Patent ID: 9063106
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method for using an automatic analyzer, said automatic analyzer including: a reaction unit including a plurality of vessels; a first reagent storing unit that is capable of storing a plurality of reagent cassettes; a sample dispenser for dispensing a sample into the reaction unit; a reagent dispenser for dispensing a reagent corresponding to an analysis item from the first reagent storing unit into the reaction unit; a second reagent storing unit that is capable of storing a plurality of reagent cassettes; and reagent cassette transfer means for transferring a reagent cassette containing a reagent between the first reagent storing unit and the second reagent storing unit; said method comprising the sequence of steps of: registering a plurality of operation sets, where the operation sets each specify one or more combinations of analysis items and a scheduled number of analyses corresponding to the analysis items; selecting an operation set from the registered operation sets; determining a scheduled number of analyses of the analysis items defined in the operation set based on a number of analyses of the analysis items recorded in a past analysis record; replacing, prior to the start of analysis according to the selected operation set, the reagents such that the reagent cassettes stored in the first reagent storing unit contain reagents sufficient to support the combination of analysis items and scheduled number of analyses of the selected operation set by controlling carrying in of reagent cassettes by the reagent cassette transfer means from the second reagent storing unit to the first reagent storing unit and taking out of the reagent cassettes by the reagent cassette transfer means from the first reagent storing unit to the second reagent storing unit; when the first reagent storing unit does not have empty space for a reagent to be placed therein, with the result that all reagents required for analysis operation based on the selected operation set cannot be completely transferred to the first reagent storing unit, keeping the required reagent waiting in the second reagent storing unit; and when the first reagent storing unit is provided with empty space for a reagent to be placed therein, transferring the required reagent to the first reagent storing unit.