Abstract:
The present invention is to present a column cartridge that enables the obtainment of a plurality of analysis objects from a single sample easily. The column cartridge comprises: a first liquid sample receiving part having an opening for receiving a liquid sample; a carrier for isolating a target substance from the liquid sample; a carrier holding part for holding the carrier; and a flow path part comprising a flow path through which the liquid sample is able to pass after passing through the carrier held by the carrier holding part, and being configured to be fitted into an opening of a second liquid sample receiving part of another column cartridge.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to a column cartridge and column cartridges assembly provided with a carrier for isolating an object substance, and an analyzer and analyzing method using the column cartridge and the column cartridges assembly. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    A column provided a carrier for isolating an object substance, and an analyzer using this column are disclosed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,273. 
         [0003]    The sample column disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,273 has a funnel for retaining a sample at the top end of the column. When a sample is put in the funnel, the top part of the funnel is sealed airtight and the sample within the funnel is pressurized. Thus, the sample is injected into the column and the analysis object (object substance) within the sample is bound to the carrier in the column. 
         [0004]    The analyzer disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,273 connects an inlet nozzle and an outlet nozzle to the top end of the column when analyzing the analysis object held within the column. A solvent for dissociating the analysis object from the carrier is then injected into the column through the inlet nozzle. Thereafter, the solvent which contains the analysis object is guided to a detector through the outlet nozzle, and the detection of the analysis object is performed automatically. 
         [0005]    This analyzer provides the inlet nozzle and the outlet nozzle for each of a plurality of columns. The inlet nozzle is connected to a pump through a rotating valve, and a liquid is sent from the pump through the rotating valve and inlet nozzle to the object column by switching the flow path using the rotating valve. Furthermore, the outlet nozzle is connected to the detector through a rotating valve and the liquid is led to the detector through the rotating valve. 
         [0006]    It is considered that when analyzing a plurality of analysis objects contained in a single sample in the analyzer which uses the column disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,918,273, a single type of analysis object is bound to the carrier in the respective column by using a plurality of columns. And, it is considered that the flow path from the respective column is switched using the rotating valve to lead the analysis object held in each of the columns to the detector. Therefore, it is considered that the operation must be performed to bind the analysis objects in the sample with the carrier in the respective column by using a plurality of columns when analyzing a plurality of analysis objects contained in a single sample. Thus, a problem arises that the complexity of the operation of obtaining a plurality of analysis objects from a single sample is increased. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A first aspect of the present invention is a column cartridges assembly, comprising: a first column cartridge; and a second column cartridge, wherein the first column cartridge comprises: a first liquid sample receiving part having an opening for receiving a liquid sample; a first carrier for isolating a first target substance from the liquid sample; a first carrier holding part for holding the first carrier; and a first flow path part comprising a first flow path through which the liquid sample is able to pass after passing through the first carrier held by the first carrier holding part, and wherein the second column cartridge comprises: a second liquid sample receiving part having an opening into which the first flow path part is able to be fitted; a second carrier for isolating a second target substance from the liquid sample; a second carrier holding part for holding the second carrier; and a second flow path part comprising a second flow path through which the liquid sample is able to pass after passing through the second carrier held by the second carrier holding part. 
         [0008]    A second aspect of the present invention is a column cartridge, comprising: a first liquid sample receiving part having an opening for receiving a liquid sample; a carrier for isolating a target substance from the liquid sample; a carrier holding part for holding the carrier; and a flow path part comprising a flow path through which the liquid sample is able to pass after passing through the carrier held by the carrier holding part, and being configured to be fitted into an opening of a second liquid sample receiving part of another column cartridge. 
         [0009]    A third aspect of the present invention is an analyzer for analyzing a specimen using the aforementioned column cartridges assembly, comprising: a first holding part for holding the second flow path part of the column cartridges assembly; a first fluid drive part being capable of sucking a fluid containing a first liquid sample from the column cartridges assembly through the first holding part, the fluid being dispensed externally into the first liquid sample receiving part, and being capable of sending the sucked fluid to the column cartridges assembly; a second holding part for holding the first flow path part of the first column cartridge and the second flow path part of the second column cartridge separated from the column cartridges assembly which holds the first target substance on the first carrier and the second target substance on the second carrier; a dispensing part for dispensing a predetermined liquid to the first liquid sample receiving part of the first column cartridge held by the second holding part and to the second liquid sample receiving part of the second column cartridge held by the second holding part; a second fluid drive part being capable of sucking the predetermined liquid from the first and the second column cartridges through the second holding part, and being capable of sending the sucked predetermined liquid to the first and the second column cartridges; an analyzing part for analyzing a second liquid sample prepared from the predetermined liquid passing through the first carrier which holds the first target substance and a third liquid sample prepared from the predetermined liquid passing through the second carrier which holds the second target substance, and obtaining information related to the first and the second target substances; and a control part for controlling the first and the second fluid drive parts, the dispensing part and the analyzing part. 
         [0010]    A fourth aspect of the present invention is an analyzing method for analyzing a specimen using the aforementioned column cartridges assembly, comprising: a step of dispensing a fluid containing a first liquid sample to the first liquid sample receiving part of the column cartridges assembly; a step of sucking the fluid from the column cartridges assembly, and sending the sucked fluid to the column cartridges assembly; a step of separating the first and the second column cartridges from the column cartridges assembly holding the first target substance on the first carrier and the second target substance on the second carrier; a step of dispensing a predetermined liquid to the first liquid sample receiving part of the separated first column cartridge and to the second liquid sample receiving part of the separated second column cartridge; a step of sucking the predetermined liquid from the first and the second column cartridges, and sending the sucked predetermined liquid to the first and the second column cartridges; and a step of analyzing a second liquid sample prepared from the predetermined liquid passing through the first carrier which holds the first target substance and a third liquid sample prepared from the predetermined liquid passing through the second carrier which holds the second target substance, and obtaining information related to the first and the second target substances. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the overall structure of the sample preparing device of a first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the blank column of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a multiple column of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an exploded section view of the multiple column of the first embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a section view of a multiple column when the column is supplied to a user; 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a top view showing the fixing part and the column mounting part of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the fixing part and the column mounting part of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a cross section view along the VIII-VIII′ line of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view showing the fluid drive section of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a side view (partial section view) of the fluid drive section shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a fluid schematic diagram of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a block diagram of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram of the control section of the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  is a flow chart illustrating the flow of the sample preparing operation performed by the sample preparing device of the first embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of a sample preparing device of a second embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  is a block diagram showing the structure of the sample preparing device of the second embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  is a flow chart illustrating the flow of the sample preparing operation performed by the sample preparing device of the second embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view showing the overall structure of an analyzer of a third embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 19  is a block diagram showing the structure of the analyzer of the third embodiment; and 
           [0030]      FIG. 20  is a flow chart illustrating the flow of the analyzing operating performed by the analyzer of the third embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    The embodiments of the present invention are described hereinafter based on the drawings. 
       First Embodiment 
       [0032]    The structures of a sample preparing device  1  of a first embodiment of the present invention and a multiple column  100  used in the sample preparing device  1  are described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 5 . 
         [0033]    The sample preparing device  1  of the first embodiment of the present invention has the function of capturing predetermined protein from an analysis object sample and performing preprocessing in which a predetermined reaction is conducted on the captured protein in an analyzer (not shown in the drawing) which measures the activity of cell cycle-related proteins used for cell cycle profiling for prognosis prediction of cancer. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sample preparing device  1  performs sample preparation using a multiple column  100  in which three columns (blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103 ) are connected. 
         [0034]    In the multiple column  100  of the first embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103  are connected. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the blank column  101  includes a cylindrical receiving part  101   a  capable of receiving a liquid such as a sample, and a cylindrical passage part  101   b  disposed below the receiving part  101   a  and which forms a flow path through which the liquid of the receiving part  101   a  can flow. The receiving part  101   a  is configured to be capable of receiving approximately 300 μL of liquid. The receiving part  101   a  further includes a mouth  10   c , and a flange  101   d  provided on the margin of the mouth  101   c . The passage part  101   b  has a rubber O-ring  101   g  mounted in a groove  101   f  (refer to  FIG. 4 ) provided around the circumference of the outer surface  101   e . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the O-ring  101   g  protrudes slightly from the outer surface  101   e  of the passage part  101   b . A carrier  101   h , which is formed of monolithic silica (to which substance specifically bonding to the specific enzyme in the sample does not adhere), is inserted into the interior of the passage part  101   b , and supported by a pipe  101   i  which presses against the carrier  101   h . Moreover, the shape of the inner surface of the receiving part  101   a  and the shape of the outer surface of the passage part  101   b  are equivalent, that is, the inner diameter D 1  of the receiving part  101   a  and the outer diameter D 2  of the passage part  101   b  are configured so as to be substantially equal, or the outer diameter D 2  of the passage part  101   b  is slightly smaller than the inner diameter D 1  of the receiving part  101   a  so that the passage part  101   b  can be inserted into the interior of the receiving part  101   a . The blank column  101  is used in the background measurement of a liquid such as a sample. 
         [0035]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first column  102  is formed of the same material, shape and dimensions as the blank column  101 , includes a receiving part  102   a  and a passage part  102   b , and has an O-ring  102   c  mounted in the same manner as the O-ring  10   g . A carrier  102   d , to which substance specifically bonding to a specific enzyme (CDK 1 ) in the sample adheres, is inserted into the interior of the passage part  102   b , and supported by a pipe  102   i  which presses against the carrier  102   d . Furthermore, the second column  103  is formed of essentially the same material, shape and dimensions as the blank column  101 , includes a receiving part  103   a  and a passage part  103   b , and has an O-ring  103   c  mounted in the same manner as the O-ring  101   g . A carrier  103   d , to which substance specifically bonding to a specific enzyme (CDK 2 ) in the sample adheres, is inserted into the interior of the passage part  103   b , and supported by a pipe  103   i  which presses against the carrier  103   d.    
         [0036]    The three columns of the blank column  101 , first column  102 , and third column  103  are connected to configure a multiple column  100  by fitting the passage part  102   b  of the first column  102  into the receiving part  103   a  of the second column  103 , and fitting the passage part  101   b  of the blank column  101  into the receiving part  102   a  of the first column  102 . The gap between the receiving part  103   a  of the second column  103  and the passage part  102   b  of the first column  102  is sealed by the O-ring  102   c  of the first column  102 . Moreover, the gap between the receiving part  102   a  of the first column  102  and the passage part  101   b  of the blank column  101  is sealed by the O-ring  101   g  of the blank column  101 . 
         [0037]    As shown in  FIG. 5 , the multiple column  100  is filled with preservative solution to protect against air contact with the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d  within the multiple column  100 . The multiple column  100  is supplied to the user in a sealed condition in which plug  110  is fitted into the top end of the receiving part  101   a  of the blank column  101  and plug  111  is fitted into the bottom end of the passage part  103   b  of the second column  103 . 
         [0038]    The structure of the sample preparing device  1  of the first embodiment is described below with reference to  FIG. 1  and  FIGS. 6 through 13 . 
         [0039]    As shown in  FIG. 1 , the sample preparing device  1  is configured by a column mounting part  2  for installing the multiple column  100 , a fixing part  3  for fixing the position of the multiple column  100  installed in the mounting part  2 , a fluid drive part  4 , system solution bottle  5 , waste solution bottle  6 , display  7 , and a controller  8  for controlling the fluid drive part  4  and the display  7 . A sample preparing unit is configured by the column mounting part  2 , fixing part  3 , fluid drive part  4 , system solution bottle  5 , and waste solution bottle  6 . In the first embodiment, samples can be prepared using five multiple columns  100  via five sample preparation units. The column mounting part  2  is configured so as to be temperature adjustable by a heater (refer to  FIG. 12 ) which is controlled by the controller  8  which receives signals from a temperature sensor (thermocouple; refer to  FIG. 12 ) provided in the column mounting part  2 . 
         [0040]    As shown in  FIG. 8 , the column mounting part  2  includes a column insertion hole  2   b  provided on the top surface of a column mounting platform  2   a , and column connecting part  2   d  which includes a concavity  2   c  into which is fitted the passage part  103   b  of the second column  103  at the bottom end of the multiple column  100 . The shape of the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d  is equivalent to the outer surface of the passage part  103   b  of the second column  103 , and the gap between the column connecting part  2   d  and the passage part  103   b  is sealed by the O-ring  103   c  when the passage part  103   b  has been fitted into the column connecting part  2   d . Furthermore, a tube  44   a  of the fluid drive part  4  which is described later is connected to the bottom section of the column connecting part  2   d.    
         [0041]    As shown in  FIGS. 6 through 8 , the fixing part  3  includes a pressing plate  31  which presses the top surface of the blank column  101  from above when the blank column is disposed at the top end of the multiple column, an engaging column rod  32  which engages a hole  31   a  (refer to  FIG. 6 ) provided at one end of the pressing plate  31 , and a chuck  33  which engages and chucks an engaging piece  31   b  provided at the other end of the pressing plate  31 . The engaging rod  32  includes a small diameter section  32   a , and a large diameter section  32   b  provided at the top end of the small diameter section. The pressing plate  31  is configured so that small diameter section  32   a  of the engaging rod  32  engages the small diameter part of the hole  31   a  (refer to  FIG. 6 ) by transiting the large diameter section  32   b  of the engaging rod  32  from the large diameter part  31   c  of the hole  31   a  and thereafter sliding the pressing plate  31  in the arrow A direction of  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the chuck  33  includes locking part  33   a  which is rotatable in the arrow B direction and the arrow C direction, an engaging part  33   b  which engages the engaging piece  31   b  of the pressing plate  31 , and a spring  33   c  for absorbing the load to the multiple column  100  applied by the pressing plate  31 . The engaging part  33   b  is configured to move upward in conjunction with the rotation of the locking part  33   a  in the arrow C direction, and move downward in conjunction with the rotation of the locking part  33   a  in the arrow B direction. The engaging part  33   b  moves downward and the engaging part  31   b  of the pressing plate  31  moves downward in conjunction therewith when the multiple column has been fitted into the column connecting part  2   d , the engaging rod  32  and engaging part  33   b  of the chuck  33  respectively engage the hole  31   a  and the engaging piece  31   b  of the pressing plate  31 , and the locking part  33   a  is rotated in the arrow B direction. Thus, the multiple column is fixed in the column connecting part  2   d . Furthermore, when the multiple column  100  is in this fixed condition, a hole  31   e  provided on the pressing plate  31  is disposed above the mouth  101   c  of the receiving part  101   a  of the multiple column  101  (blank column  101 ). As shown in  FIG. 8 , a rubber (or urethane sponge) intervenient piece  31   f  is mounted on the margin of the hole  31   e  on the bottom surface of the pressing plate  31 . The multiple column  100  is fixed in place when the intervenient piece  31   f  presses against the flange  101   d  of the multiple column  100  (blank column  101 ). 
         [0042]    The fluid drive part  4  is provided to move the liquid such as a sample or the like which has been dispensed to the multiple column  100  so that the liquid passes through the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d . As shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the fluid driving part  4  includes a syringe  41  for moving liquid, a stepping motor  42  for moving the piston  41   a  of the syringe  41  in vertical directions, mutually fixed transfer members  43   a  through  43   c  which are provided to transfer the drive force of the stepping motor  42  to the piston  41   a , a plurality of tubes  44   a  through  44   e  which form the liquid flow paths for the sample and system solution and the like (refer to  FIG. 9 ), an electromagnetic valve  45  for switching the liquid flow path of the sample and system solution and the like, a syringe  41 , and a bracket  46  for mounting the motor  42  and electromagnetic valve  45 . 
         [0043]    As shown in  FIG. 10 , the transfer members  43   a  through  43   c  are configured to move vertically by switching the rotation of the stepping motor  42  to drive forces in vertical directions via a female screw of the motor shaft (not shown in the drawing) and a male screw (not shown in the drawing) of the transfer member  43   a  into which the motor shaft is inserted. Since the piston  41   a  is fixedly attached to the transfer member  43   c , the piston  41   a  is moved in vertical directions by the drive force of the stepping motor  42 . 
         [0044]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , the tube  44   a  is connected to the electromagnetic valve  45  and the column connecting part  2   d  (refer to  FIG. 8 ), and the tube  44   b  is connected to the electromagnetic valve  45  and the tube connecting part  41   b  provided at the top end of the syringe  41 . The tube  44   c  is connected to the electromagnetic valve and the tube connecting part  41   d  provided on the barrel  41   c  of the syringe  41 . The tubes  44   d  and  44   e  are respectively connected to the electromagnetic valve  45  and the system solution bottle  5  and the waste solution bottle  6 . 
         [0045]    As shown in  FIG. 11 , the electromagnetic valve  45  has valves  45   a  through  45   c . The valve  45   a  is provided to close the flow path between the column connecting part  2   d  and the tube connecting part  41   b  of the syringe  41 . The valve  45   b  is provided to close the flow path between the waste solution bottle  6  and the tube connecting part  41   b  of the syringe  41 . The valve  45   c  is provided to close the flow path between the system solution bottle  5  and the tube connecting part  41   b  of the syringe  41 . 
         [0046]    The display  7  is capable of displaying the content of an operation to be performed next by the user, and alerts the user to the completion of predetermined operation. As shown in  FIG. 12 , the display  7  is configured by a display unit  7   a  and an input unit  7   b  (touch panel), and is configured so that the controller  8  of the sample preparing device  1  can be informed of the completion of operation content when a user inputs the operation completion using the input unit  7   b.    
         [0047]    As shown in  FIG. 12 , the controller  8  controls the fluid drive part  4  and the display  7 . The controller  8  controls the heater temperature based on signals received from a temperature sensor. The controller  8  is mainly configured by a CPU  8   a , ROM  8   b , RAM  8   c , and communication interface  8   d , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0048]    The CPU  8   a  is capable of executing computer programs stored in the ROM  8   b , and computer programs read from the RAM  8   c . The ROM  8   b  stores computer programs which are executed by the CPU  8   a , as well as data and the like used in the execution of these computer programs. The RAM  8   c  is used when reading the computer programs stored in the ROM  8   b . The RAM  8   c  is also used as the work area of the CPU  8   a  when the computer programs are executed. 
         [0049]    The communication interface  8   d  is connected to the display  7 , and has the function of receiving signals indicating the completion of an operation from the display  7  when the display  7  receives the completion of a performed operation which has been input by the user. When the operation completion signals are received, the CPU  8   a  performs the controls for the various devices based on a computer program. The communication interface  8   d  also has the function of sending commands from the CPU  8   a  to each part in order to drive each part of the fluid drive part  4 . 
         [0050]    Details of the sample preparing operation using the multiple column  100  in the sample preparing device  1  of the first embodiment are described below with reference to  FIGS. 11 and 14 . 
         [0051]    A user first issues an initialization command on the display  7 . Then the controller  8  determines whether or not initialization input has been received in step S 1  of  FIG. 14 . This determination is repeated when an initialization signal has not been received. The sample preparing device  1  is initialized in step S 2  when an initialization signal has been received. Details of the initialization operation are described below. The valves  45   a  through  45   c  are closed when the initialization operation begins. 
         [0052]    Liquid Inflow to the Syringe 
         [0053]    First, the valve  45   c  is opened and the piston  41   a  down strokes as an initialization operation. Thus, system solution is inspired from the system solution bottle  5  and the system solution fills the interior of the syringe  41 . 
         [0054]    Discharge from the Syringe 
         [0055]    Then the valve  45   c  is closed, the valve  45   b  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes. Thus, the air and system solution within the syringe  41  are discharged to the waste solution bottle  6 . The operation of the liquid inflow to the syringe and the operation of the discharge from the syringe are repeated twice thereafter. 
         [0056]    Draining Liquid from the Column Connecting Part 
         [0057]    Next, the valve  45   a  is opened and the piston  41   a  down strokes, and the liquid remaining within the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d  and the liquid remaining within the tube  44   a  connecting the column connecting part  2   d  with the valve  45   a  is drawn into the tube  44   b  which connects the valve  45   a  with the tube connecting part  41   b  of the syringe  41 . 
         [0058]    Discharging Drained Liquid from the Column Connecting Part 
         [0059]    Next, the valve  45   a  is closed and the valve  45   b  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes. Thus, the liquid drawn into the tube  44   b  is discharged to the waste solution bottle  6 . 
         [0060]    Liquid Inflow to Syringe 
         [0061]    Then, the valve  45   b  is closed and the valve  45   c  is opened, and the piston  41   a  down strokes. Thus, system solution is inspired from the system solution bottle  5  and the system solution fills the interior of the syringe  41 . 
         [0062]    Liquid Inflow to the Column Connecting Part (Wash) 
         [0063]    Then the valve  45   c  is closed, the valve  45   a  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes. Thus, system solution fills the interior of the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d.    
         [0064]    Discharge from the Syringe 
         [0065]    Then the valve  45   a  is closed, the valve  45   b  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes again. Thus, the system solution remaining within the syringe  41  is discharged to the waste solution bottle  6 . 
         [0066]    Draining Liquid from the Column Connecting Part (Wash) 
         [0067]    Next, the valve  45   a  is opened and the piston  41   a  down strokes, and the liquid remaining within the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d  and the liquid remaining within the tube  44   a  connecting the column connecting part  2   d  with the valve  45   a  is drawn into the tube  44   b  which connects the valve  45   a  with the tube connecting part  41   b  of the syringe  41 . 
         [0068]    Discharging the Liquid Drained from the Column Connecting Part 
         [0069]    Then the valve  45   a  is closed, the valve  45   b  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes. Thus, the liquid drawn into the tube  44   b  is discharged to the waste solution bottle  6 . 
         [0070]    Liquid Inflow to Syringe 
         [0071]    Then, the valve  45   b  is closed and the valve  45   c  is opened, and the piston  41   a  down strokes. Thus, system solution is inspired from the system solution bottle  5  and the system solution fills the interior of the syringe  41 . 
         [0072]    Liquid Inflow to the Column Connecting Part (Stand-by) 
         [0073]    Then the valve  45   c  is closed, the valve  45   a  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes. Thus, system solution fills the tube  44   a  to approximately 10 to 20 mm below the bottom of the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d . Filling the tube  44   a  with system solution to within a predetermined distance below the bottom of the concavity  2   c  forms an air wall (air gap) between the system solution and the in-drawn liquid when a liquid (sample or the like) is later sucked from the multiple column  100 . Leakage of the sucked liquid and the system solution is thus suppressed. 
         [0074]    Discharge from the Syringe 
         [0075]    Then the valve  45   a  is closed, the valve  45   b  is opened, and the piston  41   a  up strokes again. The system solution remaining within the syringe  41  is thus discharged to the waste solution bottle  6 . Thereafter, the valve  45   b  is closed and the valve  45   a  is opened. Initialization of the sample preparing device  1  is thus accomplished. 
         [0076]    The user subsequently fits the multiple column  100  into the concavity  2   c  of the column connecting part  2   d  and fixes the column in place by the fixing part  3 . The user also sucks the preservative solution retained in the receiving part  101   a  of the blank column  101  of the fixed multiple column  100  using a pipette or the like (refer to  FIG. 5 ), and disposes of the preservative solution. Thereafter, 150 μL of IP buffer is dispensed into the receiving part  101   a  of the blank column  101  of the multiple column  100 . The IP buffer is a liquid for adjusting the condition of a sample to allow the carrier to capture a target substance, that is, a predetermined enzyme (CDK 1 , CDK 2  and the like), from the sample. The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the dispensing of the IP buffer has been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0077]    The controller  8  then determines whether or not an IP buffer dispensing completion input has been received in step S 3 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When an input has been received, 140 μL of the IP buffer is sucked at a speed of 280 μL/min by a down stroke of the piston  41   a  at a predetermined speed. Thereafter, 140 μL of the sucked IP buffer is discharged at a speed of 280 μL/min by an up stroke of the piston  41   a  in step S 5 . Then a screen instructing the user to collect the IP buffer and dispense a sample is displayed on the display  7 . A sample is a liquid produced by homogenizing excised cancer tissue and subjecting the homogenate to a centrifugation process. 
         [0078]    The user then sucks and disposes of the discharged IP buffer using a pipette or the like. The user then dispenses 150 μL of the sample to the receiving part. The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the dispensing of the sample has been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0079]    In step S 6  the controller  8  determines whether or not sample dispensing completion input has been received. This determination is repeated when a sample dispensing completion input has not been received. When a sample dispensing completion input has been received, the sample is sucked at a speed of 20 μL/min by a down stroke of the piston  41   a  at a predetermined speed in step S 7 . Then a screen instructing the user to collect the IP buffer and dispense a sample is displayed on the display  7 . 
         [0080]    The user then dispenses 100 μL of IP buffer to the receiving part  101   a  of the multiple column  100 . The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the dispensing of the IP buffer has been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0081]    The controller  8  then determines whether or not an IP buffer dispensing completion input has been received in step S 8 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When an input has been received, 100 μL of the sample and IP buffer is sucked at a speed of 20 μL/min by another down stroke of the piston  41   a  at a predetermined speed in step  39 . 
         [0082]    In step S 10 , 295 μL of the sucked sample and IP buffer is discharged at a speed of 20 μL/min by an up stroke of the piston  41   a . Predetermined enzymes (CDK 1  and CDK 2 ) are respectively captured in the carrier  102   d  and  103   d  of the multiple column  100  by sucking and discharging the sample at a low speed. A screen instructing the user to collect the sample and IP buffer and dispense a first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is displayed on the display  7 . This first enzyme pre-reaction buffer and a second enzyme pre-reaction buffer which is described later are washing solutions for washing the interior of the multiple column  100  to prevent a phosphorylation reaction or the like from affecting an enzyme which is subsequently captured after sample preparation has been completed. 
         [0083]    The user then sucks and disposes of the discharged sample and IP buffer using a pipette or the like. The user next dispenses 150 μL of the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer to the receiving part  101   a  of the multiple column  100 . The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the dispensing of the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer has been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0084]    The controller  8  then determines whether or not a first enzyme pre-reaction buffer dispensing completion input has been received in step S 11 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When an input has been received, 140 μL of the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked at a speed of 280 μL/min by a down stroke of the piston  41   a  at a predetermined speed in step S 12 . In step S 13 , 140 μL of the sucked first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is discharged at a speed of 280 μL/min by an up stroke of the piston  41   a . A screen instructing the user to collect the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer and dispense a second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is then displayed on the display  7 . 
         [0085]    The user sets the temperature of the column mounting part  2  at approximately 41° C. on the display  7 , and after 20 minutes sucks and disposes of the discharged first enzyme pre-reaction buffer using a pipette or the like. The user next dispenses 250 μL of the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer to the receiving part  101   a  of the multiple column  100 . The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the dispensing of the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer has been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0086]    The controller  8  then determines whether or not a second enzyme pre-reaction buffer dispensing completion input has been received in step S 14 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When an input has been received, 240 μL of the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked at a speed of 280 μL/min by a down stroke of the piston  41   a  at a predetermined speed in step S 15 . In step S 16 , 240 μL of the sucked second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is discharged at a speed of 280 μL/min by an up stroke of the piston  41   a . In the subsequent step S 17 , a screen instructing the user to collect the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer and remove the multiple column  100  is displayed on the display  7 . 
         [0087]    The user removes the multiple column  100  after sucking and disposing of the discharged second enzyme pre-reaction buffer using a pipette or the like pursuant with the instructions on the display. The user also inputs into the sample preparing device  1  that the collection of the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer and the removal of the multiple column  100  have been completed using the display  7 . 
         [0088]    The controller  8  then determines whether or not removal completion input for the multiple column  100  has been received in step S 18 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When such input has been received, a washing operation for washing the column connecting part  2   d  and tubes  44   a  through  44   e  and the like are performed in step S 19 . The operations of the liquid inflow to the syringe and the liquid discharge from the syringe in the initialization operation of step S 2  are performed as the washing operation. Thereafter, an operation including the series of draining liquid from the column connecting part, discharging liquid drained from the column connecting part, liquid inflow to the syringe, liquid inflow to the column connecting part (wash), and discharge of liquid from the syringe is performed twice. Thereafter, the operation which includes the series of draining liquid from the column connecting part (wash), discharging liquid drained from the column connecting part, liquid inflow to the syringe, liquid inflow to the column connecting part (stand-by), and discharge of liquid from the syringe is performed, whereupon the washing operation ends. 
         [0089]    A sample is thus prepared in the sample preparing device  1  of the first embodiment. 
         [0090]    In the first embodiment, the carrier  101   h  of column  101  is configured to isolate the background substances and the like of the sample, and the carriers  102   d  and  103   d  of the columns  102  and  103  are configured to isolate specific enzymes from the sample. A sample can be passed through each carrier  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d  of the three columns  101 ,  102 , and  103  once by connecting the three columns  101 ,  102 , and  103 . Thus, the background substances and two different enzymes can easily be captured to measure the enzyme activity of a single sample. 
         [0091]    The flange  101   d  is also provided on the margin of the mouth  101   c  of the receiving part  101   a  in the first embodiment as described above. Thus, when the multiple column  100  is used, the multiple column  100  can be fixed in place by the pressing plate  31  pressing against the flange  101   d  above the mouth  101   c  for receiving liquid such a sample while ensuring the flow path for injecting the sample and the like. Moreover, overflow of a sample or the like from the mouth  101   c  so as to spill from the multiple column  100  can be prevented by the flange  101   d.    
         [0092]    In the first embodiment described above, the gap between the passage part  101   b  of the blank column  101  and the receiving part  102   a  of the first column  102 , and the gap between the passage part  102   b  of the first Column  102  and the receiving part  103   a  of the second column  103  are respectively sealed by the O-ring  102   c  and the O-ring  103   c . When a liquid such as a sample or the like is sucked from the multiple column  100 , therefore, air is prevented from entering through the gap between the passage part  101   b  of the blank column  101  and the receiving part  102   a  of the first column  102 , and the gap between the passage part  102   b  of the first column  102  and the receiving part  103   a  of the second column  103 . Thus, air does not come into contact with the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d.    
         [0093]    In the first embodiment, when supplied to a user, the passage part  103   b  of the second column  103  and the receiving part  101   a  of the blank column  101  of the multiple column  100  are sealed by plugs  110  and  111 , and a preservative solution is maintained within the multiple column  100  to preserve the carriers  101   h ,  102   d  and  103   d  as described above. Thus, air does not come into contact with the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d.    
         [0094]    In the first embodiment described above, various types of liquids (sample, IP buffer, first enzyme pre-reaction buffer, and second enzyme pre-reaction buffer) are dispensed to the multiple column  100  and the piston  41   a  moves in vertical directions while the multiple column  100  is fitted into the column connecting part  2   d . The liquid of each type can then pass through the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d  of the three columns (blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103 ) of the multiple column  100 . Thus, target enzymes can be captured in each of the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d , and the multiple column  100  can be washed. 
         [0095]    In the first embodiment described above, a system solution is moved by means of the piston  41   a  and switching the flow path of the system solution between the system solution bottle  5 , the waste solution bottle  6 , and the column connecting part  2   d  using the electromagnetic valve  45 . The column connecting part  2   d  and the tubes  44   a  through  44   e  can thus be washed. After washing, the post-wash system solution can be moved to the waste solution bottle  6  for disposal by switching the flow path of the system solution to lead to the waste solution bottle  6  via the electromagnetic valve  45 . 
       Second Embodiment 
       [0096]    The structure of the sample preparing device  201  of a second embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 15 and 16 . The sample preparing device  201  of the second embodiment differs from the sample preparing device  1  of the first embodiment in that the device  201  is configured to perform the operations of dispensing, sucking, and disposing of the various liquids (sample, IP buffer and the like), which are accomplished by the user in the first embodiment, and are performed by a pipette unit  203  in the second embodiment. The multiple column  100  (blank column  101 , first column  102 , second column  103 ) of the first embodiment is used in the sample preparing device  201  of the second embodiment. 
         [0097]    As shown in  FIG. 15 , the sample preparing device  201  is provided with a sample preparation unit  202 , a pipette unit  203  for dispensing sucking, and disposing of the various types of liquids (sample, IP buffer, first enzyme pre-reaction buffer, second enzyme pre-reaction buffer), a liquid storing unit  204  for preserving each type of liquid, a waste unit  205  for disposing of each type of liquid, a cleaning unit  206  for cleaning the pipette  203   a  of the pipette unit  203 , a frame  207 , a display  208 , and a controller  209 . 
         [0098]    The sample preparing unit  202  has a configuration which is only lacking the display  7  from the sample preparing unit  1  of the first embodiment. Detailed description is therefore omitted. The pipette unit  203  is configured so that the pipette  203   a  is movable in XYZ directions. Specifically, two slide shafts  210  and  211  are fixedly attached to the frame  207  so as to extend in the Y direction, and a stepping motor  212  is mounted on the frame  207  and the shaft (not shown in the drawing) of the motor  212  is connected to a ball screw  212   a  that extends in the in the Y direction. The slide shafts  210  and  211 , and a movable block  213  into which the ball screw  212   a  is inserted are configured to move reciprocatingly and linearly in the Y direction via the rotational drive of the stepping motor  212 . Furthermore, a slide shaft  214  is fixedly attached to the movable block  213  so as to extend in the X direction, and a stepping motor  215  is mounted on the movable block  213  and the shaft (not shown in the drawing) of the motor  215  is connected to a ball screw  215   a  which extends in the X direction. The slide shaft  214 , and a movable block  216  into which the ball screw  215   a  is inserted are configured to move reciprocatingly and linearly in the X direction via the rotational drive of the stepping motor  215 . Furthermore, a slide shaft  217  is fixedly attached to the movable block  216  so as to extend in the Z direction, and a stepping motor  218  is mounted on the movable block  216  and the shaft (not shown in the drawing) of the motor  218  is connected to a ball screw  218   a  which extends in the Z direction. The slide shaft  217 , and a movable block  219  into which the ball screw  218   a  is inserted are configured to move reciprocatingly and linearly in the Z direction via the rotational drive of the stepping motor  218 . A pipette  203   a  is also fixedly attached to the movable block  216 . The pipette  203   a  is therefore configured so as to move in the XYZ directions via the rotational drives of the stepping motors  212 ,  215 , and  218 . 
         [0099]    The waste unit  205  is provided for the disposal of liquids sucked from the multiple column  100  by the pipette  203   a . The pipette  203   a  is configured so as to be washed in the washing unit  206  after disposing of a liquid and before sucking the next liquid. The display  8  has the same configuration as the display  7  of the first embodiment. Detailed description is therefore omitted. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the controller  209  controls the sample preparing unit  202  (stepping motor  42 , valves  45   a  through  45   c , and the heater), the stepping motors  212 ,  215 , and  218  of the pipette unit  203 , and the display  208 . Since this configuration is identical to the controller  8  shown in the  FIG. 13  of the first embodiment, further description is omitted. The controller  209  controls the heater temperature based on signals received from a temperature sensor. 
         [0100]    The sample preparing operation performed by the sample preparing device  201  of the second embodiment is described below with reference to  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  17 . The amount of IP buffer, sample, first enzyme pre-reaction buffer, and second enzyme pre-reaction buffer by the pipette, and the sucking and discharging speed of the piston are identical to the dispensing amounts and sucking and discharging speeds by the user in the first embodiment. 
         [0101]    First, initialization is performed in steps S 101  and S 102  shown in  FIG. 17  in the same manner as steps S 1  and S 2  ( FIG. 14 ) of the first embodiment. Thereafter, the user installs the multiple column  100  in the sample preparing device  201 , and inputs that the mounting of the multiple column  100  has been completed in the sample preparing device  201  using the display  208 . The controller  209  then determines in step S 103  whether or not mounting completion input for the multiple column  100  has been input. This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When multiple column  100  mounting completion input has been received, the preservative solution stored in the multiple column  100  is sucked and disposed of by the pipette  203   a  of the pipette unit  203  in step S 104 . The pipette  203   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0102]    In step S 105 , IP buffer stored in a liquid storage unit  204  (refer to  FIG. 15 ) is sucked by the pipette  203   a  and dispensed to the multiple column  100 . In steps S 106  and S 107 , the IP buffer is sucked and discharged by the vertical strokes of the piston  41   a  in the same manner as steps S 4  and S 5  of  FIG. 14  in the first embodiment. 
         [0103]    In step S 108 , the discharged IP buffer is sucked and disposed of by the pipette  203   a , and the pipette  203   a  is washed. Then in step S 109 , sample stored in the liquid storing unit  204  is sucked by the pipette  203   a  and dispensed to the multiple column  100 . The pipette  203   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0104]    In step S 110 , the piston  41   a  descends and the sample is sucked such that part of the sample remains in the same manner as step S 7  of the first embodiment. In this condition, the IP buffer is dispensed from the liquid storing unit  204  to the multiple column  100  by the pipette  203   a  in step S 111 . The pipette  203   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0105]    In the subsequent steps S 112  and S 113 , sample and IP buffer are sucked and discharged by a down stroke of the piston  41   a  similar to steps S 9  and S 10  of  FIG. 14  of the first embodiment. In step S 114 , the discharged sample and IP buffer are sucked and disposed of by the pipette  203   a , and the pipette  203   a  is washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0106]    Then in step S 115 , the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked from the liquid storing unit  204  and dispensed to the multiple column  100 . In steps s 116  and S 117 , the first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked and discharged by the vertical strokes of the piston  41   a  in the same manner as steps S 12  and S 13  of  FIG. 14  in the first embodiment. Then in step S 118 , the discharged first enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked and disposed of by the pipette  203   a , and the pipette  203   a  is washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0107]    Then in step S 1195 , the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked from the liquid storing unit  204  and dispensed to the multiple column  100 . In steps S 120  and S 121 , the second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked and discharged by the vertical strokes of the piston  41   a  in the same manner as steps S 15  and S 16  of  FIG. 14  in the first embodiment. Then in step S 122 , the discharged second enzyme pre-reaction buffer is sucked and disposed of by the pipette  203   a , and the pipette  203   a  is washed in the washing unit  206 . 
         [0108]    In step S 123 , the user is informed of the sample preparation completion and instructed to remove the multiple column  100  on the display  8 . The user reads the display  8  and removes the multiple column  100 . The user then inputs the completion of the removal of the multiple column  100  on the display  8 . 
         [0109]    The controller  209  then determines whether or not removal completion input for the multiple column  100  has been received in step S 124 . This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When such input has been received, washing operations for washing the column connecting part  2   d  and tubes  44   a  through  44   e  and the like are performed in step S 125  in the same manner as step S 19  of  FIG. 14  of the first embodiment. 
         [0110]    Thus, sample preparation is performed in the second embodiment. 
         [0111]    In the second embodiment described above, dispensing, sucking, and disposing of each type of liquid (sample, IP buffer, first enzyme pre-reaction buffer, second enzyme pre-reaction buffer) is performed by the pipette  203   a . In addition to the effects of the first embodiment, the occurrence of human error in the timing and amount of liquid dispensed and the like is prevented compared to when the user dispenses, sucks, and disposes of each type of liquid. 
       Third Embodiment 
       [0112]    The structure of an analyzer  301  of a third embodiment is described below with reference to  FIGS. 18 and 19 . The analyzer  301  is configured by an analyzing unit  301   a , and a control device  310  which is electrically connected to the analyzing unit  301   a . The analyzer  301  of the third embodiment is provided with a detecting unit  309  and control device  310  which allows the analyzer  301  to analyze a sample after the sample has been prepared, unlike the first and second embodiments. The analyzer  301  of the third embodiment also uses the multiple column  100  (blank column  101 , first column  102  and second column  103 ) of the first embodiment. 
         [0113]    The analyzer  301  measures the activity of cell cycle related proteins used in cell cycle profiling for cancer prediction and prognosis. The principle of the analysis is based on the isolation of proteins (CDK 1  and CDK 2 ) related to the cell cycle present in the excised cancer tissue, inducing a phosphorylation reaction by adding protein substrate to the isolated proteins (enzymes), and binding fluorescent dye to the derived phosphate group. Then the phosphate activity of the protein (enzyme) isolated from the sample is calculated by measuring the fluorescent intensity and analyzing the measured fluorescent intensity. 
         [0114]    As shown in  FIG. 18 , the analyzer  301  is provided with an enzyme isolating unit  302 , a phosphorylation processing unit  303 , a pipette unit  304  which includes a pipette  304   a  for dispensing, sucking, and disposing of each type of liquid (sample, IP buffer, first enzyme pre-reaction buffer, second enzyme pre-reaction buffer), a liquid storing unit  305  for storing each type of liquid, a waste unit  306  for disposing of each type of liquid, a washing unit  307  for washing the pipette  304   a  of the pipette unit  304 , a frame  308 , a detecting unit  309 , a control device  310  configured by a personal computer, and a controller  311 . 
         [0115]    The enzyme isolating unit  302  is configured by a column mounting part  2 , fluid drive part  4 , system solution bottle  5 , waste solution bottle  6 , and an fixing part (not shown in the drawing) for attaching the multiple column  100  installed in the column mounting part  2  as shown in  FIG. 1  of the first embodiment. Two enzyme isolating units  302  are provided in the third embodiment. 
         [0116]    The phosphorylation processing unit  303  is provided to separately perform predetermined processes on each column (blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103 ) of the multiple column  100  after predetermined processing in the enzyme isolating unit  302 . The phosphorylation processing unit  303  is configured by a column mounting part  2 , fluid drive part  4 , system solution bottle  5 , waste solution bottle  6 , and an fixing part (not shown in the drawing) for separately attaching each column (blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103 ) installed in the column mounting part  2  as shown in  FIG. 1  of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, three phosphorylation processing units  303  are provided to correspond with the three columns of the multiple column  100 . 
         [0117]    The pipette unit  304  (pipette  304   a ), liquid storing unit  305 , waste unit  306 , washing unit  307 , and the frame  308  have the same structures as the pipette unit  203  (pipette  203   a ), liquid storing unit  204 , waste unit  205 , washing unit  206 , and the frame  207  of the second embodiment. 
         [0118]    The detecting unit  309  has the function of measuring the fluorescent intensity of measurement samples which have been subjected to predetermined processing in the phosphorylation processing unit  309 . A container (not shown in the drawing) is provided in the detecting unit  309  to receive the measurement sample. 
         [0119]    The control device  310  includes a controller  310   a  configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM and the like, as well as a display  310   b , and keyboard  310   c . The display  310   b  is provided to display analysis results and the like obtained by analyzing the digital signal data received from the detecting unit  309  through the controller  311 . 
         [0120]    The structure of the control device  310  is described below. As shown in  FIG. 19 , the control device  310  is a computer  320  which is mainly provided with the controller  310   a , display  310   b , and keyboard  310   c . The controller  310   a  is mainly configured by a CPU  320   a , ROM  320   b , RAM  320   c , hard disk  320   d , reading device  320   e , input/output interface  320   f , communication interface  320   g , and image output interface  320   h . The CPU  320   a , ROM  320   b , RAM  320   c , hard disk  320   d , reading device  320   e , input/output interface  320   f , communication interface  320   g , and image output interface  320   h  are connected by a bus  320   i.    
         [0121]    The CPU  320   a  is capable of executing computer programs stored in the ROM  320   b , and computer programs loaded in the RAM  320   c . The computer  320  functions as the control device  310  when the CPU  320   a  executes an application program  330   a , which is described later. 
         [0122]    The ROM  320   b  is configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or the like, and stores computer programs executed by the CPU  320   a  and data and the like used in conjunction therewith. 
         [0123]    The RAM  320   c  is configured by SRAM, DRAM or the like. The RAM  320   c  is used when reading the computer program recorded in the ROM  320   b  and on the hard drive  320   d . The RAM  320   c  is also used as the work area of the CPU  32   a  when the computer programs are executed. 
         [0124]    The hard drive  320   d  contains various installed computer programs to be executed by the CPU  320   a  such as an operating system and application programs and the like, as well as data used in the execution of these computer programs. The application program  330   a  which is used in the third embodiment to measure the activity of proteins related to the cell cycle in the third is also installed on the hard disk  320   d.    
         [0125]    The reading device  320   e  is configured by a floppy disk drive, CD-ROM drive, DVD-ROM drive or the like, and is capable of reading the computer programs and data recorded on a portable recording medium  330 . Furthermore, the portable recording medium  330  may also store the application program  330   a  which is used to measure the activity of proteins related to the cell cycle, such that the computer  320  is capable of reading the application program  330   a  from the portable recording medium  330  and installing the application program  330   a  on the hard disk  320   d.    
         [0126]    The application program  330   a  can be provided not only by the portable recording medium  330 , it also may be provided from an external device that is connected to the computer over an electric communication line so as to be capable of communication by means of this electric communication line (wire line or wireless). For example, the application program  330   a  may be stored on the hard disk of a server computer connected to the internet, such that the computer  320  can access the server computer and download the application program  330   a , and then install the application program  330   a  on the hard disk  320   d.    
         [0127]    Also installed on the hard disk  320   d  is an operating system providing a graphical user interface, such as, for example, Windows®, a product of Microsoft Corporation, U.S.A. In the following description, the application program  330   a  of the third embodiment operates on such an operating system. 
         [0128]    The input/output interface  320   f  is configured by a serial interface such as a USB, IEEE1394, RS232C or the like, parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, IEEE1284 or the like, analog interface such as a D/A converter, A/D converter or the like. The keyboard  310   c  is connected to the input/output interface  320   f , so that a user can input data to the computer  320  using the keyboard  310   c.    
         [0129]    The communication interface  320   g  is, for example, an Ethernet® interface. The computer  320  is capable of sending and receiving data to/from the controller  311  using a predetermined communication protocol by means of this communication interface  320   g.    
         [0130]    The image output interface  320   h  is connected to the display  310   b  which is configured by configured by an LCD, CRT or the like, so that image signals corresponding to the image data received from the CPU  320   a  can be output to the display  310   b . The display  310  displays an image (screen) in accordance with the input image signals. 
         [0131]    The application program  330   a , which is used to measure the activity of proteins related to the cell cycle and is installed on the hard disk  320   d  of the controller  310   a , determines the activity value of proteins related to the cell cycle using the fluorescent intensity (digital signal data) pf a measurement sample received from the detecting unit  309 . 
         [0132]    The controller  311  is configured to control the enzyme isolating unit  302 , phosphorylation processing unit  303 , pipette unit  304 , and detecting unit  309 . The fluorescent intensity (digital signal data) measured in the detecting unit  309  is configured to be sent to the control device  310 . A predetermined signal is sent from the controller  310   a  of the control device  310  to the controller  311  by an operation, such as instructing the user to start analysis, which is performed in the control device  310 . This signal is received by the controller  311 , which then executes the operation of each unit. The structure of the controller  311  is identical to the structure of the controller  8  shown in  FIG. 13  of the first embodiment, and further description is therefore omitted. 
         [0133]    The flow of the analysis process performed by the controller  311  and the controller  310   a  of the analyzer  301  of the third embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to  FIGS. 17 ,  18 , and  20 . 
         [0134]    When the user turns ON the power source (not shown in the drawings) of the control device  310 , the controller  310   a  is initialized (program is initialized), and the power source of the analyzing unit  301   a  is turned ON in step S 201 . In step S 202 , the controller  310   a  sends the initialization signal of the analyzing unit  301   a  to the controller  311 . 
         [0135]    The controller  311  then determines in step S 301  whether or not the initialization signal of the analysis unit  301   a  has been received. This determination is repeated when an initialization signal has not been received. When the initialization signal has been received, initialization is performed in step S 302  which is identical to the initialization of step S 102  of  FIG. 17  of the second embodiment. Thereafter, the end of initialization and an instruction to install the multiple column  100  in the enzyme isolating unit  302  are displayed on the display  310   b  of the control device  310 . 
         [0136]    The user sees the display on the display  310   b , and sets the multiple column  100  in the enzyme isolating unit  302 . Then the user inputs to the control device  310  that the multiple column  100  has been installed in the enzyme isolating unit  302 . The controller  310   a  then determines in step S 203  whether or not mounting completion input for the multiple column  100  has been received. This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When the input has been received, a first installation completion signal is sent to the controller  311  in step S 204 . 
         [0137]    The controller  311  then determines in step S 303  whether or not the first installation completion signal has been received. This determination is repeated when the first installation completion signal has not been received. When the first installation completion signal has been received, the enzyme isolating unit  302  captures the enzyme in step S 304  in the same manner as steps S 104  through S 122  of the second embodiment. The user is informed of the sample preparation completion and instructed to remove the multiple column  100  via the display  310   b.    
         [0138]    After the enzyme has been isolated, the multiple column  100  is disassembled to the individual columns (blank column  101 , first column  102 , second column  103 ), and the disassembled columns are moved to the three phosphorylation processing units  303 . the installation of the columns in the three phosphorylation units  302  is then input in the control device  310 . In step S 205 , the controller  310   a  determines whether or not installation completion input for each column (blank column  101 , first column  102 , second column  103 ) has been received. This determination is repeated when an input has not been received. When the input has been received, a second installation completion signal is sent to the controller  311  in step S 206 . 
         [0139]    The controller  311  then determines in step S 305  whether or not the second installation completion signal has been received. This determination is repeated when the second installation completion signal has not been received. When the second installation completion signal has been received, a substrate solution is sucked from the liquid storing unit  305  (refer to  FIG. 18 ) and 60 μL is dispensed to each column loaded in the phosphorylation processing unit  303  in step S 306 . In steps S 307  and S 308 , the substrate solution is sucked and discharged by vertical strokes of the piston  41   a . Thus, an enzyme reaction is initiated between the enzymes isolated by the carriers  101   h ,  102   d , and  103   d  of each column (blank column  101 , first column  102 , second column  103 ) and the substrate in the substrate solution. The discharged solution contains a product that reflects the activity of each enzyme. The pipette  304   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  307 . 
         [0140]    In step S 309 , a fluorescent labeling reagent is sucked from the liquid storing unit  305  and 20 μL is dispensed to each column by the pipette  304   a . Subsequently, the product which reflects enzyme activity and the fluorescent labeling reagent are reacted by standing for approximately 20 minutes. The pipette  304   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  307 . 
         [0141]    In step S 310 , a labeling reaction quenching reagent is sucked from the liquid storing unit  305  and 200 μL is dispensed to each column by the pipette  304   a . Then the excess fluorescent labeling reagent and the labeling reaction quenching reagent are reacted by standing for approximately 3 minutes to complete the fluorescent labeling process. The pipette  304   a  is thereafter washed in the washing unit  307 . 
         [0142]    In step S 311 , the product of the fluorescent labeling process is sucked by the pipette  304   a  and discharged to a container (not shown in the drawings) of the detecting unit  309 . In step S 312 , the fluorescent intensity of the product of the fluorescent labeling process held in the container is measured. In step S 313 , the measurement results (digital data) are sent from the controller  311  to the controller  310   a , and the processing by the controller  311  ends. 
         [0143]    Then the controller  310   a  determines in step S 207  whether or not the measurement results have been received. This determination is repeated when the measurement results have not been received. When the measurement results have been received, the received data are analyzed by the controller  310   a  in step S 208 . Then in step S 209 , the analysis results are displayed on the display  310   b  and the processing by the controller  310   a  ends. 
         [0144]    A sample is analyzed in this way in the third embodiment. 
         [0145]    In the third embodiment, each column (blank column  101 , first column  102 , second column  103 ) of the multiple column  100  used to isolate enzymes from a sample in each carrier ( 101   h ,  102   d ,  103   d ) in the enzyme isolating unit  302  is moved to the phosphorylation processing unit  303 , and phosphorylation and fluorescent labeling of the enzymes isolated in the enzyme isolating unit  302  is performed in the phosphorylation processing unit  303 . Thus, the fluorescent intensity of the enzymes subjected to fluorescent labeling can be measured and the phosphorylation activity of the enzymes can be measured in the detecting unit  309 . 
         [0146]    The embodiments of the present disclosure are not to be considered limited to the examples in any aspect. The scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the claims and not by the description of the embodiments, and may be modified insofar as such modification remains within the scope, meanings and equivalences of the claims. 
         [0147]    For example, although the multiple column  100  is described by way of example of three connected columns of a blank column  101 , first column  102 , and second column  103  in the embodiments above, the present invention is not limited to this configuration inasmuch as two columns or four columns or more than four columns may also be used. 
         [0148]    Although monolithic silica is used as a carrier installed in a column in the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to this usage inasmuch as sepharose beads may also be used as a carrier.