Measuring instrument using centrifugal force

Both application of centrifugal force to a biosensor and electrical connection with an electrode of the biosensor can be achieved with a simple structure. The electrode of the biosensor and a measuring part are connected without aligning a rotational position of the rotary table. The centrifugal measuring apparatus 1 is provided with a rotary table 2 that is driven by a motor, a retainer 3 to hold a biosensor accommodating a sample inside on the rotary table, an urged contact part 4 that establishes electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor in such a manner as being elastically biased to abut against the electrode, a measuring part 8 that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor, and a connector part 7 that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part 4 and the measuring part 8. A contact having a circular shape is utilized to establish electrical connection between the rotary table 2 on which the biosensor 20 is mounted and the fixture side, thereby enabling an electrical connection therebetween irrespective of a position of the biosensor on the rotary table, when the rotary table is stopped.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a measuring apparatus that applies centrifugal force to a sample for carrying out a measurement. More particularly, it relates to a measuring apparatus that is applicable to a measuring instrument used in a blood test and the like, for example, which centrifugally separates a blood sample and analyzes blood components being obtained.

2. Description of the Related Art

In a blood test in the field of clinical diagnosis, a disease state of a subject, a recovery condition after treatment, and the like are grasped, by means of analyzing a specific component of the blood being collected. Generally, in the blood test as described above, the blood being collected is separated by component, and analysis is conducted only on the component containing a substance to be analyzed. In many cases, a serum component is considered as a target item for checking in a biochemical examination of blood.

In measuring and analyzing a sample such as blood, there is known a measuring apparatus that centrifugally separates components contained in the sample by using centrifugal force, so as to measure a component being separated. For instance, the blood being collected is subjected to a centrifugal separation, to obtain blood serum and the like by separating erythrocyte, leucocyte, lymphocyte, platelet, and blood coagulation factors, and the blood serum and the like are each taken into test tubes. Then, with respect to each, concentration of pH, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and the like, are measured by a chemical sensor. In addition, a test reagent such as enzyme is injected and an emission reaction with a substrate in the blood serum is subjected to spectroscopy or absorption spectroscopy (for example, see Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2003-107080, paragraphs 0002 and 0020, hereinafter, referred to as “patent document 1”).

In addition to the above method where the component centrifugally separated is injected in each test tube and the analysis is conducted therein, there is also known a technique for the blood analysis, which uses an apparatus called a biosensor. This biosensor has a structure to collect a sample and also transport the sample being collected to an analysis part. Centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor while keeping the sample inside, thereby transporting the sample being collected to the analysis part within the biosensor, and further the sample is subjected to the centrifugal separation within the analysis part. Furthermore, as a way of example, a reagent may be provided within the analysis part, enabling an analysis by reaction of a component with the reagent.

As a representative example of testing equipment used for examination at home, a device for SMBG (Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose) has been developed, which measures glucose concentration in blood (blood glucose level). In the examination employing the SMBG device broadly used these days, the subject oneself stabs a fingertip or an arm with paracentesis needle, and a small amount of blood sample having bled is utilized.

To be exact, the blood glucose level indicates glucose concentrations in the serum. The most common method for measuring the glucose concentrations is the one which utilizes an enzyme electrode. In this measuring method, a whole blood sample being collected is fed into a biosensor, and it is subjected to a measurement. The biosensor has an enzyme reaction layer inside. According to an amperometric measuring method, the enzyme reaction layer measures a current in accordance with the glucose concentration in the serum without hemolyzing the blood cell. In this measuring method, the concentration of a particular component in the serum is measured without separating the blood cell component.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-310973, pages 6 to 8, hereinafter, referred to as “patent document 2”, discloses an electrochemical biosensor as a simple instrument for measuring blood glucose level, which measures the glucose concentration in the whole blood sample collected from human. This biosensor is provided with a suction port for sucking a sample, and when the whole blood sample as a sample is provided to this suction port, the whole blood sample is sucked into a suction cavity called as a capillary fill chamber, by means of capillary phenomenon. This sucking into the suction cavity is performed by letting the air in the suction cavity out of a vent hole which is formed in the recesses of the suction cavity.

A working electrode and a counter electrode are arranged in this suction cavity. These electrodes obtain a measured current value being correlated with the glucose concentration, in a condition that the whole blood sample includes a blood cell component. Based on this measured current value, the blood glucose level can be measured easily.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-109082, pages 6 to 9, hereinafter, referred to as “patent document 3”, discloses a biosensor for blood analysis which performs a plasma separation by centrifugal operation. A flow channel of the biosensor for blood analysis is provided with a portion where a blood cell component is accumulated in the centrifugal direction upon centrifugal separation. With the centrifugal separation, the blood cell component is accumulated on the bottom, and a plasma component is separated as supernatant. In order to introduce the whole blood sample obtained from the subject as a sample, this biosensor is provided with an external pump at an outlet port, and the whole blood sample is suctioned by the suction negative pressure from the blood suction port. Similarly, it is also configured such that the plasma component after the centrifugal separation is transferred to an analytical position by the suction negative pressure from the external pump. In addition, the blood analyzer disclosed in the patent document 1 includes a configuration to apply centrifugal force by rotating the biosensor having an electrode, and the electrode of the biosensor is brought into electrical contact with a point of contact.

In the blood analyzer disclosed in the patent document 1 as described above, the biosensor is mounted on a rotary table, and centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor by turning this rotary table. There is also a configuration that an opening is provided on the rotary table to establish electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor, and a contact for measurement is made to move up and down through this opening part.

In this configuration, when the rotary table is to be rotated, the contact for measurement is moved down, and centrifugal force can be applied to the biosensor by turning the rotary table without an interference with the contact. When the measurement is performed, the rotary table is brought to a halt, then, the contact for measurement is raised by passing through the aforementioned opening, and electrical connection is established with the electrode of the biosensor.

According to this configuration, both application of centrifugal force and measurement via the electrode, targeting a sample taken into the biosensor, can be performed within one biosensor. Therefore, an operation to move the sample is unnecessary, thereby achieving a configuration suitable for an automatic analysis.

In the measuring device using centrifugal force, electrical connection between the contact for measurement and the electrode of biosensor is necessary, when the measurement is carried out. Generally, when the rotary table is stopped having been rotating at a high speed, without any control, a position where the rotary table being stopped is random in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in the above configuration for measurement, generally, the stop position of the contact for measurement is not always opposed to the electrode of the biosensor. It is thus required to align the contact for measurement with the position being opposed to the electrode of the biosensor.

FIG. 20AtoFIG. 20Dare illustrations to explain a positional relationship between the contact for measurement and the electrode of the biosensor in the conventional measuring device utilizing centrifugal force.FIG. 20Aillustrates that the biosensor111is being mounted on the rotary table102. The biosensor110is fixed on and held by a retainer103that is provided on the board face of the rotary table102. The biosensor110receives centrifugal force generated by turning the rotary table102rotatably supported by the rotary shaft101, and the sample stored inside is centrifugally separated (FIG. 20B). After the centrifugal separation is finished, the turning of the rotary table102is brought to a halt. Then, the rotational position of the rotary table is adjusted for alignment, whereby the electrode111of the biosensor110is electrically connected to the contact for measurement104(FIG. 20C). In the state where the electrode111of the biosensor110and the contact for measurement104are electrically connected, the electrode111is energized and simultaneously a measured current is checked (FIG. 20D). In order to establish the electrical connection between the electrode111of the biosensor110and the contact for measurement114, alignment is necessary at the time of halt as shown inFIG. 20C.

As a way of example to align the contact for measurement with a position opposed to the electrode of the biosensor, there is a configuration to install a controller to control the rotation of the rotary table, or a configuration to employ a stepping motor.

However, installation of such controller to control the rotation may be a factor that increases the cost of the device. This rise in cost by installing the controller may become more pronounced, as a rotating speed of the rotary table is set to be higher. If the stepping motor is employed, it is possible to control the stop position, but the rotating speed is hardly set to be high. Therefore, it is not applicable when large centrifugal force is to be applied.

In order to address the problems as described above, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple configuration which both applies centrifugal force to the biosensor and establishes electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor. The present invention further aims at establishing connection between the electrode of the biosensor and the measuring part, without an alignment of the rotational position of the rotary table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the present invention uses a circular contact to establish electrical connection between a rotary table side where a biosensor is mounted, and a fixture side. When the rotary table is brought to a halt, the configuration above enables the electrical connection between the rotary table side and the fixture side, irrespective of a position of the biosensor mounted on the rotary table. Accordingly, both application of centrifugal force to the biosensor and electrical connection with the electrode of the biosensor can be achieved with a simple structure.

A first embodiment of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is directed to a configuration in which a circular contact is provided on the rotary table side to establish electrical connection between the rotary table side and the fixture side. A second embodiment of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is directed to a configuration in which the circular contact is provided on the fixture side.

The first embodiment of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect the present invention includes a rotary table that is driven by a motor, a retainer that holds on the rotary table a biosensor accommodating a sample inside, an urged contact part that abuts against an electrode of the biosensor with a biased force to establish electrical connection, a measuring part that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor, and a connector part that selectively establishes the electrical connection between the urged contact and the measuring part.

In the first embodiment, a circular contact which is electrically connected with the urged contact part is provided along the circumference of the rotary table, or along the circumference of a rotary shaft of a rotor that is placed coaxially with the rotary table. Furthermore, a connector part provided on the fixture side has a movable contact that is capable of freely coming into contact with or separating from the circular contact at any position on the circle of the circular contact.

In the first embodiment, when the circular contact described above is brought into contact with the movable contact, connection between the biosensor and the measuring part externally provided can be established irrespective of a stop position of the rotary table. According to the connection between the circular contact and the movable contact, the biosensor is energized and a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor is transmitted to the measuring part.

When the rotary table is rotated, the connector part moves the movable contact to be separated from the circular contact. In this separated condition, the rotary table is allowed to rotate at high speed without any influence of contact with the connector part. By rotating the rotary table at high speed, large centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor mounted on the rotary table. This centrifugal force enables the sample within the biosensor to be subjected to centrifugal separation.

On the other hand, when the rotary table is brought to a halt, the connector part moves the movable contact to abut against the circular contact, or the circular contact is made to abut against the movable contact. According to this abutment therebetween, the movable contact and the circular contact are brought into contact with each other, and the biosensor is energized and a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor is transmitted to the measuring part.

In establishing a contact between the movable contact and the circular contact, the circular contact is provided on the rotating member side, such as the rotary table or the rotor provided coaxially with the rotary table. Therefore, the point of contact can be positioned at any place on the circle of the circular contact. With this configuration, when the rotary table stops at any rotational position with respect to the measuring part side, the movable contact is allowed to come into contact with the circular contact to establish electrical connection, irrespective of the stop position. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the stop position of the rotary table for the alignment with the contact position.

It is to be noted that the biosensor applied to the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a biosensor that is provided with a suction cavity to suck a certain amount of sample by capillary phenomenon, for example.

The circular contact provided in the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include multiple circular contacts placed at positions each displaced in the axial direction, on either the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface of a cylindrical body or a cone, which is arranged coaxially with the rotary table. Alternatively, the circular contact may be provided on the board face of the rotary table, and multiple circular contacts may be placed, respectively having different diameters concentrically.

The urged contact part provided in the retainer is electrically connected with the circular contact by wiring such as flexible wiring or printed wiring, which is placed on the rotary table, as a way of example.

The movable contact includes an elastic contact such as a contact spring, and a moving mechanism that enables the elastic contact to move freely towards the circular contact.

When connection is to be established, the moving mechanism moves the elastic contact to approach the circular contact and abut thereto. Upon this abutment, the elastic contact comes into contact with the circular contact using the elasticity of the elastic contact. Therefore, favorable contact condition can be maintained, as well as a positional error is compensated. On the other hand, when connection is not established, the moving mechanism moves the elastic contact in a direction separating from the circular contact.

The second embodiment of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the present invention includes, similar to the first embodiment, a rotary table that is driven by a motor, a retainer that holds a biosensor on the rotary table, an urged contact part that abuts against an electrode of the biosensor with a biased force to establish electrical connection, a measuring part that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor, and a connector part that selectively establishes the electrical connection between the urged contact and the measuring part.

In the second embodiment, a point of contact electrically connected to the urged contact part is provided on a circle along the circumference of the rotary shaft of the rotary table. The connector part is provided with a circular movable contact that freely comes into contact with and separates from the point of contact on the rotary table at any circular position.

In the second embodiment, since the point of contact as described above is brought into contact with the circular movable contact, the biosensor is allowed to be connected with the measuring part externally provided, irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table. The biosensor is energized via the connection between the point of contact and the circular movable contact, as well as a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor is transmitted to the measuring part.

When the rotary table is rotated, the connector part moves so that the point of contact and the circular movable contact separate from each other. In this separated condition, the rotary table is allowed to rotate at high speed without any influence of contact with the connector part. By rotating the rotary table at high speed, large centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor mounted on the rotary table. This centrifugal force enables the sample within the biosensor to be subjected to centrifugal separation.

On the other hand, when the rotary table is brought to a halt, the connector part makes the point of contact to abut against the circular movable contact, or the circular movable contact is made to abut against the point of contact. According to this abutment therebetween, the point of contact and the circular movable contact are brought into contact with each other, and the biosensor is energized and a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor is transmitted to the measuring part.

In establishing a contact between the point of contact and the circular movable contact, the circular movable contact is provided on a fixture side member. Therefore, a contact position of the rotary table or the rotor coaxially provided can be set at any point on a circle of the circular movable contact. With this configuration, when the rotary table stops at any rotational position with respect to the measuring part side, the point of contact is allowed to come into contact with the circular movable contact to establish electrical connection, irrespective of the stop position. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust the stop position of the rotary table for the alignment with the contact position.

In the second embodiment, multiple circular movable contacts are provided on a surface of a member opposed to the rotary table, respectively with different diameters concentrically, the member having a function of freely coming into contact with or separating from the rotary table, in such a manner as opposed to the rotary table. The circular movable contacts are also provided with a moving mechanism that is movable towards the point of contact on the rotary table. This moving mechanism allows the circular movable contacts to come into contact with and separate from the point of contact on the rotary table. A solenoid may constitute the moving mechanism.

In both the first and second embodiments of the present invention, the connector part energizes the electrode of the biosensor and transmits a measured signal from the electrode to the measuring part, via the circular contact. Furthermore, the moving mechanism may include a solenoid. The retainer may be provided with a concave part to store the biosensor on the board face of the rotary table, and the urged contact part may be provided on the bottom or on the side surface of the concave part. The urged contact part may include a contact pin that comes into contact with the electrode, and a spring to elastically urge the contact pin in a predetermined direction. The rotary table may be driven by a DC motor.

Here, the contact pin of the urged contact part is not necessarily provided with the spring. For example, another configuration is possible such as generating a contact pressure with the contact pin, when the biosensor is fixed.

According to the centrifugal measuring apparatus of the present invention, even with a simple structure, the electrode of the biosensor can be connected with the measuring part without aligning the rotational position of the rotary table. In addition, application of centrifugal force to the biosensor can be performed with this simple structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Firstly, a first embodiment of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention will be explained. Here, it is to be noted thatFIG. 1toFIG. 10illustrate a first configuration example of the first embodiment,FIG. 11toFIG. 12Cillustrate a second configuration example of the first embodiment, andFIG. 13toFIG. 15Cillustrate a third configuration of the first embodiment.

FIG. 1is a schematic illustration to explain the first configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

The centrifugal measuring apparatus1is provided with a rotary table2that is rotationally driven by a DC motor9as a way of example, a retainer3to hold a biosensor20on the rotary table2, an urged contact part4that is elastically biased to abut against an electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) provided on the biosensor20and establishes electrical connection with the electrode, a measuring part8that measures a signal from the electrode of the biosensor20, and a connector part7that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part4and the measuring part8.

The DC motor9rotates the rotary table2at high speed, thereby applying centrifugal force to the biosensor20held by the retainer3of the rotary table2. The biosensor20accommodates a sample inside. When centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor20, the sample being collected is moved to the interior of an analytical cavity, and further the sample is subjected to the centrifugal separation within the analytical cavity. In addition, an enzyme reaction layer is provided within the analysis cavity, and a component being centrifugally separated is subjected to an electrochemical measurement. The electrochemical measurement is performed by energizing the electrode provided in the biosensor20, and simultaneously deriving a measured signal detected in the electrode to the measuring part8that is prepared externally. It is further possible to place a counter balance31on the rotary table2, at a diametrically opposed location to the retainer3via the central axis.

The urged contact part4provided on the rotary table2is electrically connected to the electrode of the biosensor20held by the retainer3, by bringing a contact pin into contact with the electrode.

On the other hand, a circular contact part6is placed on the circumference of the rotor10that is coaxial with the rotary table2. The circular contact part6may be provided by placing multiple circular contacts6ato6dwith a predetermined distance therebetween in the axial direction of the rotor10. The number of the circular contacts6ato6dmay be equal to the number of the electrodes of the biosensor20and the contacts of the urged contact part4, whereby electrical connection is established between the points of contact of the urged contact part4and the circular contacts, respectively. The circular contact part6is electrically connected to the urged contact part4via wiring5such as flexible wiring and printed wiring placed on the rotary table2and the rotor10. The rotary table2and the rotor10are rotated integrally, along with the rotation of the motor9.

The number of the circular contacts6ato6dis determined according to the number of the points of contact in the urged contact part4. The number of the points of contact in the urged contact part4is determined according to the number of points of contact in the biosensor20. It is to be noted that the number of the point of contact in the urged contact part4does not necessarily correspond to the number of the point of contact in the biosensor20. If a ground or another contact is added to the urged contact part4, the number of the points of contact in the urged contact part4will be equal to the number obtained by adding the number of these extra contacts to the number of the point of contact in the biosensor20.

The connector part7is provided with a movable contact part7A having multiple contacts. The movable contact part7A is capable of freely coming into contact with and separating from the circular contact part6, and includes movable contacts7ato7dthat are allowed to contact respectively with the circular contacts6ato6d. The movable contacts7ato7dare configured to be movable by using a solenoid or a motor (not illustrated). By driving the solenoid or the motor, the movable contacts7ato7dare allowed to abut against the circular contacts6ato6d, thereby establishing electrical connection, or releasing the electrical connection by separating the movable contacts from the circular contacts.

The connector part7is connected to the measuring part8. The electrode provided in the biosensor20is energized, via the connector part7, from the measuring part8or a power source not illustrated, and a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor20is transmitted to the measuring part8via the connector part7. The rotary table2and the rotor10are turned by the motor9, whereas the connector part and the measuring part8are fixed. It is to be noted here, as a way of example, the connector part7and the measuring part8may be connected via wiring8A.

The circular contact part6and the urged contact part4are electrically connected via the wiring5provided on the rotary table2and the rotor10. Therefore, even in the case where the rotary table2and the rotor10are turned and a rotational position is changed, electrical relationship among the circular contact part6, the urged contact part4, and the contact part7are unchanged, since there is only a change in contact points on the circular contact part6.

In the configuration above, when the rotary table2is rotated, the connector part7is driven to bring the movable contacts7ato7dinto a state being separated from the circular contacts6ato6d. Centrifugal force generated by rotating the rotary table2is applied to the sample within the biosensor20. This centrifugal force moves the sample collected in the biosensor20into the analytical cavity, as well as centrifugally separates the sample within the analytical cavity.

On the other hand, when the rotary table2is brought to a halt, the connector part7moves the movable contacts7ato7dtoward the circular contacts6ato6d, and they are brought into the state of contact. With this contact, the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8are electrically connected via the connector part7.

As described above, since the electrical relationship between the circular contact part6and the connector part7is kept unchanged irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2and the rotor10. Therefore, alignment of the movable contacts of the connector part7with the circular contact part6becomes unnecessary. InFIG. 1, only one retainer3is shown, but it is further possible to provide multiple retainers on one rotary table. In the case above, the retainers are placed at diametrically opposed locations across the rotation center, or a counter balance is provided, in order to achieve a rotating balance of the rotary table.

FIG. 2AtoFIG. 2Care side views each including a partial sectional view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2Aillustrates a halt state when the biosensor is mounted and held thereon.FIG. 2Billustrates a rotating state while the biosensor is being held.FIG. 2Cillustrates that the rotation is brought to a halt.FIG. 3AtoFIG. 3Dare schematic plan views, viewed from the top of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3Aillustrates a halt state when the biosensor is mounted and held thereon.FIG. 3Billustrates that the biosensor is held and rotated.FIG. 3CandFIG. 3Dillustrate that the rotation is brought to a halt and a measurement is carried out.

InFIG. 2A, the rotary table2and the rotor10are rotatably supported via the DC motor9on the base30, and the connector part7and the measuring part8are fixed thereon. Multiple circular contacts6ato6dare placed with a predetermined distance therebetween on the outer circumferential surface of the rotor10along its axial direction, the rotor being coaxial with the rotary table2. The movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A provided on the connector part7are placed in such a manner as being opposed respectively to the circular contacts6ato6dplaced on the rotor10. A drive mechanism allows the movable contacts7ato7dto come into contact with or separate from the circular contacts6ato6d.

InFIG. 2AandFIG. 3A, the biosensor20is mounted on the retainer and held thereon.

Then, a contact pin (not illustrated in this Figure) of the urged contact part4provided on the retainer3side is made to abut against the electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) of the biosensor20, thereby establishing electrical connection. Accordingly, the electrode of the biosensor20is electrically connected with the circular contacts6ato6dvia the urged contact part4and the wiring5.

FIG. 2BandFIG. 3Billustrate that the rotary table2and the rotor10are rotated while the biosensor20is held on the retainer3. Upon rotating, the connector part7moves in the direction to set each movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A to separate from the circular contacts6ato6d, and a high speed rotation is possible in the condition that the rotary table2and the rotor10are not in contact with the movable contacts7ato7d.

With the rotation of the rotary table2, centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor20held in the retainer3, and the sample in the biosensor20is moved and subjected to centrifugal separation.

After the centrifugal separation is finished, rotation of the rotary table2is brought to a halt, and a measurement is carried out while holding the biosensor20in the retainer3of the rotary table2.FIG. 2C,FIG. 3C, andFIG. 3Deach illustrate the state of this measurement. In the state of the measurement, the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A of the connector part7are moved and made to abut against the circular contacts6ato6d, respectively. With the contact between the movable contacts7ato7drespectively with the circular contacts6ato6d, electrical connection is established between the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8.

As described above, since the circular contacts6ato6dare disposed on the circumference of the rotor10, electrical connection between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6dcan be established by moving the movable contacts7ato7d, irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2and the rotor10.FIG. 3CandFIG. 3Dillustrate that the rotary table2has stopped at different rotational positions. The electrical connection is established by the contact between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6d. Therefore, even when the rotary table2stops at a different rotational position, the contact can be established just by moving the movable contacts7ato7dtowards the circular contacts6ato6d, without alignment of the rotational position.

Therefore, while the biosensor20is kept on the centrifugal measuring apparatus1, centrifugal separation and measurement thereafter can be continuously performed.

With reference toFIG. 4AtoFIG. 4C, there will be explained one configuration example of the biosensor20, the retainer3, and the urged contact part4, which are used for the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention.

The biosensor20has a structure obtained by bonding a lower plate28and an electrode substrate27together.FIG. 4Ais a schematic perspective view of the biosensor20,FIG. 4Bis a schematic perspective view of the retainer3, andFIG. 4Cis a schematic perspective view if the biosensor20that is held in the retainer3.

A suction port21is provided on one side surface of the biosensor20, and an air vent22is provided on the other side surface. There is provided an opening from the suction port21to the air vent22, the opening being formed by a portion sandwiched between the lower plate28and the electrode substrate27. This opening is a suction cavity23, which is a space to suck a sample such as a certain amount of blood and to retain the sample temporarily. It is configured such that the blood as a sample is sucked from the suction port21by capillary phenomenon, and the air inside the suction cavity23is discharged from the air vent22. After the suction is finished, the suction cavity23is filled with the blood. It is to be noted here that either of those openings may be defined as the suction port21or the air vent22optionally. Therefore, the opening of reference numeral21may be defined as the air vent, and the opening of reference numeral22may be defined as the suction port.

A suction cavity part connecting to the suction port21and a suction cavity part connecting to the air vent22are joined inside the biosensor20, and further connected to a flow channel25directing to an analytical cavity24.

The analytical cavity24is provided with a reagent to analyze the blood. When centrifugal force larger than a predetermined level is applied from the outside to the sample such as the blood, the sample is flown into the flow channel25from the suction cavity23, and further introduced into the analytical cavity24via the flow channel25. At this time, a part of the air existing in the analytical cavity24passes through the flow channel25and the suction cavity23, to escape to the outside of the analytical cavity24. The blood flown into the analytical cavity24is reacted with the reagent for analysis.

There is a connector window (not illustrated) on the backside of the biosensor20. Here, it is assumed that the electrode substrate27side is defined as a front side, and the lower plate28side is defined as a backside, but the front and back sides are defined as such for descriptive purposes. Therefore, the front-back side relationship may be defined the other way around.

InFIG. 4BandFIG. 4C, the urged contact part4is placed in the recess of the connector window. The urged contact part4includes contact pins4A (4ato4d) that are arranged on a substrate4B. The contact pins4A are contact terminals that are elastically biased by a spring or the like, and they establish electrical connection with the electrodes26placed within the analytical cavity24of the biosensor20. The electrodes26are connected with the circular contact6via the urged contact part4, and the electrodes are further electrically connected with the measuring part8externally provided, via the connector part7as described above, whereby a electrochemical measurement is carried out.

In the configuration above, the electrode substrate27constituting the substrate on which the electrodes are disposed, also serves as an upper plate opposed to the lower plate28.

A configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference toFIG. 5toFIG. 10.FIG. 5is an overall view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus,FIG. 6is a cross sectional view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus,FIG. 7is an illustration showing a state where the rotary table is removed from the centrifugal measuring apparatus,FIG. 8is a cross sectional view of the connector part,FIG. 9is a schematic illustration of the connector part, andFIG. 10is a cross sectional view of the retainer and the urged contact part.

InFIG. 5, the rotary table2and the rotor10being coaxial with the rotary table2are placed on the base30, and they are rotationally driven by the motor. The rotary table2is provided with the retainer3that holds the biosensor20, and the rotor10is provided with the circular contact part6. The rotary table2being illustrated includes a ring shaped part on the outer circumference, and a rib part that links the ring shaped part and the rotation center, and the retainer3is formed on the rib part. The counter balance31is placed on a position of the rib part diametrically opposed to the retainer3across the rotation center.

Furthermore, the connector part7is provided on the base30. The connector part7includes movable contact part7A that electrically connects with the circular contact part6, and a solenoid7B and a lever7C that drive this movable contact part7A. Movement of the solenoid7B is transferred to the movable contact part7A via the lever7C, so as to operate the movable contact part7A to come into contact with or to separate from the circular contact part6.

InFIG. 6, the rotor10being in a shape of cone or cylinder is provided with the circular contact part6on the outer circumferential surface, and it is rotationally driven by the DC motor9that is installed inside. The rotary table2may be configured as a single piece with the rotary10, or being joined to the rotary10, and the rotary table2and the rotor10are integrally subjected to a rotational drive by the DC motor.

FIG. 7shows a state where the rotary table and the rotor are removed and the circular contact part and the connector part are exposed.FIG. 8shows a state where the circular contact part and the connector part are viewed from the side. An electric terminal on one side of the circular contact part6is constantly connected to the contact pin4A of the urged contact part4by the wiring5such as an FPC. An electric terminal on the other side is selectively connected to the movable contact part7A of the connector part7that is placed at a distance from the circular contact part6. The DC motor9is disposed inside the circular contact part6.

The connector part7is slidably mounted on the bracket7D that is fixed on the base30. The bracket7D determines initial positions of the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A provided in the connector part7and the circular contacts6ato6d. The connector part7operates with the solenoid7B via the lever7C. When the solenoid7B moves in a direction, the connector part moves in a direction to be away from the circular contacts6ato6d, and when the solenoid7B moves in the other direction, the connector part moves in a direction approaching the circular contacts6ato6d.

As shown inFIG. 9, movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A are each held elastically with respect to the holder7E. When the solenoid7B is driven, the connector part7moves in the direction approaching the circular contacts6ato6dand comes into contact therewith, whereby electrical connection between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6dis established.

Since the movable contacts7ato7dare held elastically with respect to the holder7E, even when the movable contacts overpass a contact position and have made a move exceedingly towards the circular contacts6ato6dmore than required, this exceeded move amount is absorbed by this elasticity.

It is to be noted that the movable contacts7ato7das shown inFIG. 9are each formed in a dogleg shape. However, the shape of the movable contact may be optionally determined, and it is not limited to this dogleg shape.

InFIG. 10, the biosensor20stored in a concave portion3A of the retainer3is held by a clip3B. The contact pin4A of the urged contact part4is placed on the bottom of the concave portion3A in such a manner as protruding therefrom, and it comes into contact with the electrode of the biosensor20that is stored within the concave potion3A.

Next, with reference toFIG. 11andFIG. 12AtoFIG. 12C, a second configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

A second example of the first embodiment is a configuration in which the circular contact part6is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor10, and the connector part7is placed inside the rotor10. A member for rotationally driving the rotor10is also placed inside the rotor10similar to the first configuration example. Alternatively, if there is not enough space for the DC motor9due to the existence of the connector part7, another configuration is possible such as placing the DC motor9outside the rotor10.

The second configuration example may be the same as the first configuration example, except that the circular contact part6is placed on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor10and the movable contact part7A of the connector part comes into contact with the circular contact part in the interior of the rotor10.

FIG. 12AtoFIG. 12Care side views each including a partial cross sectional view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus of the second configuration example.FIG. 12Aillustrates a halt state when the biosensor is mounted and held thereon.FIG. 12Billustrates a rotating state while the biosensor is being held.FIG. 12Cillustrates that the rotation is brought to a halt.

InFIG. 12A, the rotary table2and the rotor10are rotatably supported on the base30via the DC motor9. The connector part7is placed within the rotor10and the measuring part8is fixed on the base30. Multiple circular contacts6ato6dare provided with a predetermined distance therebetween along the axial direction on the inner circumferential surface of the rotor10that is placed coaxially with the rotary table2. The movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A provided in the connector part7are arranged in such a manner as respectively opposed to the circular contacts6ato6dprovided on the rotor10, and these movable contacts freely come into contact with and separate from the circular contacts6ato6dby a drive mechanism. This configuration is different in positional relationship, but it is approximately the same as the configuration example as shown inFIG. 2.

InFIG. 12A, the biosensor20is mounted and held on the retainer3. Then, a contact pin (not illustrated) of the urged contact part4placed on the retainer3side is made to abut against the electrode (not illustrated) of the biosensor20, whereby electrical connection is established. Accordingly, the electrode of the biosensor20is electrically connected with the circular contacts6ato6dvia the urged contact part4and the wiring5.

FIG. 12Billustrates that the rotary table2and the rotor10are rotated while the biosensor20is being held on the retainer3. During the rotation, the connector part7is moved in the direction to separate the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A from the circular contacts6ato6d, and the rotary table2and the rotor10are allowed to rotate at high speed in the state where the rotary table2and the rotor10are not in contact with the movable contacts7ato7d.

By rotating the rotary table2, centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor20held on the retainer3, and the sample is moved and subjected to the centrifugal separation in the biosensor20.

After the centrifugal separation is finished, the rotation of the rotary table2is brought to a halt, and a measurement is carried out while the biosensor20is kept in the retainer3of the rotary table2.FIG. 12Cillustrates a state where the measurement is carried out. In the state of the measurement, the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A of the connector part7are moved and made to abut against the circular contacts6ato6d, respectively. With the contact between the movable contacts7ato7drespectively with the circular contacts6ato6d, electrical connection is established between the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8.

As described above, since the circular contacts6ato6dare disposed on the circumference of the rotor10, electrical connection between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6dcan be established by moving the movable contacts7ato7d, irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2and the rotor10. The electrical connection is established when the movable contacts7ato7dcome into contact with the circular contacts6ato6d. Therefore, even when the rotary table2stops at a different rotational position, the connection can be established just by moving the movable contacts7ato7dtowards the circular contacts6ato6dto come into contact therewith, without alignment of the rotational position.

Therefore, in the state where the biosensor20is kept on the centrifugal measuring apparatus1, centrifugal separation and a measurement thereafter can be continuously performed.

Next, with reference toFIG. 13toFIG. 15C, a third configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

The third example of the first embodiment has a configuration in which the circular contact part6is provided on a board face of the rotary table2, and the connector part7is provided on a fixed portion that is opposed to the rotary table2in the axial direction. A member for rotationally driving the rotor10may be placed inside the rotor10similar to the first configuration example. Alternatively, similar to the second example, another configuration is possible such as placing the driving member outside the rotor10.

The third configuration example may be approximately the same as the first and second configuration example, except that the circular contact part6is placed on the board face of the rotary table2, this circular contact part6is electrically connected to the urged contact part4via the wiring5, and the movable contact part7A of the connector part7is provided on the side opposed, in the direction of rotary shaft, to the circular contact part6placed on the rotary table2, to come into contact with the circular contact part6.

FIG. 13is an illustration to explain the third configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, only a configuration different from the first and second examples will be explained, and tedious explanation will not be made for the parts in common.

The centrifugal measuring apparatus1is provided with a rotary table2being rotationally driven, a retainer3that holds a biosensor20on the rotary table2, an urged contact part4that abuts against an electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) provided in the biosensor20to establish electrical connection, a measuring part8that measures a signal from the electrode in the biosensor20, and a connector part7that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part4and the measuring part8.

A circular contact part6is arranged on the rotary table2, including circular contacts concentrically provided, in such a manner as being coaxial with the center of the rotation. Each of the circular contacts is electrically connected to the urged contact part4and the wiring5. The urged contact part4brings a contact pin into contact with the electrode, and electric connection with the electrode of the biosensor20held by the retainer3is established. The circular contact part6includes multiple circular contacts6ato6dconcentrically placed on the board face of the rotary table2radially with a predetermined distance therebetween. The number of the circular contacts6ato6dmay be equal to the number of the electrode of the biosensor20and also equal to the number of the point of contact in the urged contact part4, thereby establishing electrical connection with each point of contact in the urged contact part4. The circular contact part6is electrically connected with the urged contact part4by the wiring5such as flexible wiring or printed wiring placed on the rotary table2.

In the meantime, the connector part7is placed on the side being opposed to the rotary table2in the axial direction, and movable contact part7A is provided on the connector part7in such a manner as opposed to the circular contacts6ato6d. The movable contact part7A is allowed to freely come into contact to or separate from the circular contact part6, and provided with movable contacts7ato7dthat are accessible to the circular contacts6ato6d, respectively. For example, a mechanism to make the movable contacts7ato7dto be movable may be configured by providing a lifting and lowering device that moves up and down a member on which the movable contacts7ato7dare provided.

For instance, this lifting and lowering device may be a transfer mechanism (not illustrated in this Figure) utilizing a solenoid.

By driving this transfer mechanism, the movable contacts7ato7dare allowed to abut against the circular contacts6ato6dfor establishing electrical connection, or to separate therefrom for shutting off the electrical connection.

The connector part7is connected to the measuring part8. The electrode in the biosensor20is energized via the connector part7, from the measuring part8or a power source not illustrated, and on the other hand, a measured signal from the electrode of the biosensor20is transferred to the measuring part8via the connector part7.

The rotary table2is turned by a motor (not illustrated in this Figure) whereas the connector part7and the measuring part8are fixed. It is to be noted here, as a way of example, the connector part7and the measuring part8may be connected via wiring8A.

The circular contact part6and the urged contact part4are electrically connected via the wiring5provided on the rotary table2. Therefore, even in the case where the rotary table2is rotated and a rotational position is changed, electrical relationship among the circular contact part6, the urged contact part4, and the connector part7are unchanged, since their positional relationship is changed only about a contact point on the circular contact part6.

In the configuration above, when the rotary table2is rotated, the connector part7is moved down, and some distance is put between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6d. Centrifugal force generated by rotating the rotary table2is applied to the sample within the biosensor20. This centrifugal force moves the sample collected in the biosensor20into the analytical cavity, as well as centrifugally separates the sample within the analytical cavity.

On the other hand, when the rotary table2is brought to a halt, the connector part7is raised, and the movable contacts7ato7dare moved towards the circular contacts6ato6dto come into contact therewith. With this contact, the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8are electrically connected via the connector part7.

As described above, the electrical relationship between the circular contact part6and the connector part7is kept unchanged irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2. Therefore, alignment of the movable contacts of the connector part7with the circular contact part6becomes unnecessary. Though only one retainer3is shown inFIG. 13, another configuration may be possible, such as providing multiple retainers on one rotary table. Also in the case above, the retainers are placed at diametrically opposed locations via the rotation center, or a counter balance is provided, in order to achieve a rotating balance of the rotary table.

FIG. 14Ashows one face of the rotary table2. On this face of the rotary table2, the urged contact part4and the circular contact part6are placed. In the example as shown inFIG. 14A, the circular contact part6is placed concentrically at radially inner side of the urged contact part4. However, the circular contact part6may be placed at a location overlapping the urged contact part4or in the outer side thereof, by configuring the urged contact part4to be built in the rotary table2.

FIG. 14Bshows a configuration of the movable contact part7A on the connector part7. This movable contact part7A is placed on the plane facing to the circular contact part6of the rotary table2, in such a manner as opposed to the circular contact part6. InFIG. 14B, the points of contact of the movable contact part7A are arranged in a line. However, these points of contact of the movable contact part7A may be positioned at any locations as far as the locations are opposed to the circular contacts6ato6d, respectively, and arrangement in a line is not necessarily required.

FIG. 15AtoFIG. 15Care side views each including a partial sectional view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the third configuration example of the present invention.FIG. 15Aillustrates a halt state when the biosensor is mounted and held thereon.FIG. 15Billustrates a rotating state while the biosensor is being held.FIG. 15Cillustrates that the rotation is brought to a halt.

InFIG. 15A, on the base30, the rotary table2is placed that is rotationally driven by the DC motor9. The connector part7and the measuring part8are fixed on the base30.

On the board face of the rotary table2, the face being opposed to the connector part7, multiple circular contacts6ato6dare provided with a predetermined distance therebetween, coaxially with the rotary table2about the rotary shaft.

The movable contacts7ato7dof the connector part7are arranged in such a manner as opposed to the circular contacts6ato6dprovided on the rotary table2, and these movable contacts freely come into contact with and separate from the circular contacts6ato6dby a lifting and lowering mechanism (not illustrated in this Figure). InFIG. 15A, the biosensor20is mounted on the retainer3and held thereon. Then, a contact pin (not illustrated in this Figure) of the urged contact part4placed on the retainer3is made to abut against the electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) of the biosensor20, thereby establishing electrical connection. Accordingly,15the electrode of the biosensor20is electrically connected to the circular contacts6ato6dvia the urged contact part4and the wiring5.

FIG. 15Billustrates a state in which the rotary table2is rotated with the biosensor20being held on the retainer3. During the rotation, the connector part7moved in the direction (lower direction in the figure) to separate the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A respectively from the circular contacts6ato6d, and the rotary table2is allowed to rotate at high speed in the state where the rotary table2is not in contact with the movable contacts7ato7d.

By rotating the rotary table2, centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor20held on the retainer3, and the sample is moved and subjected to the centrifugal separation in the biosensor20.

After the centrifugal separation is finished, the rotation of the rotary table2is brought to a halt, and a measurement is carried out while the biosensor20is kept in the retainer3of the rotary table2.FIG. 15Cillustrates a state where the measurement is carried out. In the state of the measurement, the movable contacts7ato7dof the movable contact part7A of the connector part7are moved and made to abut against the circular contacts6ato6d, respectively. With the contact between the movable contacts7ato7drespectively with the circular contacts6ato6d, electrical connection is established between the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8.

As described above, since the circular contacts6ato6dare disposed at the board face of the rotary table2, electrical connection between the movable contacts7ato7dand the circular contacts6ato6dcan be established by moving the movable contacts7ato7d, irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2. The electrical connection is established when the movable contacts7ato7dcome into contact with the circular contacts6ato6d. Therefore, even when the rotary table2stops at a different rotational position, the connection can be established just by moving the movable contacts7ato7dtowards the circular contacts6ato6dto come into contact therewith, without alignment of the rotational position. Therefore, in the state where the biosensor20is kept on the centrifugal measuring apparatus1, centrifugal separation and a measurement thereafter can be continuously performed.

In the first and second configurations as described above, the length of the rotor becomes longer, as the circular contacts grow in number. On the other hand, according to the third configuration, the length of the rotor can be kept unchanged since the circular contacts are placed on the board face of the rotary table2.

Next, with reference toFIG. 16andFIG. 17, a centrifugal measuring apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be explained. In the second embodiment, the circular contacts are provided on the fixed member side, whereas the first embodiment as described above is directed to a configuration in which the circular contacts are placed on a rotating member such as the rotary table and the rotor.

FIG. 16is a schematic illustration to explain a configuration example of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The second embodiment includes the circular contact part and the movable contact part having a relationship being reverse of the relationship of the third configuration example of the first embodiment as shown inFIG. 13.

Similar to the first embodiment, the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided with a rotary table2being rotationally driven by a motor, a retainer3that holds a biosensor20on the rotary table2, an urged contact part4that abuts against the electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) provided in the biosensor20to establish electrical connection, a measuring part8that measures a signal from the electrode in the biosensor20, and a connector part12that selectively establishes electrical connection between the urged contact part4and the measuring part8.

In the second embodiment, there are provided a point of contacts11that is electrically connected to the urged contact part4, on a circle along the circumference of the rotary shaft of the rotary table2. The connector part12is provided with the circular movable contact12A that freely come into contact with and separate from the point of contact11on the rotary table2, at any circular position.

FIG. 17AtoFIG. 17Care side views each including a partial cross sectional view of the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment.FIG. 17Aillustrates a halt state when the biosensor is mounted and held thereon.FIG. 17Billustrates a rotating state while the biosensor is being held.FIG. 17Cillustrates that the rotation is brought to a halt.

InFIG. 17A, the rotary table2being rotationally driven is placed on the base30. The connector part12and the measuring part8are fixed on the base30.

Multiple circular movable contacts12A are arranged on the side opposed to the points of contact11on the rotary table2, with a predetermined distance therebetween concentrically about the rotary shaft, and these circular movable contacts freely come into contact with and separate from the points of contact11by a lifting and lowering mechanism (not illustrated).

InFIG. 17A, the biosensor20is mounted on the retainer3and held thereon.

Then, a contact pin (not illustrated in this Figure) of the urged contact part4placed on the retainer3is made to abut against the electrode (not illustrated in this Figure) of the biosensor20, thereby establishing electrical connection.

Accordingly, the electrode of the biosensor20is electrically connected to the point of contact11via the urged contact part4and the wiring5.

FIG. 17Billustrates a state in which the rotary table2is rotated while the biosensor20is being held on the retainer3. During the rotation, the connector part7is moved in the direction (lower direction in the figure) to separate the circular movable contact12A from the point of contact11on the rotary table2side, and the rotary table2is allowed to rotate at high speed in the state where the rotary table2is not in contact with the circular movable contact12A.

By rotating the rotary table2, centrifugal force is applied to the biosensor20held on the retainer3, and the sample is moved and subjected to the centrifugal separation in the biosensor20.

After the centrifugal separation is finished, rotation of the rotary table2is brought to a halt, and a measurement is carried out while holding the biosensor20in the retainer3of the rotary table2.FIG. 17Cillustrates the state of this measurement. In the state of the measurement, the circular movable contact12A of the contact part12is moved and made to abut against the point of contact11. With the contact between the circular movable contact12A with the point of contact11, electrical connection is established between the electrode of the biosensor20and the measuring part8.

As described above, since the point of contact11is disposed at the board face of the rotary table2, electrical connection between the circular movable contact12A and the point of contact11can be established by moving the circular movable contact12A, irrespective of the stop position of the rotary table2. The electrical connection is established by the contact between the circular movable contact12A and the point of contact11. Therefore, even when the rotary table2stops at a different rotational position, the contact can be established just by moving the circular movable contact12A towards the point of contact11, to establish contact therebetween, without alignment of the rotational position. Therefore, in the state where the biosensor20is kept on the centrifugal measuring apparatus1, centrifugal separation and a measurement thereafter can be continuously performed.

According to the second embodiment, similar to the third configuration of the first embodiment, the length of the rotor can be kept unchanged since the point of contact is placed on the board face of the rotary table2.

In each of the configuration example as described above, the biosensor20is arranged so that a planar part of the biosensor20is set to be almost horizontal with the rotary table2. However, it is also possible to mount the biosensor20to be set with a predetermined tilt angle with respect to the rotary table2. Alternatively, the planar part of the biosensor20may be set to be almost vertical with the rotary table2.FIG. 18AandFIG. 18Bare illustrations to explain the state how the biosensor20is mounted on the rotary table.

The rotary table2is provided with a concave part3A to store the biosensor20in such a manner that planar part of the biosensor is set to be almost in an upright position. The urged contact part4is provided on the side surface of the concave part3A, and the contact pin4A being elastically urged by a spring or the like protrudes a little towards the inner side of the concave part3A.

FIG. 18Billustrates a state in which the biosensor20is stored within the concave part3A. The electrode20A of the biosensor20is stored within the concave part3A and comes into contact with the contact pin4A, thereby establishing electrical connection. With the arrangement as described above, a large number of biosensors20can be placed on the rotary table2.

FIG. 19AandFIG. 19Bare illustrations to explain a configuration to arrange multiple biosensors on the rotary table.FIG. 19Ashows a configuration example in which two retainers3are provided at diametrically opposed locations to each other across the rotary shaft in the configuration example as shown inFIG. 1, and two biosensors are mounted thereon.FIG. 19Bshows a configuration example in which two retainers3are provided at diametrically opposed locations to each other across the rotary shaft in the configuration example as shown inFIG. 13, and two biosensors are mounted thereon.

It is to be noted that in the examples above, two biosensors are mounted, but another configuration may be possible such as mounting a large number of biosensors, with an arrangement of a large number of retainers3on the rotary table2.

According to the centrifugal measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a step of centrifugal separation and a step of measuring can be continuously performed with the biosensor being held on the rotary table. Furthermore, the measurement can be performed without aligning the rotary table after the step of centrifugal separation is finished.