Automatic analyzer and separation column installation method for same

An automatic analyzer that includes a preprocessing unit, a separation unit comprising a plurality of flow passages, a detection unit, and a control unit, in which a plurality of types of separation columns are installable on each flow passage of the plurality of flow passages of the separation unit, the automatic analyzer comprising:

• an identification module, executed by the control unit, for reading an identifier provided on a separation column when the separation column is installed at an installation position in the separation unit, the installation position being a selected flow passage of the plurality of flow passages;
• a determination processor for determining whether identification information of the identifier read by the identification module matches an installation pattern registered in advance or not;
• a notification module for generating an alarm when the identification information is determined not to match the installation pattern by the determination processor;
• a type setting module, executed by the control unit, for registering a type of an installable separation column for each flow passage as the installation pattern;
• and
• a maximum number setting processor for registering a maximum installation number of same type separation columns installable on the plurality of flow passages of the separation unit and controlling the type setting module to prevent selection of a specific separation column type when the maximum installation number of that specific type has been registered,
• wherein the automatic analyzer provides one or more registration restrictions for installation of the installation pattern and suppresses the installation of the installation pattern when the maximum installation of the same type separation columns is exceeded.