Automatic analyzer

Abstract

An automatic analyzer is capable of performing analysis of a precision control sample in response to an external factor to alleviate the burden on the operator and surely performing precision control at appropriate timing at which precision control must be performed, thereby allowing automatic maintenance of the measurement precision. Analysis of a precision control sample is performed by creating an analysis request for the internally held precision control sample and then transferring the precision control sample in response to an external factor occurring, for example, when a calibrator is inputted in the analyzer, the number of remaining reagents under analysis satisfies a predetermined condition (becomes zero or falls below a specified value), the date changes, a specified time runs out, the operator is changed, the number of analyzed samples exceeds a specified value, a specified time period has elapsed, a new reagent is registered, a measurement failure is detected, etc.

1 . An automatic analyzer comprising:
 an analysis unit for analyzing a sample;   a rack transfer system for transferring a sample rack arranging a sample vessel which holds a sample to the analysis unit;   a rack input slot for inputting a sample rack to the rack transfer system; and   a mechanism for internally holding a precision control sample in the analyzer, the precision control sample being provided in the sample rack;   wherein the automatic analyzer includes control means for creating, when a calibrator in the analyzer, a predetermined measurement request according to a requested item of the calibrator in relation to the precision control sample and then transferring an internally held precision control sample so as to be analyzed after the calibrator.   
     
     
         2 . An automatic analyzer comprising:
 an analysis unit for analyzing a sample;   a rack transfer system for transferring a sample rack arranging a sample vessel which holds a sample to the analysis unit;   a rack input slot for inputting a sample rack to the rack transfer system; and   a mechanism for internally holding a precision control sample in the analyzer, the precision control sample being provided in the sample rack;   wherein a plurality of reagents associated with the same item can be arranged and, when the reagent currently being used has satisfied a first predetermined condition, another waiting reagent can be automatically selected; and   wherein the automatic analyzer includes control means for creating a measurement request for a precision control sample in relation to a waiting reagent and then transferring an internally held precision control sample so as to be analyzed, when the number of remaining reagents currently being used has satisfied a second predetermined condition.   
     
     
         3 . An automatic analyzer comprising:
 an analysis unit for analyzing a sample;   a rack transfer system for transferring a sample rack arranging a sample vessel which holds a sample to the analysis unit;   a rack input slot for inputting a sample rack to the rack transfer system; and   a mechanism for internally holding a precision control sample in the analyzer, the precision control sample being provided in the sample rack;   wherein the automatic analyzer includes control means for creating a predetermined measurement request according to an internally held precision control sample and then transferring the precision control sample so as to be analyzed, when change of the date has been recognized.   
     
     
         4 - 24 . (canceled)