WO2006132211A1

WO2006132211A1 - Automatic analyzing instrument

Info

Publication number: WO2006132211A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/311278
Authority: WO
Inventors: Isao Yamazaki; Kunio Harada; Sakuichiro Adachi; Hideo Enoki
Original assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
Priority date: 2005-06-08
Filing date: 2006-06-06
Publication date: 2006-12-14
Also published as: JP2006343163A; JP4969060B2

Abstract

A small analyzing instrument exhibiting high processing capacity, requiring extremely small quantities of sample and reagent, and having a function capable of performing reexamination automatically. The automatic analyzing instrument comprises a liquid transport mechanism having a plurality of liquid transport passages provided with a plurality of electrodes arranged at a predetermined intervals along the direction in which the liquid is transported and composed of a sample transport passage (83) for transporting a sample liquid and passages (82, 84) for supplying a reagent to the sample transport passage (83), a specimen distribution mechanism for supplying a specimen to the sample transport passage, a reagent distributing mechanism for supplying a reagent to the reagent transport passages, and a measurement mechanism for analyzing the reaction of the specimen and the reagent optically in the liquid transport passage. At a position far from the position where the reagent distribution mechanism supplies the reagent and near to the position where the specimen distribution mechanism supplies the specimen to the sample transport passage, a buffer electrode array (58) holding a plurality of specimens and having a transport passage for supplying the held specimens to the sample transport passage at a plurality of positions is provided.

Description

Specification

Automatic analyzer

Technical field

The present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that performs qualitative 'quantitative analysis of biological components such as blood and urine.

In particular, the present invention relates to an automatic analyzer that is small in size, can be loaded with more reagents, and has a high throughput per hour.

Background art

[0002] Automatic analyzers that automatically analyze biological samples such as blood and output the results are highly efficient for large hospitals, small and medium hospitals with a large number of patients, and inspection centers that undertake clinic power tests. It is necessary to perform analysis well, and it becomes a device.

[0003] Such an automatic analyzer is desired to be compact and capable of performing more types of analysis and to have a high processing speed, and various types of automatic analyzers have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of reaction cells are arranged on the circumference, a rotatable reaction disk is used, samples and reagents are dispensed into individual reaction cells with a probe, and the change in absorbance of the mixed solution is measured with a photometer. Discloses an apparatus for detecting the concentration of a specific component of a specimen.

[0004] In this method, all the reaction cells are measured by passing through the photometer by the rotation of the reaction disk. Therefore, only one photometer is required, and all the cells vary under the same conditions. A small analysis is possible. In addition, specimens and reagents can be dispensed into any reaction cell, so the necessary analyzes can be performed in any order and analysis with high throughput is possible.

However, in this method, the reaction cell needs to contain a reaction solution (sample + reagent) larger than the luminous flux diameter of the photometer, and a certain amount or more of the sample Z reagent is required. In addition, in order to increase the processing speed, it is necessary to increase the number of reaction cells. On the other hand, there is a problem in that the reaction cell requires a certain volume, which inevitably increases the size of the apparatus.

[0006] On the other hand, Non-Patent Document 1 applies a technique for manipulating droplets between flat plates on which electrode arrays called electro-watching are arranged to react a specimen with a reagent and use an LED. An example of detecting the absorbance of reaction droplets in an optical system and analyzing the concentration of four types of items was introduced. ing. The droplet transfer technology by electro-etching has advantages such as high reliability because it can handle a small amount of droplets and no mechanical movement mechanism is possible, and there is a possibility of realizing a small and high-throughput analyzer. There is.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4 71184

Special Reference 1: Clinical diagnostics on human whole blooa, plasma, serum, urine ^ sail va, sweat, and tears on a digital microfluidic platform μ TAS2003

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In an automated analyzer for clinical tests, if the analysis results are not obtained in a single test due to the appropriate concentration of the sample, it is necessary to analyze the same sample again There is. It is known that automatic analyzers can automatically return specimen containers containing such specimens that need to be retested to the analyzer and perform the same test items.

However, in the method described in Non-Patent Document 1, a specimen container is not used, so that the specimen cannot be put on standby for re-examination.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to provide an analyzer that is small in size, has a high processing capacity, and requires a very small amount of sample and reagent for analysis, and has a function capable of automatically performing a retest. In particular.

Means for solving the problem

[0011] Means for solving the problems of the present invention are as follows.

[0012] A liquid transport mechanism including at least one pair of plate-like members opposed to each other at a predetermined interval and holding a liquid in a gap, wherein the liquid is transported to at least one of the at least one pair of plate-like members. A plurality of liquid transport paths in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the sample is transported, and at least a sample transport path for transporting a sample liquid and a reagent are supplied to the sample transport path. A reagent transport path, a sample distribution mechanism that supplies a sample to the sample transport path, a reagent distribution mechanism that supplies a reagent to the reagent transport path, and a liquid transport mechanism in the liquid transport path. A measurement mechanism for optically analyzing the reaction between the sample and the reagent, and further, the sample distribution mechanism sends the sample to the sample transport path from a position where the reagent distribution mechanism supplies the reagent to the sample transport path. Supply position On the side, Automatic analysis including a buffer electrode array that holds a plurality of samples supplied from the sample distribution mechanism and supplies the samples to the sample transport path at a plurality of positions. apparatus.

[0013] The following configuration may also be used.

[0014] A liquid transport mechanism comprising at least one pair of plate-like members facing each other at a predetermined interval and holding a liquid in the gap, wherein the liquid is carried to at least one of the at least one pair of plate-like members. A plurality of liquid transport paths in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction in which the sample transport path is provided, and the liquid transport path includes at least a sample transport path for transporting the sample liquid in a radial manner and a crossing the sample transport path. A liquid transport mechanism comprising: a reagent transport path for supplying a reagent to the plurality of sample transport paths; and a sample flow path that crosses the sample transport path and is capable of transporting a sample between the plurality of sample transport paths; A sample distribution mechanism for supplying a sample to the sample conveyance path, a reagent distribution mechanism for supplying a reagent to the reagent conveyance path, and a measurement mechanism for optically analyzing the reaction between the sample and the reagent in the liquid conveyance path; The Automatic analyzer equipped.

[0015] The above configuration can also be expressed in terms of functional surface power as follows.

[0016] Conveying means for conveying a plurality of sample containers; an analysis mechanism for measuring optical or electrical properties by reacting droplets separated into predetermined volumes with a reagent; and aspirating a specimen from the sample containers; Dispensing means to be supplied to the analysis mechanism, calculation means for calculating the concentration of the specific component and necessity of re-examination from the measurement result of the analysis mechanism, and droplet holding for storing the sample for re-inspection as a droplet in the analysis mechanism Automatic analyzer with means.

The details of the configuration of the sample transport path are as follows. A droplet transport device in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged on at least one surface, the two surfaces whose surfaces are covered with a water-repellent film face each other, and the gap is filled with oil.

The invention's effect

[0018] As described above, according to the present invention, since the droplet of the specimen is formed and waited for the liquid that is not reacted, the specimen is not deteriorated while waiting for the retest. It is possible to provide an automatic analyzer capable of analyzing with high accuracy.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of an analyzer according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic structure of the analysis substrate of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the main part of the analysis substrate of the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of an analysis flow path according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of an analysis substrate of a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a top view showing the main part of the analysis flow path of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a main part of a sample port of a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

[0020] 10 ... Analytical substrate, 12 ... Control device, 13 ... Display device, 15 ... Probe, 16 ... Injection port, 24 ... Sample port, 25 ... Dilution port, 31 ··· 1st reagent port, 37 ··· 2nd reagent port, 47 · · · drain tube, 48 · · · drain port, 50 · "photometer, 52 · · · light source, 54 · · · min Picking electrode row, 55 ··· Stirring electrode row, 56 ··· Reaction electrode row, 57 ··· Transport electrode row, 58 ··· Buffer electrode row, 59 ... Dilution electrode row, 60 ... First substrate, 61 ... Common electrode, 62, 66, 68… Water repellent film, 63 ··· Second board, 64 ··· Control electrode, 65 ··· Insulating film, 67 ················ 71 ... Oil, 73 ... Waste fluid, 75 ... Sample fluid, 76 ... Diluent, 80 ... Analysis channel, 81 ... Drain channel, 82 ... Second reagent channel, 83 ··································································· 1st reagent flow path, 85 ··· reservoir, 88 ··· Relay electrode.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (Example 1)

FIG. 1 is a top view showing the main part of the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the main part for explaining the structure of the first embodiment.

The analysis substrate 10 is composed of a first substrate 60 and a second substrate 63 as shown in FIG. A common electrode 61 is formed on the lower surface of the first substrate 60 and is further covered with a water repellent film 62. A plurality of control electrodes 64 are arranged on the upper surface of the second substrate 63, and are covered with an insulating film 65 and a water repellent film 66. The common electrode 61 and the control electrode 64 are connected to the control device 12 by wiring, not shown. The first substrate 60, the common electrode 61, the water repellent film 62, the second substrate 63, the control electrode 64, the insulating film 65, and the water repellent film 66 are all made of a material that transmits light. The end surface of the analysis substrate 10 is sealed with a spacer 67, and there is a gap of 0.5 mm between the first substrate 60 and the second substrate 63. Separated. This gap is filled with oil 71 that does not mix with the aqueous solution, and water-soluble droplets 70 are retained.

In addition, an injection port 16, a drainage port 48, and a photometer 50 are disposed on the first substrate 60, and a light source 52 is disposed below the second substrate 63 so as to face the photometer 50. .

[0025] The injection port 16 represents the sample port 24, the dilution port 25, the first reagent port 31, and the second reagent port 37, which have the same structure. The injection port 16 has a hole which is covered with a water repellent film and penetrates, and the probe 15 is inserted. The probe 15 is connected to a liquid feed pump (not shown), and the tip force discharges a specific amount of liquid. Below the injection port 16 of the second substrate 63 is an electrode that forms a liquid reservoir 85.

[0026] The liquid port 48 protrudes upward from the analysis substrate 10 and has a hole therethrough. Furthermore, drainage tube 47 penetrates from the side. There is space inside.

As shown in FIG. 1, the analysis substrate 10 is provided with four reaction electrode arrays 56 composed of control electrodes 64 arranged in a line. Each reaction electrode row 56 includes two stirring electrode rows 55, and the separation electrode row 54 is connected to the stirring electrode row 55 from the first reagent port 31 and the second reagent port 37. In addition, photometers 50 are arranged at two locations. One end of the reaction electrode array 56 is connected to the drain port 48 through the electrode array. The other end is connected to the transport electrode array 57, and the transport electrode array 57 is connected to the sample port 24, dilution port 25, drainage port 48, and buffer electrode array 58 through the electrode array. A dilution electrode row 59 is arranged between the sample port 24 and the dilution port 25. The periphery of the analysis substrate 10 is sealed with a spacer 67.

The transport electrode row 57 is composed of two electrode rows, and is branched in the middle and connected to the reaction electrode row 56. The buffer electrode array 58 includes three electrode arrays, and the terminal ends are connected to the transport electrode array 57 and the drain port 48. In addition, there is a branch on the way, and it is connected to the transfer electrode array 57 from there.

The control device 12 is electrically connected to each electrode of the analysis substrate 10 and further connected to each mechanism of the entire device and the display device 13.

[0030] Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described.

The analyte to be analyzed is injected by the probe 15 from the sample port 24. Into droplets However, when the voltage is applied between the common electrode 61 and the control electrode 64, it spreads over the control electrode 64 due to the electroetching force. Power works. When the droplet is injected, a voltage is applied to the electrode of the liquid reservoir 85, and the discharged specimen liquid is filled with oil sandwiched between the water-repellent films 62 and 66 on the liquid reservoir 85 as a droplet. Get into the area. The probe 15 that has ejected the specimen is pulled out from the sample port 24 and washed, and another specimen is dispensed.

[0032] The droplet is stretched by applying a voltage to the two electrodes connected from the liquid reservoir 85, and then removing the voltage applied to the electrode between them. It is divided into small droplets. The divided droplets are transported by moving the electrodes to which the voltage is applied one by one. The droplets separated from the specimen are conveyed to the dilution electrode array 59. The liquid droplet remaining in the liquid reservoir 85 is conveyed to the drainage port 48.

The dilution liquid is inserted from the dilution port 25, and is also divided into a predetermined amount of droplets by the sorting electrode array 54 and conveyed to the dilution electrode array 59.

In the diluted electrode array 59, the specimen droplet and the diluent are mixed and rotated on the annular electrode array to be stirred to form uniform diluted specimen droplets. In the case of Fig. 1, two stages of mixing and stirring can be performed to prepare diluted specimens with different concentrations. The diluted analyte droplets are divided into smaller droplets. The divided droplets of the diluted specimen are transported to the selected reaction electrode array 56 via the transport electrode array 57 by the number of items required for the sample, and at the same time, a predetermined number of droplet forces S It is conveyed to the buffer electrode array 58.

A reagent corresponding to the item to be analyzed is injected from the first reagent port 31 and the second reagent port 37. The reagent droplets injected from the first reagent port 31 are stored in the liquid reservoir 85 and then divided into a predetermined amount of droplets in the sorting electrode array 54. The divided reagent droplets are mixed with the diluted specimen droplets transported from the transport electrode array 57 and rotated on the electrodes of the stirring electrode array 55 to be stirred. The stirred liquid mixture moves on the reaction electrode array 56 by one electrode at regular intervals. When the position of the photometer 50 is reached, the photometer 50 detects the amount of light irradiated from the light source 52 that has passed through the droplet, and transmits the result to the controller 12.

[0036] The reagent droplets injected from the second reagent port 37 are also divided into a certain amount of droplets by the sorting electrode array 54, and then the liquid droplets of the mixed liquid conveyed on the reaction electrode array 56 Coupled to the stirring electrode array Stir at 55. The mixed droplet mixed with the second reagent is also moved one by one on the reaction electrode array 56 and optical detection is performed when the position reaches the position of the photometer 50, and the result is sent to the control device 12. The mixed droplet is conveyed to the drainage port 48.

The liquid droplets that have reached the drainage port 48 float due to the difference in specific gravity with the oil 71 and are sucked into the drainage tube 47 as a waste liquid 73 and discharged.

[0038] The diluted specimen droplets conveyed to the buffer electrode array 58 are moved one electrode at a time interval. The next droplet is transported with an interval of two electrodes.

The control device 12 receives the signal from the photometer 50, calculates the concentration of the specific component and transmits it to the display device 13, and at the same time determines from the calculation result whether reexamination is necessary. Retesting is necessary, for example, when the concentration obtained exceeds the range where a suitable analysis can be performed. In such a case, retesting with a high sample dilution rate is required.

[0040] When it is determined that retesting is necessary, the diluted specimen liquid droplet transported through the buffer electrode array 58 is transported to the reaction electrode array 56 via the transport electrode array 57, and the analysis is performed again.

[0041] Diluted droplets of the sample that are determined to need re-examination pass through the buffer electrode array 58 and are then transported to the drain port 48 and discharged.

[0042] In the case of the present embodiment, the specimen that may be retested does not react! Because it forms a droplet wrapped in oil and waits, the waiting specimen is isolated from the ambient air. Therefore, it is possible to carry out high-accuracy re-examination that is not affected by reaction with oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air or alteration due to evaporation.

[0043] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, since there is an area for waiting for a sample for retesting in the analysis substrate, a mechanism for waiting for the sample after dispensing to the analysis substrate and returning it at the time of retesting is unnecessary. Therefore, downsizing of the device and low cost can be realized.

[0044] Further, in the case of the present embodiment, since the specimen-diluted liquid droplet is put on standby for re-examination, the amount of specimen required for re-examination can be reduced, and an analyzer with a small specimen requirement can be realized. is there.

In the case of the present embodiment, since a plurality of the row of nother electrodes 58 are arranged, a large number of liquid droplets can be made to stand by in a narrow space, and the small size of the apparatus can be reduced. Is possible. In the case of the present embodiment, an electrode array for taking out droplets is also provided in the middle of the nother electrode array 58, so that the specimen for which reexamination is required is behind the other standby droplets. Even in this case, the re-inspection can be performed first, and an analyzer that can output the results quickly can be realized.

[0047] In addition, in the case of the present embodiment, a diluted sample having a different concentration can be prepared. Therefore, a diluted sample having a concentration different from that of the initial analysis can be kept waiting for retesting, and a diluted sample having a suitable concentration can be prepared. Since the specimen can be re-examined, high-precision analysis is possible.

[0048] Further, in the present embodiment, concentration analysis of a plurality of items can be performed for each sample, but the number of standby droplets for reexamination can be made smaller than the number of analysis items. Thus, the required capacity of the buffer electrode array 58 can be reduced, and a small device can be provided.

[0049] (Example 2)

FIG. 3 is a top view showing a portion of the buffer electrode array of the second embodiment of the present invention. The main difference from the first embodiment is that the liquid reservoir 85 is installed at a location different from the sample port 24, and the liquid reservoir 85 'is also included in the kaffa electrode array.

In this case, the specimen droplet injected from the sample port 24 is transported to both the liquid reservoir 85 connected to the transport electrode array 57 and the selected liquid reservoir 85 in the buffer electrode array 58. From the liquid reservoir 85 connected to the transport electrode array 57, droplets are divided by a certain amount and transported to the transport electrode array 57 for analysis. The sample transported to the liquid reservoir 85 in the buffer electrode array 58 waits until the necessity of retesting of the sample is confirmed. If retesting is necessary, the droplet is divided and transported to the transport electrode array 57. And re-inspect. The remaining specimen droplet is transported to the drain port 48 and discharged.

[0051] In the case of the present embodiment, a plurality of waiting areas are prepared in the buffer electrode array 58, so that a plurality of samples can be kept waiting.

[0052] In the case of the present embodiment, since it is kept in the liquid reservoir 85 during standby, it can be performed with simple control that does not require continuous movement, and has high reliability.

[0053] Further, in the case of this embodiment, when the specimen is injected into the analysis substrate 10, it is not divided into droplets for re-examination, so that the time required for dividing the droplets can be shortened. Therefore, it is possible to realize an analyzer with high processing capacity. [Example 3]

4 to 7 are explanatory views of a third embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a perspective view showing the outline of the whole, FIG. 5 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the analysis substrate, FIG. 6 is a top view showing the main part of the analysis flow path, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the sample port. It is.

A reagent disc 41, a first reagent probe 30, a second reagent probe 35, a sample disc 20, a sample probe 22, a control device 12, and a display device 13 are arranged around the ring-shaped analysis substrate 10. A photometer 50 supported by a moving mechanism 51 is disposed inside the analysis substrate 10. A plurality of reagent containers 40 are mounted on the reagent disk 41. A plurality of sample containers 21 are mounted on the sample disk 20. The first reagent probe 30, the second reagent probe 35, and the sample probe 22 can independently move up and down and rotate. Each probe is connected to a syringe pump (not shown). The first reagent port 31, the second reagent port 37, the sample port 24, and the washing port 26 are arranged on the probe path. Dilution port 25 is installed adjacent to sample port 24. The analysis substrate 10 is provided with four drainage ports 48 to which a drainage tube 47 is connected.

The photometer 50 includes a light source that emits light in a wide wavelength range, a diffraction grating, and a detector that detects light of a plurality of wavelengths.

[0057] The structure of the analysis substrate 10 will be described with reference to FIG. A plurality of analysis flow paths 80 extending in the radial direction are arranged in a circle. A drainage flow path 81, a second reagent flow path 82, a sample flow path 83, and a first reagent flow path 84 are arranged in the circumferential direction so as to intersect the analysis flow path 80. A sample port 24, a dilution port 25, a first reagent port 31, a second reagent port 37, and a plurality of drainage ports 48 are arranged outside the first reagent channel 84.

The electrode arrangement of the analysis substrate 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, each solid square frame represents a control electrode 64. The analysis channel 80 is composed of 23 electrodes arranged in a radial direction from al to al23. In this embodiment, each electrode is a square having a side of about 2.8 mm. Electrodes al, a3, a5, and al 2 have a relay electrode 88 disposed between the adjacent analysis flow paths, and the first reagent flow path 84, sample flow path 83, and second reagent that are transport flow paths in the circumferential direction. A flow path 82 and a drainage flow path 81 are formed. The electrodes al8, al9, and a20 are photometric areas. [0059] The structure of the dilution port will be described with reference to FIG. The dilution port 25 installed in the vicinity of the sample port 24 protrudes upward from the analysis substrate 10 like the sample port 24, and the diluent probe 23 is inserted. The diluent probe 23 is connected to a diluent pump (not shown), and the amount can be controlled to discharge the diluent.

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

[0061] On the reagent disk 41, two types of reagents, a first reagent and a second reagent, are placed in the reagent container 40 and mounted corresponding to each analysis item.

[0062] The dispensing of the reagent of a certain item to the analysis substrate 10 is performed as follows. Rotate 41 so that the reagent container 40 containing the first reagent of the item is at the suction position of the first reagent probe 30, and aspirate 80 μl of the first reagent with the first reagent probe 30. The first reagent probe 30 is raised and rotated and inserted into the first reagent port 31. After insertion, the reagent is dispensed in 8 microliter portions in 10 doses. A voltage is sequentially applied to the control electrode 64 in conjunction with the reagent discharge, and the discharged reagent is transported to the first reagent channel 84 as a droplet and circulates on the first reagent channel 84.

[0063] For the second reagent, the same operation as in the case of the first reagent is performed, and 40 microliters of the second reagent is aspirated from the reagent container 40 by the second reagent probe 35 and 4 microliters from the second reagent port 37. Each torr is discharged in 10 times, moves as a droplet to the second reagent channel 82, and circulates on the second reagent channel 82.

[0064] After the reagent is discharged, the first reagent probe 30 and the second reagent probe 35 move to the cleaning port 26, and the inner surface and outer surface of the probe are cleaned with cleaning water.

[0065] Dispensing is continued for the first reagent and second reagent of the item to be analyzed, and each reagent circulates on the first reagent channel 84 and the second reagent channel 82 as droplets.

[0066] On the sample disk 20, a sample of known concentration for calibration and accuracy control and a sample to be analyzed are placed in a sample container 21 and mounted.

[0067] The sample is dispensed onto the analysis substrate 10 as follows. The sample disk 20 rotates so that the sample container 21 containing the target specimen is positioned at the suction position of the sample probe 22, and the sample probe 22 sucks the specimen from the sample container 21. The amount of aspiration is greater than that required for testing and retesting all items analyzed on the specimen. Sample probe 2 2 rises, rotates and is inserted into the sample port 24. After insertion, the aspirated specimen is discharged. At this time, the diluted solution is discharged from the dilution port 25, and the sample solution 75 is rubbed so as to be discharged into the diluted solution 76. The amount of diluted solution and sample solution to be discharged is adjusted according to the type of analysis to be performed. The number of times the sample is analyzed and the amount for retesting are discharged, and the liquid droplet in which the diluent and the sample liquid are mixed is transported to the second reagent channel 82 and the second reagent channel 82 Go around the top. The sample probe 22 moves to the cleaning port 26 after dispensing, and the inner surface and outer surface of the probe are cleaned with cleaning water.

[0068] An analysis of a certain item of a certain sample is performed as follows.

[0069] The control device 12 selects an analysis flow path 80 for performing analysis of a certain item of a certain sample. The diluted specimen and reagent droplets circulating around the selected analysis channel 80 move. First, the diluted specimen droplets are held in alO, and the first reagent droplets are held in a7 and a8. Next, the specimen droplet is transported to a20 by sequentially moving the applied electrode from alO. Subsequently, the first reagent droplet is transported to al8 and al9 by sequentially moving the application electrodes a7 and a8. Here, the droplet of the specimen and the first reagent are combined to form the first reaction solution, which is held on the three electrodes al8, al9, and a20. Next, by reciprocating the position where voltage is applied between al6 and a23, the droplet reciprocates, and the specimen and the first reagent in the first reaction liquid droplet are agitated and evenly mixed. Become. The applied electrode is then fixed to al8, al9, a20, and the droplet is held for 5 minutes during the first reaction time.

[0070] The photometer 50 is rotated by the moving mechanism 51 at a speed of one rotation in 30 seconds. When passing through the analysis flow path 80, light is applied to the droplets on al8, al9, and a20, and the amount of transmitted light of the selected wavelength is measured and transmitted to the controller 12. The controller 12 calculates the absorbance. Periodic measurements are taken during the first reaction time.

[0071] A second reagent is prepared during the first reaction time. Reagent droplet force circulating around the second reagent channel 82 is transported to the electrode al4 of the selected analysis channel 80.

[0072] After the first reaction time has elapsed, the second reagent droplet is transferred to al8 by sequentially moving the applied electrode from al4. Here, the second reagent is combined with the first reaction solution to form the second reaction solution. Next, by reciprocating the position where voltage is applied between al6 and a23, the droplet reciprocates, and the second reaction liquid is stirred and becomes uniform. The applied electrode is then fixed to al8, al9, a20, a21, and the droplet is held for 5 minutes during the second reaction time. During the second reaction time, the photometer Periodic measurements are made.

[0073] After the second reaction time, the droplets of the second reaction liquid pass through the drainage flow path 81 and are conveyed to the drainage port 48. The droplet 70 of the second reaction liquid enters the drainage port 48 due to the surface force with the water repellent films 62 and 69 and rises due to the difference in specific gravity with the oil 71. The floated waste liquid 73 is sucked into the drainage tube 47 and discharged.

[0074] The analysis proceeds in parallel in a plurality of analysis flow paths 80. Also, during the second reaction time, the specimen and the first reagent droplet for the next analysis wait on the electrodes alO, a7, and a8, and immediately after the analysis is completed and the second reaction solution is discharged. The next analysis begins.

[0075] The control device 12 derives the relationship between the change in absorbance and the concentration obtained in the analysis of the sample for calibration for each analysis item, and stores the relationship as calibration data. The sample is analyzed, and if the result does not fall within the predetermined range, an abnormal alarm is transmitted to the display device 13. For the analyte, the concentration of the analysis item is calculated using the calibration data and transmitted to the display device 13 for display. When the density calculation result is out of the predetermined range, re-examination is executed. Re-examination is performed with the droplet of the diluted specimen circulating around the sample channel 83. Diluted specimens to be retested may be selected at different dilutions than in the initial analysis.

[0076] Diluted specimen droplets circulating around the sample flow path 83, which are determined not to require re-examination of the specimen, are transported to the drain port 48 and discharged.

[0077] In the case of the present embodiment as well, a specimen that may be retested does not react! It forms a droplet wrapped in oil and waits, so that the waiting specimen is isolated from the ambient air. Therefore, it is possible to carry out high-accuracy re-examination that is not affected by reaction with oxygen or carbon dioxide in the air or alteration due to evaporation.

Further, in the case of the present embodiment, since the specimen droplet transport channel also serves as a specimen droplet standby area, it is possible to achieve a reduction in the size of the apparatus without the need to provide a special standby area.

[0079] Further, in the case of the present embodiment, since the standby droplet circulates around the circumferential sample flow path 83, when it is determined that re-examination is necessary, immediately in the nearby empty analysis flow path 80 Analysis can be started immediately, and analysis results can be output quickly.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A liquid transport mechanism comprising at least one pair of plate-like members (60, 63) facing each other at a predetermined interval and holding liquid in the gap,

At least one of the at least one pair of plate-like members includes a plurality of liquid transport paths in which a plurality of electrodes (61, 64) are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction of transporting the liquid,

The liquid transport path includes at least a sample transport path (83) for transporting a sample liquid, and a reagent transport path (82, 84) for supplying a reagent to the sample transport path,

A sample distribution mechanism for supplying a sample to the sample transport path;

A reagent distribution mechanism for supplying a reagent to the reagent transport path;

A measurement mechanism for optically analyzing the reaction between the specimen and the reagent in the liquid conveyance path, and

Further, a plurality of samples supplied from the sample distribution mechanism are placed closer to a position where the sample distribution mechanism supplies a sample to the sample conveyance path than a position where the reagent distribution mechanism supplies a reagent to the sample conveyance path. An automatic analyzer characterized by comprising a buffer electrode array (58) provided with a transport path for holding and holding the sample to be held and supplied to the sample transport path at a plurality of positions.

[2] The automatic analyzer according to claim 1,

2. The automatic analyzer according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the sample transport paths are provided so that different specimens can be transported in parallel, and the buffer electrode array is connected between the plurality of sample transport paths.

[3] The automatic analyzer according to claim 2,

An automatic analyzer comprising a plurality of the buffer electrode rows provided in parallel, and further comprising at least one electrode row for connecting a plurality of nother electrode rows.

[4] In the automatic analyzer according to claim 2 or 3,!

An automatic analyzer characterized in that a sample reservoir capable of storing a sample that can be analyzed a plurality of times is connected to the buffer electrode array.

[5] A liquid provided with at least one pair of plate-like members facing each other at a predetermined interval and holding the liquid in the gap A body transport mechanism,

At least one of the at least one pair of plate-like members includes a plurality of liquid transport paths in which a plurality of electrodes are arranged at predetermined intervals along the direction of transporting the liquid,

The liquid transport path includes at least a sample transport path for transporting a sample liquid radially, a reagent transport path that crosses the sample transport path and supplies a reagent to the plurality of sample transport paths, and the sample transport path A liquid flow mechanism that includes a sample flow path that crosses the plurality of sample transfer paths and that can transfer samples between the plurality of sample transfer paths,

An automatic analyzer comprising: a measurement mechanism for optically analyzing a reaction between a specimen and a reagent in the liquid conveyance path.

[6] In the automatic analyzer according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

Based on the analysis result of the measurement mechanism, a determination means for determining whether or not reexamination is necessary, and if the determination means determines that reexamination for a specific analysis item of a specific sample is necessary, the buffer electrode array An automatic analyzer comprising: control means for controlling a buffer electrode array so that the same specimen as the held specific specimen is transported to the sample transport path.

[7] In the automatic analyzer according to claim 6,

A diluent supply mechanism for supplying a sample diluent in the vicinity of the sample distribution mechanism is provided, and when the sample distribution mechanism supplies a sample to the sample transport path, the diluent supply mechanism is supplied to the sample transport path. An automatic analyzer comprising a control means for controlling to generate a diluted specimen in the sample transport path by supplying and to hold the diluted specimen in the buffer electrode array.