Patent Description:
An automatic analyzer for analyzing a biological sample such as blood and urine is disclosed in Patent Literature <NUM>. The automatic analyzer is, for purposes of operation efficiency improvement, human error elimination, and analysis efficiency enhancement, configured as follows. The automatic analyzer includes an operation unit for managing, in an integrated manner, one or more analysis units to carry out analysis, and the operation unit is provided with a means, for example, a barcode reader or an RFID reader, for reading identification information for identifying samples and reagents. The automatic analyzer has a function to read, using the means, identification information affixed on sample or reagent containers, automatically search examination information stored in an examination information storage means provided in the operation unit for referable examination information and display a search result on a screen included in the operation unit, a function to transition, when the user selects target examination information on the search result display screen, to a screen displaying details of the examination information, and a function to return from the details screen to the examination result screen.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for recognition of exchangeable parts in an analytical measuring instrument or in an analytical measurement system with several analytical devices, which contain exchangeable parts, comprising identification modules each attached to an exchangeable part, and transmit-receive devices which can receive information signals from an identification module and send information signals to an identification module, and a control device which evaluates the information from an identification module.

Patent literature <NUM>: International Publication <CIT>.

In a liquid chromatograph, from impurities, an analysis object is isolated or plural analysis objects are mutually separated using a separation column containing a filler called a stationary phase.

In the mutual separation, a sample is injected into a liquid flow called a mobile phase and moves in a stationary phase (filler) in a separation column. While the sample moves in the stationary phase, differences between materials contained in the sample in terms of the intensities of their reactions against the stationary phase cause analysis objects to be separated.

The separation column is an expendable item, and when it is repeatedly used involving filler contamination and deterioration, it comes to require replacement. Also, it is necessary to use various types of columns as required depending on object samples, analysis objects, and separation methods.

Generally, separation columns are manually replaced by users, but human errors may cause wrong types of columns to be installed, or, even when correct types of columns are selected, may cause the selected columns to be installed in wrong positions.

Such errors result in causing solvents of inappropriate compositions to be injected into columns, eventually preventing analysis objects from being adequately separated. This makes it impossible to have adequate amounts of analysis objects introduced into the detection unit, and, therefore, detection accuracy deteriorates. Furthermore, depending on the combination of the column filler and solvent composition, desorption and dissolution may develop due to chemical factors and columns may break down.

Therefore, at the time of column replacement, it is very important to install specific types of columns in specific positions.

A technique which can be used as a means for inhibiting human errors concerning installation in an automatic analyzer is described in Patent Literature <NUM>. In the technique according to Patent Literature <NUM>, identification information given by, for example, RFID tags or barcodes affixed on reagent containers are mechanically read and the identification information read is managed being associated with positions in a refrigerator included in the analyzer.

Applying the technique described in Patent Literature <NUM> to separation column installation will be studied below.

In this case, it may be considered to affix column type identifiers such as RFID tags to separation columns, mechanically read them, and display the identification information read on a screen in the operation unit in a form associated with column installation positions in the separation unit.

However, using the technique in installation error management generates problems as described below.

For example, in the case of the reagent container considered in Patent Literature <NUM>, a main purpose is to make recognizable by the analyzer what reagents are placed in which positions in the refrigerator included in the analyzer, and, basically, which reagent containers are installed in which positions does not matter. This is because when reagent
amended dispensing is necessary, where the reagent container is installed may be searched for based on the stored identification information, then, after position alignment, the reagent may be sucked in and dispensed.

In the case of separation columns, also, by reading identification information, the analyzer can be made to recognize which types of separation columns are installed in which positions. However, because separation columns let a mobile phase pass through them, preprocessing such as equilibration and cleansing made using a buffer and purging of flow passages connected to the separation columns becomes necessary. Therefore, considering that separation columns are only required to be installed in other than predetermined specific positions is inappropriate. Thus, it has become apparent that simply applying the technique leaves a problem.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problem and provides an automatic analyzer for making chromatographic analysis selectively using plural types of separation columns wherein intended types of separation columns can be installed in aimed positions and a method of separation column installation in the automatic analyzer. Solution to Problems.

The present invention includes plural means for solving the above problem, as defined in the appended claims.

An automatic analyzer according to claim <NUM> includes: an identification unit that reads, when the separation columns are installed in installation positions, identifiers the separation columns are provided with; a determination unit that determines whether or not identification information read, in the identification unit, from the identifiers matches an installation pattern registered beforehand; a notification unit that notifies an alarm when the identification information is determined, in the determination unit, not to match the installation pattern; a type setting unit that registers, as the installation pattern, separation column types respectively installable in the flow passages, and a maximum number setting unit that registers a maximum number of same-type separation columns installable in the flow passages.

According to the present invention, intended types of separation columns can be installed in aimed positions. Other objects, configurations and effects than described above will be made clear in the description of the following embodiment.

An embodiment of the automatic analyzer and the method of separation column installation in the automatic analyzer according to the present invention will be described with reference to <FIG>. In the following, the description of parts common between plural drawings may be omitted as appropriate.

The present embodiment of the automatic analyzer will be described taking as an example a multi-item automatic analyzer (hereinafter referred to simply as an "automatic analyzer" or an "analyzer") which can preprocess a biological sample such as blood or urine (hereinafter referred to simply as a "sample") using a reagent and magnetic beads, separate substances of the sample by liquid chromatography, and analyze the masses of ionized substances. Needless to say, the form of the automatic analyzer is not limited to this.

First, the overall configuration and details of parts of the automatic analyzer will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a drawing schematically illustrating a basic configuration of the automatic analyzer according to the present embodiment. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a sample introduction unit illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> are schematic diagrams related to the position of the injection valve illustrated in <FIG>. <FIG> is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary separation column and an exemplary separation column identifier.

Referring to <FIG>, the automatic analyzer <NUM> includes an analysis unit <NUM> configured mainly with a preprocessing unit <NUM>, a separation unit <NUM> and a detection unit <NUM> and a control unit <NUM> configured mainly with an interface <NUM>, a display unit <NUM>, an input unit <NUM>, a computer <NUM>, an external storage unit <NUM>, a memory <NUM> and a printer <NUM>.

The preprocessing unit <NUM> introduces a sample dispensed from a source specimen into the separation unit <NUM> after removing from the sample, using a reagent, magnetic beads (hydrophobic interactions) and an extraction solvent, unnecessary substances not to be analyzed.

The separation unit <NUM> includes a sample introduction unit <NUM> to introduce the sample refined in the preprocessing unit <NUM> into separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and a separation column oven <NUM> in which the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to separate an object of analysis can be installed in parallel.

As shown in <FIG>, the sample introduction unit <NUM> includes a solvent sending pump <NUM> to feed a sample introduction solvent <NUM>, a solvent switch valve <NUM> to control the composition of the sample introduction solvent <NUM>, an injection valve <NUM>, a sample loop <NUM>, a sipper <NUM>, and a syringe <NUM> which sucks the solution refined in the preprocessing unit <NUM> from a reaction vessel <NUM> held by a reaction solution disk <NUM> and introduces the sample into the sample loop <NUM>.

The injection valve <NUM> is a hexagonal valve which can, by switching flow passages, form two flow passage patterns. In position <NUM> shown in <FIG>, flow passages connecting ports <NUM> and <NUM>, ports <NUM> and <NUM>, and ports <NUM> and <NUM> are formed. In position <NUM> shown in <FIG>, flow passages connecting ports <NUM> and <NUM>, ports <NUM> and <NUM>, and ports <NUM> and <NUM> are formed.

When the sample is sucked, the injection valve <NUM> is controlled to be in position <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the sipper <NUM>, the sample loop <NUM> and the syringe <NUM> are connected. At the same time, the sample introduction solvent <NUM>, the solvent switch valve <NUM>, the solvent sending pump <NUM>, and a first separation column selector valve <NUM> are connected.

After the reaction solution disk <NUM> rotates to a predetermined object position, the sipper <NUM> descends and sucks the sample from the reaction vessel <NUM> held by the reaction solution disk <NUM> to fill the sample loop <NUM> with the sample to, thereby, complete the preparation for flowing a mobile phase into the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The sample suction speed of the syringe <NUM> can be set, under control of the computer <NUM>, to an optimum value for each analysis object.

When introducing the sample into the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the injection valve <NUM> is controlled to be in position <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and the sample introduction solvent <NUM>, solvent switch valve <NUM>, solvent sending pump <NUM>, sample loop <NUM>, and first separation column selector valve <NUM> are connected. This makes it possible to introduce the sample, along the flow of the mobile phase, into the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

The separation column oven <NUM> holds, in the flow passage therein, the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for separating an analysis object from foreign substances in parallel and is configured to adjust the temperature of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

Also, the separation column oven <NUM> is externally provided with the first separation column selector valve <NUM> and a second separation column selector valve <NUM> for optionally connecting any of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the flow passage. A specific one of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to be connected with the first separation column selector valve <NUM> and second separation column selector valve <NUM> is selected under control of the computer <NUM> included in the control unit <NUM>.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> corresponding to the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are respectively disposed near the separation columns. As being described later, when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in their respective positions, the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> respectively read information given by identifiers <NUM> affixed to the separation columns.

As shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment, an identifier <NUM> is affixed to the side surface of each of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The identifier <NUM> provides a separation column identification number for identifying a separation column type.

The identifiers <NUM> read by the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in their respective positions are inputted to the computer <NUM> via the interface <NUM>. The separation column identification numbers are associated with the separation column installation positions in the separation column oven <NUM> and are stored in the memory <NUM> or in an appropriate memory area of the computer <NUM>.

The identifiers <NUM> may be optically readable ones, for example, barcodes (regardless of whether one dimensional or two dimensional) or ones to be read using radio waves (IC tags, radio tags), but they are not limited to these types and may be of any other type as far as information given by them can be read.

For example, by reading the identifiers <NUM> of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> installed in installation positions in the separation column oven <NUM> in the separation unit <NUM>, the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> determine what types of separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in which positions.

For example, when the identifiers <NUM> are barcodes, barcode readers to emit laser beams to the barcodes and detect reflected light are used. When the identifiers <NUM> are RFIDs, RFID readers are used. Like the identifiers <NUM>, the identification mechanisms may also be of any type of configuration as far as they can read information given by the identifiers <NUM>.

The identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> make it possible to appropriately execute an identification step in which, when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in installation positions, the identifiers <NUM> affixed to the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are read.

Referring back to <FIG>, the detection unit <NUM> ionizes the sample separated in the separation unit <NUM> to let the ionized sample fly in vacuum. Making use of an electrical action, the analysis object is separated from the flying ions according to the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) and is detected by the detector <NUM>. As a result, relative intensity variations of the analysis object can be detected at intervals in the form of detection peaks (mass spectrum).

The mass spectrum based on the analysis object obtained by the detector <NUM> is subjected to analog-to-digital signal conversion by the A/D converter <NUM> to be then inputted to the computer <NUM> via the interface <NUM>. The digital signals are converted, by quantitative value calculation processing based on detection peak area values, to density values of the analysis object component of the sample.

The data having undergone conversion to represent densities is outputted via the interface <NUM>; for example, printed out by an output device such as the printer <NUM>, displayed on the screen of the display unit <NUM>, or stored in the memory <NUM> or in the external storage unit <NUM>.

The display unit <NUM> in the control unit <NUM> is a device for displaying various information based on directions for display from the computer <NUM> and is configured including an input screen for various parameters and settings and a liquid crystal display for displaying information such as analysis data and measurement results obtained in an initial examination or in a re-examination. The display unit <NUM> may be a display device of a touch panel type for use also as the input unit <NUM> being described later.

The input unit <NUM> is a mechanism for inputting direction signals to the computer <NUM> via the interface <NUM> and is configured including a keyboard and a mouse which are used to input various data representing, for example, various parameters and settings, analysis requests, and analysis start directions.

The computer <NUM> is a device for making various arithmetic processing and controls operations of various devices included in the automatic analyzer <NUM> based on computer programs stored in the memory <NUM> being described later.

The computer <NUM> of the present embodiment executes a determination step in which whether or not the identification information read from the identifiers <NUM> by the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> matches the pre-registered installation pattern is determined and a notification step in which, when the identification information is determined not to match the installation pattern, an alarm is notified. The computer <NUM> also controls the display of various setting screens such as the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> and the separation column maximum installation number registration screen <NUM>. These will be described in detail later.

The external storage unit <NUM> is a recording medium arbitrarily removable from the interface <NUM>, for example, an external USB memory. The information stored in the external storage unit <NUM> includes, for example, analysis item codes and parameters used for the analysis items. The parameters used for the analysis items include a preprocessing method, a separation method, and a detection method. Such information is stored in the memory <NUM> or in an appropriate memory area in the computer <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> stores, in addition to the information read from the external storage unit <NUM>, operating conditions for various mechanisms of the automatic analyzer <NUM>, analysis parameters for each analysis item, determination logic for reagent management, and analysis results.

The memory <NUM> is a recording device, for example, a semiconductor memory like a flash memory or a magnetic disk as included in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive). Various parameters and setting values for controlling operations of devices included in the automatic analyzer <NUM> and various computer programs for executing various display processing are also recorded in the memory <NUM>.

The overall configuration of the automatic analyzer <NUM> has been described above.

Next, details about the control by comparison between separation column identification information and separation column installation patterns and also the flow of installation procedure for the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> will be described with reference to <FIG>. <FIG> is a drawing schematically illustrating how comparison is made between separation column identification information and a separation column installation pattern. <FIG> is a drawing indicating examples of predefined patterns in a case where up to three same-type separation columns are installable in five flow passages. <FIG> and <FIG> are drawings showing display screen examples displayed when registering a separation column installation pattern selected from the predefined patterns shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a drawing showing a screen display example appearing when selecting a predefined pattern shown in <FIG> and registering a maximum number of same-type separation columns installable.

As shown in <FIG>, in the present embodiment: when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed, the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> read the identifiers <NUM> respectively affixed to the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The computer <NUM> in the control unit <NUM> compares the separation column identification information <NUM> stored, being associated with the installation positions (flow passages) in the separation column oven <NUM>, with the separation column installation pattern <NUM> pre-registered on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> and determines whether or not the comparison result is a match.

Therefore, for the automatic analyzer of the present embodiment, the user registers, before installing the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a separation column installation pattern <NUM> like the ones shown in <FIG> on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> displayed, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in the display unit <NUM>. The input operation for registration is desirably made in the input unit <NUM> or in the display unit <NUM> of a touch-panel type.

On the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM>, a pattern appropriate for the tendency of analysis made in the laboratory can be selected from the predefined patterns <NUM>.

In cases where up to three same-type separation columns are installable in the five flow passages in the separation unit <NUM>, the predefined patterns <NUM> may be, for example, "SETTING <NUM>", "SETTING <NUM>", "SETTING <NUM>", - - -, as indicated in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, "TYPE" indicates that a specific type of separation column can be installed. "ANY" indicates that any type of separation column different from the specific type can be installed.

An example case in which, on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM>, a predefined pattern <NUM> is selected and is then registered as a separation column installation pattern <NUM> is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>.

When the user selects a defined pattern ("SETTING <NUM>" in <FIG> and <FIG>) out of the predefined patterns <NUM> shown in <FIG>, the fields of the flow passages <NUM> to <NUM> are each reset to "NONE" as shown in <FIG>.

For each field, a separation column type is selectable using a pull-down menu. However, the selection method is not limited to a pull-down menu, and various selection methods can be used.

When a flow passage is required to use the same type of separation column as for another flow passage, the field for the flow passage is made uneditable. In this case, it is desirable that, for the predefined patterns <NUM>, editable fields and uneditable fields on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> are positionally fixed and that the items shown in the pull-down list for each editable field are limited as required.

Also, it is desirable that, in cases where the maximum number of separation columns of a specific type installable in each defined pattern is set on the separation column maximum installation number registration screen <NUM> and the maximum number of separation columns of the specific type are already set on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM>, the pull-down lists for other editable fields are controlled to make only other separation column types selectable.

To be specific, when, out of the predefined patterns <NUM>, "SETTING <NUM>" shown in <FIG> is selected by the user, the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> is controlled as follows.

As shown in <FIG>, in the case of "SETTING <NUM>", the flow passages <NUM> and <NUM> are required to use the same type of separation column as used by the flow passage <NUM>, so that the flow passages <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> are displayed to allow editing, whereas the flow passages <NUM> and <NUM> are made uneditable. When a separation column type is set for the flow passage <NUM>, the same separation column type is automatically set for the flow passages <NUM> and <NUM>.

If, in cases where the separation columns for the five flow passages in the separation unit <NUM> can include up to three same-type separation columns whereas, at the time of editing for the flow passage <NUM>, a specific separation column type (e.g. "TYPE4" or "TYPE5") is already set for the flow passage <NUM> or <NUM>, setting the specific separation column type also for the flow passage <NUM> causes the same-type separation columns to total four exceeding three set as the maximum number of same-type separation columns. Hence, as shown in <FIG>, the pull-down list for the flow passage <NUM> is controlled not to show the specific separation column type ("TYPE4" or "TYPES").

Similarly, at the time of editing for the flow passage <NUM> or <NUM>, when a specific separation column type ("TYPE1") is already set for the flow passage <NUM>, setting the specific separation column type also for the flow passage <NUM> or <NUM> results in setting the same separation column type for four flow passages. To prevent this from happening, the pull-down lists for the flow passages <NUM> and <NUM> are controlled, as shown in <FIG>, not to show the specific separation column type ("TYPE1").

Similarly, in the case of "SETTING <NUM>" in <FIG>, the flow passage <NUM> and the flow passage <NUM> are required to use the same types of separation columns as for the flow passage <NUM> and the flow passage <NUM>, respectively. Therefore, the separation column type is optional only for the flow passages <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. Furthermore, in the case of "SETTING <NUM>" and "SETTING <NUM>" in <FIG>, a separation column type is already set for each flow passage, so that no other separation column type can be selected.

The separation column maximum installation number registration screen <NUM> shown in <FIG> is used, when the user defines an installation pattern for the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> installable in the flow passages in the separation unit <NUM>, to register a maximum number of same-type separation columns which can be included in the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> being installed. The screen is displayed in the display unit <NUM>.

The separation column installation patterns <NUM> registered on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> and the maximum installable number of same-type separation columns registered on the separation column maximum installation number registration screen <NUM> are inputted to the computer <NUM> via the interface <NUM> and are stored in an appropriate memory area.

Referring back to <FIG>, when the user installs the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> in the installation positions of one of the flow passages in the separation column oven <NUM>, the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> read the identifiers <NUM> affixed to the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> installed in the respective installation positions.

The identification information read is inputted to the computer <NUM> in the control unit <NUM> via the interface <NUM> and is then associated, in the computer <NUM>, with the flow passages <NUM> to <NUM> in the separation column oven to, thereby, generate the separation column identification information <NUM>. This step is equivalent to the identification step in which, when the identification columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in the installation positions, the identifiers <NUM> provided on the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are read.

The separation column identification information <NUM> is compared with the predefined separation column installation pattern <NUM>, and, when the comparison result is a non-match, an alarm is outputted to the display unit <NUM> in the control unit <NUM>. This step is equivalent to the determination step in which whether or not the identification information read from the identifiers <NUM> in the identification step matches the pre-registered installation pattern and to the notification step in which, when the determination result is a non-match, an alarm is notified.

The alarm may be in the form of an error display on the screen in the display unit <NUM> or a sound output, but it may be in any other form as far as it notifies that wrong types of separation columns are installed in wrong positions.

It is also desirable that the computer <NUM> in the control unit <NUM> can mask, out of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, ones in non-matching positions to put them out of use for analysis. In this case, the analysis is desirably carried out using, out of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, only the ones in matching positions.

The comparison between the separation column identification information <NUM> and the separation column installation pattern <NUM> is desirably carried out at the timing when the cover of the separation column oven <NUM> is closed. This allows the user to be alarmed before prime processing is executed after the cover of the separation column oven <NUM> is closed and prevents the prime processing from being executed.

The timing of the comparison or alarming is not limited to when the cover of the separation column oven <NUM> is closed. It may also be when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in any positions.

The above embodiment has been described based on a format in which the user registers a separation column installation pattern <NUM> selected from the predefined patterns <NUM>, but the format is not a limited one, and the one as described below may also be used.

For example, suppose that, with the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> installed in the separation column installation positions in the separation column oven <NUM>, equilibration and cleansing by use of a buffer and flow passage purging have been completed without any problem whereas no separation column installation pattern <NUM> has been registered. A mode may be employed which, in such a case, makes it possible to, when the identification information on the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is read, register the current state of separation column installations as an initial separation column installation pattern <NUM>. It is desirable that this mode becomes effective, for example, only at the time of analyzer setting up or when the analyzer is operated by a service person.

Next, the effects of the present embodiment will be described.

The automatic analyzer <NUM> of the present embodiment described above is provided with the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> that read, when the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are installed in installation positions, the identifiers <NUM> provided on the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the computer <NUM> that determines whether or not the identification information read by the identification mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> from the identifiers <NUM> matches the pre-registered installation pattern, and the display unit <NUM> that notifies an alarm when the computer <NUM> determines that the identification information does not match the installation pattern.

The above configuration makes it possible, in the automatic analyzer <NUM> to carry out chromatographic analysis using plural, particularly, plural types of separation columns, to detect, out of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, ones installed in wrong positions before the separation columns are put in use.

For example, in a format in which the user is to select a composition of the solvent to be used as a mobile phase for a separation column type and an installation position displayed on the screen in the operation unit, it is possible that the user, by erroneously recognizing the separation column type and the installation position displayed on the screen, sets a solvent composition for a different type of separation column. Such an error may result in detection accuracy deterioration and separation column breakage.

In the case of a format in which separation column identification information is read, the separation column type is identified based on the information, and the composition of the solvent corresponding to the separation column type is determined by searching a table of solvent compositions predefined for various separation column types, problems such as detection accuracy deterioration and separation column breakage caused when a wrong separation column is used or when a wrong solvent composition is set do not occur.

However, when any separation column installed in the analyzer is of a wrong type, object item analysis cannot be made. In such a case, it becomes necessary to replace the separation column and redo preprocessing, as a result, causing a throughput reduction and a solvent waste.

The separation columns are used being connected to flow passages, and when, at the time of changing the separation columns, the separation column types and the composition of the solvent used as a mobile phase largely change, it becomes necessary, in order to avoid a carry-over in the flow passages, to carry out equilibration for a long period of time and replace the solvent. Therefore, frequently changing the separation column types and installation positions causes a throughput reduction.

Considering the above-described aspects, even though the separation column installation positions can be arbitrarily set, it is desirable to use the analyzer with the selections of separation column types and the settings of installation positions decided to a certain extent.

Against the problems as described above, according to the configuration of the present invention, analysis can be carried out in a state where the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of intended types are securely installed in aimed positions. This makes it possible, compared with where existing types of analyzer configurations are used, to reduce human errors and throughput decreases, and, as a result, effects to reduce waste of separation columns, solvents, and time are generated.

Also, with the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM> for registering, as installation patterns, the types of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> installable in the respective flow passages further provided, the user can select, out of the predefined installation patterns, one corresponding to the tendency of analysis made in the laboratory, so that the user is allowed to freely carry out analysis according to the operating conditions involved. This also makes it possible to reduce human errors.

Also, with the separation column maximum installation number registration screen <NUM> for registering a maximum number of same-type separation columns installable in the flow passages among the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> further provided, also, the user can select, out of the predefined installation patterns, one corresponding to the tendency of analysis made in the laboratory, so that the user is allowed to freely carry out analysis according to the operating conditions involved.

In cases where the maximum number has been set and the installation of the maximum number of specific same-type separation columns included in the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> has been registered, only separation columns of other than the specific types can be selected and registered, on the separation column installation pattern registration screen <NUM>, as separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for installation in other installation positions. This prevents wrong separation column types from being included in the predefined patterns, so that the analyzer capable of analysis with higher accuracy can be provided.

The analyzer has a mode in which, when the identification information does not match the preset installation pattern, the current installation pattern of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> can be registered as a new installation pattern. This generates effects to save setting trouble for the user and allow the analyzer to be automatically set up and started up as intended by the user without being restricted by the predefined patterns <NUM>.

When the identification information is determined not to match the installation pattern, out of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the ones in non-matching positions are masked, and analysis is carried out using the ones, out of the separation columns <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, in matching positions. In this way, analysis is prevented from being carried out using incorrectly installed separation columns, so that waste of separation columns can be prevented.

Claim 1:
An automatic analyzer (<NUM>) that includes a preprocessing unit (<NUM>), a separation unit (<NUM>), a detection unit (<NUM>), and a control unit (<NUM>), the separation unit allowing a plurality of separation columns (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to be installed in flow passages provided therein, the automatic analyzer comprising:
an identification unit (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to read, when the separation columns are installed in installation positions, identifiers (<NUM>) the separation columns are provided with;
a determination unit (<NUM>) configured to determine whether or not identification information read, in the identification unit, from the identifiers matches an installation pattern registered beforehand;
a notification unit (<NUM>) configured to notify an alarm when the identification information is determined, in the determination unit, not to match the installation pattern;
a type setting unit (<NUM>) configure to register, as the installation pattern, separation column types respectively installable in the flow passages, and
a maximum number setting unit (<NUM>) configured to register a maximum number of same-type separation columns installable in the flow passages.