Automatic analyzer

Abstract

An automatic analyzer for performing analysis of a precision control sample in response to an external factor to alleviate the burden on the operator and perform precision control at appropriate timing, 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, 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, and a measurement failure is detected.

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;   a second sample provision unit holding a precision control sample in an analysis unit which is different from the one to which the sample rack is transferred; and   a control unit for controlling the automatic analyzer so as to analyze the precision control sample held in the second sample provision unit automatically in response to a factor from the outside.   
     
     
         2 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit creates, when a calibrator is imputed in the analyzer, a predetermined measurement request according to a requested item of the calibrator in relation to a precision control sample and then analyzes an internally held precision control sample after the calibration.   
     
     
         3 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 1 ,
 further comprising a reagent holding unit which holds a plurality of the reagents for the same item, and which changes from a present reagent to another standby reagent, when the reagent which is used at present satisfies a first predetermined condition, and   wherein the control unit creates a measurement request for a precision control sample in relation to a waiting reagent and then analyzes an internally held precision control sample, when the number of remaining reagents currently being used has satisfied a second predetermined condition.   
     
     
         4 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit creates a predetermined measurement request according to an internally held precision control sample and then analyzes the precision control sample, when change of an operator has been recognized.   
     
     
         5 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the control unit creates, if a measurement result of a precision control sample in relation to a requested item is abnormal, a predetermined measurement request according to the requested item with abnormal value detection to the precision control sample and then analyzes a different internally held precision control sample.   
     
     
         6 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 1 ,
 wherein the automatic analyzer provides a function for changing an analytical curve manually; and   wherein the control unit creates, when an analytical curve has been manually changed, a predetermined measurement request according to the analytical curve in relation to a precision control sample and then analyzes an internally held precision control sample.