Automatic analyzer

Abstract

An automatic analyzer capable of performing analysis in terms of a number of analysis items with high reliability through a simple operation. The automatic analyzer comprises a probe adapted to be moved on a circular arc path and capable of sucking or discharging a sample or reagent, a plurality of sample containers disposed at different positions on the path of the probe and containing different analyte samples, and a rotor capable of carrying a plurality of reagent cartridges. Each of the reagent cartridges comprises a photometric cuvette that is empty when not in use, and a reagent cuvette in which a reagent used for a particular analysis item is hermetically sealed. A two-dimensional code with information regarding the analyte type and analysis conditions, for example, is affixed to the reagent cartridge. The two-dimensional code information is read by a reading unit. Based on the information read from the reagent cartridge, a control unit identifies the sample container in which a analyte sample required by a particular reagent cartridge is contained, and causes the probe to be moved to that sample container. The sample in the sample container is sucked and then discharged into the photometric cuvette of the reagent cartridge. The control unit also causes the probe to suck the reagent in the reagent cuvette of the reagent cartridge and then causes the reagent to be discharged into the photometric cuvette.