Patent Description:
There has been known a device that performs measurement for a blood coagulation test and measurement for an immunological test. For example, International Patent Application Publication No. <CIT> (Patent Literature <NUM>) discloses an automatic analyzer including a blood coagulation time detector <NUM> that measures a coagulation time and an immune detector <NUM> that measures a heterogeneous immune item, as illustrated in <FIG>. In this analyzer, a biological sample is dispensed into each of disposable reaction containers <NUM> from a sample disk <NUM> at a coagulation time sample dispensing position <NUM>, and also reagents are dispensed into the disposable reaction containers <NUM> from reagent disks <NUM> and <NUM>. Thereafter, a reaction container temperature adjusting block <NUM> adjusts the temperature of the disposable reaction container <NUM>, and the blood coagulation time detector <NUM> measures the coagulation time. The disposable reaction containers <NUM> and the reaction container temperature adjusting block <NUM> are also used in the measurement of the heterogeneous immune item. In the measurement of the heterogeneous immune item, the measurement is performed by dispensing a reagent into the disposable reaction container <NUM> from a heterogeneous immune reagent disk <NUM>.

However, in a device that performs measurement for a blood coagulation test as well as measurement for another test, no consideration has been made as to how to dispense a sample.

Particular embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

A first aspect of the disclosure relates to a sample measurement method of performing first measurement for a blood coagulation test and second measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test, as defined in claim <NUM>.

A disease afflicting a subject may be analyzed in more detail based on a combination of the result of the first measurement for the blood coagulation test and the result of the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test. For example, a disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) can be diagnosed based on a combination of a measurement result from a blood coagulation test and a measurement result from an immunological test. To be more specific, DIC diagnosis is performed based on a coagulation time acquired from the measurement result from the blood coagulation test, PIC and TAT acquired from the measurement result from the immunological test, and so on. Particularly when diagnosis is performed based on a combination of the result of the first measurement for the blood coagulation test and the result of the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test as described above, both of the first measurement for the blood coagulation test and the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test need to be performed properly.

Here, when whole blood is centrifuged, a layer of platelets and white blood cells, called a buffy coat, is formed between a plasma region and a red blood cell region in the sample container. The inventors have focused on the fact that mixing of the buffy coat into the sample affects the measurement for the blood coagulation test and may result in false positives in analysis based on the blood coagulation test-related measurement. As a result, the inventors have found out that, when aspiration of a sample for use in the measurement for the blood coagulation test is performed after aspiration of the sample for use in measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test, the buffy coat is likely to be mixed into the sample for use in the blood coagulation test-related measurement.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the sample for use in the first measurement for the blood coagulation test is dispensed from the sample container before the sample for use in the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test is dispensed from the sample container. Thus, the sample for use in the first measurement can be aspirated from the plasma region away from the buffy coat. As a result, the buffy coat can be inhibited from being mixed into the sample for use in the first measurement for the blood coagulation test. Therefore, the first measurement for the blood coagulation test can be properly performed. Since the sample measurement method according to a first aspect is capable of performing the first measurement for the blood coagulation test properly, more adequate diagnosis can be performed when the diagnosis is performed based on a combination of the result of the first measurement for the blood coagulation test and the result of the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the sample contained in the sample container (<NUM>) includes plasma separated from whole blood by centrifugation.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the whole blood contained in the sample container (<NUM>) is centrifuged (S1), and the plasma separated from the whole blood by centrifugation is dispensed as the sample into the first container (<NUM>) and the second container (<NUM>, <NUM>) from the sample container (<NUM>) (S3, S6, S16, S19).

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the sample container (<NUM>) contains plasma, a buffy coat, and red blood cells. When the whole blood is centrifuged, the respective components of the plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cells are stacked in this order from top to bottom in the sample container. When the plasma is aspirated in two steps from the sample container containing the three components as described above, the amount of the plasma is reduced by the first aspiration operation. As a result, there is a higher possibility of aspirating the buffy coat in the second aspiration operation. With the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the sample for use in the first measurement is aspirated first, and thus the buffy coat is inhibited from being mixed into the sample for use in the first measurement. As a result, the first measurement for the blood coagulation test can be properly performed.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, a nozzle (<NUM>) is inserted into a plasma region and aspirates the sample. This can ensure sample aspiration through the nozzle.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the nozzle (<NUM>) aspirates the sample with a tip (31a) of the nozzle (<NUM>) positioned above a central position of the plasma region. This can ensure sample aspiration through the nozzle and also suppress mixing of the buffy coat into the sample.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the nozzle (<NUM>) aspirates the sample with the nozzle (<NUM>) lowered by a predetermined amount from a liquid surface of the plasma region. This can ensure sample aspiration through the nozzle, and also allow the nozzle to be lowered to the extent that the tip of the nozzle does not reach the buffy coat. Thus, mixing of the buffy coat into the sample can be inhibited. Moreover, the sample is prevented from adhering to an outer peripheral surface of the nozzle. Thus, cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle is facilitated. Furthermore, control of the nozzle can be simplified.

In this case, a drive section (<NUM>) for lifting and lowering the nozzle (<NUM>) is driven according to a lowering amount stored in a memory (61b, 62b) to lower the nozzle (<NUM>) by the predetermined amount from the liquid surface of the plasma region.

After a sensor (<NUM>) for sensing that the tip (31a) of the nozzle (<NUM>) comes into contact with the liquid surface senses the liquid surface of the plasma region, the nozzle (<NUM>) is lowered by the predetermined amount from the liquid surface of the plasma region.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, different nozzles (<NUM>, <NUM>) are used to dispense the sample for use in the first measurement and to dispense the sample for use in the second measurement.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the same nozzle (<NUM>) is used to dispense the sample for use in the first measurement and to dispense the sample for use in the second measurement.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, an inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of at least a part of the nozzle (<NUM>, <NUM>), with which the sample has come into contact, are cleaned with a cleaning liquid.

In this way, the nozzle for dispensing the sample is cleaned, and thus carry-over due to accidental mixing of another sample can be inhibited.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the sample container (<NUM>) is a blood collection tube.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the second measurement is measurement for an immunological test.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, BF separation is performed to separate a liquid component from a test substance in the sample dispensed into the second container (<NUM>, <NUM>). Since dispensing into the second container is performed after dispensing into the first container, the sample dispensed into the second container is more likely to be mixed with the buffy coat than the sample dispensed into the first container. In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the buffy coat mixed into the sample dispensed into the second container is removed by the BF separation. Thus, the second measurement for the immunological test can be properly performed.

In the sample measurement method according to a first aspect, the second measurement is measurement for a biochemical test.

A second aspect of the disclosure relates to a sample measurement device, as defined in claim <NUM>.

The sample measurement device according to a second aspect achieves the same effects as those achieved in a first aspect.

The sample measurement device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect may further include a memory (61b, 62b) for storing a lowering amount of the nozzle (<NUM>), and the controller (61a, 62a) may be configured to drive the drive section (<NUM>) according to the lowering amount stored in the memory (61b, 62b) to lower the nozzle (<NUM>) by a predetermined amount from a liquid surface of the sample.

In this case, the drive section (<NUM>) is a stepping motor, and the memory (61b, 62b) stores the number of pulses corresponding to the lowering amount, and the controller (61a, 62a) may be configured to drive the drive section (<NUM>) according to the number of pulses stored in the memory (61b, 62b) to lower the nozzle (<NUM>) by the predetermined amount from the liquid surface of the sample.

The sample measurement device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect may further include a sensor (<NUM>) for sensing that a tip (31a) of the nozzle (<NUM>) comes into contact with the liquid surface, and the controller (61a, 62a) may be configured to perform control to cause the dispensing mechanism unit (<NUM>, <NUM>) to lower the nozzle (<NUM>) by the predetermined amount from the liquid surface of the sample after the sensor (<NUM>) senses that the tip (31a) of the nozzle (<NUM>) comes into contact with the liquid surface of the sample.

In the sample measurement device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect, the first measurement section (<NUM>) may include a light source section (<NUM>) that irradiates a measurement specimen with light and a light receiver (<NUM>) that receives light generated from the measurement specimen.

In the sample measurement device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect, the second measurement may be measurement for an immunological test.

In this case, the second measurement section (<NUM>) may include a light receiver (<NUM>) capable of photon counting. Thus, the second measurement section can perform highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement when performing measurement of chemiluminescence.

The second measurement section (<NUM>) may include a photomultiplier tube. Thus, the second measurement section can perform highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement when performing measurement of chemiluminescence.

In the sample measurement device (<NUM>) according to a second aspect, the second measurement may be measurement for a biochemical test.

In this case, the second measurement section (<NUM>) may include a light source section (<NUM>) that irradiates a measurement specimen with light and a light receiver (<NUM>) that receives light generated from the measurement specimen.

The disclosure may enable measurement for a blood coagulation test to be properly performed when performing the measurement for the blood coagulation test and measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a sample measurement method according to an embodiment is a sample measurement method including first measurement for a blood coagulation test and second measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test. The sample measurement method according to an embodiment includes processing steps of Steps S1 to S7. For example, Step S1 is automatically performed with a centrifugal separator, while Steps S2 to S7 are automatically performed with a sample measurement device to be described later. Note that Steps S1 to S7 may be manually performed by an operator, respectively.

Prior to description of the respective steps illustrated in <FIG>, description is given of a sample in a sample container <NUM> and aspiration of the sample from the sample container <NUM> with reference to <FIG>.

As illustrated in the left part of <FIG>, the sample container <NUM> contains whole blood when blood is collected from a subject. Then, by performing centrifugation processing on the sample container <NUM> containing the whole blood, a plasma region and a red blood cell region, which are separated from the whole blood, are formed in the upper part and lower part of the sample container <NUM>, respectively, as illustrated in the right part of <FIG>. The sample container <NUM> after the centrifugation as illustrated in the right part of <FIG> is fed to the sample measurement device. The sample in an embodiment is plasma separated inside the sample container <NUM>.

Here, the inventors of the disclosure have focused on the fact that, following the centrifugation of the whole blood, a layer of platelets and white blood cells, called a buffy coat, is formed between the plasma region and the red blood cell region in the sample container <NUM>. The right part of <FIG> schematically illustrates a state where respective components of the plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cells are stacked in this order from top to bottom in the sample container <NUM>. The inventors have found out that, when aspiration of a sample (hereinafter referred to as the "first sample") for use in first measurement for a blood coagulation test is performed after aspiration of a sample (hereinafter referred to as the "second sample") for use in second measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test, the buffy coat is likely to be mixed into the first sample. Then, the inventors have found out, as a problem, that mixing of the buffy coat into the first sample affects the first measurement for the blood coagulation test and may result in false positives in analysis based on the first measurement.

As illustrated in <FIG>, in the sample container <NUM> when fed to the sample measurement device, the liquid level of the plasma as the sample is well away from the buffy coat. In this case, the sample can be aspirated even when a tip 31a of a nozzle <NUM> for aspirating the sample is located at a position well away from the buffy coat. Therefore, the buffy coat components can be prevented from being mixed into the sample aspirated by the nozzle <NUM> when the sample is first aspirated from the sample container <NUM>.

On the other hand, as illustrated in <FIG>, the liquid level of the plasma as the sample approaches the buffy coat after aspiration from the sample container <NUM> is performed once. In this case, aspiration of the sample needs to be performed by locating the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> at a position close to the buffy coat. Therefore, the buffy coat components are likely to be mixed into the sample aspirated by the nozzle <NUM> in the second time round of sample aspiration from the sample container <NUM>.

As described above, the aspiration is performed at a position distant from the buffy coat in the first aspiration operation, and the aspiration is performed at a position close to the buffy coat in the second aspiration operation. For this reason, the buffy coat components are likely to be mixed into the aspirated sample in the second aspiration operation. Therefore, the buffy coat components are likely to be contained in the first sample when the aspiration for the first measurement is performed later. After exhaustive consideration made so as to properly perform the first measurement for the blood coagulation test, the inventors have decided to perform the aspiration for the first measurement first as illustrated in <FIG>. The procedure to do so is described below with reference to <FIG>.

Referring back to <FIG>, in Step S1, the sample container <NUM> containing the whole blood is subjected to centrifugation processing. Thus, the whole blood is centrifuged to separate the plasma as illustrated in the right part of <FIG>.

Then, it is determined in Step S2 whether or not a blood coagulation test-related measurement order is set for a target sample. More specifically, it is determined in Step S2 whether to perform the first measurement on the target sample. When the blood coagulation test-related measurement order is set for the target sample, that is, when the measurement order for the first measurement is set for the target sample, the first sample for use in the first measurement is dispensed into a first container from the sample container <NUM> in Step S3. Then, in Step S4, the first measurement is performed based on the first sample dispensed into the first container. On the other hand, when the measurement order for the first measurement is not set for the target sample, the processing in Steps S3 and S4 is skipped.

Thereafter, it is determined in Step S5 whether or not a measurement order for a test different from the blood coagulation test is set for the target sample. More specifically, it is determined in Step S5 whether to perform the second measurement on the target sample. When the measurement order for the test different from the blood coagulation test is set for the target sample, that is, when the measurement order for the second measurement is set for the target sample, the second sample for use in the second measurement is dispensed from the sample container <NUM> into a second container different from the first container in Step S6. Then, in Step S7, the second measurement is performed based on the second sample dispensed into the second container. On the other hand, when the measurement order for the second measurement is not set for the target sample, the processing in Steps S6 and S7 is skipped.

Note that the first and second containers may be the same kind of containers or may be different kinds of containers. The first measurement in Step S4 may be performed after the dispensing into the first container, while the second measurement in Step S7 may be performed after the dispensing into the second container. Therefore, the execution order of the first measurement and the second measurement is not limited to the order illustrated in <FIG>.

When the plasma is aspirated in two steps from the sample container <NUM> containing three components including the plasma, buffy coat, and red blood cells as described above, the amount of the plasma is reduced by the first aspiration operation. As a result, there is a higher possibility of aspirating the buffy coat in the second aspiration operation. However, dispensing of the first sample for the first measurement is performed before dispensing of the second sample for the second measurement. More specifically, when the measurement order of the first measurement and the measurement order of the second measurement are both set for the target sample, the second sample for use in the second measurement is aspirated from the sample container <NUM> from which the first sample has been aspirated. Accordingly, the first sample can be aspirated from the plasma region away from the buffy coat. Thus, the buffy coat can be suppressed from being mixed into the first sample. As a result, the first measurement for the blood coagulation test can be properly performed.

Moreover, a disease afflicting the subject may be analyzed in more detail based on a combination of the result of the first measurement and the result of the second measurement. For example, a disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome (DIC) can be diagnosed based on a combination of a measurement result from a blood coagulation test and a measurement result from an immunological test. To be more specific, DIC diagnosis is performed based on a coagulation time acquired from the measurement result from the blood coagulation test, PIC and TAT acquired from the measurement result from the immunological test, and the like. When the sample is dispensed and measured as illustrated in <FIG>, the first measurement for the blood coagulation test can be properly performed. Thus, more adequate diagnosis can be performed based on a combination of the result of the first measurement and the result of the second measurement.

A configuration of a sample measurement device <NUM> is described below.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sample measurement device <NUM> includes a first measurement unit <NUM>, a second measurement unit <NUM>, a transport unit <NUM>, and an analysis unit <NUM>. The first measurement unit <NUM> is communicably connected to the transport unit <NUM> and the analysis unit <NUM>. The second measurement unit <NUM> is communicably connected to the analysis unit <NUM>. In <FIG>, X, Y, and Z axes are orthogonal to each other. An X-axis forward direction corresponds to a leftward direction, a Y-axis forward direction corresponds to a rearward direction, and a Z-axis forward direction corresponds to a vertically downward direction. Note that, in the other drawings, the X, Y, and Z axes are set in the same manner as <FIG>.

The sample measurement device <NUM> analyzes a sample contained in a sample container <NUM> closed with a plug body <NUM>. The sample container <NUM> houses the sample therein and has its top sealed with the plug body <NUM>. The plug body <NUM> is made of elastic synthetic resin, for example.

The first measurement unit <NUM> includes a dispensing mechanism unit <NUM>, a first measurement section <NUM>, and a controller 61a. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> and an arm <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is configured to be capable of penetrating through the plug body <NUM> and aspirating and discharging the sample. The nozzle <NUM> is an aspiration tube. The nozzle <NUM> is provided at an end of the arm <NUM>, and the arm <NUM> is configured to be turnable. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> dispenses the sample into a reaction container <NUM> from the sample container <NUM> using the nozzle <NUM>. The first measurement section <NUM> performs first measurement for a blood coagulation test. The controller 61a controls all the parts of the first measurement unit <NUM>. The controller 61a also controls all the parts of the first measurement unit <NUM> such that they perform the processing illustrated in <FIG>. The controller 61a includes a CPU and a microcomputer, for example.

The second measurement unit <NUM> includes a second measurement section <NUM> and a controller 62a. The second measurement section <NUM> performs second measurement for an immunological test. The immunological test-related measurement is measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test. The immunological test-related measurement includes measurement of immunological analysis items, measurement by immunological reaction, and the like. The immunological test-related measurement is measurement using antigen-antibody reaction. The controller 62a controls all the parts of the second measurement unit <NUM>. The controller 62a includes a CPU and a microcomputer, for example.

The transport unit <NUM> includes a mechanism to transport the sample container <NUM> to the first measurement unit <NUM>. The analysis unit <NUM> includes a personal computer, for example. The analysis unit <NUM> includes a controller 64a. The controller 64a includes a CPU, for example.

When the sample container <NUM> is located at a predetermined position, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> turns the arm <NUM> to locate the nozzle <NUM> immediately above the sample container <NUM>. Then, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> lowers the arm <NUM> to lower the nozzle <NUM>. Thus, the tip of the nozzle <NUM> penetrates downward through the plug body <NUM>. Thereafter, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample in the sample container <NUM> through the tip of the nozzle <NUM>. Once the sample is aspirated, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> lifts the arm <NUM> to lift the nozzle <NUM>. Accordingly, the nozzle <NUM> is pulled out of the plug body <NUM>. Subsequently, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> turns the arm <NUM> to locate the nozzle <NUM> immediately above the reaction container <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> lowers the arm <NUM> to insert the tip of the nozzle <NUM> into the reaction container <NUM>. Then, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> discharges the sample aspirated from the sample container <NUM> into the reaction container <NUM>.

When one sample is measured by both of the first and second measurement sections <NUM> and <NUM>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> dispenses the sample in the sample container <NUM> into two new reaction containers <NUM>. To be more specific, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample from the sample container <NUM> and repeats twice a dispensing operation of discharging the aspirated sample into the new reaction containers <NUM>. The sample first dispensed into the reaction container <NUM> is the sample to be measured by the first measurement section <NUM>, while the sample dispensed next into the reaction container <NUM> is the sample to be measured by the second measurement section <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> into which the sample is dispensed first is the first container, while the reaction container <NUM> into which the sample is dispensed next is the second container.

When one sample is measured only by the first measurement section <NUM>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> dispenses the sample in the sample container <NUM> into one new reaction container <NUM>. When one sample is measured only by the second measurement section <NUM>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> dispenses the sample in the sample container <NUM> into one new reaction container <NUM>.

The reaction container <NUM> is a container, so-called cuvette, having a top opening. The reaction container <NUM> is a disposable container for measurement by the first measurement section <NUM> in the first measurement unit <NUM>.

The first measurement unit <NUM> transfers the reaction container <NUM> to the first measurement section <NUM>, the reaction container <NUM> having the first sample dispensed thereinto for measurement by the first measurement section <NUM>. In this event, the first measurement unit <NUM> prepares a measurement specimen by adding a predetermined reagent to the reaction container <NUM>, and then transfers the reaction container <NUM> housing the measurement specimen to the first measurement section <NUM>. The first measurement section <NUM> irradiates the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM> with light, and measures light transmitted through the measurement specimen or light scattered by the measurement specimen. The measurement principle for the first measurement section <NUM> is, for example, a coagulation method, a synthetic substrate method, immunonephelometry, an agglutination method, and the like. The controller 61a generates measurement data based on the light measured by the first measurement section <NUM>.

The first measurement unit <NUM> transfers the reaction container <NUM> to the second measurement unit <NUM>, the reaction container <NUM> having the second sample dispensed thereinto for measurement by the second measurement section <NUM>. The second measurement unit <NUM> transfers the second sample in the reaction container <NUM>, which is transferred from the first measurement unit <NUM>, to a reaction container <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> is a container, so-called cuvette, having a top opening. The reaction container <NUM> is a disposable container for measurement by the second measurement section <NUM> in the second measurement unit <NUM>. The second measurement unit <NUM> prepares a measurement specimen by adding a predetermined reagent to the reaction container <NUM> into which the second sample is dispensed, and then transfers the reaction container <NUM> housing the measurement specimen to the second measurement section <NUM>. The second measurement section <NUM> measures light generated from the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM>, that is, chemiluminescence based on a test substance contained in the second sample. The controller 62a generates measurement data based on the light measured by the second measurement section <NUM>.

Here, the chemiluminescence is light emitted using energy generated by chemical reaction, for example, light emitted when molecules are excited by chemical reaction into an excited state and then return to the ground state. The chemiluminescence measured by the second measurement section <NUM> in an embodiment is light based on chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA), which is light generated by reaction between an enzyme and a substrate. Note that the chemiluminescence measured by the second measurement section <NUM> may be, for example, light based on chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA), electrochemiluminescent immunoassay (ECLIA), fluorescent enzyme immunoassay (FEIA), luminescent oxygen channeling immunoassay (LOCI), bioluminescent enzyme immunoassay (BLEIA), or the like.

The controller 64a in the analysis unit <NUM> performs blood coagulation test-related analysis based on the measurement data generated by the first measurement unit <NUM>. To be more specific, the controller 64a performs analysis for analysis items such as PT, APTT, Fbg, extrinsic coagulation factor, intrinsic coagulation factor, coagulation factor XIII, HpT, TTO, FDP, D-dimer, PIC, FM, ATIII, Plg, APL, PC, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo, ADP, collagen, and epinephrine.

The controller 64a also performs immunological test-related analysis based on the measurement data generated by the second measurement unit <NUM>. To be more specific, the controller 64a performs analysis for analysis items such as HBs antigen, HBs antibody, HBc antibody, HBe antigen, HBe antibody, HCV antibody, TP antibody, HTLV antibody, HIV antigen and antibody, TAT, PIC, TM, tPAI/c, TSH, FT3, and FT4.

Note that the second measurement unit <NUM> may perform measurement for a test different from the immunological test. For example, the second measurement unit <NUM> may perform biochemical test-related measurement. In this case, the controller 64a performs biochemical test-related analysis based on the measurement data generated by the second measurement unit <NUM>. To be more specific, the controller 64a performs analysis for analysis items such as T-BIL, D-BIL, AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, γ-GTP, T-CHO, CRE, and CK. The second measurement unit <NUM> may also perform genetic test-related measurement.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> includes a rack setting part 63a, a rack transporter 63b, and a rack collector 63c. The rack setting part 63a and the rack collector 63c are connected to the right end and left end of the rack transporter 63b, respectively. A bar code reader <NUM> is provided behind the rack transporter 63b. An operator installs a sample rack <NUM> having the sample containers <NUM> set therein in the rack setting part 63a.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the sample container <NUM> includes the plug body <NUM>, a body part <NUM>, a lid part <NUM>, and a bar code label <NUM>. The body part <NUM> is a blood collection tube made of translucent glass or synthetic resin, and houses a sample. The plug body <NUM> is made of elastic synthetic resin or the like as described above. The plug body <NUM> seals the opening in the upper end of the body part <NUM> housing the sample. The plug body <NUM> has a recess 11a formed in its upper surface. The lid part <NUM> is made of plastic and covers the plug body <NUM> from above, which is attached to the body part <NUM>. A vertically penetrating hole 13a is formed in the center of the lid part <NUM>. The bar code label <NUM> is attached to the side of the body part <NUM>. A bar code indicating a sample ID is printed on the bar code label <NUM>. The sample ID is information capable of individually identifying the sample.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> is a narrow rod-shaped member made of metal. The nozzle <NUM> has the sharp tip 31a that allows the nozzle <NUM> to easily penetrate through the plug body <NUM>. A flow path 31b in the nozzle <NUM> extends vertically along with a direction in which the nozzle <NUM> extends, and is connected to the outside of the nozzle <NUM> from the side of the nozzle <NUM> near the tip 31a. When the nozzle <NUM> aspirates the sample in the sample container <NUM>, the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> is located in the recess 11a of the plug body <NUM> through the hole 13a formed in the lid part <NUM>. Then, as the nozzle <NUM> is moved downward, the tip 31a penetrates through the plug body <NUM>, and the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> is located in the body part <NUM>. Thus, the sample in the sample container <NUM> can be aspirated.

Referring back to <FIG>, the transport unit <NUM> sends the sample rack <NUM> installed in the rack setting part 63a to the right end of the rack transporter 63b and further to in front of the bar code reader <NUM>. The bar code reader <NUM> reads the bar code from the bar code label <NUM> on the sample container <NUM> to acquire the sample ID. The acquired sample ID is transmitted to the analysis unit <NUM> to acquire a measurement order for the sample.

Subsequently, the transport unit <NUM> transports the sample rack <NUM> carrying the sample containers <NUM> to sequentially locate the sample containers <NUM> at a sample aspirating position 103a or a sample aspirating position 103b. The sample aspirating position 103a is a position for the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to aspirate the sample, while the sample aspirating position 103b is a position for a dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to be described later to aspirate the sample. Upon completion of the sample aspiration for all the sample containers <NUM> carried by the sample rack <NUM>, the transport unit <NUM> transports the sample rack <NUM> to the rack collector 63c.

The first measurement unit <NUM> includes the dispensing mechanism units <NUM> and <NUM>, cleaning tanks <NUM> and <NUM>, a reaction container table <NUM>, a reagent table <NUM>, a heating table <NUM>, a reaction container housing section <NUM>, a reaction container feeder <NUM>, transfer sections <NUM> and <NUM>, reagent dispensers <NUM> and <NUM>, the first measurement section <NUM>, and a disposal port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> includes a main body part 30a, the nozzle <NUM>, the arm <NUM>, a shaft part <NUM>, a guide member <NUM>, and a sensor <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates, besides the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM>, the sample container <NUM> located at the sample aspirating position 103a and a cleaner <NUM> provided immediately above the sample aspirating position 103a.

The main body part 30a includes a drive section <NUM> to move the shaft part <NUM> in the Z-axis direction and a drive section <NUM> to rotate the shaft part <NUM> about the Z-axis direction. The drive sections <NUM> and <NUM> each include a stepping motor. The shaft part <NUM> supports the arm <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> is installed facing downward at the end of the arm <NUM>. The guide member <NUM> can be rotated along with the rotation of the shaft part <NUM>, and is installed onto the shaft part <NUM> so as not to change the position in the Z-axis direction. The guide member <NUM> has a vertically penetrating hole 34a formed at its tip, and the nozzle <NUM> is inserted into this hole 34a. The hole 34a limits the movement direction of the nozzle <NUM> to the Z-axis direction. The sensor <NUM> is a sensor for sensing the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> coming into contact with the liquid surface. The sensor <NUM> includes a capacitance sensor, for example.

The cleaner <NUM> has a vertically penetrating passage 36a. The cleaner <NUM> is arranged such that the nozzle <NUM> passes through the passage 36a when the nozzle <NUM> aspirates the sample from the sample container <NUM>. The cleaner <NUM> performs basic cleaning of the nozzle <NUM> by discharging and aspirating a cleaning liquid inside when the nozzle <NUM> passes through the passage 36a.

During aspiration of the first sample, as illustrated in <FIG>, the controller 61a performs control to cause the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to lower the nozzle <NUM> to penetrate through the plug body <NUM> and then further keep lowering the nozzle <NUM>. Then, the controller 61a detects, through the sensor <NUM>, that the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> comes into the liquid surface of the plasma region. The controller 61a performs control to cause the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to aspirate the first sample by lowering the nozzle <NUM> by a predetermined amount after the tip 31a comes into contact with the liquid surface. The lowering amount of the nozzle <NUM> from the liquid surface in this case is determined based on a proportion of plasma contained in typical whole blood and the amount of the whole blood housed in the sample container <NUM>, and is stored in a memory 61b to be described later. To be more specific, the lowering amount of the nozzle <NUM> from the liquid surface in this case is determined so as to locate the tip 31a above in the plasma region and also to prevent the nozzle <NUM> from performing idle aspiration. The memory 61b stores the number of pulses corresponding to the lowering amount, that is, the number of pulses required to lower the nozzle <NUM> by driving the drive section <NUM>.

In this way, for aspiration of the first sample, the nozzle <NUM> is inserted up to the plasma region as illustrated in <FIG> to aspirate the first sample. This can ensure the aspiration of the first sample through the nozzle <NUM>. Moreover, the first sample is aspirated in a state where the nozzle <NUM> is lowered by a predetermined amount from the liquid surface. This can ensure the aspiration of the first sample through the nozzle <NUM>, and also allow the nozzle <NUM> to be lowered to the extent that the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> does not reach the buffy coat. Thus, mixing of the buffy coat into the first sample can be suppressed. Moreover, the sample is prevented from adhering to the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>. Thus, cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM> is facilitated. Furthermore, control of the nozzle <NUM> by the controller 61a can be simplified.

Note that the lowering amount of the nozzle <NUM> from the liquid surface is not limited to the predetermined amount in <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the controller 61a may perform control to cause the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to aspirate the first sample by locating the tip 31a above the central position of the plasma region after the tip 31a comes into contact with the liquid surface. In this case, the controller 61a acquires the central position of the plasma region, for example, by capturing an image of the sample container <NUM> with a camera installed on the side of the sample container <NUM> and analyzing the captured image. When the tip 31a is located above the central position of the plasma region to aspirate the first sample as described above, the aspiration of the first sample through the nozzle <NUM> can be ensured and mixing of the buffy coat into the first sample can be suppressed.

Referring back to <FIG>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> includes a nozzle <NUM> and an arm <NUM>, as in the case of the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM>, and has the same configuration as that illustrated in <FIG>. Control of lowering the nozzle <NUM> is also performed in the same manner as the nozzle <NUM> in the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM>.

The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample from the sample container <NUM> located at the sample aspirating position 103a. In this event, as described with reference to <FIG>, the nozzle <NUM> is driven downward so as to penetrate through the plug body <NUM>, and a negative pressure is applied to the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM> to aspirate the sample into the flow path 31b. Thereafter, the nozzle <NUM> is driven upward and the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> is pulled out of the plug body <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> discharges the aspirated sample into a new reaction container <NUM> held on the reaction container table <NUM>.

When the sample is dispensed directly from the sample container <NUM> through the nozzle <NUM>, the operator can save the trouble of removing the plug body <NUM> of the sample container <NUM>. Thus, the first measurement and the second measurement can be smoothly performed.

Here, as for the sample located at the sample aspirating position 103a, a measurement order to perform blood coagulation test-related measurement by the first measurement unit <NUM>, a measurement order to perform immunological test-related measurement by the second measurement unit <NUM>, or a measurement order to perform measurement by both of the measurement units is set.

When only the measurement order for the blood coagulation test is set, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample once from the sample container <NUM> and discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM> on the reaction container table <NUM> as a first sample for the blood coagulation test-related measurement. When only the measurement order for the immunological test is set, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample once from the sample container <NUM> and discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM> on the reaction container table <NUM> as a second sample for the immunological test-related measurement.

When the measurement order is set for both of the immunological test and the blood coagulation test, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample in two steps from the sample container <NUM> and discharges the aspirated sample into different reaction containers <NUM> on the reaction container table <NUM>. In this event, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> discharges the sample aspirated first into the reaction container <NUM> as the first sample for use in the blood coagulation test-related measurement, and discharges the sample aspirated later into the reaction container <NUM> as the second sample for use in the immunological test-related measurement.

Note that the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> aspirates the sample, for which only the measurement order for the blood coagulation test is set, from the sample container <NUM> having its top not sealed with the plug body <NUM>. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> discharges the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM> as the first sample for use in the blood coagulation test-related measurement.

The reaction container table <NUM> has a ring shape in a plan view and is located outside the reagent table <NUM>. The reaction container table <NUM> is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reaction container table <NUM> has holding holes <NUM> for holding the reaction containers <NUM>.

The reaction container housing section <NUM> houses new reaction containers <NUM>. The reaction container feeder <NUM> takes the reaction containers <NUM> one by one from the reaction container housing section <NUM> and feeds the reaction container <NUM> taken out to a grabbing position by the transfer section <NUM>. The transfer section <NUM> grabs the reaction container <NUM> fed to the grabbing position by the reaction container feeder <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole <NUM> in the reaction container table <NUM>.

The cleaning tanks <NUM> and <NUM> are containers for cleaning the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. The cleaning tank <NUM> makes up a part of a cleaning mechanism unit <NUM> to be described later. Upon completion of dispensing into one sample container <NUM> located at the sample aspirating position 103a, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> positions the nozzle <NUM> in the cleaning tank <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> positioned in the cleaning tank <NUM> is cleaned inside the cleaning tank <NUM>. In this way, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned inside the cleaning tank <NUM> for each sample. Likewise, the cleaning tank <NUM> also makes up a part of the same configuration as the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM>. Upon completion of dispensing into one sample container <NUM> located at the sample aspirating position 103b, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> positions the nozzle <NUM> in the cleaning tank <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> positioned in the cleaning tank <NUM> is cleaned inside the cleaning tank <NUM>. In this way, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned inside the cleaning tank <NUM> for each sample.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cleaning tank <NUM> is a container having the inside open through a top opening 41a. The cleaning tank <NUM> has an injection port 41b formed in its upper part and has a discharge port 41c formed in its lower part. The injection port 41b is connected to the outside of the cleaning tank <NUM> through an injection passage 41d. The discharge port 41c is connected to the outside of the cleaning tank <NUM> through a discharge passage 41e. The injection passage 41d is formed so as to face obliquely downward toward the injection port 41b, while the discharge passage 41e is formed so as to face obliquely upward toward the discharge port 41c.

In cleaning of the nozzle <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> is inserted into the cleaning tank <NUM> from above through the opening 41a. In this event, the nozzle <NUM> is inserted into the opening 41a in such a manner that the cleaning liquid injected from the injection port 41b spills out over the outer peripheral surface of at least a part of the nozzle <NUM> with which the sample has come into contact. Then, the cleaning liquid is injected into the cleaning tank <NUM> through the injection passage 41d and the injection port 41b, and is discharged through the discharge port 41c and the discharge passage 41e. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned. The cleaning liquid also flows through the flow path 31b in the nozzle <NUM>. The cleaning liquid in the flow path 31b is discharged from an outlet of the flow path 31b provided near the tip 31a. Accordingly, an inner peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>, that is, the flow path 31b is cleaned. Thus, the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of at least a part of the nozzle <NUM>, with which the sample has come into contact, are cleaned with the cleaning liquid.

Here, the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned at high pressure with the cleaning liquid. To be more specific, a flow rate of the cleaning liquid flowing through the flow path 31b is increased so as to generate a turbulent flow inside the flow path 31b. Generally, a turbulent flow is considered to be generated when the Reynolds number becomes greater than <NUM>. Assuming that fluid density is ρ, fluid flow rate is U, inside diameter of the flow path is d, and viscosity coefficient is µ, the Reynolds number Re is calculated according to the following equation.

With reference to <FIG>, a configuration of the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM> is described. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM> includes a flow path and a mechanism to allow the cleaning liquid to flow through the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM>, and a flow path and a mechanism to allow the cleaning liquid to flow into the cleaning tank <NUM>.

The cleaning liquid is stored in a cleaning liquid chamber <NUM>. The cleaning liquid chamber <NUM> is connected to a first pump <NUM> by a flow path through a check valve <NUM>. The first pump <NUM> includes a syringe capable of sending the cleaning liquid at high pressure. The first pump <NUM> has its sending side connected to a metering syringe <NUM> by a flow path through a solenoid valve <NUM>. The metering syringe <NUM> has its sending side connected to the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM> through a first flow path <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the cleaning liquid chamber <NUM> is connected to a second pump <NUM> by a flow path through a check valve <NUM>. The second pump <NUM> includes a syringe capable of sending the cleaning liquid. The second pump <NUM> has its sending side connected to the injection passage 41d and the injection port 41b of the cleaning tank <NUM> by a second flow path <NUM> through a solenoid valve <NUM>. The discharge port 41c and the discharge passage 41e of the cleaning tank <NUM> are connected to a third pump <NUM> through a third flow path <NUM>. The third pump <NUM> includes a syringe capable of applying a negative pressure to the third flow path <NUM>. The third pump <NUM> has its sending side connected to a flow path for disposal of the cleaning liquid.

In dispensing the sample with the nozzle <NUM>, the metering syringe <NUM> takes the sample into the flow path 31b by applying a negative pressure to the first flow path <NUM>, and discharges the sample taken into the flow path 31b by applying a positive pressure to the first flow path <NUM>.

In cleaning the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM>, the first pump <NUM> takes in the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid chamber <NUM> in a state where the solenoid valve <NUM> is closed. Then, in a state where the solenoid valve <NUM> is opened, the first pump <NUM> allows the cleaning liquid taken in to flow into the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM> through the solenoid valve <NUM>, the metering syringe <NUM>, and the first flow path <NUM>. In this event, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid flowing through the flow path 31b is set such that the Reynolds number Re expressed by the above equation becomes greater than <NUM>, and the first pump <NUM> is driven to realize this flow rate. Thus, a turbulent flow is generated in the flow path 31b to enhance the cleaning effect inside the flow path 31b. Moreover, cleaning inside the nozzle <NUM> can be ensured, and thus carry-over due to mixing of different samples through the nozzle <NUM> can be avoided.

Note that the lower end of the flow path 31b of the nozzle <NUM> is connected to the outer side surface of the nozzle <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, in order to prevent fragments of the plug body <NUM> from clogging the flow path 31b when the nozzle <NUM> penetrates through the plug body <NUM> of the sample container <NUM>. Accordingly, the cleaning liquid flowing through the flow path 31b is discharged to the side of the nozzle <NUM>. The discharge passage 41e for discharging the cleaning liquid extends obliquely downward. In this way, the direction of the cleaning liquid discharged from the flow path 31b coincides with the direction of the discharge passage 41e. Thus, the cleaning liquid discharged from the flow path 31b is smoothly collected to the discharge passage 41e through the discharge port 41c.

To clean the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>, the second pump <NUM> takes in the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid chamber <NUM> in a state where the solenoid valve <NUM> is closed. Then, in a state where the solenoid valve <NUM> is opened, the second pump <NUM> allows the cleaning liquid taken in to flow into the cleaning tank <NUM> from the injection port 41b of the cleaning tank <NUM> through the solenoid valve <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM>. The flow rate of the cleaning liquid flowing through the second flow path <NUM> is set so as to be just adequate to enable cleaning of the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>. When the cleaning liquid flows into the cleaning tank <NUM>, the third pump <NUM> is driven to draw the cleaning liquid into the third flow path <NUM> from the discharge port 41c and the discharge passage 41e. The third pump <NUM> allows the cleaning liquid drawn into the third flow path <NUM> to flow into a flow path for disposal.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the configuration of the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM> enables smooth cleaning of the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the nozzle <NUM>. The immunological test-related measurement is likely to have carry-over problem and has a high carry-over avoidance level. With the above configuration, the nozzle <NUM> that dispenses the sample is cleaned with the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM>. Thus, the influence of carry-over can be suppressed in the immunological test-related measurement. Therefore, the immunological test-related measurement can be properly performed.

Note that the cleaning tank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be configured as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, in a cleaning tank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, an injection port 41b is formed in the lower part of the cleaning tank <NUM>, and an injection passage 41d is formed so as to face obliquely upward toward the injection port 41b. A discharge port 41c is formed in the upper part of the cleaning tank <NUM>, and a discharge passage 41e is formed so as to face obliquely downward toward the discharge port 41c. In this case, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned by discharging the cleaning liquid, which is injected from the injection port 41b, from the discharge port 41c.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a cleaning tank <NUM> is a container having its top open through an opening 104a. The cleaning tank <NUM> has an injection port 104b formed in its lower part and has a discharge port 104c formed in its upper part. The injection port 104b is connected to the outside of the cleaning tank <NUM> through an injection passage 104d. The discharge port 104c is connected to the outside of the cleaning tank <NUM> through a discharge passage 104e. The injection passage 104d and the discharge passage 104e are formed so as to extend in a horizontal direction. A tip 111a of the nozzle <NUM> is not sharp, and a flow path 111b inside the nozzle <NUM> extends in a vertical direction.

To clean the nozzle <NUM>, the nozzle <NUM> is inserted into the cleaning tank <NUM> from above through the opening 104a. Then, the cleaning liquid is injected into the cleaning tank <NUM> through the injection passage 104d and the injection port 104b and discharged through the discharge port 104c and the discharge passage 104e. Thus, the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned. Moreover, the cleaning liquid flows through the flow path 111b inside the nozzle <NUM>. Thus, the inner peripheral surface of the nozzle <NUM>, that is, the flow path 111b is cleaned.

As for the cleaning tank <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>, the same flow paths and mechanism as those in the case of the cleaning tank <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> are formed. Except, as described above, the nozzle <NUM> dispenses a sample for use in blood coagulation test-related measurement only. A carry-over level in the blood coagulation test-related measurement is lower than that in the immunological test-related measurement. Therefore, in the case of the cleaning tank <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>, the first pump may be omitted from the same flow paths and mechanism as those illustrated in <FIG>, and a metering syringe may be used to flow the cleaning liquid through the flow path 111b.

Alternatively, the cleaning tank <NUM> may be configured as illustrated in <FIG>. More specifically, in a cleaning tank <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, an injection port 104b and an injection passage 104d are configured in the same manner as the injection port 41b and the injection passage 41d in <FIG>. Also, a discharge port 104c is formed in the bottom of the cleaning tank <NUM>, and a discharge passage 104e extends downward. When a flow path 111b linearly extends downward in the same manner as the nozzle <NUM>, the cleaning liquid flowing through the flow path 111b is discharged downward. Thus, the downward extending discharge passage 104e achieves smooth collection of the cleaning liquid.

Referring back to <FIG>, the heating table <NUM> includes holding holes <NUM> for holding the reaction containers <NUM> and a transfer section <NUM> that transfers the reaction containers <NUM>. The heating table <NUM> has a circular shape in a plan view and is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The heating table <NUM> heats the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole <NUM> to <NUM>.

When a first sample is discharged into a new reaction container <NUM> held on the reaction container table <NUM>, the reaction container table <NUM> is rotated and the reaction container <NUM> housing the first sample is transferred to near the heating table <NUM>. Then, the transfer section <NUM> of the heating table <NUM> grabs the reaction container <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole <NUM> in the heating table <NUM>. On the other hand, when a second sample is discharged into a new reaction container <NUM> held on the reaction container table <NUM>, the reaction container table <NUM> is rotated and the reaction container <NUM> housing the second sample is transferred to near the heating table <NUM>. Then, the transfer section <NUM> of the heating table <NUM> grabs the reaction container <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to a holding hole 201a to be described later with reference to <FIG>.

The reagent table <NUM> is configured to be capable of installing reagent containers <NUM> each housing a corresponding one of an adjusting reagent and a trigger reagent for use in blood coagulation test-related measurement. The reagent table <NUM> is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reagent dispensers <NUM> and <NUM> dispense the reagent into the reaction containers <NUM> heated by the heating table <NUM>.

To dispense the adjusting reagent into the reaction container <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> of the heating table <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> in the heating table <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> at a predetermined position. Then, the reagent dispenser <NUM> or <NUM> aspirates the adjusting reagent from the reagent container <NUM> and discharges the aspirated adjusting reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. Accordingly, the adjusting reagent is mixed into the sample. Thereafter, the transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> again in the holding hole <NUM> in the heating table <NUM>.

To dispense the trigger reagent into the reaction container <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> in the heating table <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> at a predetermined position. Then, the reagent dispenser <NUM> or <NUM> aspirates the trigger reagent from the reagent container <NUM> and discharges the aspirated trigger reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. Accordingly, the trigger reagent is mixed into the sample to prepare a measurement specimen. Thereafter, the transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> in a holding hole 51a in the first measurement section <NUM>.

The first measurement section <NUM> includes the holding holes 51a. The first measurement section <NUM> irradiates the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole 51a with light, and measures light transmitted through the measurement specimen or light scattered by the measurement specimen. Upon completion of the measurement of the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM>, the reaction container <NUM> is disposed of through the disposal port <NUM> by the transfer section <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second measurement unit <NUM> includes a member <NUM>, a transfer section <NUM>, handover tables <NUM> and <NUM>, a member <NUM>, a reaction container rack <NUM>, a reagent table <NUM>, a cleaning tank <NUM>, a heater <NUM>, a BF separator <NUM>, a reagent dispenser <NUM>, a reagent housing section <NUM>, a member <NUM>, a transfer section <NUM>, a disposal port <NUM>, and the second measurement section <NUM>.

The member <NUM> includes a holding hole 201a for holding the reaction container <NUM>. The transfer section <NUM> in the first measurement unit <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> housing a second sample out of the holding hole <NUM> in the reaction container table <NUM>, and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole 201a in the member <NUM>. The handover table <NUM> includes holding holes <NUM>. The handover table <NUM> has a circular shape in a plan view and is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole 201a and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole <NUM> in the handover table <NUM>.

Here, the second measurement unit <NUM> includes a transfer section <NUM> and a dispenser <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, in addition to the parts illustrated in <FIG>. The transfer section <NUM> is installed on a wall surface in the first measurement unit <NUM>, which is parallel to the Y-Z plane, while the dispenser <NUM> is installed on a ceiling surface of the second measurement unit <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the transfer section <NUM> includes a forward-backward transfer section <NUM>, a horizontal transfer section <NUM>, a vertical transfer section <NUM>, a support member <NUM>, and a grabber <NUM>. The forward-backward transfer section <NUM> drives a stepping motor to transfer the horizontal transfer section <NUM> in the Y-axis direction along a rail 311a extending in the Y-axis direction. The horizontal transfer section <NUM> drives a stepping motor to transfer the vertical transfer section <NUM> in the X-axis direction along a rail 312a extending in the X-axis direction. The vertical transfer section <NUM> drives a stepping motor to transfer the support member <NUM> in the Z-axis direction along a rail 313a extending in the Z-axis direction. The support member <NUM> is provided with the grabber <NUM>. The grabber <NUM> is configured to be capable of grabbing the reaction containers <NUM> and <NUM>.

The transfer section <NUM> drives the forward-backward transfer section <NUM>, the horizontal transfer section <NUM>, and the vertical transfer section <NUM> to transfer the grabber <NUM> in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions within the second measurement unit <NUM>. Thus, the reaction containers <NUM> and <NUM> can be transferred within the second measurement unit <NUM>.

The dispenser <NUM> includes a forward-backward transfer section <NUM>, a vertical transfer section <NUM>, support members <NUM> and <NUM>, and nozzles <NUM> and <NUM>. The forward-backward transfer section <NUM> drives a stepping motor to transfer the vertical transfer section <NUM> in the Y-axis direction along a rail 321a extending in the Y-axis direction. The vertical transfer section <NUM> drives a stepping motor to transfer the support member <NUM> in the Z-axis direction along a rail 322a extending in the Z-axis direction and to transfer the support member <NUM> in the Z-axis direction along a rail 322b extending in the Z-axis direction.

The nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> are installed in the support members <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, so as to line up in the Y-axis direction. The nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> extend in the Z-axis direction and have their tips pointed in the Z-axis forward direction. The nozzle <NUM> is used to dispense a sample, while the nozzle <NUM> is used to dispense a reagent.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM>, a sample aspirating position <NUM>, the cleaning tank <NUM>, a holding hole 203a, and a reagent aspirating position <NUM> are located in the same position in the X-axis direction. In other words, these members and positions are arranged in one straight line parallel to the Y-axis direction when seen in the Z-axis direction. Thus, the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> can be located in the sample aspirating position <NUM>, the cleaning tank <NUM>, the holding hole 203a, and the reagent aspirating position <NUM> just by moving the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> in the Y-axis direction without a mechanism to move the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> in the X-axis direction. Thus, the configuration of the dispenser <NUM> can be simplified. Moreover, since the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> can be cleaned with one cleaning tank <NUM>, the cleaning tank <NUM> can be shared by the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM>.

Note that flow paths inside the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> extend in the vertical direction as in the case of the nozzle <NUM> in <FIG>. Therefore, the cleaning tank <NUM> also has the same shape as that of the cleaning tank <NUM> in <FIG>. In this case, the same mechanism and flow paths as those in <FIG> are configured to flow the cleaning liquid into the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> and the cleaning tank <NUM>. Moreover, the first pump is driven to flow the cleaning liquid into the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> so that turbulent flows are generated inside the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> during cleaning.

Referring back to <FIG>, when a reaction container <NUM> is set in the holding hole <NUM> in the handover table <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole <NUM> in the handover table <NUM>. The handover table <NUM> includes three holding holes <NUM>. The handover table <NUM> has a circular shape in a plan view and is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. When the reaction container <NUM> is set in the holding hole <NUM> in the handover table <NUM>, the handover table <NUM> is rotated in the circumferential direction to set the reaction container <NUM> in the sample aspirating position <NUM>.

The reaction container rack <NUM> houses thirty new reaction containers <NUM>. The member <NUM> includes a holding hole 203a for holding the reaction container <NUM>.

The transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the reaction container rack <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole 203a. Then, the dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to aspirate the second sample in the reaction container <NUM> set in the sample aspirating position <NUM> and discharge the aspirated second sample into the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole 203a. Thus, the second sample is transferred from the reaction container <NUM> to the reaction container <NUM>. After the second sample is transferred, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned in the cleaning tank <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> after completion of transferring of the second sample is disposed of through the disposal port <NUM> by the transfer section <NUM>.

The reagent table <NUM> is configured to be capable of installing reagent containers <NUM> to <NUM> each housing a reagent for use in immunological test-related measurement. The reagent table <NUM> is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction. The reagent container <NUM> houses R1 reagent, the reagent container <NUM> houses R2 reagent, and the reagent container <NUM> houses R3 reagent.

The transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> housing the second sample out of the holding hole 203a and sets the reaction container <NUM> above the cleaning tank <NUM>. In this state, the dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to aspirate R1 reagent from the reagent container <NUM> set in the reagent aspirating position <NUM> and discharge the aspirated R1 reagent into the reaction container <NUM> set above the cleaning tank <NUM>. After R1 reagent is dispensed, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned in the cleaning tank <NUM>.

The heater <NUM> includes holding holes <NUM> for heating the reaction container <NUM>. The transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> having R1 reagent discharged thereinto in the holding hole <NUM> of the heater <NUM>. After the reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined time by the heater <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> above the cleaning tank <NUM>. In this state, the dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to aspirate R2 reagent from the reagent container <NUM> set in the reagent aspirating position <NUM> and discharge the aspirated R2 reagent into the reaction container <NUM> set above the cleaning tank <NUM>. After R2 reagent is dispensed, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned in the cleaning tank <NUM>.

The transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> having R2 reagent discharged thereinto in the holding hole <NUM> of the heater <NUM>. After the reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined time by the heater <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> and transfers the reaction container <NUM> to the BF separator <NUM>.

Here, R1 reagent contains a capturing substance to be connected with the test substance. R2 reagent contains magnetic particles. When R1 reagent and R2 reagent are discharged into the reaction container <NUM> and the reaction container <NUM> is heated by the heater <NUM>, the test substance contained in the second sample in the reaction container <NUM> is connected with the magnetic particles through the capturing substance by antigen-antibody reaction. As a result, a composite in which the test substance and the magnetic particles are connected with each other is generated.

The BF separator <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> extending in the X-axis direction, a support member <NUM> that moves along the rail <NUM>, a magnet <NUM> installed on the support member <NUM>, a nozzle <NUM> for aspirating a liquid component in the reaction container <NUM>, a nozzle <NUM> for discharging the cleaning liquid, and a grabber <NUM> for grabbing the reaction container <NUM>. The BF separator <NUM> also includes a mechanism to transfer the support member <NUM> in the X-axis direction along the rail <NUM> and a mechanism to transfer the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> and the grabber <NUM> in the Z-axis direction.

The transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> heated after discharging of R2 reagent in a holding hole 252a provided in the support member <NUM>. The magnet <NUM> is positioned near the X-axis negative side of the holding hole 252a. Thus, in the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole 252a, the composite is drawn to a wall surface of the reaction container <NUM> on the X-axis negative side.

Subsequently, the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole 252a is positioned immediately below the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> removes the liquid component from the reaction container <NUM>. Then, the reaction container <NUM> set in the holding hole 252a is positioned immediately below the nozzle <NUM>. The nozzle <NUM> discharges a cleaning liquid into the reaction container <NUM>. Thereafter, the grabber <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole 252a and agitates the reaction container <NUM> taken out through vibration. Upon completion of the agitation, the grabber <NUM> returns the reaction container <NUM> to the holding hole 252a. Then, the nozzle <NUM> removes the liquid component from the reaction container <NUM>. The BF separator <NUM> repeats such operations.

Note that the BF separator <NUM> includes an unillustrated cleaning tank for cleaning the nozzle <NUM>. This cleaning tank is positioned immediately below the nozzle <NUM> and has the same configuration as that of the cleaning tank <NUM> in <FIG>. The same mechanism and flow paths as those in <FIG> are configured to flow the cleaning liquid into the nozzle <NUM> and the cleaning tank for cleaning the nozzle <NUM>. Moreover, the first pump is driven to flow the cleaning liquid into the nozzle <NUM> so that a turbulent flow is generated inside the nozzle <NUM> during cleaning. The nozzle <NUM> is cleaned upon every removal of the liquid component.

The BF separator <NUM> removes impurities and buffy coat component that interfere with the second measurement from the composite in which the test substance and the magnetic particles are connected with each other. The test substance in the second measurement unit <NUM> is, for example, an antigen, an antibody, a protein, or the like. In an embodiment, since the second sample is aspirated after aspiration of the first sample, a buffy coat is likely to be mixed into the second sample compared with the first sample. However, the BF separator <NUM> also removes the buffy coat mixed into the second sample together with the impurities. Thus, the second measurement for the immunological test can be properly performed.

Subsequently, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> subjected to the processing in the BF separator <NUM> out of the holding hole 252a and sets the reaction container <NUM> above the cleaning tank <NUM>. In this state, the dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to aspirate R3 reagent from the reagent container <NUM> set in the reagent aspirating position <NUM> and discharge the aspirated R3 reagent into the reaction container <NUM> set above the cleaning tank <NUM>. Then, the transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> having R3 reagent discharged thereinto in the holding hole <NUM> of the heater <NUM>. After the reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined time by the heater <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> and transfers the reaction container <NUM> to the BF separator <NUM>. Then, the BF separator <NUM> performs the BF separation processing again.

Here, R3 reagent contains a labeling antibody in which an antibody is used as a capturing substance. When R3 reagent is discharged into the reaction container <NUM> and the reaction container <NUM> is heated by the heater <NUM>, a composite in which the test substance, the capturing antibody, the magnetic particles, and the labeling antibody are connected with each other is generated.

Then, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> processed twice by the BF separator <NUM> out of the holding hole 252a and sets the reaction container <NUM> immediately below a nozzle <NUM> of the reagent dispenser <NUM>. The reagent dispenser <NUM> includes the nozzle <NUM> for discharging R4 reagent and a nozzle <NUM> for discharging R5 reagent. The reagent dispenser <NUM> also includes a mechanism to transfer the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> in the Z-axis direction.

The reagent dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to discharge R4 reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. Thereafter, the transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> having R4 reagent discharged thereinto immediately below the nozzle <NUM>. The reagent dispenser <NUM> uses the nozzle <NUM> to discharge R5 reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. Note that R4 reagent and R5 reagent are housed in reagent containers <NUM> and <NUM> provided in the reagent housing section <NUM>, respectively, and the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM> are connected to the reagent containers <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, through unillustrated flow paths.

Here, R4 reagent is a reagent for dispersing the composite in the reaction container <NUM>. When the composite is mixed with R4 reagent, the composite is dispersed in the reaction container <NUM>. R5 reagent is a reagent containing a luminescent substrate that emits light by reaction with the labeling antibody connected with the composite. When the composite is mixed with R5 reagent, the labeling antibody connected with the composite reacts with the luminescent substrate to generate chemiluminescence. Thus, a measurement specimen for use in the second measurement is prepared.

The transfer section <NUM> sets the reaction container <NUM> having R5 reagent discharged thereinto in the holding hole <NUM> of the heater <NUM>. After the reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined time by the heater <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole <NUM> and sets the reaction container <NUM> in a holding hole 281a provided in the member <NUM>.

The second measurement section <NUM> includes a lid 52a and a holding hole 52b. The lid 52a is configured to be openable and closable above the holding hole 52b. When the reaction container <NUM> is set in the holding hole 281a, the lid 52a is opened and the transfer section <NUM> takes the reaction container <NUM> out of the holding hole 281a and sets the reaction container <NUM> in the holding hole 52b of the second measurement section <NUM>. Then, the lid 52a is closed and light generated from the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is measured in the holding hole 52b. Upon completion of the measurement of the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM>, the reaction container <NUM> is disposed of through the disposal port <NUM> by the transfer section <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first measurement section <NUM> that performs blood coagulation test-related measurement includes a light source section <NUM> and a light receiver <NUM>, in addition to the holding hole 51a described above. <FIG> illustrates the vicinity of one holding hole 51a.

The light source section <NUM> includes a semiconductor laser light source and emits light having different wavelengths. The light source section <NUM> irradiates the reaction container <NUM> set in each holding hole 51a with light. When the measurement specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is irradiated with light, light transmitted through the measurement specimen or light scattered by the measurement specimen enters the light receiver <NUM>. The light receiver <NUM> is provided for each holding hole 51a and includes a photodetector. To be more specific, the light receiver <NUM> includes a photoelectric tube, a photodiode, or the like. The light receiver <NUM> receives transmitted light or scattered light and outputs an electric signal corresponding to an amount of light received. Based on the electric signal outputted from the light receiver <NUM>, the controller 61a generates measurement data for use in blood coagulation test-related analysis.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second measurement section <NUM> that performs immunological test-related measurement includes a light receiver <NUM> in addition to the holding hole 52b described above. <FIG> illustrates the vicinity of the holding hole 52b.

The chemiluminescence generated from the measurement specimen housed in the reaction container <NUM> enters the light receiver <NUM>. The light receiver <NUM> includes a photodetector capable of photon counting. To be more specific, the light receiver <NUM> includes a photomultiplier tube. When the light receiver <NUM> includes a photomultiplier tube capable of photon counting, the second measurement section <NUM> can perform highly sensitive and highly accurate measurement. The light receiver <NUM> receives the chemiluminescence and outputs a pulse waveform corresponding to photons received. The second measurement section <NUM> uses its internal circuit to count photons at regular intervals based on an output signal from the light receiver <NUM> and output a count value. Based on the count value outputted from the second measurement section <NUM>, the controller 62a generates measurement data for use in immunological test-related analysis.

Note that, as described above, the second measurement unit <NUM> may perform biochemical test-related measurement. In this case, the second measurement section <NUM> performs biochemical test-related measurement and has the same configuration as that for performing blood coagulation test-related measurement. More specifically, in the second measurement section <NUM> in this case, the light source section <NUM> irradiates the measurement specimen with light and the light receiver <NUM> receives transmitted light or scattered light generated from the measurement specimen. Then, based on an electric signal outputted from the light receiver <NUM>, the controller 62a generates measurement data for use in biochemical test-related analysis.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first measurement unit <NUM> includes, as a configuration of a circuit section, the controller 61a, the bar code reader <NUM>, the dispensing mechanism units <NUM> and <NUM>, the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM>, the reaction container table <NUM>, the reagent table <NUM>, the heating table <NUM>, the reaction container housing section <NUM>, the reaction container feeder <NUM>, the transfer sections <NUM> and <NUM>, the reagent dispensers <NUM> and <NUM>, and the first measurement section <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG> and <FIG>. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> includes the sensor <NUM>, the cleaner <NUM>, and the drive sections <NUM> and <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>.

As the configuration of the circuit section, the first measurement unit <NUM> also includes the memory 61b and a cleaning mechanism unit 61c. The controller 61a controls all the parts in the first measurement unit <NUM> and the transport unit <NUM> according to a program stored in the memory 61b. The memory 61b includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or the like. The cleaning mechanism unit 61c includes a cleaning tank <NUM> and flow paths and mechanism to flow a cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank <NUM> and the nozzle <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the second measurement unit <NUM> includes, as a configuration of a circuit section, the controller 62a, the transfer sections <NUM> and <NUM>, the handover tables <NUM> and <NUM>, the reagent table <NUM>, the heater <NUM>, the BF separator <NUM>, the reagent dispenser <NUM>, the reagent housing section <NUM>, the second measurement section <NUM>, the transfer section <NUM>, and the dispenser <NUM>, as described with reference to <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

As the configuration of the circuit section, the second measurement unit <NUM> also includes the memory 62b and cleaning mechanism units 62c and 62d. The controller 62a controls all the parts in the second measurement unit <NUM> according to a program stored in the memory 62b. The memory 62b includes a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, or the like. The cleaning mechanism unit 62c includes a cleaning tank <NUM> and flow paths and mechanism to flow a cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank <NUM> and the nozzles <NUM> and <NUM>. The cleaning mechanism unit 62d includes a cleaning tank for cleaning the nozzle <NUM> in the BF separator <NUM> and flow paths and mechanism to flow a cleaning liquid into the cleaning tank and the nozzle <NUM>.

With reference to a flowchart illustrated in <FIG>, processing of the sample measurement device <NUM> is described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the sample measurement device <NUM> is started, the controller 61a drives the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> and the cleaning mechanism unit <NUM> to clean the nozzle <NUM> of the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in Step S11. In Step S12, the controller 61a drives the transport unit <NUM> to transport the sample container <NUM> to in front of the bar code reader <NUM>, and drives the bar code reader <NUM> to acquire the sample ID from the bar code label <NUM> on the sample container <NUM>. In Step S13, the controller 61a makes an inquiry to the analysis unit <NUM> about a measurement order based on the sample ID acquired in Step S12, and acquires the inquiry result. In Step S14, the controller 61a drives the transport unit <NUM> to set the sample container <NUM> in the sample aspirating position 103a.

In Step S15, the controller 61a determines, based on the inquiry result of the measurement order, whether or not a blood coagulation test-related measurement order is set for the sample ID associated with the sample container <NUM> in the sample aspirating position 103a. When the blood coagulation test-related measurement order is set, the controller 61a drives the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in Step S16 to aspirate the sample in the sample container <NUM> and discharge the aspirated sample into a new reaction container <NUM> held by the reaction container table <NUM>. The sample dispensed in Step S16 is a sample used for blood coagulation test-related measurement, which is the first sample as described above. Then, in Step S17, the controller 61a causes the first measurement section <NUM> to perform first measurement based on the first sample. On the other hand, when the blood coagulation test-related measurement order is not set, the processing in Steps S16 and S17 is skipped.

In Step S18, the controller 61a determines, based on the inquiry result of the measurement order, whether or not an immunological test-related measurement order is set for the sample ID associated with the sample container <NUM> in the sample aspirating position 103a. When the immunological test-related measurement order is set, the controller 61a drives the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in Step S19 to aspirate the sample in the sample container <NUM> and discharge the aspirated sample into a new reaction container <NUM> held by the reaction container table <NUM>. The sample dispensed in Step S19 is a sample used for immunological test-related measurement, which is the second sample as described above. Then, in Step S20, the controller 61a causes the second measurement section <NUM> to perform second measurement based on the second sample. On the other hand, when the immunological test-related measurement order is not set, the processing in Steps S19 and S20 is skipped.

To aspirate the sample in Steps S16 and S19, the controller 61a drives the drive section <NUM> to lower the nozzle <NUM> to penetrate through the plug body <NUM> and then further lower the nozzle <NUM>. Thereafter, after sensing through the sensor <NUM> that the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> comes into contact with the liquid surface of the plasma region, the controller 61a drives the drive section <NUM> according to the number of pulses stored in the memory 61b to lower the tip 31a of the nozzle <NUM> by a predetermined amount from the liquid surface of the plasma region. Thus, the tip 31a is set in a position lower than the liquid surface by the predetermined amount. In this state, the controller 61a drives the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to aspirate the sample. Then, after the aspiration of the sample, the controller 61a drives the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> to take the nozzle <NUM> holding the aspirated sample out of the sample container <NUM> by lifting the nozzle <NUM> and discharge the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM>.

Upon completion of the processing on one sample container <NUM> set in the sample aspirating position 103a as described above, the processing is returned to Step S11. Then, the controller 61a cleans the nozzle <NUM> of the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in Step S11. Thereafter, the controller 61a performs the processing in Steps S12 to S20 on the subsequent sample container <NUM>.

In the sample measurement device <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, one dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> dispenses the first and second samples from the sample container <NUM> transported by the transport unit <NUM>. On the other hand, in the sample measurement device <NUM>, the sample container <NUM> may be sequentially transported to the first measurement unit <NUM> and the second measurement unit <NUM>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in the first measurement unit <NUM> may dispense the first sample, and the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> in the second measurement unit <NUM> may dispense the second sample, as illustrated in <FIG>.

In the configuration illustrated in <FIG>, the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> has the same configuration as that of the dispensing mechanism unit <NUM>, and includes a nozzle <NUM> and an arm <NUM>. In this case, as illustrated in the flowchart of <FIG>, the first sample used for the first measurement is dispensed first into the reaction container <NUM> from the sample container <NUM>, and then the second sample used for the second measurement is dispensed next into the reaction container <NUM> from the sample container <NUM>. Thereafter, the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned every time the first sample is dispensed, and the nozzle <NUM> is cleaned every time the second sample is dispensed. The dispensing mechanism unit <NUM> is controlled by the controller 62a, and the number of pulses for lowering the nozzle <NUM> from the liquid surface by a predetermined amount is stored in the memory 62b.

Claim 1:
A sample measurement method of performing first measurement for a blood coagulation test and second measurement for a test different from the blood coagulation test, comprising:
providing a sample container (<NUM>) comprising plasma separated from whole blood by centrifugation, the sample container further comprising a red blood cell region and a buffy coat formed between the plasma region and the red blood cell region;
dispensing (S3, S16) plasma for use in the first measurement into a first container (<NUM>) from the sample container (<NUM>);
dispensing (S6, S19) plasma for use in the second measurement into a second container (<NUM>, <NUM>) different from the first container from the sample container;
performing (S4) the first measurement based on the plasma dispensed into the first container; and
performing (S7) the second measurement based on the plasma dispensed into the second container;
wherein dispensing plasma for use in the first measurement for the blood coagulation test is performed before dispensing plasma for use in the second measurement for the test different from the blood coagulation test, and
wherein dispensing plasma for use in the first measurement comprises a first aspiration operation and dispensing plasma for use in the second measurement comprises a second aspiration operation, and wherein the aspiration is performed at a position distant from the buffy coat in the first aspiration operation, and the aspiration is performed at a position close to the buffy coat in the second aspiration operation.