Patent Description:
In the automatic analysis apparatus, periodic measurement of the precision control sample and determination (precision control measurement) of the quantitative value are performed, and it is confirmed that there is no abnormality in the performance of the automatic analysis apparatus.

<CIT> (PTL <NUM>) describes a technique in which, after the maintenance and inspection of a dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample or the like, the absorbance of a dye solution having a known absorbance dispensed into a vessel is obtained, and it is determined whether the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing mechanism is normal or abnormal from the accuracy and precision of an analysis result from the obtained absorbance. <CIT> (PTL <NUM>) shows a device which includes an optical measuring part comprising a reaction container, a dispensation nozzle, a light source, and a detector of the light source; and a control part of the dispensation nozzle. <CIT> (PTL <NUM>) shows a method for validating the accuracy of automated analyzers by performing an improved dual dye ratio method procedure that uses at least first and second dye solutions in combination with gravimetric measurement of selected test solutions. <CIT> (PTL <NUM>) shows sample processing systems, components of such sample processing systems, sample dispensing devices, contactless fluid dispensing devices, contactless treatment stations, contactless liquid level sensors, contactless fluid aspirators, waste management systems, control systems, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for operating a high throughput sample processing system.

In the automatic analysis apparatus, the precision control measurement is determined based on a quantitative value, that is, a detected value of reaction liquid after the reaction process is finished. In the automatic analysis apparatus, since detection is performed by continuously operating a plurality of mechanisms, in a case where an abnormality occurs in the detected value, it is unclear which mechanism has a failure. In particular, in a case where a failure mechanism is a dispensing mechanism, it takes time to specify the cause. Further, there is a possibility that a failure occurs at a specific dispensing volume, and in this case, extraction (specification) of the failure becomes more difficult.

The technique described in PTL <NUM> is a method for measuring the absorbance to determine whether or not the dispensing accuracy of the dispensing mechanism is normal, but there is no viewpoint that a failure occurs at a specific dispensing volume. Therefore, the dispensing accuracy cannot be confirmed by changing the dispensing volume.

Further, in the technique described in PTL <NUM>, it is necessary to measure the absorbance in order to confirm the dispensing accuracy, and the work of confirming the dispensing accuracy is complicated.

Here, an object of the present invention is to realize an automatic analysis apparatus that can perform dispensing accuracy measurement without measuring absorbance.

Furthermore, the first, second, seventh and ninth embodiments describe subject matter which does not form part of the invention but represents background art that is useful for understanding the invention.

According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an automatic analysis apparatus that can perform dispensing accuracy measurement without measuring absorbance.

In addition, the present embodiment is used for understanding the invention, and the scope of rights is not limited to the embodiment of the present invention.

<FIG> is a schematic configuration diagram of an automatic analysis apparatus to which a first embodiment is applied. In addition, the description will be made with a case where the invention is applied to an immunoassay apparatus as an automatic analysis apparatus, as an example.

In <FIG>, an immunoassay apparatus <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM>, a specimen rack <NUM>, a rack transport line <NUM>, a specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, an incubator (vessel installment unit) <NUM>, a transport mechanism (reaction vessel transport mechanism) <NUM>, and a reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, a reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM>, and a disposal hole <NUM>.

In addition, the immunoassay apparatus <NUM> includes a reagent disk <NUM>, a reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, a B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM>, a B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, a B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, a buffer solution discharge mechanism (third dispensing mechanism) <NUM>, a post B/F separation stirring mechanism <NUM>, a detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, a plurality of detection units <NUM>, and the like.

In the immunoassay apparatus <NUM>, the specimen rack <NUM> has a specimen vessel <NUM>, which holds a specimen, installed thereon. Further, the rack transport line <NUM> moves the specimen vessel <NUM> installed on the specimen rack <NUM> to a specimen dispensing position in the vicinity of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

The specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> can rotate and move up and down, sucks the specimen held in the specimen vessel <NUM>, and discharges the sucked specimen into the reaction vessel <NUM> on the incubator <NUM>.

The incubator <NUM> is configured such that a plurality of reaction vessels <NUM> can be installed. The incubator <NUM> is a reaction disk for reacting the liquid contained in the reaction vessel <NUM>, and performs a rotation operation for moving the reaction vessel <NUM> installed in the circumferential direction to a predetermined position such as a reaction vessel installment position <NUM>, a reagent discharge position <NUM>, a specimen discharge position <NUM>, a detection reaction liquid suction position <NUM>, a reaction vessel disposal position <NUM>, a B/F separation transport position <NUM>, and the like.

The transport mechanism <NUM> is movable in three directions of an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis, moves within a range of a predetermined location of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, the reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM>, the disposal hole <NUM>, a tip mounting position <NUM> of a specimen dispensing tip <NUM>, and the incubator <NUM>, and transports the specimen dispensing tip <NUM> or the reaction vessel <NUM>.

The reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> has a plurality of unused reaction vessels <NUM> and a plurality of specimen dispensing tips <NUM> which are installed thereon.

The reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM> is a stirring mechanism that mixes the specimen and the reagent with each other in the reaction vessel <NUM> by applying a rotational motion to the reaction vessel <NUM>.

The disposal hole <NUM> is a hole for disposing of the specimen dispensing tip <NUM> and the reaction vessel <NUM> which are used.

The reagent disk <NUM> has a plurality of reagent vessels <NUM>, which hold reagents, installed thereon. The inside of the reagent disk <NUM> is maintained at a predetermined temperature, and a cover <NUM> is provided above the reagent disk <NUM>. A cover aperture <NUM> is provided at a part of the cover <NUM>.

The reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> can rotate and move up and down, and is configured to suck the reagent held in the reagent vessel <NUM> in the reagent disk <NUM> and discharge the sucked reagent to the reaction vessel <NUM> on the incubator <NUM>.

The B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM> moves the reaction vessel <NUM> on the incubator <NUM> after a predetermined time has elapsed from the B/F separation transport position <NUM> to the B/F separation mechanism (processing mechanism) <NUM>.

The B/F separation mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism that separates a reaction liquid that does not contain magnetic particles and magnetic particles from each other by magnetically adsorbing magnetic particles that contain a substance immunologically bound to the measurement target present in the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel <NUM>, to the inner wall of the reaction vessel <NUM>.

The B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> is configured such that the X axis and the Z axis can move, moves and descends above the reaction vessel <NUM> after a predetermined time has elapsed on the B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, and sucks the reaction liquid that does not contain the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel <NUM>.

The buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM> is configured such that the X axis and the Z axis can move, moves and descends above the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reaction liquid that does not contain the magnetic particles is sucked on the B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, and discharges a buffer solution into the reaction vessel <NUM>.

After the post B/F separation stirring mechanism <NUM> applies a rotational motion to the reaction vessel <NUM> and mixes the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel <NUM> with the buffer solution. The reaction vessel <NUM> after the mixing is transported by the B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM> to the B/F separation transport position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>.

The detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism that can rotate and move up and down, and sucks the reaction liquid contained in the reaction vessel <NUM> on the incubator <NUM> to send the sucked reaction liquid to the detection unit <NUM>.

Regarding the detection unit (analysis unit) <NUM>, a plurality of detection units <NUM> are installed for shortening the measurement time, and concentration or the like of detection target in the reaction liquid sucked and sent from the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> is detected (analyzed).

Next, an analysis operation in the first embodiment of the automatic analysis apparatus will be described.

The control unit <NUM> receives a measurement input signal from an operating unit <NUM>, outputs a control signal to each mechanism in the automatic analysis apparatus in order to perform analysis, and controls the operation thereof.

First, the transport mechanism <NUM> moves and descends above the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, and grasps the unused reaction vessel <NUM> and ascends. After this, the transport mechanism <NUM> moves and descends above the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>, and installs the unused reaction vessel <NUM> on the incubator <NUM>.

In addition, the transport mechanism <NUM> moves and descends above the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, and grasps the unused specimen dispensing tip <NUM> and ascends. After this, the transport mechanism <NUM> moves and descends above the tip mounting position <NUM>, and installs the unused specimen dispensing tip <NUM> on the tip mounting position <NUM>. After this, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> moves and descends above the tip mounting position <NUM>, and mounts the specimen dispensing tip <NUM> at the tip end of the dispensing nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

The nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> is rotated and descends above the aperture <NUM> of the reagent disc cover <NUM>, brings the tip end of the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> into contact with a reagent in a predetermined reagent vessel <NUM>, and sucks a predetermined amount of reagent. Next, the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> moves above the reagent discharge position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM> and discharges the reagent to the reaction vessel <NUM> installed in the incubator <NUM>.

The nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> on which the specimen dispensing tip <NUM> is mounted moves and descends above the specimen vessel <NUM> disposed on the specimen rack <NUM>, and sucks a predetermined amount of specimen held in the specimen vessel <NUM>. After this, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> that has sucked the specimen moves and descends to the specimen discharge position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>, and discharges the specimen into the reaction vessel <NUM>, to which the reagent is dispensed, on the incubator <NUM>. After the discharge of the specimen, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> performs a mixing operation. After the mixing operation is completed, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> moves above the disposal hole <NUM>, and disposes of the used specimen dispensing tip <NUM> into the disposal hole <NUM>.

After this, the control unit <NUM> moves the reaction vessel <NUM> in which the specimen and the reagent are mixed with each other to the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> by rotating the incubator <NUM>, and transports the reaction vessel <NUM> to the reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM> by the transport mechanism <NUM>.

The reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM> applies the rotational motion to the reaction vessel <NUM>, and stirs the specimen and the reagent in the reaction vessel <NUM> to mix the specimen and the reagent with each other. After this, the control unit <NUM> returns the reaction vessel <NUM> in which the stirring is finished to the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM> by the transport mechanism <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> selectively performs the following B/F separation step in accordance with an analysis protocol. First, the reaction vessel <NUM> after a predetermined time has elapsed on the incubator <NUM> is moved to the B/F separation transport position <NUM> by the rotation of the incubator <NUM>, and is transported to the B/F separation mechanism <NUM> by the B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM>.

Next, the B/F separation mechanism <NUM> magnetically adsorbs the magnetic particles that contain a substance immunologically bound to the measurement target present in the reaction liquid of the reaction vessel <NUM> to the inner wall of the reaction vessel <NUM>, moves and lowers the nozzle of the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> above the reaction vessel <NUM> after a predetermined time has been elapsed on the B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, and sucks the reaction liquid that does not contain the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel <NUM>.

Next, the nozzle of the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM> is moved and lowered above the reaction vessel <NUM> into which the reaction liquid that does not contain the magnetic particles is sucked on the B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, the buffer solution is discharged into the reaction vessel <NUM>, and the reaction vessel <NUM> is transported to the post B/F separation stirring mechanism <NUM> by the B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM>.

After this, in the post B/F separation stirring mechanism <NUM>, the rotational motion is applied to the reaction vessel <NUM>, and the magnetic particles in the reaction vessel <NUM> are mixed with the buffer solution. The reaction vessel <NUM> in which the stirring is finished is returned to the B/F separation transport position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM> by the post B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM>.

Next, a detection step of detecting the measurement target in the reaction liquid is performed.

First, the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the specimen and the reagent are dispensed and after a predetermined time has elapsed on the incubator <NUM>, or the reaction vessel <NUM> in which the B/F separation is performed, is moved to the detection reaction liquid suction position <NUM>. After the reaction vessel <NUM> moves to the detection reaction liquid suction position <NUM>, and after the nozzle of the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> is moved and lowered above the reaction vessel <NUM>, the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel <NUM> is sucked. The reaction liquid is sent to the flow cell type detection unit <NUM> via a liquid transport channel <NUM>, and the detection unit <NUM> detects the measurement target.

The control unit <NUM> derives the measurement result (the concentration or the like of the detection target in the specimen) based on the detected value of the measurement target detected by the detection unit <NUM>, and stores the derived measurement result in a storage unit <NUM>. Further, the measurement result is displayed using a display unit <NUM> such as a display.

Further, the control unit <NUM> moves the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reaction liquid is sucked to the reaction vessel disposal position <NUM> by the rotation of the incubator <NUM>, moves the reaction vessel from the incubator <NUM> to above the disposal hole <NUM> by the transport mechanism <NUM>, and disposes of the reaction vessel from the disposal hole <NUM>.

Depending on the analysis protocol, the specimen dilution dispensing operation is selectively performed. Since the detailed operation is the same as the above-described analysis operation, only the difference from the specimen dilution dispensing operation will be described.

In the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the dilution operation is performed using the reagent vessel <NUM> containing the diluent in the above-described analysis operation. First, the diluent is sucked by the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> and discharged to the reaction vessel <NUM>. Next, the specimen is sucked by the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the specimen is discharged to the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the diluent is dispensed. After the specimen is discharged, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> performs a mixing operation, and a diluted specimen is generated in the reaction vessel <NUM>.

Next, the unused reaction vessel <NUM> is installed on the incubator <NUM>. After the installation of the reaction vessel <NUM>, the reagent is sucked by the nozzle of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> and discharged to the unused reaction vessel <NUM>. After the discharge of the reagent, the nozzle of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> sucks the diluted specimen from the reaction vessel <NUM> that contains the diluted specimen and discharges the sucked diluted specimen to the reaction vessel <NUM> that contains the reagent.

After this, the reaction process and the B/F separation process in the incubator <NUM> are selectively performed, and the reaction liquid is detected.

The above is the analysis operation in the automatic analysis apparatus.

Next, a dispensing volume measurement operation in the first embodiment will be described. First, the operation method of the designated dispensing mechanism will be described.

<FIG> is an operation flowchart illustrating an outline of the operation method of the designated dispensing mechanism in the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplified display screen on the display unit <NUM> in a case where a reagent dispensing operation is designated, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplified display screen on the display unit <NUM> in a case where a specimen dispensing operation is designated. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplified display screen on the display unit <NUM> in a case where a specimen dilution dispensing operation is designated, and <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplified display screen on the display unit <NUM> in a case where a B/F separation operation is designated. <FIG> is a diagram illustrating an exemplified display screen on the display unit <NUM> in a case where the detection reaction liquid suction operation is designated.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the first embodiment. In <FIG>, the control unit <NUM> includes: a measurement item determination unit <NUM> that determines a measurement item of the designated dispensing volume measurement, which is an operation command input from the operating unit <NUM>; an overall control unit <NUM>; and a display output unit <NUM> for performing display on the display unit <NUM> in accordance with the command from the overall control unit <NUM>. In addition, the control unit <NUM> includes: a reagent dispensing operation control unit <NUM> that controls the operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> in accordance with the command from the overall control unit <NUM>; a specimen dispensing operation control unit <NUM> that controls the operation of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>; a specimen dilution dispensing operation control unit <NUM> that controls the operations of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> and the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> in the specimen dilution dispensing operation; a B/F separation operation control unit <NUM> that controls the operations of the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> and the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM>; and a detection reaction liquid suction operation control unit <NUM> that controls the operation of the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>.

In addition, an operation mechanism <NUM> of <FIG> shows the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>.

First, an operator installs the reaction vessel <NUM>, the specimen dispensing tip <NUM>, the reagent vessel <NUM>, the specimen vessel <NUM>, and the like in the automatic analysis apparatus.

After the installation, a GUI of the display unit <NUM> is displayed, and the measurement item is designated by the operating unit <NUM> (S201 (input of operation command) in <FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the measurement item can designate the reagent dispensing operation, the specimen dispensing operation, the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation.

Next, parameters for the designated dispensing operation are input (S202 (input of operation command)).

In S202, in a case where the reagent dispensing operation is designated, the reagent dispensing volume and the dispensing frequency can be input. In a case where the specimen dispensing operation is designated, the reagent dispensing volume, the specimen dispensing operation, and the dispensing frequency can be input. In a case where the specimen dilution dispensing operation is designated, the reagent dispensing volume, the specimen dispensing volume, the diluent dispensing volume, the diluted specimen dispensing volume, and the dispensing frequency can be input. In a case where the B/F separation operation is designated, the dispensing frequency can be input. In the B/F separation operation, since the reaction liquid is all sucked by the nozzle of the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, the reagent dispensing volume and the specimen dispensing volume are fixed values.

In a case where the detection reaction liquid suction operation is designated, the number of the detector to be measured and the dispensing frequency can be input.

In addition, the upper limit of the measurement frequency is the maximum number of the reaction vessel installment positions <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>.

In S202, after the parameters are input, when an execution button displayed on the display unit <NUM> is pressed, the input parameters are stored in the storage unit <NUM> from the measurement item determination unit <NUM>, and the overall control unit <NUM> outputs an operation control command based on the stored parameters (S203). Further, the overall control unit <NUM> controls the display output unit <NUM> to display the operation state and the like of the operation mechanism <NUM>.

Next, each dispensing operation will be described. However, since the detailed operation is the same as the above-described analysis operation, the description thereof will be omitted.

The measurement item determination unit <NUM> determines whether or not the input measurement item is a specimen dilution dispensing operation (S203A). When the reagent dispensing operation is designated, since the operation is not the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the transport mechanism <NUM> installs the reaction vessel <NUM> in the incubator <NUM> from the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> (S204), and dispenses the set dispensing volume of reagent (S205). The reagent dispensing is repeatedly operated in accordance with the dispensing frequency input in S202.

Subsequent to S205, it is determined whether or not the measurement item is a reagent dispensing operation (S205A). When the measurement item is the reagent dispensing operation, the measurement is finished in a state where the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM>. In S205A, when the measurement item is not the reagent dispensing operation, the set dispensing volume of specimen is dispensed to the reaction vessel <NUM> installed in the incubator <NUM> (S206). The specimen dispensing is repeatedly operated in accordance with the input dispensing frequency. In a case where the reagent dispensing volume is set to <NUM>, the reagent dispensing operation (S205) is not performed. Subsequent to S206, it is determined whether or not the measurement item is a specimen dispensing operation (S206A), and when the measurement item is the specimen dispensing operation, the measurement is finished in a state where the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM>.

In S206, when the measurement is not the specimen dispensing operation, the reaction vessel <NUM> is stirred by the reaction vessel stirring mechanism <NUM> (S207), and a predetermined time elapses on the incubator <NUM> (incubation) (S208). After a predetermined time elapses, the reaction vessel <NUM> is transported to the B/F separation mechanism <NUM> to perform the B/F separation operation (S209). By the B/F separation operation, the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel <NUM> is sucked, and the buffer solution is discharged. Next, it is determined whether or not the measurement item is the B/F separation operation (S209A), and when the measurement item is the B/F separation operation, after the B/F separation transport mechanism <NUM> installs the reaction vessel <NUM> in the incubator <NUM> (S217), the measurement is finished. Furthermore, the operation is repeatedly performed in accordance with the input dispensing frequency.

In S209A, when it is determined that the measurement item is not the B/F separation operation, the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation by the selected detector is performed (S210). In addition, the detection of the reaction liquid is not performed because the suction operation is confirmed. The operation is repeatedly performed in accordance with the input dispensing frequency. After this, the measurement is finished in a state where the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM> (S217).

In S203A, when it is determined that the measurement item is the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the transport mechanism <NUM> installs the reaction vessel <NUM> which is the first from the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> in the incubator <NUM> (S211). After this, the set dispensing volume of diluent is dispensed (S212), and then, the set dispensing volume of specimen is dispensed (S213). Next, the reaction vessel <NUM> which is the second from the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM> (S214), and thereafter, the set dispensing volume of reagent is dispensed (S215). Then, the set dispensing volume of diluted specimen is dispensed from the first reaction vessel <NUM> to the second reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed (S216), and the measurement is finished. In addition, the operation is repeatedly performed in accordance with the set input dispensing frequency.

A state where the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed on the incubator <NUM> is achieved such that the operator can easily collect the reaction vessel <NUM> (S217). In addition, in order to specify each reaction vessel <NUM>, the number is written on the incubator <NUM>, and the reaction vessels <NUM> may be installed in numerical order. Furthermore, the temperature control of the incubator <NUM> may be stopped during the measurement (during the operation of the dispensing mechanism) in order to prevent the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel <NUM> from evaporating. After all the dispensing operations in accordance with the measurement frequency and the installation of the reaction vessel <NUM> in the incubator <NUM> are completed, the automatic analysis apparatus is automatically stopped, and the display unit <NUM> displays the completion of the operation. After the display, the operator can collect the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed on the incubator <NUM>.

The above is the operation method of the designated dispensing mechanism.

Next, a dispensing volume measurement method will be described.

After collecting the reaction vessel <NUM>, to which the reagent is dispensed, on the incubator <NUM>, the dispensing volume of the reaction liquid can be measured using any method.

For example, the dispensing volume of the collected reaction liquid can be measured by a gravimetric method using an electronic balance. In this method, first, the weights of the unused reaction vessels <NUM> of which the number corresponds to the measurement frequency are measured by the electronic balance before measuring the dispensing volume. Next, all unused reaction vessels <NUM> of which the weights have been measured are installed in the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, and the designated dispensing operation is performed. After the dispensing operation is completed, the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed is collected. After the collection, the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed is measured by the electronic balance, and the dispensing volume is calculated from the difference before and after the measurement.

In addition to the gravimetric method, the amount of the collected reaction liquid can be measured by an absorption photometry using a spectrophotometer. In this method, a dye is used for a reagent or a specimen.

For example, a procedure for measuring the reagent dispensing by an absorption photometry using orange G as a dye will be described.

First, a calibration curve is created using a spectrophotometer. First, the reagent dispensing volume and the specimen dispensing volume to be input in advance are determined. Next, a reagent orange G and a specimen solution are prepared. Next, the reagent orange G and the specimen solution are mixed with each other such that the reagent dispensing volume and the specimen dispensing volume to be input have the same concentration. Furthermore, based on the concentration, a mixed solution having one or more different concentrations before and after is prepared.

Next, each absorbance at <NUM> to <NUM> of the adjusted orange G mixed solution is measured using the spectrophotometer. When the absorbance is saturated at the time of measurement in the spectrophotometer, the reagent orange G is adjusted again. When the concentration does not saturate, a calibration curve (approximate expression) is created from the measured absorbance, with the horizontal axis representing the concentration and the vertical axis representing the absorbance.

After creating the calibration curve, the adjusted orange G is sealed in the reagent vessel <NUM>, and the reagent vessel <NUM> is installed on the reagent disk <NUM>. Further, a specimen solution is dispensed into the specimen vessel <NUM>.

Next, the reagent dispensing operation is designated, the reagent dispensing volume and the specimen dispensing volume are input, and the reagent dispensing operation is performed. After the reagent dispensing operation is completed, the reaction vessel <NUM> is collected from above the incubator <NUM>, the absorbance is measured, and the reagent dispensing volume is calculated from the calibration curve.

The above is the dispensing volume measurement method in the first embodiment.

From the calculated dispensing volume, it becomes possible to calculate the accuracy and precision of the dispensing result. For example, the accuracy can be calculated as a difference between the true value and the average value of the dispensing volume, and the precision can be calculated as a variation coefficient obtained by dividing the standard deviation of the dispensing volume by the average value.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, while displaying the dispensing conditions such as the designation of the dispensing mechanism of which the dispensing accuracy is to be measured and the dispensing volume on the display unit <NUM>, the dispensing conditions are set using the operating unit <NUM>, and the automatic analysis apparatus can perform the set dispensing operation with respect to the reaction vessel or the like. The dispensing accuracy can be measured by collecting the reaction vessel <NUM>, to which the reagent is dispensed, installed in the incubator <NUM> and measuring the dispensing volume of the reaction liquid in the collected reaction vessel <NUM> by an appropriate measuring method.

Accordingly, it is possible to provide the automatic analysis apparatus capable of setting the dispensing mechanism for measuring the dispensing accuracy and the dispensing volume, and capable of performing dispensing accuracy measurement without absorbance measurement.

Next, a second embodiment will be described.

In the first embodiment, the operator manually collects the reaction vessel <NUM> from the incubator <NUM>, measures the weight or the like with an external device, and measures the dispensing volume, but the second embodiment is an example in which the weight measurement is possible inside the automatic analysis apparatus.

<FIG> are explanatory diagrams for showing an outline of the second embodiment and illustrating the weight measurement of the dispensing volume inside the automatic analysis apparatus. As shown in <FIG>, in the second embodiment, a weight sensor (weight measurement unit) <NUM> is disposed below the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>. A sensor having a resolution as high as possible is used as the weight sensor <NUM>.

In addition, <FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the second embodiment.

In the block diagram of the control function shown in <FIG>, a weight calculation unit <NUM> and a memory <NUM> are added to the block shown in <FIG>. Other configurations are the same as those shown in <FIG>.

Furthermore, the overall configuration of the immunoassay apparatus <NUM> according to the second embodiment is the same as the configuration shown in <FIG>.

Next, a weight measurement method in the second embodiment will be described.

First, similar to the first embodiment, the operator designates the dispensing mechanism to be measured and inputs various parameters (dispensing conditions).

After this, the control unit <NUM> measures the weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> including the unused reaction vessel <NUM> and the specimen dispensing tip <NUM> which are mounted thereon, by the weight sensor <NUM> disposed below the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> and the weight calculation unit <NUM>, and stores the measured weight in the memory <NUM> (<FIG>). The measured weight can be displayed on the display unit <NUM> via the display output unit <NUM>.

The transport mechanism <NUM> installs the unused reaction vessel <NUM> from the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> in the incubator <NUM>. After the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM>, the weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> is measured by the weight sensor <NUM> and the weight calculation unit <NUM>, and is stored in the memory <NUM>. "The weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> before the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM> - the weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> after the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM>" is the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM> and is stored in the memory <NUM>.

After this, the designated dispensing operation is performed similar to the first embodiment.

After the operation of the designated dispensing mechanism is completed, the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed is installed on the incubator <NUM>. In this state, the weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> is measured by the weight sensor <NUM> and is stored in the memory <NUM>. Next, the transport mechanism <NUM> installs the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed on the incubator <NUM> in the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>. After the installation of the reaction vessel <NUM> in the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, the weight of the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> is measured and is stored in the memory <NUM> (<FIG>). "The total weight including the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> after the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM> - the total weight including the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> before the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM>" is the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed and is stored in the memory <NUM>.

The overall control unit <NUM> measures (calculates) the weight of the dispensed liquid from "the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed - the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM>". The dispensing volume can be calculated from the weight of the dispensed liquid and the specific gravity of the dispensed liquid, and the calculated dispensing volume is displayed on the display unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the overall control unit <NUM> calculates the accuracy and precision of the dispensing result from the calculated dispensing volume, and displays the dispensing result on the display unit <NUM> via the display output unit <NUM>.

The above is the weight measurement method in a case where the weight sensor <NUM> is mounted below the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>.

Alternatively, a weight sensor may be installed in the incubator <NUM>. <FIG> are views showing a configuration in a case where the weight sensor is installed in the incubator <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a weight sensor <NUM> is disposed inside each of the reaction vessel installment positions <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>.

Next, the weight measurement method in a case where the weight sensor <NUM> is installed inside the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> of the incubator <NUM> will be described. First, similar to the first embodiment, the operator designates the dispensing mechanism to be measured and inputs various parameters.

After this, the overall control unit <NUM> measures the weight of the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> on the incubator <NUM> by the weight sensor <NUM>, and stores the measured weight in the memory <NUM> via the weight calculation unit <NUM>. The transport mechanism <NUM> installs the unused reaction vessel <NUM> from the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> at the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> on the incubator <NUM>. After the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM>, the weight of the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> is measured again by the weight sensor <NUM> and is stored in the memory <NUM>. "The weight of the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> after the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM> - the weight of the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> before the operation of the transport mechanism <NUM>" is the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM>, and the weight is stored in the memory <NUM>.

After the operation of the designated dispensing mechanism is completed, the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed is installed at the reaction vessel installment position <NUM> on the incubator <NUM>. In this state, the weight of each reaction vessel installment position <NUM> is measured (<FIG>), and is stored in the memory <NUM> in the automatic analysis apparatus.

The overall control unit <NUM> measures the weight of the dispensed liquid from "the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed - the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM>". The dispensing volume can be calculated from the weight of the dispensed liquid, and the calculated dispensing volume is displayed on the display unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the overall control unit <NUM> calculates the accuracy and precision of the dispensing result from the calculated dispensing volume, and displays the dispensing result on the display unit <NUM>.

The above is the weight measurement method in a case where the weight sensor <NUM> is mounted in the incubator <NUM>.

As described above, the same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, and since the weight sensor <NUM> or <NUM> is installed in the automatic analysis apparatus, the weight is automatically measured, the accuracy and the precision of the dispensing result are calculated, and the dispensing result can be displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

Next, a third embodiment will be described.

In the second embodiment, an example in which the dispensing volume is measured by the gravimetric method inside the automatic analysis apparatus is described, but since the automatic analysis apparatus operates a plurality of mechanisms simultaneously, there is a case where the weight measurement is not stable due to the influence of vibration. Here, the third embodiment is an example in which the reaction vessel transport mechanism for transporting the reaction vessel to the outside is provided in the automatic analysis apparatus, and the measurement is performed using an external weight meter.

<FIG> is a partial explanatory diagram of a configuration of the third embodiment. Other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, a weight meter <NUM> is installed in a state of being separated from the automatic analysis apparatus <NUM>. A weight meter having a resolution as high as possible is used as the weight meter <NUM>.

A reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> is provided between the automatic analysis apparatus <NUM> and the weight meter <NUM>, and has a structure that does not come into contact with the weight meter <NUM> in order to eliminate the influence of vibration. Similar to the above-described transport mechanism <NUM> of the first and second embodiments, the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> can move in three directions of the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis and can move to the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM>, the incubator <NUM>, and the like. In addition, the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> has the same function and movement range as those of the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM>, and has a structure that can also transport the reaction vessel <NUM> to the weight meter <NUM> in addition to the movement range of the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM>.

The weight meter <NUM> is connected to the control unit <NUM> of the automatic analysis apparatus <NUM> via a communication cable or the like, and the information communication between the weight meter <NUM> and the control unit <NUM> becomes possible.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the third embodiment.

In the block diagram of the control function shown in <FIG>, a transport mechanism control unit <NUM> is added to the block shown in <FIG>. Other configurations are the same as those shown in <FIG>. However, control lines between the overall control unit <NUM> and the memory <NUM> are omitted for convenience of illustration (the same is also applied to the following block diagram of the control function).

Next, a weight measurement method in the third embodiment will be described. First, similar to the above-described second embodiment, the operator designates the dispensing mechanism to be measured and inputs various parameters (dispensing conditions).

After this, the overall control unit <NUM> causes the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> to transport the unused reaction vessel <NUM> mounted on the reaction vessel holding unit <NUM> to the reaction vessel installation position <NUM> on the weight meter <NUM>. After this, the overall control unit <NUM> measures the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM> and stores the measured weight in the memory <NUM> via the weight calculation unit <NUM>.

Next, the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> installs the unused reaction vessel <NUM> in the incubator <NUM> from the reaction vessel installation position <NUM> of the weight meter <NUM>. After this, the designated dispensing operation is performed similar to the first embodiment.

After the operation of the designated dispensing mechanism is completed, the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed is installed on the incubator <NUM>. Next, the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM> transports the reaction vessel <NUM>, to which the reagent is dispensed, installed in the incubator <NUM> to the reaction vessel installation position <NUM> of the weight meter <NUM>. After the transport of the reaction vessel <NUM>, the overall control unit <NUM> measures the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed and stores the measured weight in the memory <NUM>.

"The weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed - the weight of the unused reaction vessel <NUM>" is calculated by the weight calculation unit <NUM>, and the calculated weight is the weight of the dispensed liquid and is stored in the memory <NUM> in the apparatus. The overall control unit <NUM> can calculate the dispensing volume from the weight of the dispensed liquid and the specific gravity of the dispensed liquid, and the dispensing volume is displayed on a display unit <NUM>. Furthermore, the accuracy and precision of the dispensing result are calculated from the calculated dispensing volume, and the dispensing result is displayed on the display unit.

The above is the weight measurement method by the weight meter <NUM> which is an external device by the reaction vessel transport mechanism <NUM>.

According to the third embodiment, the same effect as that of the second embodiment can be obtained, and since the weight of the dispensing volume and the like is measured by the weight meter <NUM> outside the automatic analysis apparatus <NUM>, without receiving the influence of vibration due to the mechanism in the automatic analysis apparatus, it is possible to measure the weight stably, and to improve the measurement precision of the dispensing volume.

Next, a fourth embodiment will be described.

In the above-described first to third embodiments, the method for operating only the designated dispensing operation is performed, but in a case where it is desired to perform a plurality of dispensing operations, there is a possibility that the dispensing operations take time. Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a method for performing the plurality of dispensing operations in a series will be described.

<FIG> is an operation flowchart of the fourth embodiment. In addition, the overall configuration of the automatic analysis apparatus is the same as that of the example shown in <FIG>, and the configuration of the control unit <NUM> may be any of the first to third embodiments.

In addition, the detailed operations are the same as those of the first, second, or third embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In <FIG>, first, the operator installs the reaction vessel <NUM>, the specimen dispensing tip <NUM>, the reagent vessel <NUM>, the specimen vessel <NUM>, and the like in the automatic analysis apparatus.

After the installation of the specimen vessel <NUM> and the like, a plurality of measurement items are designated on the GUI of the display unit <NUM> (S601). The measurement item is configured with the reagent dispensing operation, the specimen dispensing operation, the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation, and any of the plurality of operations can be selected.

Next, parameter input is performed (S602). Similar to the first embodiment, the parameters that correspond to the measurement items can be input. In the case of the first embodiment, since the reaction vessel <NUM> is manually collected from the incubator <NUM>, the upper limit of the total designated dispensing frequency is the maximum number of installation positions of the reaction vessel <NUM> of the incubator <NUM>. In the case of the second and third embodiments, there is no upper limit on dispensing frequency.

After inputting the parameters in S602, the execution button is pressed and the dispensing operation of the designated item is performed. The control unit receives the input parameters, outputs the parameters to each mechanism in the automatic analysis apparatus to perform the dispensing operation (S603), and controls the operation.

Next, in S603A, it is determined whether or not the reagent dispensing operation is designated, and in a case where the reagent dispensing operation is designated, the process proceeds to S604. In addition, in S603A, in a case where the reagent dispensing operation is not designated, the process proceeds to S604A.

In S604, the reagent dispensing operation is performed, and then the process proceeds to S604A. In S604A, it is determined whether or not the specimen dispensing operation is designated. In S604A, in a case where the specimen dispensing operation is not designated, the process proceeds to S605A. In S604A, in a case where the specimen dispensing operation is designated, the process proceeds to S605, the specimen dispensing operation is performed, and the process proceeds to S605A.

In S605A, it is determined whether or not the specimen dilution dispensing operation is designated. When the specimen dilution dispensing operation is not designated, the process proceeds to S606A. In S605A, in a case where the specimen dilution dispensing operation is designated, the process proceeds to S606, the sample dilution dispensing operation is performed, and the process proceeds to S606A.

In S606A, it is determined whether or not the B/F separation operation is designated, and in a case where the B/F separation operation is not designated, the process proceeds to S607A. In S606A, in a case where it is determined that the B/F separation operation is designated, the process proceeds to step S607, the B/F separation operation is performed, and the process proceeds to step S607A.

In S607A, it is determined whether or not the detection reaction liquid suction operation is designated, and in a case where the detection reaction liquid suction operation is not designated, the measurement is finished or the dispensing volume is automatically measured.

In a case where the detection reaction liquid suction operation is designated in S607A, in S608, the detection reaction liquid suction operation is performed, and the measurement is finished or the dispensing volume is automatically measured.

In a case where the operation flow illustrated in <FIG> is applied to the configuration of the first embodiment, after the dispensing operation is completed, the operator collects the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is dispensed on the incubator <NUM> and measures the dispensing volume of the reaction liquid using any method.

In a case where the operation flow illustrated in <FIG> is applied to the configurations of the second and third embodiments, the dispensing volume is automatically measured from inside or outside the automatic analysis apparatus, and the dispensing volume is displayed on the display unit <NUM>. Further, the accuracy and precision of the dispensing result are calculated from the calculated dispensing volume, and the dispensing result is displayed on the display unit <NUM>.

The fourth embodiment of the method for performing a plurality of dispensing operations in a series has been described above.

According to the fourth embodiment, in a case where a plurality of designated dispensing operations are performed, the operations can be performed as a series of operations, and thus, there is an effect that confirmation of the dispensing volume can be efficiently executed in a short period of time.

Next, a fifth embodiment will be described.

In the above-described second and third embodiments, the automatic measurement method of the dispensing volume is shown inside and outside the automatic analysis apparatus, but only the dispensing volume measurement result is displayed on the display unit. The fifth embodiment is an example in which a function of displaying an alarm in a case where the dispensing result is out of the range of a prescribed determination criterion (determination threshold value) is added. The overall configuration of the automatic analysis apparatus is the same as that in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> in the fifth embodiment.

In the block diagram of the control function shown in <FIG>, a dispensing result determination unit <NUM> is added between the weight calculation unit <NUM> and the display output unit <NUM> in the block shown in <FIG>. Other configurations are the same as those shown in <FIG>. In addition, the dispensing result determination unit <NUM> can also be configured to be added between the weight calculation unit <NUM> and the display output unit <NUM> in <FIG>.

In the fifth embodiment, the operator performs the same automatic measurement method as that in the second and third embodiments as a regular maintenance. Furthermore, the measurement time may be shortened by the method for performing a plurality of dispensing operations in a series as in the fourth embodiment.

After the dispensing volume is calculated by the weight calculation unit <NUM> by the automatic measurement method, the dispensing result determination unit <NUM> calculates the accuracy and precision of the dispensing volume and determines whether or not there is a problem with the dispensing result based on a prescribed criterion.

In a case where the dispensing result determination unit <NUM> determines that the determination criterion is satisfied (normal), it is displayed that the dispensing operation is normal on the display screen of the display unit <NUM> via the display output unit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. On the display screen shown in <FIG>, "OK" is displayed to indicate that the determination result of each dispensing operation is normal, and "dispensing operation is normal" is displayed below.

Meanwhile, in a case where the determination criterion is not satisfied (abnormal), the dispensing result determination unit <NUM> displays that the dispensing operation does not satisfy the determination criterion on the display screen of the display unit <NUM> via the display output unit <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. On the display screen shown in <FIG>, "NG" is displayed to indicate that the determination result of the B/F separation operation is not normal, and "B/F separation operation is out of the range of the determination criterion" is displayed below. In other words, the control unit <NUM> determines that the dispensing volume is abnormal, and displays the determination result.

According to the fifth embodiment, the same effect as that of the second, third, and fourth embodiments can be obtained, and the operator can immediately determine the performance of the dispensing operation by the above-described alarm display function. Therefore, in a case where the determination criterion is not satisfied, it becomes possible to take measures such as replacing parts of the dispensing mechanism.

In the fifth embodiment, a correction method in the automatic measurement of the dispensing volume as in the second, third, and fourth embodiments has been described, but as in the first embodiment, the method for measuring the dispensing volume with an external device after manually collecting the reaction vessel <NUM> is also applicable.

In this case, after measuring the dispensing volume dispensed into the reaction vessel by the operation of the dispensing mechanism with an external device, the operator calculates the average value of the dispensing volume of the designated dispensing mechanism. After the calculation, the operator inputs the average value of the dispensing volume which is the calculation result from the GUI of the display unit <NUM>.

Next, the dispensing result determination unit <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> confirms whether or not the input average value is within the reference range. In a case where the average value is within the reference range, the display unit <NUM> displays that the average value is within the reference range. In a case where the average value is out of the reference range, the dispensing operation displays on the display screen of the display unit <NUM> that the determination criterion is not satisfied.

Next, a sixth embodiment will be described.

The fifth embodiment is an example of a method for performing the dispensing operation and determining the performance of the dispensing operation from the measurement result of the dispensing volume, but in the sixth embodiment, an example having a function of correcting the dispensing volume with respect to the dispensing mechanism based on the dispensing result is described. In addition, the overall configuration of the automatic analysis apparatus is the same as that of the example shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is an operation flowchart of the sixth embodiment. In addition, <FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> in the sixth embodiment.

The block diagram of the control function shown in <FIG> shows an example in which a dispensing volume correction unit <NUM> is added to the control function block of the fifth embodiment shown in <FIG>.

In addition, the detailed operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, an operator installs the reaction vessel <NUM>, the specimen dispensing tip <NUM>, the reagent vessel <NUM>, and the like in the automatic analysis apparatus.

After the installation of the reaction vessel <NUM> and the like, the measurement items are designated on the GUI of the display unit <NUM> (S801). The measurement item can designate any of the reagent dispensing operation, the specimen dispensing operation, the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation.

Next, parameter input is performed (S802). Similar to the first embodiment, the parameters that correspond to the measurement items can be input. Furthermore, the frequency of dispensing operations can be set, and the calculation frequency which will be described later can also be set. For the calculation frequency, a value of <NUM> or larger can be input.

After inputting the parameters in S802, the execution button is pressed and the dispensing operation of the designated item is performed. The overall control unit <NUM> receives the input parameters, outputs the parameters to each mechanism in the automatic analysis apparatus to perform the dispensing operation (S803), and controls the operation.

Next, the dispensing operation of which the frequency is designated is performed in the reagent dispensing operation, the specimen dispensing operation, the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation (S804).

After the dispensing operation in S804 is completed, the dispensing volume is automatically measured as shown in the second and third embodiments (S805).

After all dispensing operations in accordance with the measurement frequency (dispensing operation frequency) are completed, the overall control unit <NUM> calculates an average value of the dispensing volume of the designated dispensing operation (S806).

After performing the dispensing volume average value calculation S806, the overall control unit <NUM> determines whether or not the average value of the dispensing volume is within the reference range (S806A). In S806A, it is determined whether or not the average value is within a reference range. Here, the reference range refers to a range of a preset dispensing volume that can be accepted as an automatic analysis apparatus from a true value. In S806A, in a case where the average value of the dispensing volume is within the reference range, the measurement operation is completed.

Meanwhile, in S806A, in a case where the average value of the dispensing volume is out of the reference range, the difference between the true value (reference value) and the average value is calculated (S807). Then, it is determined whether or not the calculation frequency of the average value of the dispensing volume at the present time is equal to or greater than the calculation frequency designated by the parameter input in S802 (S807A). In a case where the calculation frequency of the average value of the dispensing volume is equal to or greater than the designated calculation frequency, it is determined that dispensing is abnormal, an alarm is output to the display unit <NUM>, and the automatic analysis apparatus is stopped.

In S807A, in a case where the calculation frequency of the average value of the dispensing volume is less than the designated calculation frequency, the dispensing volume correction unit <NUM> converts the difference between the true value and the average value into a driving pulse number to a drive mechanism of the dispensing mechanism necessary for correcting the dispensing volume in accordance with the dispensing mechanism (S808).

After the conversion into the driving pulse number, the overall control unit <NUM> transmits the driving pulse number to the drive mechanism of the designated dispensing mechanism (S809). Then, the analysis operation is performed again using the converted driving pulse number (S804).

The operation above is repeated until the average value of the dispensing volume is within the reference range. However, in a case where the calculation frequency set as described above is exceeded, an alarm is output on the display unit <NUM> and the automatic analysis apparatus is stopped.

As an example, a case will be described in which a dispensing mechanism having a resolution of <NUM>µL/pulse and a reference range of true value of ±<NUM>µL is designated. In the dispensing mechanism, when the dispensing volume is designated as <NUM>µL in the parameter input of S802, the true value becomes <NUM>µL. After the automatic measurement of the dispensing volume (S805), in a case where the average value of the dispensing volume is <NUM>µL, the value is out of the reference range (<NUM>±<NUM>µL) and the difference between the true value and the average value is <NUM>µL (<NUM>µL - <NUM>µL) is calculated.

Since the resolution is <NUM>µL/pulse, +<NUM> pulses are calculated as the driving pulse number to reach the reference value. After the calculation, +<NUM> pulses are added from the current pulse number to the drive mechanism of the dispensing mechanism, and the analysis operation is performed again.

The above is the method for correcting the dispensing volume to the dispensing mechanism based on the result of the dispensing operation in the sixth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, a correction method in the automatic measurement of the dispensing volume as in the second and third embodiments has been described, but as in the first embodiment, the method for measuring the dispensing volume with an external device after manually collecting the reaction vessel <NUM> is also applicable.

Next, the overall control unit <NUM> of the control unit <NUM> confirms whether or not the input average value is within the reference range. In a case where the average value is within the reference range, the display unit <NUM> displays that the average value is within the reference range. In a case where the value is out of the reference range, the difference between the true value and the input average value is converted into the driving pulse number, the pulse number of the dispensing mechanism is transmitted to the drive mechanism, and the operation is completed.

The operation above is repeated until the average value of the dispensing volume is within the reference range.

Furthermore, the sixth embodiment is applicable to the method for performing a plurality of dispensing operations in a series as described in the fourth embodiment.

According to the sixth embodiment, the same effect as that of the fifth embodiment can be obtained, and further, an effect that the dispensing volume can be automatically corrected to an appropriate dispensing volume can be obtained.

Next, a seventh embodiment will be described.

The seventh embodiment is an example in which the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> and the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> are configured as one dispensing mechanism, and a diluent dispensing mechanism is separately disposed. Other configurations are the same as those of the seventh embodiment and the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the seventh embodiment. In <FIG>, the reagent dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the reagent dispensing operation of a reagent and specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the specimen dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the specimen dispensing operation of the reagent and specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The reagent and specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> is one dispensing mechanism that performs the operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> and the operation of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>. Then, the specimen dilution dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the operation of a diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism provided in the seventh embodiment.

In the first to sixth embodiments, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> performs the specimen dispensing operation and the diluent dispensing operation, but in the seventh embodiment, the reagent and specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> performs the reagent dispensing operation and the specimen dispensing operation, and the diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> is configured to perform the liquid diluent dispensing operation. Other operation mechanisms <NUM> include the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>.

In the seventh embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, an eighth embodiment will be described.

The eighth embodiment is an example in which the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> are separately disposed. Other configurations are the same as those of the eighth embodiment and the first embodiment.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the eighth embodiment. In <FIG>, the reagent dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the reagent dispensing operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the specimen dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the specimen dispensing operation of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>. Then, the specimen dilution dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>. The diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism provided in the eighth embodiment similar to the seventh embodiment.

In the eighth embodiment, the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> are provided. Other operation mechanisms <NUM> include the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>.

In the eighth embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Next, a ninth embodiment will be described.

The ninth embodiment is an example in which the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM> in the eighth embodiment are configured as one reagent, specimen and diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>. Other configurations are the same as those of the ninth embodiment and the eighth embodiment.

<FIG> is a block diagram of a control function of the control unit <NUM> for performing the dispensing volume measurement in the ninth embodiment. In <FIG>, the reagent dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the reagent dispensing operation of the reagent, specimen and diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the specimen dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the specimen dispensing operation of the reagent, specimen and diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>. Furthermore, the specimen dilution dispensing operation control unit <NUM> controls the diluent dispensing operation of the reagent, specimen and diluent dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

In the ninth embodiment, other operation mechanisms <NUM> include the B/F separation reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>, the buffer solution discharge mechanism <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM>.

In the ninth embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained.

Although the above-described seventh to ninth embodiments are modification examples of the first embodiment, in each of the second to sixth embodiments, the reagent dispensing mechanism and the specimen dispensing mechanism are one dispensing mechanism, the diluent dispensing mechanism can also be disposed separately, and each of the reagent dispensing mechanism, the specimen dispensing mechanism, and the diluent dispensing mechanism can also be disposed separately. Furthermore, in each of the second to sixth embodiments, the reagent dispensing mechanism, the specimen dispensing mechanism, and the diluent dispensing mechanism can also be configured as a one reagent, specimen and diluent dispensing mechanism.

Next, a tenth embodiment will be described.

In the tenth embodiment, when any one of the reagent dispensing operation, the specimen dispensing operation, the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation, which are a plurality of measurement items, is input from the operating unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> is an example that controls the dispensing mechanism used for performing the input measurement item.

Since the overall configuration of the immunoassay apparatus <NUM>, which is the automatic analysis apparatus, is the same as that of the first embodiment, the illustration and detailed description will be omitted.

After controlling the dispensing mechanism used for performing the input measurement item, the control unit <NUM> finishes the processing of the immunoassay apparatus <NUM>, which is the automatic analysis apparatus, after the reaction vessel <NUM> is installed in the incubator <NUM>.

When the measurement item input from the operating unit <NUM> that serves as the input unit is the reagent dispensing operation, the control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> to suck the reagent from the reagent vessel <NUM> and discharge the reagent to the reaction vessel <NUM> installed in the incubator <NUM>. Then, the control unit <NUM> finishes the processing (operation) of the immunoassay apparatus <NUM> in a state where the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is discharged is installed in the incubator <NUM>.

Since the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the reagent is discharged is in a state of being installed in the incubator <NUM>, the reaction vessel <NUM> is taken out, the weight is measured, and the reagent discharge amount (reagent suction amount) of the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> can be calculated when the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> is subtracted.

In addition, when the measurement item input from the operating unit <NUM> that serves as the input unit is the specimen dispensing operation, the control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> to suck the specimen from the specimen vessel <NUM> and discharge the specimen to the reaction vessel <NUM> installed in the incubator <NUM>. Then, the control unit <NUM> finishes the processing (operation) of the immunoassay apparatus <NUM> in a state where the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the specimen is discharged is installed in the incubator <NUM>.

Since the reaction vessel <NUM> to which the specimen is discharged is in a state of being installed in the incubator <NUM>, the reaction vessel <NUM> is taken out, the weight is measured, and the specimen discharge amount (specimen suction amount) of the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> can be calculated when the weight of the reaction vessel <NUM> is subtracted.

With respect to the specimen dilution dispensing operation, the B/F separation operation, and the detection reaction liquid suction operation, by performing the same operation as that described above, the discharge amount (suction amount) of each dispensing mechanism can be calculated.

In addition, a vessel that contains the liquid that corresponds to the measurement item input from the operating unit <NUM> that serves as the input unit can be defined as a first vessel, and a vessel that discharges the liquid sucked from the first vessel can be defined as a second vessel.

When the measurement item is the reagent dispensing operation, the item is the first measurement item, the first vessel is the reagent vessel <NUM>, and the second vessel is the reaction vessel <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism is the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

When the measurement item is the specimen dispensing operation, the item is the first measurement item, the first vessel is the specimen vessel <NUM>, and the second vessel is the reaction vessel <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism is the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>. In addition, as the first vessel, there is a diluent vessel for containing the diluent. The diluent vessel can also be used as the specimen vessel <NUM>.

Further, the dispensing mechanism related to the first measurement item can be defined as a first dispensing mechanism, and the other mechanism can be defined as a second dispensing mechanism. For example, when the first measurement item is a specimen dispensing operation, the first dispensing mechanism related thereto is the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> and the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

Furthermore, one of the first dispensing mechanisms can be a first dispensing mechanism, and the other one can be a second dispensing mechanism.

For example, when the first measurement item is a specimen dispensing operation, the first dispensing mechanism can be the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM> or the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, and the second dispensing mechanism can be the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM> or the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>.

In the tenth embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment can be obtained.

In the present application, the specimen dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the reagent dispensing mechanism <NUM>, the B/F separation mechanism <NUM>, and the detection reaction liquid suction mechanism <NUM> are collectively referred to as a dispensing mechanism. The display unit <NUM> can also serve as an operation unit by including a touch panel and the like. Therefore, the display unit <NUM> and the operating unit <NUM> can be collectively referred to as an input unit that receives the operation of the dispensing mechanism.

In the present application, the reagent, the specimen, the diluent, the diluted specimen, and the buffer solution are collectively referred to as liquid.

Claim 1:
An automatic analysis apparatus (<NUM>), comprising:
a dispensing mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) configured to suck liquid from a first vessel (<NUM>, <NUM>) and discharges the liquid to a second vessel (<NUM>), wherein the first vessel (<NUM>, <NUM>) is a reagent vessel (<NUM>) for containing a reagent, a specimen vessel (<NUM>) for containing a specimen or a diluent vessel for containing a diluent and the second vessel (<NUM>) is a reaction vessel;
an analysis unit (<NUM>) configured to analyse the liquid in the second vessel (<NUM>);
a vessel installment unit (<NUM>) in which the second vessel (<NUM>) is able to be installed;
an input unit configured to receive an operation of the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>);
a control unit (<NUM>) configured to control the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>) in accordance with the operation received by the input unit; and
a holding unit (<NUM>) configured to hold an uncontained second vessel (<NUM>) in which liquid is not contained;
an external transport mechanism (<NUM>) configured to transport the uncontained vessel from the holding unit (<NUM>) to the vessel installment unit (<NUM>);
a display unit (<NUM>);
characterized in that it further comprises
an external weight measurement unit (<NUM>);
wherein the external transport mechanism (<NUM>) is configured to transport the uncontained second vessel (<NUM>) or the contained second vessel (<NUM>) disposed in the automatic analysis apparatus (<NUM>) to the outside of the automatic analysis apparatus (<NUM>), wherein the control unit is configured to cause the external transport mechanism (<NUM>) to transport the uncontained second vessel (<NUM>) or the contained second vessel (<NUM>) to the external weight measuring unit (<NUM>), the external weight measuring unit (<NUM>) to measure a weight of the uncontained second vessel (<NUM>) and a weight of the contained second vessel (<NUM>) to calculate a discharge amount or a suction amount of the dispensing mechanism (<NUM>, <NUM>), and the display unit (<NUM>) to display the calculated discharge amount or the calculated suction amount.