JP2003177136A - Sample analysis system and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make changeable the system configuration of a sample treating function without changing the arrangement state of a plurality of analytical units in a sample analysis system. <P>SOLUTION: In this sample analysis system wherein the plurality of analysis units 3A-3G are arranged along a conveyance line 20, system setting is performed prior to analytical operation. Namely, setting of the analysis units for determining the reagent supply type of the units and the number of the units to be combined, as the plurality of analysis units to be used, designation of an analysis route for determining which of a stationary analysis route and automatic-type one is to be used, and setting of analysis items to each analysis unit for determining allocation of each analysis item to the analysis units of each reagent supply type are performed through observation of setting screens displayed on a screen display device 43, and such set contents are stored and registered in a storage part 45 in a control part. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sample analysis system and a method of handling the same, and more particularly to a sample analysis system configured to analyze a sample carried by a transfer line by at least one of a plurality of analysis units. Regarding how to handle it.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A system has been proposed in which a biological sample such as blood or urine is transported to a transport line, and a plurality of analysis items are analyzed using a plurality of analyzers arranged along the transport line. For example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-92171, a plurality of analyzers having different numbers of samples to be analyzed per unit time are arranged along a main transfer line, and a sub-line is arranged between the main transfer line and each analyzer. An example is shown.

In the analysis system disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 7-92171, the information on the bar code label attached to the container is read at the entrance side of the main transfer line, and then the container transferred to the main transfer line is analyzed by one analyzer. The container is transferred to the sub-line corresponding to, and after the sampling process, the container is returned to the main transfer line from the sub-line. Then, the transfer order of the containers is controlled so that the analysis processing time in each analyzer is averaged.

[0004]

In the analysis system as in the above-mentioned prior art, since the sample processing function of each of the arranged analyzers is fixed, when the test environment of the sample in the laboratory changes. In addition, there is a problem that the inspection efficiency decreases.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to change the system configuration of the sample processing function without changing the arrangement state of a plurality of analysis units in the sample analysis system.

Another object of the present invention is to be able to change the combination of processable analysis items in the sample analysis system according to the change of the test environment.

[0007]

A sample analysis system according to the present invention comprises first storage means for storing an analysis item to be analyzed for a sample on each sample rack, and reagent supply for each analysis unit to be used. A screen display means for displaying an analysis item input screen for each type of type, a second storage means for storing analysis item information input to the screen display means for each analysis unit, and an analysis unit at which the sample rack should stop by , Means for determining from the plurality of analysis units stored in the second storage means based on the analysis item information in the first storage means, and the corresponding sample rack is transported to the determined analysis unit. And a control means for controlling the operation of the transfer line.

In such a sample analysis system, the type of reagent supply type is one in which a reagent is supplied by a pipettor and the other is a type in which a reagent is supplied by a dispenser. In addition, this sample analysis system preferably includes a third storage unit that stores combination information of the analysis units set through the screen display unit, and the screen display unit sets the combination of the plurality of analysis units. Display the installation position information and reagent supply type of each analysis unit on the setting screen.

In the method for configuring a sample analysis system according to the present invention, a screen having an analysis item setting field for setting analysis items is displayed on the screen display device in association with the reagent supply type of each analysis unit, And storing a combination of a plurality of analysis units to which analysis items are respectively assigned in the storage unit.

Further, in the method for handling a sample analysis system according to the present invention, a screen having an analysis unit setting button and an analysis item setting button is displayed on a display device in response to a display instruction of the system setting screen, When such an analysis unit setting button is selected, a screen for setting the combination of multiple analysis units to be used is displayed on the display device, and the analysis item setting button on the system setting screen is displayed. A screen having a reagent supply type display field and an analysis item setting field corresponding to each analysis unit is displayed on the display device according to the selection, and the combination of the set multiple analysis units and the setting for each analysis unit are set. The analyzed analysis item is stored in the storage unit, and the analysis item to be analyzed for the sample on the sample rack to be supplied to the transport line is analyzed. Rack analysis unit to stop by, characterized in that is changed.

In a preferred embodiment, the analysis item information of the sample on the sample rack to be supplied to the transport line is read by the identification information reader before the sample rack is transported by the transport line, and the analysis item information is obtained. In the analysis unit in which the sample rack having the sample read is, the sample of the sample is executed for the analysis process. When an analysis item display instruction is issued after the analysis items have been set for each analysis unit, a list of processable analysis items corresponding to each set analysis unit is displayed on the display device. To be done.

[0012]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A schematic configuration of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, the sample analysis system of FIG. 1 is an analysis unit of a type that supplies a reagent using a dispenser, and, as shown in FIG. 3, an analysis unit of a type that supplies a reagent using a pipettor. Includes mixed units.
The analysis units 3A, 3F, and 3G in FIG. 1 are dispenser-type analysis units that have fixed analysis channels, and each of a plurality of reagent discharge nozzles is dedicated to each reagent. Analytical units 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E
Is a pipette type analysis unit in which the analysis channels are not fixed but are randomly accessed and one reagent pipetting nozzle dispenses reagents according to analysis items one after another.

The sample analysis system of FIG. 1 is configured to use only serum as a sample species. In this system, for example, the analysis units 3A, 3B and 3C analyze serum, and the analysis units 3D and 3D are analyzed. It is also possible for 3E to analyze plasma and analytical units 3F and 3G to analyze urine.

In FIG. 1, the analysis units 3A to 3G are sampling lines 4A to 4 which are transport paths having a function of returning the sample rack 1 taken from the main transport line 20 to the main transport line 20 after positioning the sample rack 1 at the sampling position.
G and an identification information reading device 5 provided corresponding to each sampling line for reading the identification information of the sample rack 1 or the identification information of each sample container on the sample rack.
1 to 57, reaction parts 5A to 5G for advancing a reaction according to the analysis items of the sample and the reagent in the reaction container, and optically measuring the reacted liquid, and reagent supply parts 26 to 29, 32 to 34 It has each. Among the reagent supply units of the respective analysis units, 26, 27, 28 and 29 are of pipette type and 32, 33 and 34 are of dispenser type.

The rack supply unit 17 has an area where a large number of sample racks 1 can be set, and has a delivery mechanism for delivering the sample racks 1 toward the main transport line 20 one by one. The rack collection unit 18 has an area for collecting the sample rack 1 holding the sample sampled for the analysis processing in any one or more analysis units, and an alignment mechanism for arranging the sample racks in an orderly manner. Have. The temporary storage unit 22 temporarily stores the sample rack 1 sampled by one or more analysis units until a measurement result is output, and returns line 2 when retesting is necessary.
The corresponding sample rack is again returned to the main transfer line 20 via
The sample rack is sent to the rack collection unit 18 when re-inspection is unnecessary.

The control device is a computer 40 for overall control.
And the analysis unit side computers 6A to 6G which are provided corresponding to the respective analysis units and perform necessary processing and control in the respective analysis units, and the flexible disk memory 41. The processing of the output signal from the photometer in each analysis unit is shared by the analysis unit side computers 6A to 6G, and the overall control computer 40 connected to them analyzes the operation of each analysis unit, the operation of the rack transport system and the system. In addition to controlling the operation of the necessary parts within it, it also executes the calculations and controls necessary for various information processing. The division of roles between the computers is not limited to this, and various modes can be changed according to the necessity of the configuration, or the analysis unit side computer can be eliminated by using only the overall control computer 40. Is. The overall control computer 40 is provided with a storage unit 45, and is connected with a data input operation unit 42, a CRT 43 for displaying information on a screen, and a printer 44 capable of outputting measurement results.

The sample rack 1 is, for example, as shown in the example of FIG. 2, a box-shaped holder for loading a plurality of sample containers 2 containing samples, for example, five containers. You may use the thing of. An identification information medium showing rack identification information is provided on the outer wall of the sample rack 1, and an identification information medium showing sample identification information is provided on the outer wall of the sample container 2. A bar code label, a magnetic recording medium, or the like is used as the identification information medium. The barcode provided on the sample rack 1 has information on the rack number and the sample type. The barcode provided on the sample container 2 has information about each sample, for example, information such as a reception number, a reception date, a patient name, a patient number, a sample type, and a requested analysis item.

The identification information reading device 50 in FIG. 1 inputs the result of reading the identification information (bar code) of the sample rack 1 and the sample container 2 before being transported by the main transport line 20 into the computer 40. Further, the identification information reading device 58 provided in the temporary storage unit 22 reads the barcode of the sample rack or the sample container when the sample rack 1 enters and leaves the temporary storage unit 22 and transmits it to the computer 40 for the whole.

Reagent bottles 12 for various analysis items housed in the reagent supply sections of the respective analysis units 3A to 3G,
Reagent identification information is displayed on the outer walls of 12A and 12B as barcodes or the like. The reagent identification information includes a reagent manufacturing lot number, a reagent bottle size, a usable reagent liquid amount, an expiration date, a sequence number different for each bottle, an analysis item code, and the like. Such reagent identification information is read by a bar code reader, and the set position of the reagent bottle in the reagent supply unit, the number of analyzable times of the reagent calculated from the usable liquid amount and one dispensing amount, the analysis item The type, the number of the analysis unit storing the reagent, and the like are registered in the storage unit 45.

The main transport line 20 comprises a transport belt for mounting the sample rack 1 and a belt driving motor, and is controlled by the control unit so as to continuously transport the sample rack to a desired position. Each of the sampling lines 4A to 4G can intermittently move the conveyor belt so as to stop the rack at the rack retracting position, the dispensing position, and the rack sending position.
The sample rack 1 transported by the main transport line 20 is moved along the row of analysis units, stopped in front of the analysis unit designated by the control device, and immediately designated by the rack transfer mechanism (described later). It is moved to the line pull-in position of the sampling line of the unit. The sample rack 1 for which the sample dispensing operation has been completed at the dispensing position is delivered from the rack sending position of the sampling line onto the main transport line 20 by the rack transfer mechanism.

An example of the structure of an analysis unit in which the reagent supply type is the dispenser system will be described with reference to FIG. The reaction unit 5A of the analysis unit 3A is a translucent reaction container 46a.
Two reaction vessel rows having the above are concentrically provided, and each reaction vessel row is provided with a multi-wavelength photometer 15a that splits the light transmitted from the light source 14a through the reaction vessel 46a and receives a plurality of wavelengths. A sample dispenser 48a having a pipettor nozzle connected to a sample pipettor pump 47a and a first reagent nozzle group connected to a reagent dispenser pump 60 are provided near the reaction part 5A so as to act on each reaction container row. Holding part 6
4 and the second reagent nozzle group holder 66, and the first stirring mechanism 6
5 and the 2nd stirring mechanism 67, and the reaction container cleaning mechanism 19a are arrange | positioned. In the reagent cooler 62, reagent bottles 12 of a first reagent and a second reagent (only for necessary analysis items) for a plurality of analysis items are arranged and cooled to a predetermined temperature. The reagent liquid in each reagent bottle 12 is supplied to the corresponding reagent discharge nozzle on the reaction container array by the reagent dispenser pump 60 via the tube. In this case, the dispenser type reagent supply unit 32 of the analysis unit 3A shown in FIG. 1 is the reagent dispenser pump 6 shown in FIG.
0, a reagent cooler 62 having a large number of reagent bottles 12, a first reagent nozzle group holding unit 64, a second reagent nozzle group holding unit 6
Including 6, etc.

The individual sample racks 1 supplied from the rack supply unit 17 are transferred by the main transfer line 20 and, if analysis processing by the analysis unit 3A is required, they are transferred to the sampling line 4A of the analysis unit 3A. . A predetermined amount of the sample on the sample rack 1 that has reached the dispensing position is dispensed into the reaction container 46a by the pipette nozzle of the sample dispenser 48a. A reagent corresponding to an analysis item is discharged into this reaction container at a predetermined position on the reaction container row, and the reaction proceeds. After a predetermined time, the optical characteristics of the reaction liquid in the reaction container 46a are measured by the multi-wavelength photometer 15a. The signal output from the multi-wavelength photometer 15a is controlled by the computer 6A on the analysis unit side, and the logarithmic converter 30 is used.
a and the analog-to-digital converter 31a are processed and transmitted to the overall control computer 40. The dispenser type analysis units 3F and 3G have the same configuration as the analysis unit 3A.

Next, a configuration example of the analysis unit whose reagent supply type is the pipettor method will be described with reference to FIG.
Reaction container 4 arranged in reaction section 5B of analysis unit 3B
In 6b, the reaction between the sample and the reagent relating to the predetermined analysis item is advanced. The sample rack 1 transferred from the main transport line 20 to the sampling line 4B (FIG. 1) is positioned at the dispensing position, and the sample designated by the pipette nozzle of the sample dispenser 48b is collected and transferred to the reaction container 46b. A predetermined amount of sample is ejected. The sample dispenser 48b has a sample pipette pump 47b. The reaction part 5B is a constant temperature bath 10.
The constant temperature liquid supplied from
℃).

The pipette-type reagent supply section 26 of the analysis unit of FIG. 3 includes two reagent disks 26A and 26B for the first reagent and the second reagent. Reagent bottles 12A and 1 containing various reagents prepared for a large number of analysis items
In 2B, the reagent identification information is displayed on the outer wall surface of each of the reagent bottles by a barcode, and the reagent bottles 12A and 12B.
Is placed on the reagent discs 26A and 26B, the reagent identification information of each reagent bottle is read by the bar code readers 23A and 23B, and the information is set on the reagent disc of the reagent bottle, the corresponding analysis item, The storage unit 45 is registered with the analysis unit number in which the reagent bottle is set and the like. The reagent dispensers 8A and 8B each include a reagent pipette pump 11 connected to each pipette nozzle that can be swung and moved up and down.

The row of reaction vessels 46b into which the sample has been dispensed is rotationally moved, and a predetermined amount of reagent solution is aspirated by the reagent dispenser 8A from the reagent bottle 12A positioned at the reagent intake position according to the analysis item. The first reagent is discharged into the reaction container 46b at the reagent addition position. After the content is agitated by the agitation mechanism 13A at the agitation position, the reaction container row is transferred a plurality of times, and when the reaction container 46b reaches the second reagent addition position, the reagent dispenser 8B changes the reagent according to the analysis item. The reagent liquid is sucked from the reagent bottle 12B positioned at the suction position, and the reagent is discharged into the reaction container. Next, the contents of the reaction container are stirred by the stirring mechanism 13B. After that, as the reaction vessel array is rotationally transferred, the reaction vessel 46b passes the light beam from the light source 14b, and the light transmitted through the reaction solution in the reaction vessel 46b is detected by the multi-wavelength photometer 15b. The signal of the wavelength corresponding to the analysis item is processed by the logarithmic converter 30b and the analog / digital converter 31b controlled by the analyzer computer 6B, and the digital signal is transmitted to the overall control computer 40. The measured reaction container 46b is cleaned by the cleaning mechanism 19b and reused. The analysis units 3C, 3D and 3E have the same configuration as the analysis unit 3B.

Next, a sample analysis operation in the sample analysis system of FIG. 1 will be described.

Before the sample rack 1 is set in the rack supply unit 17, the combination of the analysis units to be used in the sample analysis system of FIG. ,
It is assumed that it has already been set. The setting of this system will be described later.

Before starting the sample analysis process, the initial screen for setting the analysis conditions is CR as a screen display device.
Displayed at T43, various analysis conditions are set through the key of the operation unit 42 and the screen of the CRT 43. For each sample, the analysis item requested by the requester for the test instruction is the same as the reception number or patient number displayed on the sample container,
It is registered in the computer 40 for overall control through the operation unit 42. In this case, the storage unit 45 of the computer 40 is
It functions as a first storage unit that stores an analysis item to be analyzed for each sample. The analysis condition information of each analysis item is stored in the flexible disk memory 41. Among the analysis conditions, the analysis item code consists of 5 digits. Analysis condition parameters that should be commonly used in multiple analysis units for the same type of analysis items include measurement wavelength in the photometer, sample collection amount, calibration curve calibration method, standard solution concentration, number of standard solutions, and analysis value abnormality. Check limit values, etc.

Among the analysis condition parameters, the parameters stored corresponding to each reagent bottle are the required number of reagents from the first reagent to the fourth reagent, the reagent bottle code consisting of a five-digit number, The amount of reagent dispensed, the number of analyzable tests per reagent bottle, etc. The analysis units 3A, 3B and 3C are set to accept a serum sample, the analysis units 3D and 3E are set to a plasma sample, and the analysis units 3F and 3G are set to set a unit condition for receiving a urine sample. The acceptable sample type is registered together with the unit number.

As the reagent bottles are stored in the reagent supply portions of the plurality of analysis units to be used in the analysis units 3A to 3G, the reagent identification information of each reagent bottle is associated with the analysis unit number. It is registered in the overall control computer 40. In this case, for example, it is assumed that the analysis units 3A, 3B, 3C and 3G for the serum sample are set as the analysis unit group to be used. Among them, the reagent supply units 32 of the analysis units 3A and 3G respectively include reagent bottles for GOT and GPT, which are liver function test items for which a large number of sample requests are made, and reagent bottles for calcium, UA, and BUN, which are emergency test items, respectively. The reagent supply unit 26 of the analysis unit 3B stores, for example, reagent bottles for GOT and GPT which are liver function test items and other analysis items for which the number of test requests is small.
The reagent supply unit 27 of the analysis unit 3C stores, for example, reagent bottles for calcium, UA, BUN, which are emergency test items, and other analysis units with a small number of test requests. Therefore, the liver function test items are three analysis units 3
The A, 3B, and 3G can be analyzed and the emergency inspection items can be analyzed and processed by the three analysis units 3A, 3C, and 3G. The operator decides how many analysis devices the reagents for which analysis items are to be duplicated are stored according to the actual conditions of the examination room of each facility.

As the reagent bottles 12, 12A, 12B are stored in the reagent supply units, the reagent identification information provided on the reagent bottles is read, and the reagent bottle code is used as a key and is already used as an analysis condition parameter. The registered information is searched, and the analysis item corresponding to the reagent bottle, the size of the bottle, the number of analyzable tests, the set position of the reagent bottle, etc. are associated with each other and registered in the overall control computer 40. . At the same time, the maximum number of times analysis is possible based on the total number of reagent bottles for analysis items of the same type in a plurality of analysis units that can analyze the same type of analysis items is also registered and displayed on the CRT 43 as necessary.

After accommodating the corresponding reagents for the analysis items necessary for each analysis unit, prior to the analysis process of the sample, the calibration curves for all the analysis items that can be analyzed by the analysis unit are provided for each analysis unit. Each calibration operation is executed. Since the calibration value of the calibration curve differs depending on the reagent bottle set in each analysis unit, the calibration curve calibration result obtained by each analysis unit for each analysis item is stored in the storage unit 45 of the overall control computer 40. These calibration results are used in the concentration calculation when the corresponding analysis item is analyzed in each analysis unit.

When one of the plurality of sample racks 1 placed on the rack supply unit 17 is pushed out toward the main transport line 20, the identification information of the sample rack 1 and the identification of the sample container 2 are accompanied with it. The information is the identification information reading device 50.
Read by Analytical units 3A, 3B, 3C and 3G for serum specimens based on the read information
Group of is selected. Alternatively, the analysis units 3A, 3B, 3C and 3G are recognized as a group of analysis units in a state to be used.

Further, along with the reading of the sample identification information, the sample number such as the reception number and the registration status of the analysis item are collated, and the analysis item designated for measurement for each sample on the sample rack 1 is determined, Each analysis item of the sample from which the identification information is read is the analysis unit 3A, 3B, 3C and 3G.
The overall control computer 40 determines which of the following should be used for analysis processing. In this case, the overall control computer 40 monitors the number of analysis items for which analysis processing has already been instructed to each analyzer and how long it takes to complete the dispensing of those samples. In particular, for a specific analysis item that can be analyzed by a plurality of analysis units, it is determined which analysis unit is effective in performing the analysis process on the analysis item. For example, GOT and G which are specific analysis items
Regarding PT, it is determined which of the analysis units 3A, 3B and 3G has the smallest number of samples waiting to be processed at that time, and the one with the smaller waiting time is designated as the designated analysis unit. In addition to such a method of automatically designating an analysis unit which should analyze a specific analysis item according to the degree of busyness between a plurality of analysis units, the operator preliminarily operates the operation unit 4
It is also possible to specify from 2 to input the priority of the analysis unit to be used for processing each analysis item.

The sample rack 1 having a sample to be analyzed for a plurality of specific analysis items and the destination (for example, the analysis unit 3B) of which has been determined is continuously transferred to the specified analysis unit 3B by the main transfer line 20. It is stopped before the entrance to the sampling line 4B of the analysis unit 3B. Next, the sample rack 1 is moved to the sampling line 4B, and a predetermined sample is dispensed to the reaction section 5B by the sample dispenser 48b at the dispensing position, and then returned to the main transport line 20.

When the analysis item to be analyzed by another analysis unit remains with respect to the sample on the same sample rack 1, the sample rack 1 is transported to the analysis unit 3C by the main transport line 20 and the sampling line. The sample is transferred to 4C and dispensed.

The amount of reagent remaining in the reagent bottle for each analysis item in each analysis unit in FIG. 1 is monitored by the computer 40 for overall control. As the method for monitoring the remaining amount of the reagent, a method based on detecting the liquid level of the reagent in the reagent bottle when dispensing the reagent by the liquid level detector provided on the reagent pipette nozzle, or dispensing of the reagent Each time, a method of subtracting the number of possible analyzes input in advance is adopted. Whichever method is used, whether or not the reagent amount for the analysis item is insufficient is determined by the overall control computer 40 determining whether or not the remaining number of analyzable times has reached a predetermined value. It In this case, the predetermined value is set such that the remaining number is small, such as zero, one, or two. Also, for example, the GOT of the designated analysis unit 3B
When it is determined that the reagents are insufficient, the analysis unit 3B
The GOT analysis process is stopped, and at the same time, the switching operation of the analyzer is controlled so that the GOT analysis process can be performed by the analysis unit 3A in which the GOT reagent remains sufficiently. Therefore, the sample for which the GOT is to be analyzed thereafter is transported to another analysis unit 3A having the next priority and subjected to the GOT analysis process.

The control device in the embodiment of FIG. 1 knows which analysis unit is instructing the analysis processing of each analysis item, and these data are stored in the storage unit 45. The overall control computer 40 stores information on which analysis unit each analysis item is processed in a memory table, and displays the information on a screen on the CRT 43 when requested by the operator. Excuse me.

In the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each analysis unit 3
A-3G can be instructed to start and stop each operation by key operation of the operation unit 42, and the operation of the overall control computer 40 is stopped based on the instruction information from the operation unit. The sample rack 1 from the rack supply unit 17 is transported via the main transport line 20 only to the remaining analysis units except the analysis unit.
In particular, in the case of a time zone where the number of requested samples is small and the inspection work of the samples that require urgentness is the main, such as at night,
It can be operated so that only the analysis units 3C and 3G for the serum sample are put into the operating state and the remaining analysis units are stopped. During the time period when the number of requested samples increases, a plurality of suspended analysis units are restarted.

Further, in the apparatus of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when an abnormal situation occurs in one of the analysis units and the analysis processing by the analysis unit becomes impossible, another analysis unit takes over the same analysis processing. As described above, the control device instructs the transport of the sample rack to another analysis unit and the analysis processing by the other analysis unit. For example, by overlapping the reagents for a plurality of analysis items in the two analysis units 3B and 3C, the analysis processing can be performed without interrupting the analysis operation for the plurality of analysis items.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the rack transfer mechanism. As the rack transfer mechanism, a transfer robot having a rack gripping arm, a mechanism having an extrusion lever for pushing out the sample rack from one of the main transport line and the sampling line to the other, and the like are used. FIG. 4 belongs to the former type.

Main transport line 20 and sampling line 7
A connection passage 70 having a width that allows the sample rack 1 to move is formed between 5 (4A to 4G in FIG. 1). The rack transfer mechanism is provided above the connection passage 70, and has a main driving pulley 71, a driven pulley 72 mounted on the drive shaft of the motor,
It has a belt 73 hung between these pulleys, and a gripping device 74 made up of a pair of openable and closable fingers attached to this belt 73. In FIG. 4, the connection passage 7
0, a sampling line 75, a motor, and a driving pulley 71 and a driven pulley 7 attached to the drive shaft of the motor.
2. The belt 73 and the gripping device 74 are provided not in the main line but in each analysis unit.

FIG. 4 shows a state in which the gripping device 74 is waiting for the sample rack 1 to arrive on the main transport line. In this state, the sample rack 1 is gripped by the gripping device 74, and the motor is rotated to move the gripping device 74.
When the sample rack 1 is moved to the position of the sampling line 75 via the connection passage 70 and the sample rack 1 is released from the grip of the gripping device 74, the sample rack 1 can be moved to the sampling line 75. Of course, when the sample rack 1 thus moved to the sampling line 75 is returned to the main transport line 20, the reverse operation may be performed.

The above is the description of the analysis (inspection) operation.
In the embodiment of the present invention, the system setting is performed prior to the analysis operation. That is, the relationship between the analysis unit to be used and the position where the analysis unit is arranged, that is, the setting of the analysis unit at which position and what kind of analysis unit is used, and the analysis route indicating how to combine those analysis units. And the content of the setting of the analysis item for each analysis unit, which analysis item is to be analyzed by each analysis unit, is stored in the storage unit 45 of the overall control computer 40. Before describing this system configuration, a brief description of what is useful in understanding it is given below.

The number of analysis units used may be arbitrary, but if this number is n, combinations of 2 n analysis units, that is, analysis paths can be set. For the sake of clarity, four analysis units were used, two of them were analysis units P1 and P2 using the pipette method as the reagent supply method, and the remaining two units were the dispenser method as the reagent supply method. It is assumed that the analysis units are D1 and D2. In this case, P means a pipette type, and D means a dispenser type.

For the sake of clarity, FIG. 5 (1),
As shown in (2) and (3), there are roughly three analysis routes. FIG. 5 (1) shows a type in which the sample rack and the order in which the sample rack should be visited are automatically selected and determined by the computer for overall control according to the requested analysis item.
From this point of view, the analysis route shown in FIG.
It is called the shape analysis path.

FIG. 5 (2) shows a parallel type in which the analysis units P1, D1 and P2, D2 are connected in series, respectively, and the two series groups are connected in parallel. FIG. 5 (3) shows a hybrid type in which the analysis units P1 and P2 and D1 and D2 are connected in parallel, and the two parallel groups are connected in series.

The analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis units P1, P2, D1 and D2 are determined by the item setting described later, but here, for the sake of clarity, the analysis items that can be analyzed by the analysis units P1 and P2 are mutually related. It is assumed that they are the same and that the analysis items to be analyzed by the analysis units D1 and D2 are also the same.
Then, in FIG. 5B, the analysis units P1 and D1 are
Will be the same as the first analysis path formed by connecting in series with each other and the second analysis path formed by connecting the analysis units P2 and D2 in series. That is, there are two same analysis paths. According to the same idea, in FIG. 5 (3), there are four same analysis paths.

In both cases (2) and (3) of FIG. 5, which of the fixed fixed analysis paths is selected and used is determined by the computer for overall control. In addition, the selection and determination should be performed in the order of young number, for example, if the analytical route is empty, if there are sufficient reagents, and if all analytical routes are acceptable. The above is performed according to a predetermined selection criterion. The analysis paths of FIGS. 5 (2) and 5 (3) are referred to herein as “fixed” type analysis paths.

Therefore, in order to explain the system setting according to the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, first, the analysis unit is set (step 601). This is a step of deciding and registering which analysis unit at which position is used. Alternatively, step 601 is a step of deciding and registering which analysis unit is operated for the analysis operation. After that, in the case of the “fixed” type, it is possible to add a step of registering the sample rack in which order and in which order the sample racks are stopped during the analysis operation, that is, by determining the transport path of the sample rack. .

In step 602, the combination of a plurality of analysis units is designated as "automatic" or "fixed". If the designation is “automatic”, step 603
In, the analysis items that can be analyzed by each analysis unit are set for each analysis unit. Specifically, the analysis units P1 and P2 are set so that the same analysis item can be analyzed using a screen as shown in FIG.
Analysis items such as BUN, CRE, and GLU are set. Similarly, for the analysis units D1 and D2, analysis items such as AST, ALT, LD, ALP, TP, and ALB are set so that the same analysis item can be analyzed.

In this case, since these analysis items set for each analysis unit to be used are registered in the computer 40, the storage unit 45 stores the analysis item information for each analysis unit. Function as a storage means. Therefore, during the analysis operation, the analysis item information read by the identification information reading device 50 for the sample on the sample rack from the analysis item information of the entire system as a set of analysis items assigned to each analysis unit. The computer 40 determines that the sample rack stops at a specific analysis unit that processes the analysis item.

On the other hand, when the "fixed" shape is designated in step 602 of FIG. 6, in step 604,
It is set whether the analysis path is parallel type or hybrid type. After that, in step 605, as in the case of step 603, analysis items are set for each analysis unit.

In order to set a combination of a plurality of analysis units according to the steps of FIG. 6, the CRT 4 generated by the overall control computer 40 at each step is set.
This can be done by observing the setting screen displayed in 3. The generation and display of the setting screen itself can be realized by an ordinary known technique.

When the operator requests the control unit to display the analysis unit configuration screen when configuring the system, C
A system setting screen as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed on the RT 43. In FIG. 7, a system setting screen 701 includes a title field 702, a rack supply unit display block 703, a rack collection unit display block 704, a broken line area 705 sandwiched between the display blocks, and an instruction to display an analysis unit setting screen. A button 706 for inputting, a button 707 for giving an instruction to display an analysis route designation screen, a button 708 for giving an instruction to display an item setting screen, and the like. However, the part of the broken line area 705 in the figure is not displayed in the initial stage. On this setting screen, if you click the button 706 called "Analysis unit setting",
The setting screen of FIG. 8 is displayed on the CRT 43.

In FIG. 8, the analysis unit setting screen 8 is displayed.
1 has a title column 82 and an analysis unit display area 83. In the display area 83, only the installation position number 84 of the analysis unit is displayed at the initial stage. When the operator inputs the number of the analysis unit and the reagent supply type to be used corresponding to each installation position number from the operation unit 42 into the unit input field 85, the screen is displayed, for example, as shown in the screen of FIG. In this example, "P1" means that the reagent supply type is the number 1 of the analysis unit of the pipettor type,
"D1" means that the reagent supply type is the number 1 of the analysis unit of the dispenser system. After inputting all the analysis units to be used and then instructing to end the setting, the contents set in FIG. 8 are stored in the storage unit 45. In this case, the storage unit 45 functions as a storage unit that stores the combination information of the plurality of analysis units set through the screen display unit.

The screen 81 shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed on a part of the setting screen shown in FIG. 7, may be replaced with the setting screen shown in FIG. 7 as a whole, or may be displayed. 7
It may be displayed in a place completely independent of the setting screen of. Here, the setting screen 81 of FIG. 8 is the setting screen 7 of FIG.
It shall be replaced with 01 and displayed. The same applies to other setting screens described later.

For the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the combination of analysis units shown in FIG. 5B should be designated and set. In FIG. 8, the numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 are displayed on the installation position display portion 84 of the analysis unit as shown in the figure, and the symbol P for specifying the analysis unit is further displayed.
1, P2, D1 and D2 are displayed in the unit input fields 85 as shown in the figure. As a result, the installation positions 1, 2,
The fact that the analysis units P1, P2, D1 and D2 are combined in 3 and 4 is stored and registered in the storage unit 45 of the overall control computer. This step is step 601 in FIG.

When the input to the setting screen 81 of FIG. 8 is completed, the end key of the operation unit 42 is pressed or the screen 8 is displayed.
When you click the close button (not shown) on 1,
Return to the system setting screen of FIG.

Next, in FIG. 7, when the button 707 "designation of analysis route" is clicked, the setting screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. The screen 91 for selecting the method of setting the analysis route in FIG. 9 has a title column 92 and a route designation area 93. In this routing area 93,
Buttons 94 and 9 for selecting "fixed" or "automatic"
There is 5. Here, selection of the analysis route as “fixed” or “automatic” is performed by clicking either of the buttons. The case of FIG. 9 indicates that the “fixed” type analysis path has been selected. This step is step 602 in FIG.

In FIG. 9, after "fixed" is selected,
When the close button is clicked, the setting screen 101 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Since the analysis route to be designated is the “fixed” type analysis route shown in FIG. 5B, the first and second routes are set. In FIG. 10, the analysis unit P is provided for the number 1 corresponding to the first analysis path.
1 and D1 are specified, and the number 2 corresponds to the second analysis path
In, the analysis units P2, D2 are designated, and their analysis paths are stored and registered in the storage unit 45 of the overall control computer. This step is shown in Figure 6.
In step 604. If you click the close button after this step, you will return to the screen shown in Fig. 7.
The screen display of is changed to a screen display including a portion indicated by a broken line area 705.

When the "item setting" button 708 is clicked on the system setting screen 701 of FIG. 7, an analysis item setting screen 111 as shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. The screen 111 of FIG. 11 has a title column 112,
It has an analysis unit name column 113 and a display area 114. Then, in the display area 114, the reagent position number 1
Analysis item setting field 117 corresponding to 15, 116
118 is displayed. In the name column 113 of the analysis unit, the reagent supply type (P or D) of one analysis unit among the plurality of analysis units to be used and its unit number are displayed. The analysis item is set for each analysis unit. When the close button is clicked after setting the analysis item for the first analysis unit, for example P1, the second analysis unit, for example D1, is displayed in the analysis unit name column 113 and the entire screen is also D1.
Is displayed by switching to the setting screen 111 for. If you click the close button when you have finished setting the analysis items for all the analysis units to be used,
The screen returns to the setting screen 701 shown in FIG.

The example of FIG. 11 is an analysis item setting screen when D1 is designated as the analysis unit. In this case, according to the example described with reference to FIG. 6, reagent position numbers 1, 2, and
AST, ALT, L corresponding to 3, 4, 5, 6 respectively
Analysis items such as D, ALP, TP, and ALB are the operation unit 42.
Is input from the computer, and this is stored and registered in the storage unit 45 of the computer for overall control. After setting the analysis item for the analysis unit D1, the next analysis unit, for example, P2
Is called, "P2" is displayed in the analysis unit name column 113.
Is displayed and the screen 111 in which the analysis item setting fields 117 and 118 are blank is displayed, so that the analysis item can be set in the same manner as the above-described example.

In the example of FIG. 5 (2), it is assumed that the analysis units D1 and D2 have the same setting conditions. Therefore, for the analysis unit D2, the analysis item having the same reagent position number as that of the analysis unit D1 is used. The same analysis item is input to the setting field, and the information is stored in the storage unit 45 in association with the reagent supply type and the analysis unit number. Also,
Regarding the analysis units P1 and P2, analysis items CRU, BUN, CRE, and GLU are input corresponding to the reagent position numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the respective analysis item setting screens, and their information is registered. . This step is step 603 and step 60 in FIG.
It is 5.

After the setting of the analysis item as one of the functional constitutions of the sample analysis system is established for each analysis unit, when the operator wants to know the type of the analysis item set in each analysis unit, When the operation section 42 gives an instruction, the stored information is called by the CRT 43, and a list of analysis items corresponding to each analysis unit is displayed. In the case of the “automatic” type, an analysis system is established by determining a combination of a plurality of analysis units used as a sample analysis system and a plurality of analysis items that can be processed by each analysis unit. Once the functional configuration of such a sample analysis system has been established, the same configuration state can be continuously used thereafter, so that the operator only has to input the sample information in the analysis work of the actual sample.

In the above-mentioned embodiment, since the positions of the P-type analysis unit and the D-type analysis unit can be exchanged, the flexibility of the system configuration can be further increased. Moreover, it is possible for even a user to easily make system settings through observing the screen for the settings.

[0068]

According to the present invention, the system configuration of the sample processing function can be changed via the screen without changing the arrangement state of the plurality of analysis units in the sample analysis system.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall configuration of a sample analysis system as an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is an operation explanatory view of an analysis unit having a dispenser type reagent supply function in the embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram of an analysis unit having a pipette type reagent supply function in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a rack transfer mechanism in the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a combination of analysis units.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a setting example of the system configuration of the sample analysis system.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a display example of a system setting screen used in performing system configuration.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display example of an analysis unit setting screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for selecting an analysis route setting method.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for designating an analysis route.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a display example of an analysis item setting screen.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... Sample rack, 2 ... Sample container, 3A-3G ... Analysis unit, 4A-4G ... Sampling line, 5A-5G ...
Reaction part, 12, 12A, 12B ... Reagent bottle, 15A,
15B ... Multi-wavelength photometer, 17 ... Rack supply unit, 1
8 ... Rack collection unit, 20 ... Main transfer line, 26
A, 26B ... Reagent disk, 26-29, 32-34 ...
Reagent supply unit, 40 ... Overall control computer, 45 ... Storage unit, 50 to 58 ... Identification information reading device, 81 ... Analysis unit setting screen, 111 ... Analysis item setting screen, 701
… System setting screen.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Atsushi Takahashi             882 Ichige, Ichima, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Ceremony Company Hitachi Ltd. Measuring Instruments Division (72) Inventor Hiroshi Maki             882 Ichige, Ichima, Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture             Ceremony Company Hitachi Ltd. Measuring Instruments Division F term (reference) 2G058 AA05 CB09 CB15 CC14 CD04                       CD26 CE08 EA02 EA04 EA05                       EA12 GA02 GC05 GC06 GE05                       GE06 HA04

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of analysis units are arranged along a transport line for transporting a sample rack holding a sample, and the sample on the sample rack is selected from any one of the plurality of analysis units. In the method of configuring a sample analysis system for analysis as described above, a screen having an analysis item setting field for setting an analysis item is displayed on the screen display device in association with the reagent supply type of each analysis unit, and respectively. A method of configuring a sample analysis system, characterized in that a storage unit stores a combination of a plurality of analysis units to which analysis items are assigned. 2. The configuration method according to claim 1, wherein an analysis unit setting button and an analysis item setting button are displayed on the system setting screen, which is used when the analysis unit setting button is selected. Displaying a screen for designating a plurality of analytical units to be performed, and a screen having an analytical item designating column for one of the designated analytical units in association with selection of the analytical item setting button Is displayed, and a method for configuring an analysis system.