the detection unit 13, the reagent dispensing unit 12 transfers the second reagent from another reagent vessel 34 containing the second reagent containing a calcium salt. Aspirate and dispense the aspirated second reagent into the reaction vessel 33. In this way, the second reagent is mixed with the sample.

When measuring the measurement item PT based on the coagulation time method, the reagent dispensing unit 12 sucks the reagent from the reagent container 34 containing the reagent containing tissue factor and calcium salt, and adds the sucked reagent. Dispense into the reaction vessel 33 transferred from the temperature table 11 to the detection unit 13. In this case, when the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the heating table 11, the reagent is not dispensed into the reaction vessel 33. In this way, the reagent containing tissue factor and calcium salt is mixed with the sample.

The detection unit 13 thus acquires a detection signal as described above from the measurement sample in which the reagent corresponding to the measurement item APTT or the measurement item PT is mixed, and outputs the detection signal to the second control unit 24b. As described above, the second control unit 24b analyzes the time for which fibrinogen is converted to fibrin for the sample based on the detection signal supplied from the detection unit 13, and acquires the analysis result.

In the analysis based on the coagulation time method, it takes time to measure because it is necessary to wait for the coagulation of the measurement sample. Generally, in the analysis based on the coagulation time method, the reaction vessel 33 is held by the first holding unit 13a or the second holding unit 13c for about several minutes, and the detection by the first detection unit 13b or the second detection unit 13d is continued. There is a need. Therefore, the reaction vessel 33 tends to stay in the detection unit 13.

Further, also in the heating table 11, it takes time to heat because it is necessary to wait for the measurement sample to rise to a predetermined temperature. Generally, in the heating table 11, it is necessary to keep the reaction vessel 33 in the holding hole 11a of the heating table 11 for about several minutes until the heating of the measurement sample is completed. Therefore, the reaction vessel 33 tends to stay in the heating table 11.

In the sample analyzer 10 of the embodiment, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred from the heating table 11 to the detection unit 13 in parallel by the first transfer unit 14 and the second transfer unit 15. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reaction vessel 33 to be transferred from the heating table 11 to the detection unit 13 to be in a transfer waiting state, and the holding hole 11a of the heating table 11 is used to receive the next reaction vessel 33. Therefore, it can be released promptly. Therefore, the processing capacity of the sample analyzer 10 can be improved.

The time during which the reaction vessel 33 is heated by the heating table 11 is determined for each measurement item in order to obtain accurate measurement results in the detection unit 13. In order to accurately heat the reaction vessel 33 according to the measurement item, it is necessary to transfer the reaction vessel 33 from the holding hole 11a of the heating table 11 in a timely manner. According to the sample analyzer 10, since a plurality of transfer units, that is, a first transfer unit 14 and a second transfer unit 15, are provided for transferring the reaction vessel 33 from the heating table 11, the heating table 11 is provided. The reaction vessel 33 can be transferred from the above in a timely manner. This facilitates the realization of an accurate heating time.

Further, particularly in the coagulation time method, the immunoturbidimetry method and the platelet aggregation method, changes in the reaction occurring in the measurement sample are detected, so that the time until the measurement is completed differs depending on the sample. Therefore, it is difficult to accurately predict how long the reaction vessel 33 needs to be held in the first holding portion 13a and the second holding portion 13c of the detection unit 13. Therefore, for any sample, the reaction vessel 33 is held in the holding portion only for the time when the measurement is substantially completed, and the reaction vessel 33 tends to stay in the detection unit 13. However, according to the sample analyzer 10, since a plurality of transfer units, that is, a first transfer unit 14 and a second transfer unit 15, are provided in order to transfer the reaction vessel 33 to the detection unit 13, the detection unit 13 is provided. The reaction vessel 33 can be quickly transferred to the open holding portion of the. Thereby, the processing capacity of the sample analyzer 10 can be improved.

Both the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d are configured to be able to measure all the measurement items performed by the sample analyzer 10. As a result, regardless of the measurement item, the detection unit 13 can receive the reaction vessel 33, so that the processing capacity of the sample analyzer 10 can be improved.

Further, since the heating table 11 is common to the first transfer unit 14 and the second transfer unit 15, a heating table is individually arranged for each of the first transfer unit 14 and the second transfer unit 15. Compared to the case, the layout of each part can be aggregated. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the installation area of the sample analyzer 10.

Further, since the first transfer unit 14 and the second transfer unit 15 are associated with the first region 13e and the second region 13f, respectively, each transfer unit can be smoothly controlled.

Further, the first disposal transfer unit 16 and the second disposal transfer unit 17 can transfer the reaction vessel 33 to be disposed of in the detection unit 13 to the disposal unit 22 in parallel. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the reaction vessel 33 waiting for disposal from remaining in the detection unit 13, and the first holding portion 13a and the second holding portion 13c of the detection unit 13 can be quickly moved to receive the next reaction vessel 33. Can be opened. As a result, the transfer of the reaction vessel 33 to the detection unit 13 can proceed smoothly. Therefore, the processing capacity of the sample analyzer 10 can be improved.

Further, the reaction vessel 33 into which the sample is dispensed is transferred to the heating table 11 in parallel by the first sample transfer unit 18 and the second sample transfer unit 19. Therefore, the reaction vessel 33 in which the sample is dispensed from the sample vessel 32 can be efficiently transferred to the heating table 11. Therefore, the processing capacity of the sample analyzer 10 can be improved.

The number of transfer units for transferring the reaction vessel 33 from the heating table 11 to the detection unit 13 does not necessarily have to be two, but may be three or more. The number of transfer units for transferring the reaction vessel 33 from the detection unit 13 to the disposal unit 22 does not necessarily have to be two, but may be one or three or more. The number of reagent dispensing units equipped in the reagent dispensing unit 12 is not limited to two, and may be one or three or more. The number of transfer units for transferring the reaction vessel 33 to which the sample has been dispensed by the sample dispensing unit 20 to the heating table 11 does not necessarily have to be two.

<Specific configuration example>
Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the sample analyzer of the embodiment will be described.

In the following configuration example, the detection unit is divided into two detection units and arranged at different positions. Further, the transfer unit for transferring the reaction vessel from the heating table to the detection unit is shared by the transfer unit for transferring the reaction vessel from the detection unit to the disposal unit. For convenience, in the following, the reagent dispensed into the reaction vessel when transferred from the heating table to the detection unit is referred to as "trigger reagent", and is dispensed into the reaction vessel when heated by the heating table. Reagents are referred to as "adjusting reagents". The trigger reagent is a reagent for initiating a reaction with respect to a sample, and the adjusting reagent is a reagent for promoting a reaction with a trigger reagent.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample analyzer 100 includes a measuring unit 101, a transport unit 102, and an information processing device 103.

The transport unit 102 corresponds to the transport unit 23 in FIG. The transport unit 102 includes a rack set unit 111, a rack transport unit 112, a rack recovery unit 113, and a bar code reader 114. The rack set unit 111 and the rack recovery unit 113 are connected to the right end and the left end of the rack transport unit 112, respectively. The bar code reader 114 is located behind the rack transport unit 112 and is configured to be movable in the left-right direction.

The user installs the sample rack 31 in which the sample container 32 is set in the rack set unit 111. A barcode is affixed to the sample rack 31 and the sample container 32. The transport unit 102 feeds the sample rack 31 installed in the rack set unit 111 to the right end of the rack transport unit 112, and further to the front of the barcode reader 114. The bar code reader 114 reads the bar code attached to the sample rack 31 and further reads the bar code attached to the sample container 32. The barcode of the sample rack 31 holds identification information for identifying the sample rack 31, and the barcode of the sample container 32 holds the identification information for identifying the sample contained in the sample container 32. ing. The read identification information is transmitted to the information processing apparatus 103 for acquisition of measurement items for the sample.

After that, the transport unit 102 transports the sample rack 31 and sequentially positions the sample container 32 at the sample suction position 121 or the sample suction position 122. The sample is sucked from the sample container 32 at the sample suction positions 121 and 122. When the suction of the sample to all the sample containers 32 held in the sample rack 31 is completed, the transport unit 102 transports the sample rack 31 to the rack collection unit 113.

The measuring unit 101 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 at the sample suction positions 121 and 122, mixes the reagent with the sucked sample, and performs measurement.

The measuring unit 101 includes a sample dispensing unit 130, 140, a transfer unit 150, 160, a heating table 170, a reagent table 180, a reaction vessel table 190, a barcode reader 200, and a reaction vessel storage unit 210. , The reaction vessel supply unit 220, the transfer unit 230, the reagent dispensing units 240 and 250, the transfer unit 260 and 270, the detection units 280 and 290, the disposal ports 301 and 302, and the disposal unit 303. ..

The sample dispensing units 130 and 140 each constitute the sample dispensing unit 20 of FIG. 1. The sample dispensing unit 130 sucks and discharges a sample via the pipette 131, a swivel arm 132 provided with the pipette 131 at the end, a driving unit (not shown) for driving the arm 132, and a pipette 131. Not shown for pumps and. Similarly, the sample dispensing unit 140 sucks the sample via the pipette 141, the arm 142 having the pipette 141 at the end and swivel, a driving unit (not shown) for driving the arm 142, and the pipette 141. And a pump (not shown) for discharging.

The sample dispensing unit 130 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 located at the sample suction position 121, and discharges the sucked sample into the new reaction container 33 held in the reaction container table 190. The sample dispensing unit 140 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 located at the sample suction position 122 or the reaction container 33 held in the reaction container table 190, and the sucked sample is held in the transfer units 150 and 160. Discharge to the reaction vessel 33.

The transfer units 150 and 160 correspond to the first sample transfer unit 18 and the second sample transfer unit 19 in FIG. 1, respectively. The transfer portions 150 and 160 are configured to be movable in the front-rear direction along the rail. The transfer portions 150 and 160 are provided with holding holes for holding the reaction vessel 33.

The transfer unit 150 holds the new reaction vessel 33 in the holding hole and positions the reaction vessel 33 at the first sample discharge position 151. As will be described later, the transfer unit 230 sets the new reaction vessel 33 for the transfer unit 150. When the sample is discharged by the sample dispensing unit 140 to the reaction container 33 located at the first sample discharge position 151, the transfer unit 150 transfers the reaction container 33 to the rear and near the left side of the heating table 170. Position. The transfer unit 173 of the heating table 170 transfers the reaction vessel 33 located near the left side of the heating table 170 to the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170.

Similarly, the transfer unit 160 holds the new reaction vessel 33 in the holding hole and positions the reaction vessel 33 at the second sample discharge position 161. As will be described later, the transfer unit 260 sets the new reaction vessel 33 for the transfer unit 160. When the sample is discharged by the sample dispensing unit 140 to the reaction vessel 33 positioned at the second sample ejection position 161, the transfer unit 160 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the rear and near the right side of the heating table 170. Position. The transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 located near the right side of the heating table 170 to the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170.

In this way, since the reaction vessel 33 can be transferred to the heating table 170 by the transfer units 150 and 160, the processing is compared with the case where the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the heating table 170 by either of the transfer units 150 and 160. You can improve your ability.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the reaction vessel 33 is a cuvette. The reaction vessel 33 includes a circumferential body portion 33a having an opening at the top and a flange portion 33b provided on the upper portion of the body portion 33a. The body portion 33a has a smaller diameter at the lower portion than at the upper portion.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the transfer unit 150 has a holder 152 having two holding holes 152a for holding the reaction vessel 33, a rail 153 for guiding the holder 152, and a belt connected to the holder 152. It includes 154 and a motor 155 that drives the belt 154. In FIG. 3B, the holder 152 is shown in cross-sectional view for convenience. The holding hole 152a has a diameter into which the lower portion of the reaction vessel 33 fits. The rail 153 is provided along the transfer direction of the reaction vessel 33. The belt 154 is arranged parallel to the rail 153. The belt 154 is hung on the drive shaft and the pulley of the motor 155. The lower end of the holder 152 is attached to the belt 154. By driving the belt 154 by the motor 155, the holder 152 is guided by the rail 153 and transferred. As a result, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the transfer unit 160 has the same configuration as the transfer unit 150. The transfer unit 160 includes a holder 162 having two holding holes 162a for holding the reaction vessel 33, a rail 163 for guiding the holder 162, a belt 164 connected to the holder 162, and a motor 165 for driving the belt 164. And have. In FIG. 3 (c), the holder 162 is shown in cross-sectional view for convenience.

Returning to FIG. 2, the heating table 170 adds a plurality of holding holes 171 for holding each of the plurality of reaction vessels 33 containing the sample, and a plurality of reaction vessels 33 respectively held in the plurality of holding holes 171. It has a heater 172 for heating and a transfer unit 173 for transferring the reaction vessel 33. The heating table 170, the holding hole 171 and the heater 172 correspond to the heating table 11, the holding hole 11a and the heater 11b of FIG. 1, respectively.

The heating table 170 has a circular contour in a plan view and is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. When the heating table 170 rotates in the circumferential direction, the plurality of holding holes 171 are transferred in the circumferential direction. The heater 172 heats the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 to 37 ° C. The transfer unit 173 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction of the heating table 170.

The reagent table 180 corresponds to the reagent table 21 of FIG. The reagent table 180 is configured so that a plurality of reagent containers 34 containing reagents can be installed. In the reagent table 180, three reagent racks 181 that can store 10 reagent containers 34 are set on the outer peripheral side, and four reagent racks 182 that can store two reagent containers 34 are set on the inner peripheral side. Reagent. The reagent table 180 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reagent container 34 installed on the reagent table 180 via the reagent racks 181 and 182 has a first suction position 241 in which the reagent is sucked by the reagent dispensing unit 240 by rotating the reagent table 180 in the circumferential direction. , The reagent is transferred to the second suction position 251 where the reagent is sucked by the reagent dispensing unit 250.

The reagent dispensing units 240 and 250 correspond to the first reagent dispensing unit 12a and the second reagent dispensing unit 12b in FIG. 1, respectively. The reagent dispensing units 240 and 250 dispense reagents to a plurality of reaction vessels 33 heated by the heating table 170.

For example, when the adjusting reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 173 of the heating table 170 causes the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 to be discharged into the first discharge position 261 or the second discharge position 261. Position at position 271. The reagent dispensing unit 240 or the reagent dispensing unit 250 sucks the adjusting reagent from the reagent container 34 located at the first suction position 241 or the second suction position 251 and sucks the suctioned adjusting reagent into the first discharge position 261 or. Dispense into the reaction vessel 33 located at the second discharge position 271. In this way, the preparation reagent is mixed with the sample. After that, the transfer unit 173 resets the reaction vessel 33 into the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170.

Further, when the trigger reagent is dispensed into the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 260 or the transfer unit 270 places the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 at the first discharge position 261 or the second discharge position. Positioned at 271. The reagent dispensing unit 240 or the reagent dispensing unit 250 sucks the trigger reagent from the reagent container 34 located at the first suction position 241 or the second suction position 251 and sucks the sucked trigger reagent into the first discharge position 261 or the first discharge position 261. Dispense into the reaction vessel 33 located at the second discharge position 271. In this way, the trigger reagent is mixed with the sample. After that, the transfer unit 260 or the transfer unit 270 sets the reaction vessel 33 in the holding unit 281 of the detection unit 280 or the holding unit 291 of the detection unit 290.

As described above, depending on the measurement item set for the sample, only the trigger reagent may be discharged to the reaction vessel 33, or the adjusting reagent may be discharged to the reaction vessel 33 together with the trigger reagent. When the trigger reagent is discharged to the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 260 grips the reaction vessel 33 and positions it at the first discharge position 261 or the transfer unit 270 grips the reaction vessel 33 and positions it at the second discharge position 271. Position. When the trigger reagent is discharged, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the detection units 280 and 290 by the transfer units 260 and 270, respectively. When the adjusting reagent is discharged to the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 173 grips the reaction vessel 33 and positions it at the first discharge position 261 or the second discharge position 271. When the adjusting reagent is discharged, the transfer unit 173 returns the reaction vessel 33 to the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170.

The transfer units 260 and 270 correspond to the first transfer unit 14 and the second transfer unit 15 in FIG. 1, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the transfer unit 260 includes a support member 262, a rail 263 for guiding the support member 262, a belt 264 connected to the support member 262, and a motor 265 for driving the belt 264. I have. The rail 263 is provided along the X-axis direction. The belt 264 is arranged parallel to the rail 263. The belt 264 is hung on the drive shaft and the pulley of the motor 265. The end of the support member 262 is attached to the belt 264. By driving the belt 264 by the motor 265, the support member 262 is guided by the rail 263 and transferred in the X-axis direction.

The support member 262 is provided with a support member 266, a rail 262a for guiding the support member 266, a belt 262b connected to the support member 266, and a motor 262c for driving the belt 262b. The rail 262a is provided along the Z-axis direction. The belt 262b is arranged parallel to the rail 262a. The belt 262b is hung on the drive shaft and the pulley of the motor 262c. The end of the support member 266 is attached to the belt 262b. By driving the belt 262b by the motor 262c, the support member 266 is guided by the rail 262a and transferred in the Z-axis direction.

The support member 266 is provided with a support member 267, a rail 266a for guiding the support member 267, a belt 266b connected to the support member 267, and a motor 266c for driving the belt 266b. The rail 266a is provided along the Y-axis direction. The belt 266b is arranged parallel to the rail 266a. The belt 266b is hung on the drive shaft and the pulley of the motor 266c. The end of the support member 267 is attached to the belt 266b. By driving the belt 266b by the motor 266c, the support member 267 is guided by the rail 266a and transferred in the Y-axis direction.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the end of the arm portion 267a on the positive side of the Y axis is installed on the surface of the support member 267 on the negative side of the Z axis. Therefore, the arm portion 267a moves in the Y-axis direction with the movement of the support member 267. A pair of claws 267b are provided at the end of the arm portion 267a on the negative side of the Y-axis so as to be approachable and separate in the X-axis direction. A spring 267c is hung between the pair of claws 267b. As a result, the pair of claws 267b are urged in the direction of approaching each other. As shown in FIG. 4 (b), the pair of claws 267b is restricted from moving at a position at a predetermined interval and is positioned at this position.

When the motor 266c is driven and the support member 267 is moved in the negative direction of the Y axis, the arm portion 267a is moved in the negative direction of the Y axis. When the pair of claws 267b hit the side surface of the reaction vessel 33 as shown in FIG. 4B and the arm portion 267a is further moved in the negative direction of the Y axis, the claw 267b slides on the side surface of the reaction vessel 33. And open in the direction away from each other. As a result, as shown in FIG. 4 (c), the pair of claws 267b grips the reaction vessel 33. The spring 267c imparts a force for gripping the reaction vessel 33 to the pair of claws 267b. The pair of claws 267b constitutes a grip portion that grips the reaction vessel 33.

In this way, the transfer unit 260 drives the motors 265, 262c, and 266c to move the claw 267b in the X, Y, and Z axis directions. As a result, the reaction vessel 33 is gripped and transferred. To release the grip of the reaction vessel 33, for example, the claw 272b is moved in the positive direction of the Y-axis with the reaction vessel 33 inserted in the holding portion 281. As a result, the claw 267b slides on the side surface of the reaction vessel 33, and the grip of the reaction vessel 33 is released.

The transfer unit 270 has the same configuration as the transfer unit 260. The transfer unit 173 is changed so that the rail 263 and the belt 264 rotate the support member 262. For example, the support member 262 is rotatably supported by a support shaft, and the driving force from the motor 265 is transmitted to the support member 262 by a transmission mechanism such as a gear. Other configurations of the transfer unit 173 are the same as those of the transfer unit 260.

When the trigger reagent is discharged to the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 to the first discharge position 261 and transfers the trigger reagent to the reaction vessel 33. Is discharged, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the holding portion 281 of the detection unit 280. When the trigger reagent is discharged to the reaction vessel 33, the transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 to the second discharge position 271, and the trigger reagent is transferred to the reaction vessel 33. Is discharged, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the holding portion 291 of the detection unit 290.

In this way, the reagent dispensing unit 240 dispenses the trigger reagent into the reaction vessel 33 at the first discharge position 261 of the transfer path of the reaction vessel 33 by the transfer unit 260. The reagent dispensing unit 250 dispenses the trigger reagent into the reaction vessel 33 at the second discharge position 271 of the transfer path of the reaction vessel 33 by the transfer unit 270. As a result, the reaction vessel 33 can be immediately transferred to the detection units 280 and 290 after the trigger reagent is dispensed. Further, since the trigger reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing units 240 and 250, the trigger reagent can be individually dispensed to the reaction vessel 33 transferred by the transfer units 260 and 270. As a result, the waiting time for dispensing the trigger reagent to the reaction vessel 33 can be suppressed, so that the processing efficiency of the sample analyzer 100 can be improved.

The detection unit 280 has a plurality of holding units 281 and a plurality of detection units 282 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of holding units 281. The detection unit 290 has a plurality of holding units 291 and a plurality of detection units 292 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of holding units 291. The regions in which the detection units 280 and 290 are arranged correspond to the first region 13e and the second region 13f in FIG. 1, respectively. The holding portions 281 and 291 correspond to the first holding portion 13a and the second holding portion 13c of FIG. 1, respectively. The detection units 282 and 292 correspond to the first detection unit 13b and the second detection unit 13d of FIG. 1, respectively. The holding units 281 and 291 hold the reaction vessel 33 containing the measurement sample prepared from the sample and the reagent. The detection units 282 and 292 detect a signal for analysis from the measurement sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding units 281 and 291 respectively.

The information processing device 103 includes a control unit 103a. The control unit 103a corresponds to the second control unit 24b in FIG. The control unit 103a analyzes the sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding unit 281 based on the signal detected by the detection unit 282, and is held in the holding unit 291 based on the signal detected by the detection unit 292. The sample in the reaction vessel 33 is analyzed.

The disposal unit 303 corresponds to the disposal unit 22 of FIG. The disposal unit 303 includes disposal ports 301 and 302. The transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held by the holding unit 281 of the detection unit 280 and to be discarded to the disposal port 301, thereby transferring to the disposal unit 303. The transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to be discarded held in the holding unit 291 of the detection unit 290 to the disposal port 302, thereby transferring to the disposal unit 303.

The transfer unit 260 has the function of the first disposal unit 16 as well as the function of the first transfer unit 14 in FIG. 1. The transfer unit 270 has the function of the second transfer unit 15 for disposal as well as the function of the second transfer unit 15 in FIG. In this way, the functions of the first transfer unit 14 and the first disposal transfer unit 16 are realized by the transfer unit 260, and the functions of the second transfer unit 15 and the second disposal transfer unit 17 are realized by the transfer unit 270. Then, the sample analyzer 10 can be simply configured.

There may be only one disposal port connected to the disposal unit 303. In this case as well, the reaction vessel 33 to be discarded is transferred to one disposal port by the transfer unit 260, 270. Further, two disposal units may be provided corresponding to the disposal ports 301 and 302.

The reaction vessel table 190 has a ring shape in a plan view and is arranged outside the reagent table 180. The reaction vessel table 190 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reaction vessel table 190 has a plurality of holding holes for holding the reaction vessel 33. The barcode reader 200 reads the barcode attached to the reagent racks 181 and 182 and the barcode attached to the reagent container 34. The barcodes of the reagent racks 181 and 182 hold the identification information for identifying the reagent racks 181 and 182, and the barcode of the reagent container 34 holds the identification information for identifying the reagent container 34. There is.

The reaction vessel storage unit 210 stores a new reaction vessel 33. The reaction vessel supply unit 220 supplies the reaction vessel 33 from the reaction vessel storage unit 210.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the reaction vessel storage unit 210 includes a charging port 211 in which a new reaction container 33 can be loaded by the user, and stores the reaction container 33 charged from the charging port 211. The reaction vessel supply unit 220 includes a take-out mechanism 221, a guide 222, and a delivery mechanism 223. The take-out mechanism 221 takes out the reaction vessels 33 one by one from the reaction vessel storage unit 210. The guide 222 is composed of two rails that support the bottom surface of the flange portion 33b of the reaction vessel 33. The reaction vessel 33 taken out by the take-out mechanism 221 slides down while being supported by the guide 222 on the lower surface of the flange portion 33b, and is transferred to the delivery mechanism 223.

As shown in FIG. 5B, the delivery mechanism 223 includes a support base 223a and a rotary table 223b. The reaction vessel 33 transferred by the guide 222 is held by the notch 223c provided in the rotary table 223b. The reaction vessel 33 held in the notch 223c is transferred by rotating the rotary table 223b. The reaction vessel 33 transferred by the rotary table 223b is held by the notch 223d provided in the support base 223a.

Returning to FIG. 2, the transfer unit 230 transfers the new reaction vessel 33 held in the notch 223d of the reaction vessel supply unit 220 to the holding hole 152a of the transfer unit 150 and the holding hole of the reaction vessel table 190. Further, the transfer unit 260 transfers the new reaction vessel 33 held in the notch 223d of the reaction vessel supply unit 220 to the holding hole 162a of the transfer unit 160. In this way, the new reaction vessel 33 supplied by the reaction vessel supply unit 220 is transferred to the transfer units 150, 160 and the reaction vessel table 190. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the installation area of the sample analyzer 100 as compared with the case where a plurality of reaction vessel supply units are provided for supplying the new reaction vessel 33 to the transfer units 150 and 160 and the reaction vessel table 190.

As shown in FIG. 6, the reagent dispensing portions 240 and 250 are supported by the support portion 201 arranged above the reagent table 180. The reagent table 180 is installed on the base 202. The positions of the reagent dispensing portions 240 and 250 in the XY plane and the positions of the reagent table 180 in the XY plane partially overlap each other. In this configuration, it is not necessary to secure a space for installing the reagent dispensing portions 240 and 250 on the base 202. Therefore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the installation area of the sample analyzer 100 as compared with the case where the reagent dispensing portions 240 and 250 are arranged on the base 202.

The reagent dispensing unit 240 includes a horizontal transfer unit 242, a vertical transfer unit 243, a first pipette 244, a first heater 245, and a pump (not shown) for sucking and discharging reagents via the first pipette 244. , Equipped with. The horizontal transfer unit 242 transfers the vertical transfer unit 243 in a predetermined direction in the horizontal plane, that is, in the XY plane. The vertical transfer unit 243 transfers the first pipette 244 in the vertical direction, that is, in the Z-axis direction. The first heater 245 is installed near the lower end of the first pipette 244 and heats the reagent held by the first pipette 244.

When dispensing the reagent, the reagent dispensing unit 240 inserts the first pipette 244 into the reagent container 34 located at the first suction position 241 shown in FIG. 2, and sucks the reagent in the reagent container 34. The reagent dispensing unit 240 heats the reagent held by the first pipette 244 to a predetermined temperature by the first heater 245. After that, the reagent dispensing unit 240 discharges the reagent held by the first pipette 244 to the reaction vessel 33 located at the first discharge position 261.

Similarly, the reagent dispensing unit 250 is shown for sucking and discharging reagents via the horizontal transfer unit 252, the vertical transfer unit 253, the second pipette 254, the second heater 255, and the second pipette 254. Not equipped with a pump. The horizontal transfer unit 252 transfers the vertical transfer unit 253 in a predetermined direction in the horizontal plane, that is, in the XY plane. The vertical transfer unit 253 transfers the second pipette 254 in the vertical direction, that is, in the Z-axis direction. The second heater 255 is installed near the lower end of the second pipette 254 and heats the reagent held by the second pipette 254.

When dispensing the reagent, the reagent dispensing unit 250 inserts the second pipette 254 into the reagent container 34 located at the second suction position 251 shown in FIG. 2, and sucks the reagent in the reagent container 34. The reagent dispensing unit 250 heats the reagent held by the second pipette 254 to a predetermined temperature by the second heater 255. After that, the reagent dispensing unit 250 discharges the reagent held by the second pipette 254 to the reaction vessel 33 located at the second discharge position 271.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the detection unit 280, the holding portions 281 are arranged in the region 280a so as to be arranged in the first direction, that is, in the X-axis direction. The region 280a corresponds to the first region 13e in FIG. In the detection unit 290, the holding portions 291 are arranged in the region 290a so as to be arranged in the second direction, that is, in the Y-axis direction. The region 290a corresponds to the second region 13f in FIG. A heating table 170 is arranged between the row of the holding portions 281 of the detection unit 280 and the row of the holding portions 291 of the detection unit 290. By arranging the detection units 280 and 290 and the heating table 170 in this way, the detection units 280 and 290 and the heating table 170 can be compactly integrated, and an increase in the installation area of the sample analyzer 100 can be suppressed.

The reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 is taken out from the holding hole 171 by the transfer section 173 or the transfer section 260 at the first position 174 when the reagent is discharged by the reagent dispensing section 240. Therefore, it is positioned at the first discharge position 261. The reaction vessel 33 to which the trigger reagent is discharged at the first discharge position 261 is transferred from the first discharge position 261 in the positive direction of the Y axis by the transfer unit 260 and is positioned at the detection unit 280. After that, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred in the X-axis direction and transferred to any holding unit 281 of the detection unit 280. The transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the position P1 directly above the row L1 where the holding units 281 of the detection unit 280 are lined up in the Y-axis positive direction, and then transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the holding unit 281 at the position of the holding unit 281. Regardless of the predetermined time, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred. Let d1 be the transfer distance by the transfer unit 260 from the first discharge position 261 to the position directly above P1.

Similarly, the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 of the heating table 170 has the holding hole 171 by the transfer section 173 or the transfer section 270 at the second position 175 when the reagent is discharged by the reagent dispensing section 250. It is taken out from and positioned at the second discharge position 271. The reaction vessel 33 to which the trigger reagent is discharged at the second discharge position 271 is transferred from the second discharge position 271 in the negative direction of the X-axis and is positioned in the detection unit 290. After that, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred in the Y-axis direction and transferred to any holding unit 291 of the detection unit 290. The transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the position P2 directly above the row L2 where the holding units 291 of the detection unit 290 are lined up in the negative X-axis direction, and then transfers to the holding unit 291 at the position of the holding unit 291. Regardless of the predetermined time, the reaction vessel 33 is transferred. Let d2 be the transfer distance by the transfer unit 270 from the second discharge position 271 to the position directly above P2.

Here, the distance at which the transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 from the first discharge position 261 to the detection unit 280 is equal to the distance at which the transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 from the second discharge position 271 to the detection unit 290. .. Specifically, the positions of the first discharge position 261 and the second discharge position 271 and the detection units 280 and 290 are set so that d1 = d2. Further, the positional relationship of the position P1 directly above the detection unit 280 and the positional relationship of the position P2 directly above the detection unit 290 are equal to each other, and the pitch of the holding portion 281 and the pitch of the holding portion 291 are equal to each other. As a result, the distance from the first discharge position 261 to the holding portion 281 of the detection unit 280 is equal to the distance from the second discharge position 271 to the holding portion 291 of the detection unit 290 having a positional relationship corresponding to the holding portion 281. Become.

In this way, the detection unit 280, 290 from the position where the trigger reagent is discharged depending on whether the trigger reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit 240 or the trigger reagent is dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit 250. The transfer distances to the holding portions 281 and 291 corresponding to each other are equal to each other. As a result, while applying the same transfer control to the detection unit 280 and the detection unit 290, the measurement is performed by the detection unit 282 of the detection unit 280 and the measurement is performed by the detection unit 292 of the detection unit 290. Therefore, the time from the dispensing of the trigger reagent to the start of detection can be made equal to each other. As a result, it is possible to suppress a difference in the measurement results of the detection units 280 and 290.

The position P1 directly above is preferably arranged at the center position in the region 280a in the X-axis direction, that is, in the arrangement direction of the holding portions 281. As a result, the distance between the position P1 directly above and the holding portion 281 farthest from the position P1 directly above can be suppressed. Therefore, the transfer time can be shortened in adjusting the transfer time for transferring the reaction vessel 33 from the first discharge position 261 to each holding portion 281 in the same time. Similarly, the position P2 directly above is preferably arranged at the center position in the Y-axis direction, that is, the arrangement direction of the holding portions 291 in the region 290a.

The transfer route by the transfer unit 260 and 270 was a straight line, but the transfer route by the transfer unit 260 and 270 may include a curved line. In this case, the transfer distance of the reaction vessel 33 transferred along the curved and straight transfer paths is the transfer distance by the transfer units 260 and 270.

The transfer distances d1 and d2 are set to be equal, but they do not necessarily have to be set to be equal. The transfer distances d1 and d2 may be set so that the difference in the measurement results caused by the difference in the transfer distances d1 and d2 does not cause a clinical difference with respect to the analysis result by the information processing apparatus 103.

The transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 located at the first position 174 to the holding unit 281. The transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding hole 171 located at the second position 175 different from the first position 174 to the holding unit 291. As a result, the reaction vessel 33 held in the heating table 170 can be transferred in parallel from two different positions to the detection units 280 and 290 by the transfer unit 260 and 270, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the light irradiation unit 400 includes a light source unit 401, binding members 461 and 462, 13 first optical fibers 471, and 13 second optical fibers 472. The light source unit 401 includes a light source 410, mirrors 421 and 422, condenser lenses 431 to 436, a motor 440, a light transmission type sensor 450, and a disk-shaped filter unit 500.

The light source 410 is composed of a halogen lamp. The light source 410 includes a plate-shaped filament 411 that emits light from both sides, and light having the same characteristics is emitted from both sides of the filament 411. As a result, light having the same characteristics is emitted from the light source 410 toward the mirrors 421 and 422, respectively. The mirrors 421 and 422 reflect the light emitted from the light source 410.

The condenser lenses 431 to 433 collect the light reflected by the mirror 421. The light collected by the condenser lenses 431 to 433 passes through any one of the optical filters 511 to 515 of the filter unit 500 and is guided to the first optical fiber 471. The condenser lenses 434 to 436 collect the light reflected by the mirror 422. The light collected by the condenser lenses 434 to 436 passes through any one of the optical filters 511 to 515 of the filter unit 500 and is guided to the second optical fiber 472. The filter unit 500 is rotatable about a shaft 501, and the shaft 501 is connected to the rotation shaft of the motor 440.

The 13 first optical fibers 471 are bundled by the binding member 461, and the 13 second optical fibers 472 are bundled by the binding member 462. The tip of the first optical fiber 471 is connected to the detection unit 280, and the tip of the second optical fiber 472 is connected to the detection unit 290. The first optical fiber 471 guides the light emitted from the light source unit 401 to the detection unit 282 of the detection unit 280, and the second optical fiber 472 guides the light emitted from the light source unit 401 to the detection unit 292 of the detection unit 290.

In this way, since the light emitted from one light source unit 401 is guided to the detection units 282 and 292, the measurement results based on the detection units 282 and 292 are less likely to vary.

As shown in FIG. 8B, the filter unit 500 includes a filter plate 510 and a holding member 520. In the filter plate 510, six holes 510a are formed on the same circumference at intervals of 60 degrees, and five of the six holes 510a are equipped with optical filters 511 to 515. The optical filters 511 to 515 are bandpass filters that transmit light in a predetermined wavelength band and cut light in other wavelength bands, respectively. The central wavelengths of the transmission wavelength band of the optical filters 511 to 515 are 340 nm, 405 nm, 575 nm, 660 nm, and 800 nm, respectively. The hole 510a to which the optical filter is not attached is closed so that light does not pass through. The light having a wavelength of 660 nm is for measuring the blood coagulation time, the light having a wavelength of 405 nm is for measuring a synthetic substrate, and the light having a wavelength of 800 nm is for measuring immunoturbidimetric turbidity.

The holding member 520 holds the filter plate 510 so that both sides of the optical filters 511 to 515 are exposed. The filter plate 510 is fixed to the holding member 520. In the holding member 520, one slit 521 and five slits 522 are formed on the same circumference at intervals of 60 degrees. The slit 521 has a larger width in the rotation direction than the slit 522.

When the filter unit 500 rotates, the optical filters 511 to 515 are sequentially arranged in the light passages focused by the condenser lenses 431 to 433 and the light passages focused by the condenser lenses 434 to 436. .. Further, when the filter unit 500 rotates, the slits 521 and 522 pass through the detection position of the sensor 450. Therefore, the rotation position of the filter unit 500 is grasped by the detection signal of the sensor 450. The light transmitted through any one of the optical filters 511 to 515 is incident on the end of the first optical fiber 471 bundled by the binding member 461, and the end of the second optical fiber 472 bundled by the binding member 462. Incident to.

The filter unit 500 is rotationally controlled so that the angular velocity is constant. As a result, light of different wavelength bands is supplied to the first optical fiber 471 and the second optical fiber 472 at regular time intervals. Of the detection signals of the sensor 450, the detection signal corresponding to the slit 521 is used for the rotation control of the filter unit 500. Specifically, the motor 440 is controlled so that the detection signal corresponding to the slit 521 is periodically detected. Further, among the detection signals of the sensor 450, the detection signal corresponding to the slit 522 is used to determine which wavelength band of light is supplied to the first optical fiber 471 and the second optical fiber 472. Specifically, the wavelength band of the supplied light is identified by the number of the detection signal corresponding to the slit 522 from the detection signal corresponding to the slit 521. At the time of measurement, the filter unit 500 is rotated at a speed of, for example, about 10 rotations / second.

In this way, the light source unit 401 repeatedly repeatedly irradiates light having a wavelength of 660 nm for measuring the blood coagulation time, light having a wavelength of 405 nm for measuring the synthetic substrate, and light having a wavelength of 800 nm for measuring immunoturbidimetric turbidity.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the detection unit 282 includes a condenser lens 601 and a sensor 602. The end portion 471a of the first optical fiber 471 is inserted into a circular hole 283, and the back surface of the end portion 471a is pressed by a leaf spring 284. As a result, the end portion 471a is fixed to the hole 283. The condenser lens 601 is mounted on the side surface of the hole 283 on the positive side of the Y axis. The hole 285 communicates the hole 283 with the holding portion 281. The light emitted from the end portion 471a and focused by the condenser lens 601 is guided through the hole 285 to the reaction vessel 33 held by the holding portion 281. The condenser lens 601 constitutes a light irradiation unit that irradiates the reaction vessel 33 with the light emitted from the first optical fiber 471.

The hole 286 communicates the sensor 602 and the holding portion 281. The light guided from the condenser lens 601 to the reaction vessel 33 passes through the reaction vessel 33 and the measurement sample, and then is guided to the sensor 602. The sensor 602 receives the light from the reaction vessel 33 held by the holding unit 281 and outputs a signal for analysis. The detection unit 282 may include other optical elements such as a collimator lens in addition to the condenser lens 601 as a configuration of the light irradiation unit.

As shown in FIG. 9B, the detection unit 292 includes a condenser lens 611 and a sensor 612, similarly to the detection unit 282. The end portion 472a of the second optical fiber 472 is inserted into a circular hole 293, and the back surface of the end portion 472a is pressed by a leaf spring 294. As a result, the end portion 472a is fixed to the hole 293. The condenser lens 611 is mounted on the side surface of the hole 293 on the negative side of the X-axis. The hole 295 communicates the hole 293 with the holding portion 291. The light emitted from the end portion 472a and condensed by the condenser lens 611 is guided to the reaction vessel 33 held by the holding portion 291 through the hole 295. The condenser lens 611 constitutes a light irradiation unit that irradiates the reaction vessel 33 with the light emitted from the second optical fiber 472.

The hole 296 communicates the sensor 612 and the holding portion 291. The light guided from the condenser lens 611 to the reaction vessel 33 passes through the reaction vessel 33 and the measurement sample, and then is guided to the sensor 612. The sensor 612 receives light from the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding unit 291 and outputs a signal for analysis. The detection unit 292 may include other optical elements such as a collimator lens in addition to the condenser lens 611 as a configuration of the light irradiation unit.

The signal output from the sensor 602 of the detection unit 282 and the signal output from the sensor 612 of the detection unit 292 are transmitted to the control unit 103a of the information processing device 103 of FIG. The control unit 103a analyzes the sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding unit 281 based on the change over time of the signal output by the sensor 602. The control unit 103a analyzes the sample in the reaction vessel 33 held in the holding unit 291 based on the change over time of the signal output by the sensor 612.

For example, in the analysis based on the coagulation time method, the control unit 103a calculates the absorbance of the measurement sample based on the detection signals output from the sensors 602 and 612, and determines the time until the calculated absorbance exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Calculated as the solidification time of the measurement sample. Instead of the absorbance, the turbidity may be obtained from the detection signal, and the time until the turbidity exceeds a predetermined threshold value may be calculated as the coagulation time of the sample. Further, the time until the detection signal output from the sensors 602 and 612 exceeds a predetermined threshold value may be calculated as the coagulation time of the measurement sample.

9 (a) and 9 (b) show the configuration of the detection units 282 and 292 when detecting the light transmitted through the measurement sample, but the light scattered by the measurement sample is received by the sensors 602 and 612. , Analysis by each of the above methods may be performed based on the detection signal based on the scattered light. In this case, the detection unit 282 corrects the arrangement of the sensor 602 and the hole 286, and the detection unit 292 corrects the arrangement of the sensor 612 and the hole 296.

The signals output by the sensors 602 and 612 include signals based on light of all wavelengths obtained by irradiating the measurement sample with light of all wavelengths. Signals based on light of all wavelengths are transmitted to the information processing apparatus 103. The control unit 103a of the information processing apparatus 103 analyzes the sample by using the signal based on the light of the wavelength corresponding to the measurement item set for the sample among the received signals based on the light of all wavelengths. .. Specifically, the control unit 103a generates time-series data for each of the five wavelengths of light, and analyzes the sample using the data corresponding to the measurement item of the sample among the generated time-series data. As a result, high processing capacity can be maintained regardless of the measurement item.

As described above, the solidification time of the measurement sample is calculated based on optical information such as absorbance and turbidity obtained from the measurement sample. Examples of the "coagulation time" include activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and the like.

Further, the coagulation time may be measured based on information other than optical information such as an increase in viscosity due to blood coagulation. When the solidification time is calculated based on the increase in viscosity, the detection units 282 and 292 are a reaction vessel containing a steel ball located between the high frequency transmitting coil, the high frequency receiving coil, and the high frequency transmitting coil and the high frequency receiving coil. It is provided with a reaction vessel installation portion for installing the reaction vessel and electromagnets provided at both ends of the reaction vessel installation portion. The steel ball in the reaction vessel swings left and right due to the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet. This amplitude motion decreases as the viscosity increases. When the solidification of the measurement sample starts, the viscosity of the measurement sample increases, so that the amplitude of the steel ball decreases. Therefore, the detection units 282 and 292 detect the change in amplitude by receiving the high frequency transmitted by the high frequency transmitting coil by the high frequency receiving coil. The control unit 103a of the information processing apparatus 103 calculates the coagulation time based on the detected change in amplitude with time.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the sample analyzer 100 includes housings 104 and 105. The housing 104 covers each part of the measuring part 101 located on the positive side of the X-axis with respect to the transfer part 160. The housing 104 has a first side surface 104a located on the positive side of the Y axis and substantially parallel to the XZ plane, a second side surface 104b located on the negative side of the X axis and substantially parallel to the YZ plane, and a negative Y axis. Includes a third side surface 104c, located on the side and substantially parallel to the XZ plane. The second side surface 104b is adjacent to the first side surface 104a, and the third side surface 104c is not adjacent to the first side surface 104a but adjacent to the second side surface 104b. The housing 105 covers the transfer unit 160, the transfer unit 270, and the detection unit 290. The housing 105 is installed in the housing 104 so as to hang on a part of the second side surface 104b.

As shown in FIG. 10B, in the adjacent portion 104d, the first side surface 104a and the second side surface 104b are adjacent to each other. The adjacent portion 104d extends in the Z-axis direction. The heating table 170 is arranged inside the housing 104 and in the vicinity of the adjacent portion 104d. The detection unit 280 is arranged along the first side surface 104a on the side close to the adjacent portion 104d of the first side surface 104a. The detection unit 290 is arranged along the second side surface 104b on the side close to the adjacent portion 104d of the second side surface 104b. The plurality of holding portions 281 of the detection unit 280 are arranged along the first side surface 104a in a plan view. The plurality of holding portions 291 of the detection unit 290 are arranged along the second side surface 104b in a plan view. The transport unit 102 is arranged along the third side surface 104c.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, since the heating table 170 and the detection unit 280 and 290 are arranged in the vicinity of the adjacent portion 104d, the heating table 170 and the detection unit 280 and 290 are measured. It can be installed close to each other in the section 101. As a result, it is possible to suppress an increase in the installation area of the sample analyzer 100.

Further, the transport unit 102 is arranged along the third side surface 104c, and the detection units 280 and 290 are arranged on the first side surface 104a side. Therefore, the step of sucking the sample from the sample container 32 is performed on the front side of the measurement unit 101, and the step of measuring the measurement sample is performed on the rear side of the measurement unit 101. As a result, the sample may be transferred in one direction, that is, from the front to the rear in the measuring unit 101, so that the configuration of the measuring unit 101 can be simplified.

As shown in FIG. 11, the measurement unit 101 includes a control unit 101a and a storage unit 101b as a configuration of a circuit unit. The control unit 101a corresponds to the first control unit 24a in FIG. The control unit 101a includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and controls each unit in the measurement unit 101 and the transport unit 102 according to a program stored in the storage unit 101b. The storage unit 101b includes a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, and a hard disk, and stores programs and information necessary for controlling the control unit 101a. The storage unit 101b is also used as a work area for control.

The information processing device 103 includes a control unit 103a, a storage unit 103b, a display unit 103c, and an input unit 103d. The control unit 103a includes an arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU, and performs analysis processing and control of each unit in the information processing device 103 according to a program stored in the storage unit 103b. The storage unit 103b includes a storage medium such as a ROM, RAM, and a hard disk, and stores programs and information necessary for processing and control of the control unit 103a. The storage unit 103b is also used as a work area for processing and control. The display unit 103c includes display means such as a monitor. The input unit 103d includes input means such as a keyboard and a mouse. The information processing device 103 is configured by, for example, a personal computer.

As described above, the control unit 101a outputs the detection signal output from the sensors 602 and 612 to the control unit 103a. The control unit 103a analyzes the measurement sample based on the received detection signal. Specifically, the control unit 103a calculates the absorbance as described above based on the received detection signal, and also calculates the coagulation time from the absorbance. The control unit 103a causes the display unit 103c to display the calculated coagulation time or the like as an analysis result.

The transfer path of the reaction vessel 33 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

When the sample is measured by the detection unit 280, as shown in FIG. 12, the sample dispensing unit 130 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 at the sample suction position 121, and the sucked sample is the reaction container on the reaction container table 190. Dispense into 33. The reaction vessel table 190 is rotated to a position where the reaction vessel 33 can be sucked by the sample dispensing unit 140. The sample dispensing unit 140 sucks the sample from the reaction container 33 thus moved, and the sucked sample is dispensed to the reaction container 33 at the first sample discharge position 151 on the transfer unit 150. After that, the transfer unit 150 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to a position near the heating table 170. The transferred reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the heating table 170 by the transfer unit 173 and installed. As appropriate, the transfer unit 173 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the first discharge position 261, and the reagent dispensing unit 240 dispenses the adjusting reagent into the reaction vessel 33.

After the heating in the heating table 170 is completed, the heating table 170 is rotated and the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the vicinity of the first discharge position 261. The transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the first discharge position 261. At the first discharge position 261 the reagent dispensing unit 240 dispenses the trigger reagent into the reaction vessel 33. After that, the transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to any holding unit 281 of the detection unit 280 and sets it. The detection unit 282 measures the reaction vessel 33 set in the holding unit 281 and outputs the detection signal to the information processing apparatus 103. When the measurement is completed, the transfer unit 260 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the disposal port 301, and the reaction vessel 33 is discarded in the disposal unit 303.

When the sample is measured by the detection unit 290, as shown in FIG. 13, the sample dispensing unit 130 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 at the sample suction position 121, and the sucked sample is the reaction container on the reaction container table 190. Dispense into 33. The reaction vessel table 190 is rotated to a position where the reaction vessel 33 can be sucked by the sample dispensing unit 140. The sample dispensing unit 140 sucks the sample from the reaction container 33 thus moved, and the sucked sample is dispensed to the reaction container 33 at the second sample discharge position 161 on the transfer unit 160. After that, the transfer unit 160 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to a position near the heating table 170. The transferred reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the heating table 170 by the transfer unit 270 and installed. As appropriate, the transfer unit 173 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the second discharge position 271, and the reagent dispensing unit 250 dispenses the adjusting reagent into the reaction vessel 33.

After the heating in the heating table 170 is completed, the heating table 170 is rotated and the reaction vessel 33 is transferred to the vicinity of the second discharge position 271. The transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the second discharge position 271. At the second discharge position 271, the reagent dispensing unit 250 dispenses the trigger reagent into the reaction vessel 33. After that, the transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to any holding unit 291 of the detection unit 290 and sets the reaction vessel 33. The detection unit 292 measures the reaction vessel 33 set in the holding unit 291 and outputs the detection signal to the information processing apparatus 103. When the measurement is completed, the transfer unit 270 transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the disposal port 302, and the reaction vessel 33 is discarded in the disposal unit 303.

As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 13, when the sample dispensing unit 140 sucks the sample from the sample container 32 at the sample suction position 122, the sucked sample is directly the reaction container 33 or the reaction container 33 at the first sample discharge position 151. The sample is dispensed to the sample at the second sample discharge position 161. In this way, the reaction vessel 33 into which the sample has been dispensed is then transferred to the detection unit 280 or the detection unit 290 by the same route as described above.

After being transferred by the transfer unit 150, the reaction vessel 33 set on the heating table 170 may be transferred by the transfer unit 270 to any holding unit 291 of the detection unit 290 for measurement. Further, after being transferred by the transfer unit 160, the reaction vessel 33 set on the heating table 170 may be transferred by the transfer unit 260 to any holding unit 281 of the detection unit 280 for measurement.

The control unit 101a of FIG. 11 determines, for example, the transfer route of the reaction vessel 33 so as to increase the processing efficiency of the sample. For example, the control unit 101a preferentially transfers the reaction vessel 33 to the detection unit of the detection units 280 and 290, which has a larger number of holding portions 281 that do not hold the reaction vessel 33. Alternatively, if the number of holding units in which the reaction vessel 33 is set in the detection unit 280 and 290 is the same, the control unit 101a is the time until the measurement of any of the set reaction vessels 33 is completed first. The reaction vessel 33 is preferentially transferred to the detection unit having the shorter one. If the empty reaction vessel 33 is not attached to the reaction vessel table 190, the sample is directly dispensed into the reaction vessel 33 at the first sample discharge position 151 or the second sample discharge position 161 by the sample dispensing unit 140. May be noted. The transfer route of the reaction vessel 33 may be determined by criteria other than the above.

33 Reaction vessel 34 Reagent vessel 100 Specimen analyzer 103a Control unit 104, 105 Housing 150 Transfer unit 170 Heating table 180 Reagent table 201 Support unit 202 Base 220 Reaction vessel supply unit 230 Transfer unit 240, 250 Reagent dispensing unit 242, 252 Horizontal transfer unit 243, 253 Vertical transfer unit 244 1st pipette 245 1st heater 254 2nd pipette 255 2nd heater 282, 292 Detection unit

Claims (11)

Is installed on the base that spread in the horizontal direction, a plurality can be installed reagent table reagent container containing a reagent used in the analysis of the specimen,
It has a surface that spread in the horizontal direction opposite the base, a support portion disposed above the discharge position for discharging the reagent suction position and the reaction vessel to suck the reagent from the reagent container on the reagent table ,
The reagent dispensing section for dispensing the reagent and
A detection unit that detects a signal for analysis from a measurement sample prepared from the sample and the reagent dispensed by the reagent dispensing unit.
A control unit that analyzes the sample based on the signal detected by the detection unit is provided.
The reagent dispensing portion is supported with respect to the surface of the support portion.
The reagent dispensing unit includes a pipette for dispensing the reagent and a horizontal transfer unit for horizontally moving the pipette between the suction position and the discharge position. .. The reagent dispensing unit includes a vertical transfer unit that transfers the pipette in the vertical direction.
The sample analyzer according to claim 1, wherein the horizontal transfer unit linearly moves the pipette in the horizontal direction by linearly moving the vertical transfer unit in the horizontal direction. The sample analyzer according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the reagent dispensing unit includes a heater for heating the reagent held by the pipette. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the support portion supports a plurality of the reagent dispensing portions. The plurality of reagent dispensing portions are supported by the support portion so that the ends on the suction position side are close to each other and the ends on the discharge position side are separated from each other in a plan view. 4. The sample analyzer according to 4. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , which is arranged so as to overlap the reagent dispensing section in a plan view and includes a reaction vessel supply section for supplying the reaction vessel. The sample analyzer according to claim 6 , further comprising a transfer unit that is arranged so as to overlap the reagent dispensing unit in a plan view and transfers the reaction vessel supplied from the reaction vessel supply unit. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , which is arranged so as to overlap the reagent dispensing section in a plan view and includes a transfer section for transferring the reaction vessel containing the sample. The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , which is arranged so as to overlap the reagent dispensing section in a plan view and includes a heating table for heating a plurality of reaction vessels. The sample analyzer according to claim 9 , wherein the discharge position is arranged adjacent to the heating table. Equipped with a housing
The sample analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 10 , wherein the reagent table, a support unit, a reagent dispensing unit, and a detection unit are provided in the housing.

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