Automatic analyzer

Abstract

Realized is an automatic analyzer that allows appropriate setting of analytical parameters which incorporate batch-to-batch variations in characteristics of reagents. The analytical parameters 35, consisting of fixed parameters 37 and variable parameters 38, are stored into a storage unit of the automatic analyzer. The fixed parameters 37 include a reagent-dispensing quantity, a sample-dispensing quantity, measuring wavelength, and the like, each of which becomes a pivot for measurement of a sample, and parameters to be used are selected from an item code and bottle code assigned to a reagent bottle 36. The variable parameters 38 include a linearity check value, a prozone check value, reaction limit absorbance, technical limits, first standard solution absorbance, variation allowable absorbance, and the like, each of which is associated with sample-measurement result checks. The variable parameters 38 have a plurality of versions, and the automatic analyzer has a control unit, which reads bar code information from the reagent bottle and adopts variable parameters of a corresponding version with the item code, the bottle code, and batch information relating to the reagent, as a key.

1 . An automatic analyzer that mixes a reagent into a sample and analyzes the sample, the analyzer comprising:
 fixed parameter information relating to reagent information on the reagent used, the fixed parameter information being determined by analytical items;   storage means for storing therein variable parameters which vary with a production batch of the reagent, the variable parameters being required for assessment of measurement results on the sample; and   a control unit configured to, by use of the fixed parameter information and variable parameter information stored in the storage means, control the mixing of the sample and the reagent and analytical operation of the analyzer for the sample.   
     
     
         2 . An automatic analyzer that mixes a reagent into a sample and analyzes the sample, the analyzer comprising:
 reagent information reading means for reading reagent information assigned to a reagent container accommodating the reagent;   storage means for storing therein the reagent information; and   control means for controlling operation of the reagent information reading means, the mixing of the sample and the reagent, and analytical operation for the sample, the control means further using the reagent information read by the reagent information reading means to calculate the fixed parameter information determined by analytical items, and the variable parameters that vary with a production batch of the reagent and that are required for the assessment of measurement results on the sample, thereby causing the storage means to store therein the calculated parameters.   
     
     
         3 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 2 , wherein:
 the variable parameter information includes a plurality of variable parameter tables corresponding to a plurality of reagent production batches, with respect to one fixed parameter table denoting the fixed parameter information.   
     
     
         4 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 after an elapse of a fixed term from the storage of the variable parameters into the storage means, the control means deletes the stored variable parameters from the storage means.   
     
     
         5 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the variable parameter information includes at least one of the following: a linearity check value, a prozone check value, reaction limit absorbance, and technical limits; first standard solution absorbance, variation allowable absorbance, sensitivity allowable absorbance, and convergence allowable absorbance, each of which is associated with after-calibration measurement result checks; a method of calibration; and an assessment factor obtained through reaction process approximation.   
     
     
         6 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 3 , wherein:
 the control means controls quality of the reagent and time-varying changes in states of the analyzer, by plotting allowable values for first standard solution absorbance, variation allowable absorbance, sensitivity allowable absorbance, and convergence allowable absorbance, each of which is the variable parameter information and is associated with calibration checks, and plotting output data corresponding to the check values that are obtained upon the execution of calibration, wherein the plotting operation is conducted on a reagent batch basis and a calibration execution timing basis.   
     
     
         7 . The automatic analyzer according to  claim 3 , further comprising information display means,
 wherein the control means undertakes the following, on a reagent batch basis and a calibration execution timing basis,   plotting allowable values for first standard solution absorbance, variation allowable absorbance, sensitivity allowable absorbance, and convergence allowable absorbance, each of which is the variable parameter information and is associated with calibration checks, plotting output data corresponding to the check values that are obtained upon the execution of calibration, and causing the information display means to display the allowable values and the output data that have been plotted.