Specific solution handling method for calibration and quality control by automatic analytical apparatus

• US 6,579,717 B1
• Filed: 02/03/2000
• Issued: 06/17/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
• Inventors: Matsubara, Shigeki, Imai, Kyoko, Tao, Ryuji
• Primary Examiner(s): Warden, Jill
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bex, Kathryn
• Application Number:
  US09/497,693
• Time in Patent Office: 1,230 Days
• Field of Search: 422/63, 422/65, 422/67, 436/43, 436/47, 436/48, 436/50, 198/343.1, 198/349.5, 198/349.6, 700/266
• US Class Current: 436/50
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00603 Reinspection of samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00663 of consumables
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00712 Automatic status testing, e.g. at start-up or periodic
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/0098 involving analyte bound to insoluble magnetic carrier, e.g. using magnetic separation magnetic particles used in immunoassays G01N33/54326; magnetic separation in general B03C
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/026 having blocks or racks of reaction cells or cuvettes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/11 Automated chemical analysis
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/113332 with conveyance of sample along a test line in a container or rack
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/114165 with step of insertion or removal from test line
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/115831 Condition or time responsive

Abstract

A method for handling specific sample solutions for calibration and quality control by an automatic analytical apparatus in which a sample rack to hold calibrator bottles for required analysis items is set on a rack supply unit by an operator. Identification information of all calibrator bottles on the rack is read out, and data on corresponding calibrator samples are also stored. The operator enters analysis items to be measured, and a measuring channel to be used for calibration. Comparison is made between the planned number of requested calibrations and the number of permissible services to determine whether or not calibrator solution is sufficient. If it is determined to be insufficient, the required number of bottles are displayed according to the difference between the number of permissible services and the number of requests, thereby allowing the operator to add the required number of calibrator bottles. Pressing the analysis start button allows the rack holding the calibrator to be moved to the analysis unit, thereby permitting calibration to be performed.

Claims

1. A method for handling specific sample solutions including the steps of:

(a) setting on a rack supply unit of an automatic analytical apparatus equipped with an analysis unit to analyze samples, a rack loaded with one or more specific bottles which contain specific sample solutions and which are respectively provided with identification information concerning the sample solutions, said solutions being used repeatedly for calibration or quality control;

(b) storing into a memory device a number of permissible services for each analysis unit with regard to said specific sample solutions for all the specific bottles on said rack, based on reading of the identification information provided on said specific bottles on said rack;

(c) determining whether or not an amount of said specific sample solutions on said rack is sufficient, based on a planned number of times that calibration or quality control is to be performed for each analysis item which is requested to a controller, and said number of permissible services;

(d) displaying on a screen of a screen display unit the number of new specific bottles to be added to said rack in order to satisfy the planned number of times if said specific sample solutions are determined to be insufficient;

(e) adding any new specific bottles to said rack which are required;

(f) automatically transferring from said rack supply unit to said analysis unit said rack to which any new specific bottles have been added, and

(g) performing calibration or quality control.

2. A method for handling specific solutions according to claim 1, said method further containing a step of displaying on said screen display unit the number of permissible services of the remaining solution for each specific bottle on said rack.

3. A method for handling specific solutions according to claim 1, said method further containing a step of selecting through the screen for selecting a combination of the types of analysis items and analysis units, said analysis unit where said rack is transferred.

4. A method for handling specific sample solutions including the steps of:

(a) setting on a rack supply unit of an automatic analytical apparatus equipped with an analysis unit to analyze samples, a rack loaded with one or more specific bottles which contain specific sample solutions and which are respectively provided with identification information concerning the sample solutions said solutions being used repeatedly for calibration or quality control;

(b) storing into a memory device a number of permissible services for each analysis system with regard to said specific sample solutions for all the specific bottles on said rack, based on reading of the identification information provided on said specific bottles on said rack;

(c) determining whether or not an amount of said specific sample solutions on said rack is sufficient, based on a planned number of times that calibration or quality control is to be performed for each analysis item which is requested to a controller, and said number of permissible services;

(d) displaying on a screen of a screen display unit the number of new specific bottles to be added in order to satisfy the planned number of times if said specific sample solutions are determined to be insufficient;

(e) automatically transferring from said rack supply unit to said analysis unit said rack where new bottles are added, and performing calibration or quality control; and

(f) managing a term of validity subsequent to opening of said bottles, by treating a time point when said bottles are opened as a time when the identification information on said first bottle has been read, in a case that the specific bottle set on said rack supply unit is a first bottle not registered previously.