Sample analyzer

摘要

A sample analyzer is provided that does not require a plurality of reagent containers containing the same type of reagent to be connected, that can continue measurement even when a reagent container becomes empty, and that allows the timing of replacement of the reagent container to be recognized suitably. A reagent storage section is provided that is connected to a reagent container containing a reagent through a fluid channel and that stores the reagent transferred from the reagent container. A message for prompting replacement of the reagent container is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent container is a predetermined amount or less. A message for prompting to suspend sample measurement in the measurement section is outputted when it is detected that the remaining amount in the reagent storage section is a predetermined amount or less.

主权项

1. A sample analyzer that analyzes samples using a reagent from a replaceable reagent container, comprising:
a reagent container configured to contain reagent; a reagent storage section connectable to the reagent container through a first fluid channel and configured to store the reagent transferred from the reagent container; a measurement section connected to the reagent storage section through a second fluid channel and that operable to perform a test on a sample using the reagent; a transfer unit operable to transfer the reagent from the reagent container to the reagent storage section and then from the reagent storage section to the measurement section; a reagent container remaining amount sensor configured to detect that the remaining amount in the reagent container is a first predetermined amount or less; a storage remaining amount sensor configured to detect whether a remaining amount of the reagent in the reagent storage section is a second predetermined amount or less; an output device operable to output a predetermined information; and a controller programmed to: responsive to a detection by the reagent container remaining amount sensor that an amount of the reagent in the reagent container is less than the first predetermined amount, operate the output device to issue a reagent supply shortage alert requesting replacement of the reagent container and operate the transfer unit during the reagent supply shortage alert being in effect on the output device to continue transferring the reagent from the reagent storage section to the measurement section through the second fluid channel to continue tests at the measurement section; during the reagent supply shortage alert being in effect on the output device, responsive to a detection by the storage remaining amount sensor that an amount of the reagent in the reagent storage section is less than the second predetermined amount, discontinue transferring the reagent from the reagent storage section to the measurement section in order to make the measurement section inoperable; and during the reagent supply shortage alert being in effect on the output device, the controller is programmed to decrement the number of samples that can be measured without replacing the reagent container each time a sample is measured in the measurement section.