Patent Publication Number: US-2020300752-A1

Title: Cartridge and detection method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-055286, filed on Mar. 22, 2019, entitled “CARTRIDGE AND DETECTION METHOD”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a cartridge used for detecting light generated from a measurement sample containing a test substance, and a detection method for detecting a test substance using the cartridge. 
     BACKGROUND 
     US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0054563 discloses a microfluidic device  900  in which a plurality of detection microcavities  903   a  to  903   f  connected to a common distribution channel  901  and a common discharge channel  902  are formed as shown in  FIG. 22 . Each detection microcavity  903   a - 903   f  communicates on the upstream side with the same common distribution channel  901 . Each detection microcavity  903   a - 903   f  has an outlet to the common discharge channel  902 . A substance such as a detectable product or reagent is introduced into each of the detection microcavities  903   a  to  903   f . The radiation of the substance held in each of the detection microcavities  903   a  to  903   f  is detected by a detector external to the microfluidic device  900 . 
     US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0054563 points out a problem of “crosstalk” between the detection microcavities  903   a  to  903   f . In US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0054563, therefore, when performing luminescence measurement, a black plastic material that absorbs light and has low autofluorescence is used in the microfluidic device  900  in a region excluding the detection area (that is, the detection microcavities  903   a  to  903   f ). 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     However, in the microfluidic device of US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0054563, a plurality of detection microcavities in which detection is performed are connected to each other via both a common distribution channel and a common discharge channel. Therefore, a passage connecting a plurality of detection microcavities may act like a light guide for guiding light. That is, there is a possibility that the light generated in one detection microcavity is repeatedly reflected and propagated inside the passage and reaches another detection microcavity. 
     In this way, in a cartridge including a plurality of detection chambers, when light generated from a measurement sample in one of the detection chambers reaches another detection chamber, extraneous light not derived from the measurement sample in the detection chamber may be mixed therewith, such that the detection accuracy of light generated from the measurement sample decreases. Therefore, in a cartridge including a plurality of detection chambers, it is desirable to suppress light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers from being mixed into another detection chamber. 
     The present invention suppresses the light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers from being mixed into another detection chamber in a cartridge including a plurality of detection chambers. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect of the present invention is installed in a detection device ( 300 ) for detecting light generated from a measurement sample ( 90 ) containing a test substance, the cartridge ( 100 ) including a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) fluidly isolated from each other and each receiving a measurement sample ( 90 ), respectively, and a transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) disposed between one detection chamber ( 10 ) and another detection chamber ( 10 ) of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ), and configured to suppress transmission of light generated from a measurement sample in the one detection chamber ( 10 ) to the other detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     Note that in this specification “fluidly isolated” means that the fluid is not connected via a passage through which the fluid can flow. “Suppress transmission of light generated from a measurement sample in one detection chamber to another detection chamber” means that the amount of transmitted light is less than the amount of incident light when light generated from a measurement sample in one detection chamber and directed to another detection chamber enters the transmission suppression unit, and is not limited to the case where the amount of transmitted light of the light incident on the transmission suppression unit is set to zero. The concept of “suppressing the transmission of light generated from a measurement sample in one detection chamber to another detection chamber” is a concept that allows light other than the light generated from a measurement sample to pass without being suppressed. 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, as described above, the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are fluidly isolated from each other, and are connected via a passage ( 40 ) which functions as a light guide path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light ( 93 ) generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in a detection chamber ( 10 ) from being propagated to another detection chamber ( 10 ) via the passage ( 40 ). The amount of transmission light ( 91 ) passing through the inside of the cartridge ( 100 ) toward the other detection chamber ( 10 ) among the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in the detection chamber ( 10 ) can be reduced in the process of passing through the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) since the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). As a result, light generated in each detection chamber ( 10 ) can be suppressed from being mixed into another detection chamber ( 10 ) since it is possible to suppress both the propagation of light through the passage and the propagation of light ( 91 ) passing through the inside of the cartridge ( 100 ) toward another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) preferably includes a light absorbing part ( 21 ) for absorbing light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ), and a light scattering part ( 22 ) for scattering light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ). According to the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) includes the light absorbing part ( 21 ), the transmission of the light ( 91 ) incident on the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) among the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be suppressed by absorption by the light absorbing part ( 21 ). It also is possible to prevent the light ( 91 ) incident on the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) from being scattered toward the external light detecting unit. According to the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) includes the light scattering part ( 22 ), the light ( 91 ) incident on the transmission suppressing unit ( 20 ) among the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be prevented from reaching another detection chamber ( 10 ) direction of scatter via the light scattering part ( 22 ). Note that in this specification, the term “scattering light” means that light changes its direction when it enters an object and is scattered; this is a broad concept that includes not only the scattering phenomenon of light incident on fine particles, but also reflection (including specular reflection and irregular reflection) on the material surface. 
     In the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) includes at least one of the light absorbing part ( 21 ) and the light scattering part ( 22 ), it is preferable that the light absorbing part ( 21 ) includes a light absorbing filler that absorbs the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ). According to this configuration, the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) that includes the light absorbing part ( 21 ) can be easily provided in the cartridge ( 100 ) just by mixing the light absorbing filler into the base material such as a resin material. The light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) can be controlled to a desired value just by adjusting the content of the light absorbing filler. 
     In the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) includes at least one of the light absorbing part ( 21 ) and the light scattering part ( 22 ), it is preferable that the light scattering part ( 22 ) includes a light scattering filler that scatters light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ), as shown in  FIG. 4 . According to this configuration, the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) including the light scattering part ( 22 ) can be easily provided in the cartridge ( 100 ) just by mixing the light scattering filler with a base material such as a resin material. The light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) also can be controlled to a desired value simply by adjusting the light scattering filler content. 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, preferably, the cartridge ( 100 ) has a flat plate-like shape, the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) extend along the surface of the cartridge ( 100 ), and the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) has a light transmittance of 30% or less of light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ), as shown in  FIG. 7 . When a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are provided along the surface of the flat cartridge ( 100 ) in this manner, it is possible to ensure a sufficiently low light transmittance between the detection chambers ( 10 ), just by, for example, providing a transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) with a width at least equal to or greater than the thickness of the cartridge ( 100 ) between the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent light generated in one of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) from being mixed into another detection chamber ( 10 ). Note that in the present specification, “transmittance of light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 )” means light transmittance of a peak wavelength of light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) may be light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 800 nm or less, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 800 nm or less includes peak wavelengths of various luminescent substances used for labeling a test substance obtained from a biological sample. Therefore, it is suitable for the cartridge ( 100 ) used for detecting a test substance obtained from a biological sample. 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, preferably, the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) is light generated by chemiluminescence, as shown in  FIG. 8 . Chemiluminescence is a phenomenon in which energy is emitted as light when a molecule excited by a chemical reaction returns to a ground state. In chemiluminescence, for example, light emission continues once emission is started unlike fluorescence in which light emission can be controlled by turning on and off excitation light. Therefore, the above-mentioned cartridge ( 100 ) capable of suppressing the mixing of the light ( 91 ) between the detection chambers ( 10 ) is particularly useful since emission of light in another detection chamber ( 10 ) cannot be stopped while light detection is being performed in any of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) in the case of chemiluminescence. In this way the S/N ratio in light detection can be improved, so that the detection accuracy of the test substance can be improved. 
     In this case, preferably, a plurality of liquid storage units ( 67 ) corresponding to the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) and fluidly connected to the plurality of detection chambers are provided, respectively, and each of the plurality of liquid containers ( 67 ) is configured such that a luminescent substrate is disposed therein, as shown in  FIG. 7 . According to this configuration, the chemiluminescence of the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be generated inside the detection chamber ( 10 ) just by transferring the luminescent substrate from the liquid container ( 67 ) to the detection chamber ( 10 ). Therefore, unlike when a measurement sample ( 90 ) to be luminesced is transferred from a unit other than the detection chamber ( 10 ), the region in which light is generated can be limited to just the inside of the detection chamber ( 10 ), such that it is possible to increase the sensitivity of the photodetection using the cartridge ( 100 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, it is preferable that each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) continues to store the measurement sample ( 90 ) for which light detection by the detection device has been completed, as shown in  FIG. 7 . According to this configuration, the measurement sample ( 90 ) after the light detection is completed is kept stored inside the detection chamber ( 10 ), and the luminescent measurement sample ( 90 ) can be prevented from being transported outside the detection chamber ( 10 ). The light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be reliably made incident on the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) since the measurement sample ( 90 ) is not transferred to the outside of the detection chamber ( 10 ). Therefore, when, for example, the light detection in each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) is performed in order, the light given off from the moved measurement sample ( 90 ) due to the movement of the measurement sample ( 90 ) whose light detection has been completed first can be prevented from reaching another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, it is preferable that the cartridge ( 100 ) has a flat plate-like shape that is rotated around a rotation axis ( 321 ), and includes a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) arranged at a position on the outer peripheral side of the cartridge ( 100 ) about the rotation axis ( 321 ), as shown in  FIG. 7 . According to this configuration, a liquid can be sent to the detection chamber ( 10 ) using the centrifugal force generated when the cartridge ( 100 ) is rotated. At this time, a large distance between the detection chambers ( 10 ) in the cartridge ( 100 ) can be ensured since the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are arranged at positions on the outer peripheral side of the cartridge ( 100 ), compared with when the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cartridge ( 100 ). As the distance between the detection chambers ( 10 ) increases, the arrival of the light ( 91 ) between the detection chambers ( 10 ) is suppressed, so that the light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) is effectively suppressed from being transmitted to the other detection chambers ( 10 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, the cartridge ( 100 ) preferably has a flat plate-like shape that is rotated around a rotation axis ( 321 ), and includes a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) arranged at angular intervals obtained by equally dividing one rotation around the rotation axis ( 321 ), as shown in  FIG. 7 . According to this configuration, the distance between the adjacent detection chambers ( 10 ) can be as large as possible in the cartridge ( 100 ). As the distance between the detection chambers ( 10 ) increases, the arrival of the light ( 91 ) between the detection chambers ( 10 ) is suppressed, so that the light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) is effectively suppressed from being transmitted to the other detection chambers ( 10 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, it is preferable that a plurality of processing regions ( 60 ) respectively further comprising a plurality of processing regions ( 60 ) each including one detection chamber included in the plurality of detection chambers, and a passage ( 40 ) for transferring a test substance to the one detection chamber ( 10 ), wherein the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is provided so as to isolate one processing region from the other processing regions in the plurality of processing regions ( 60 ). According to this configuration, the transmission of the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) between the plurality of processing regions ( 60 ) can be suppressed by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ). As described above, the light ( 93 ) generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) propagates through the passage ( 40 ) into the processing region ( 60 ) connected to the detection chamber ( 10 ) via the passage ( 40 ). Therefore, since the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is provided between the processing regions ( 60 ) according to the above configuration, light can be reliably made incident on the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) to reduce the amount of transmitted light even when light ( 93 ) propagated into a processing region ( 60 ) other than the detection chamber ( 10 ) via the passage ( 40 ) passes through the inside of the cartridge ( 100 ) and travels to another detection chamber ( 10 ). As a result, the light ( 93 ) propagated into a processing region ( 60 ) other than the detection chamber ( 10 ) via the passage ( 40 ) can be effectively prevented from reaching another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect, the cartridge ( 100 ) preferably has a flat plate-like shape that is rotated around a rotation axis ( 321 ), as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 17 , and the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is continuously provided from the rotation shaft ( 321 ) or the end part ( 54   a ) of the cartridge on the rotation shaft ( 321 ) side to the end part ( 54   b ) of the cartridge on the side distant from the rotation shaft ( 321 ). According to this configuration, the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) can be provided continuously from end to end so as to radially divide the cartridge ( 100 ) between the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). Therefore, the light ( 91 ) directed to another detection chamber ( 10 ) among the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be reliably made to enter the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ), such that the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) can be effectively suppressed from reaching another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     The cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect preferably further includes, a wall ( 51 ) that partitions each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , wherein the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) includes the wall ( 51 ), and each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) has a light extraction unit ( 11 ) that is not covered by the wall ( 51 ). According to this configuration, since the wall ( 51 ) itself, which is a structural part of the cartridge ( 100 ), can be configured by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ), the amount of transmitted light incident into the cartridge ( 100 ) can be reliably and effectively reduced. Even in this case, light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in the detection chamber ( 10 ) can be detected with high accuracy since light is radiated to the outside of the cartridge ( 100 ) from the light extraction unit ( 11 ) not covered with the wall ( 51 ) in each detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In this case, it is preferable that a flat plate-like main body ( 50 ) including a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) and a wall ( 51 ), and a cover ( 52 ) which covers at least a part of the main body ( 50 ) and has a light transmittance higher than that of the wall ( 51 ) in a thickness direction of the main body ( 50 ) are further provided, wherein each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) has a structure in which a through-hole or a non-penetrating recess provided in the wall ( 51 ) of the main body ( 50 ) is covered with the cover ( 52 ). According to this configuration, the detection chamber ( 10 ) having the light extraction unit ( 11 ) can be easily obtained by simply covering the through hole or the non-penetrating recess provided in the wall ( 51 ) of the main body ( 50 ) with the cover ( 52 ). 
     In the cartridge ( 100 ) in which the wall ( 51 ) is configured by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ), the wall ( 51 ) preferably a plurality of passages ( 40 ) fluidly connected to the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are provided so as to correspond to the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 9 , respectively, and the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is configured to transmit at least part of the light directed in the thickness direction of the cartridge ( 100 ) in the formation region of each of the plurality of passages ( 40 ). According to this configuration, the inside of the formation region of the passage ( 40 ) can be optically viewed or photographed even when the wall ( 51 ) is formed by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ). Therefore, it is possible to externally determine whether the transfer of a liquid such as the sample or the reagent in the passage ( 40 ) is appropriate. In this way the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be ensured if the detection process is appropriate by externally evaluating whether the detection process of the test substance using the cartridge ( 100 ) is appropriate. Therefore, the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be easily confirmed from the appearance of the cartridge ( 100 ) even when the wall ( 51 ) is configured by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ). 
     In this case, it is preferable that a plurality of processing chambers ( 61  to  65 ) are provided corresponding to the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) and fluidly connected to the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) through corresponding passages ( 40 ) as shown in  FIG. 7 , wherein the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) is configured to transmit at least a part of light traveling in the thickness direction of the cartridge ( 100 ) in each of the formation regions of the plurality of processing chambers ( 61  to  65 ). According to this configuration, whether the processing of the test substance in the processing chambers ( 61  to  65 ) is appropriate can be grasped from the outside, similar to the passage ( 40 ). Therefore, the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be easily confirmed from the appearance of the cartridge ( 100 ) even when the wall ( 51 ) is configured by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ). 
     The cartridge ( 100 ) according to the first aspect preferably also includes, as shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , a wall ( 51 ) for partitioning each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ), wherein the transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) is configured by a member partially formed on the surface or inside of the wall ( 51 ). According to this configuration, for example, a layer of the transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) is formed on the surface of the wall ( 51 ), or the transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) is embedded in a part of the wall ( 51 ), so as to dispose the transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) locally. In this way the transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) can be provided while securing freedom in selecting the constituent material of the wall ( 51 ). For example, the transmission of light can be more effectively suppressed by a plurality of types of transmission suppression units ( 120 ) when the wall ( 51 ) is configured by the first transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) and the second transmission suppression unit ( 120 ) is provided on the surface or inside of the wall ( 51 ). 
     The detection method according to a second aspect of the present invention is a detection method using a cartridge ( 100 ) having a plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , wherein light ( 92 ) emitted from a measurement sample contained in one detection chamber ( 10 ) in a second direction (DR 2 ) different from the first direction (DR 1 ) is detected while transmission of light ( 91 ) emitted from the measurement sample included in one detection chamber toward the other detection chamber is suppressed in the first direction (DR 1 ) by a transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) provided between one detection chamber and another detection chamber of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) fluidly isolated from each other. 
     In the detection method according to the second aspect described above, the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) are fluidly isolated from each other in the cartridge ( 100 ), and are not connected via the passage ( 40 ) functioning as a light guide path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent light ( 93 ) generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in one detection chamber ( 10 ) from being propagated to another detection chamber ( 10 ) via the passage ( 40 ). Regarding the light ( 91 ) in a first direction (DR 1 ) passing through the inside of the cartridge ( 100 ) toward another detection chamber ( 10 ) of the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in one detection chamber ( 10 ), it is to be noted that the amount of transmitted light can be reduced in the process of passing through the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) by the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). Then, the light ( 92 ) emitted in the second direction (DR 2 ) different from the first direction (DR 1 ) can be detected. As a result, both the propagation of light through the passage and the propagation of light ( 93 ) passing through the interior of the cartridge ( 100 ) toward the other detection chamber ( 10 ) can be suppressed, so that it is possible to suppress the light generated in one detection chamber ( 10 ) from being mixed into another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In the detection method according to the second aspect, it is preferable in the step of detecting light, when light is generated from a measurement sample ( 90 ) included in one detection chamber ( 10 ), the light generated from a measurement sample ( 90 ) contained in another detection chamber ( 10 ) is detected, as shown in  FIG. 13 . According to this configuration, the light is not generated from the measurement samples ( 90 ) in the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) sequentially with a time lag, but rather the light is simultaneously emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). Therefore, the processing of the measurement samples ( 90 ) does not need to be performed in order, and the processing time required to detect light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) in each of the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ) can be reduced. Also in this case, the transmission suppression unit ( 20 ) provided in the cartridge ( 100 ) can perform high-precision light detection in which light is prevented from being mixed into the plurality of detection chambers ( 10 ). 
     In the detection method according to the second aspect, it is preferable that the cartridge ( 100 ) is disposed in a light-shielded housing ( 310 ) which absorbs light as shown in  FIG. 13 , and the method further includes a step of suppressing scattering of light emitted from the inside of the cartridge ( 100 ) to the outside by the inner surface ( 315 ) of the cartridge ( 100 ). According to this configuration, among the light generated from the measurement sample ( 90 ) emitted to the outside of the cartridge ( 100 ), the light traveling in a direction other than the second direction (DR 2 ) impinges the inner surface ( 315 ) of the housing ( 310 ) and is absorbed by the inner surface ( 315 ) of the housing ( 310 ). As a result, it is possible to prevent light traveling in a direction other than the second direction (DR 2 ) from being scattered within the housing ( 310 ) and mixed into another detection chamber ( 10 ). 
     In a cartridge including a plurality of detection chambers, light generated in one of the plurality of detection chambers can be prevented from being mixed into another detection chamber. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a cartridge; 
         FIG. 2  is a flowchart describing a detection method; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram showing an example of a transmission suppression unit including a light absorbing unit; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram illustrating an example of a transmission suppressing unit including a light scattering unit; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagram showing an example of a transmission suppression unit including a layered light scattering unit. 
         FIG. 6  is a diagram showing an example of a spectrum of light generated from a measurement sample; 
         FIG. 7  is a view showing a specific example of a cartridge; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic sectional view showing a detection chamber of the cartridge; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic sectional view showing a passage of the cartridge; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view showing a specific example of a detection device in a state where a cover is opened; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view showing a specific example of a detection device in a state where a cover is closed; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a specific example of the internal structure of the detection device; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic diagram showing detection of light emitted from a detection chamber in a housing; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagram showing an example of a detection position and an imaging position for each part of the cartridge; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram showing a control configuration example of a detection device; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart describing a detection method performed by the detection device; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic diagram showing a first modification of the transmission suppression unit; 
         FIG. 18  is a schematic view showing a second modification of the transmission suppressing unit; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge that measures different measurement items for the same sample; 
         FIG. 20  is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge that measures the same measurement item for different samples; 
         FIG. 21  is a diagram showing an example of a cartridge that measures different measurement items for different samples; and 
         FIG. 22  is a diagram describing a conventional technique. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. 
     Summary of Cartridge 
     The cartridge  100  according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to  FIG. 1 . 
     The cartridge  100  is installed in a detection device  300  for detecting light generated from the measurement sample  90  containing a test substance, and is used for detecting light generated from the measurement sample  90 . 
     The test substance is, for example, a substance contained in a sample collected from a human subject. The sample maybe blood (whole blood, serum or plasma), urine, tissue fluid, or other body fluid, or a liquid obtained by subjecting a collected body fluid or blood to a predetermined pretreatment. The sample includes a liquid as a main component and may include a solid component such as cells. The test substance can be, for example, proteins such as antigens or antibodies, peptides, cells and intracellular substances, nucleic acids such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid). 
     The measurement sample  90  includes a test substance and a substance that emits light. The test substance itself may be a substance that generates light. The measurement sample  90  contains a liquid as a main component. The measurement sample  90  may be a mixture of a test substance and a reagent. The reagent emits light, for example, according to the amount of the test substance. The luminescence is, for example, chemiluminescence or fluorescence. The reagent contains, for example, a labeling substance that specifically binds to the detection target substance. The labeling substance can be a chemiluminescent or fluorescent substance. For example, the labeling substance includes an enzyme, and the reagent includes a luminescent substrate that reacts with the enzyme. By detecting the light generated from the measurement sample  90 , the presence or absence of the test substance, the amount or concentration of the test substance, and the size and shape of the particulate test substance can be measured according to the measurement item. The type of reagent mixed with the measurement sample  90  differs depending on the measurement item. There may be a plurality of types of variations of the cartridge  100  for each measurement item. The cartridge  100  may be capable of measuring a plurality of different measurement items. 
     The detection device  300  includes a photodetector  331  such as a photomultiplier tube, a phototube, and a photodiode. When the cartridge  100  is installed in the detection device  300 , light from the measurement sample  90  is detected by the detection device  300 . The photodetector  331  detects light from outside the cartridge  100  installed in the detection device  300 . The detection device  300  can be configured to act from outside the cartridge  100  to perform processing for preparing the measurement sample  90  inside the cartridge  100 . The process of preparing the measurement sample  90  includes generating a measurement sample  90  that emits light in the cartridge  100  by performing contact, agitation, temperature adjustment, and the like on the sample containing the test substance via a reagent. The configuration may be such that the measurement sample  90  prepared so as to generate light is injected into the cartridge  100 . 
     The cartridge  100  is a replaceable consumable. That is, the cartridge  100  is discarded after being used for measurement a preset number of times. The usable number of times of the cartridge  100  is one or several times. The cartridge is a replaceable part that performs functions necessary for detecting a test substance contained in a sample. 
     The cartridge  100  includes at least an opening for introducing a liquid containing the test substance, and a space capable of containing the liquid containing the test substance. 
     In  FIG. 1 , the cartridge  100  includes an inlet  30  for introducing a sample. The inlet  30  is, for example, an opening formed on the outer surface of the cartridge  100 . The opening serving as the inlet  30  may be closed in advance, in which case the cartridge  100  is opened by an operator when the cartridge  100  is used. The inlet  30  receives a liquid containing a specimen. The inlet  30  can receive a measurement sample  90  which is a mixture of a reagent for treating a test substance and a specimen. 
     The cartridge  100  includes a chamber capable of storing a liquid therein. The chamber may be a substantially closed space so that liquid does not leak inside the cartridge  100 . The substantially closed space is a space permitted to communicate with the outside of the cartridge  100  via the inlet  30  and a path for discharging gas in the chamber with the introduction of the liquid into the chamber. The chamber may be configured such that the liquid in the chamber does not flow back to the inlet  30  under normal use conditions. 
     The cartridge  100  of the present embodiment includes at least a plurality of detection chambers  10 . The plurality of detection chambers  10  are configured to receive the measurement sample  90  and to detect light generated from the received measurement sample  90  by the photodetector  331 . Each detection chamber  10  has a volume that can accommodate at least the measurement sample  90  prepared to emit light. Each detection chamber  10  is in communication with the inlet  30  via a passage  40 . The number of detection chambers  10  is not particularly limited insofar as it is plural. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the cartridge  100  includes two detection chambers  10 . 
     In the present embodiment, the plurality of detection chambers  10  are fluidly isolated from each other. That is, the plurality of detection chambers  10  are structurally provided in the same cartridge  100 , but are not connected to each other via the passage  40 . Note that the fluid is specifically a liquid, and “fluidly isolated” means that the fluids are not connected via a liquid-passable passage. No liquid flows between the plurality of detection chambers  10 . Therefore, in the cartridge  100  of  FIG. 1 , a plurality of inlets  30  and a plurality of passages  40  are separately provided for each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . The plurality of detection chambers  10  are isolated from each other by a structural material of the cartridge  100 . That is, each detection chamber  10  is a space divided by the wall  51 , and the plurality of detection chambers  10  are isolated from each other by the wall  51 . 
     The passage  40  is a tubular space formed inside the cartridge  100 . The passage  40  can transfer the liquid so as to pass through the inside thereof by, for example, pressure such as air pressure, gravity, centrifugal force, or other inertial force. 
     In the present embodiment, the cartridge  100  includes the transmission suppression unit  20  provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . The transmission suppression unit  20  is configured to suppress transmission of light generated from the measurement sample  90  in a detection chamber  10  to another detection chamber  10 . 
     The transmission suppression unit  20  is provided, for example, inside the cartridge  100 . The transmission suppression unit  20  is provided, for example, on the inner surface of the detection chamber  10 . The transmission suppression unit  20  is arranged at least on a straight line connecting the plurality of detection chambers  10  to each other. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , light generated from a measurement sample  90  disposed in the detection chamber  10  is emitted in all directions. Therefore, light generated from the measurement sample  90  is emitted in a first direction DR 1  that connects each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  to each other. The transmission suppression unit  20  is disposed in the first direction DR 1  for each detection chamber  10 . 
     Therefore, the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  generated from the measurement sample  90  in any one of the plurality of detection chambers  10  passes through the inside of the cartridge  100  and enters the transmission suppression unit  20  before reaching another detection chamber  10 . The transmission suppression unit  20  reduces the amount of transmitted light passing through the transmission suppressing unit  20  at least by the amount of incident light  91 . Therefore, the amount of light generated in one of the detection chambers  10  that passes through the transmission suppression unit  20  and reaches another detection chamber  10  is reduced. Note that the amount of transmitted light is the amount of transmitted light that enters the transmission suppression unit  20 , passes directly through the transmission suppression unit  20 , and exits from the transmission suppression unit  20 . The amount of light may be alternatively referred to as the number of photons. 
     Light generated from the measurement sample  90  is also emitted in a second direction DR 2  different from the first direction DR 1 . The photodetector  331  of the detection device  300  detects the light  92  emitted from each detection chamber  10  of the cartridge  100  installed in the detection device  300  in the second direction DR 2  different from the first direction DR 1 . That is, the photodetectors  331  are arranged at positions other than the first direction DR 1  relative to each detection chamber  10  in a state where the cartridge  100  is installed in the detection device  300 . The photodetector  331  outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of detected light  92  or the number of photons. 
     The light emitted from the measurement sample  90  includes, in addition to the first direction DR 1  and the second direction DR 2 , light  93  emitted toward the inside of the passage  40 . Since the passage  40  is a space defined by the structural materials of the cartridge  100 , the light  93  emitted into the passage  40  may be reflected on the inner surface of the passage  40  and propagate along the passage  40 . That is, the passage  40  may act as a light guide path exemplified by an optical fiber. 
     For example, as shown by the two-dot chain line in  FIG. 1 , when a common passage CP connecting each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is provided, light  93  generated inside any one of the detection chambers  10  may propagate along the path CP and reach another detection chamber  10 . Since the transmission suppression unit  20  cannot be formed so as to block the passage CP which is a space, the propagation of the light  93  in the passage CP cannot be suppressed by the transmission suppression unit  20 . In the present embodiment, however, each of the detection chambers  10  is fluidly isolated and is not connected via the passage  40 . Therefore, the light  93  reaching another detection chamber  10  through the passage  40  is prevented even if the light  93  generated inside one of the detection chambers  10  propagates along the passage  40 . 
     As described above, when detecting the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  in one of the detection chambers  10 , the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  emitted from another detection chamber  10  and the light  93  propagating through the passage  40  are prevented from reaching the detection chamber  10  as extraneous light. 
     In the cartridge  100  according to the present embodiment described above, the plurality of detection chambers  10  are fluidly isolated from each other, and are not connected through the passage  40  that acts as a light guide path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light  93  generated from the measurement sample  90  in a detection chamber  10  from being propagated to another detection chamber  10  via the passage  40 . Regarding the light  91  that passing through the inside of the cartridge  100  to another detection chamber  10  among the light generated from the measurement sample  90  in a given detection chamber  10 , the amount of transmitted light can be reduced in the process of passing through the transmission suppression unit  20  since the transmission suppression unit  20  is provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . As a result, since both the propagation of the light  93  through the passage  40  and the propagation of the light  91  passing through the inside of the cartridge  100  toward another detection chamber  10  can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the generated light from being mixed into another detection chamber  10 . 
     Detection Method 
     Next, a detection method according to the present embodiment will be described. The detection method according to the present embodiment is a detection method for detecting light generated from the measurement sample  90  using a cartridge  100  including a plurality of detection chambers  10  for receiving the measurement sample  90  containing the test substance. The detection method according to the present embodiment can be performed by the detection device  300  that detects light using the cartridge  100 . 
     The detection device  300  is a detection device that uses a cartridge  100  having a plurality of detection chambers  10  to detect a test substance contained in a sample injected into the cartridge  100 . The detection device  300  is, for example, a small-sized detection device for PoC (Point of Care) examination, and is configured to be able to execute a measurement operation by a simple operation. 
     The detection device  300  includes a photodetector  331  that detects light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  in the detection chamber  10 . The detection device  300  measures, for example, the presence or absence of a test substance, the amount or concentration of the test substance and the like based on the output signal of the photodetector  331 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the detection method of the present embodiment includes at least the following steps S 1  and S 2 . (S 1 ) The measurement sample  90  is placed in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  that are fluidly isolated from each other. (S 2 ) While the transmission suppression unit  20  provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  suppresses the transmission of light  91  generated from the measurement sample  90  radiated in the first direction DR 1 , the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  emitted in the second direction DR 2  different from the first direction DR 1  is detected for each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . 
     In step S 1 , the measurement sample  90  can be arranged in each of the detection chambers  10  by a function of the detection device  300 . The arrangement of the measurement sample  90  includes preparation of the measurement sample  90  in the detection chamber  10  by transferring the test substance and the reagent into the detection chamber  10 , respectively. A measurement sample  90  prepared in advance also may be introduced into the cartridge  100 . As a result of step S 1 , light generated from the measurement sample  90  is emitted from each of the detection chambers  10  in various directions. 
     In step S 2 , light emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is detected by the photodetector  331 . At this time, the transmission of the light  91  radiated in the first direction DR 1  in the cartridge  100  is suppressed by the transmission suppression unit  20 . Since each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is fluidly isolated, light  93  emitted into the passage  40  of the cartridge  100  is prevented from reaching another detection chamber  10 . Then, light  92  emitted from the measurement sample  90  and emitted in the second direction DR 2  which is different from the first direction DR 1  is detected by the photodetector  331 . When detecting the light  92 , the light  92  emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  may be simultaneously detected by a plurality of photodetectors  331  in parallel. In this case, the detection device  300  may include a plurality of photodetectors  331 . When detecting the light  92 , the light  92  emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  also may be sequentially detected by the same light detector  331 . In this case, the detection device  300  may be provided with a mechanism for relatively moving the cartridge  100  and the photodetector  331 , or a light guide mechanism that can individually switch between guiding and blocking light emitted from each detection chamber  10  to the photodetector  331 . 
     As described above, in the detection method of the present embodiment, the plurality of detection chambers  10  in the cartridge  100  are fluidly isolated from each other, and are not connected via the passage  40  that acts as a light guide path. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the light  93  generated from the measurement sample  90  in a detection chamber  10  from being propagated to another detection chamber  10  via the passage  40 . Then, regarding the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  that passes through the inside of the cartridge  100  and travels to the other detection chambers  10  among the light generated from the measurement sample  90  in the detection chamber  10 , the amount of light can be reduced in the process of passing through the transmission suppression unit  20  by the transmission suppression unit  20  provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . Then, the light  92  emitted in the second direction DR 2  which is different from the first direction DR 1  can be detected. As a result, since both the propagation of the light  93  through the passage  40  and the propagation of the light  91  passing through the inside of the cartridge  100  toward another detection chamber  10  can be suppressed, it is possible to suppress the generated light from being mixed into another detection chamber  10 . 
     In the example shown in  FIG. 1 , when light from the measurement sample  90  is generated from each of a plurality of detection chambers  10 , light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  of each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is detected. That is, the measurement sample  90  in a state of generating light is simultaneously placed in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . Therefore, the light is emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  at the same time, and the photodetectors  331  individually detect the light  92  emitted from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . 
     According to this configuration, light can be simultaneously generated from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  rather than sequentially generating light from the measurement sample  90  with a time lag. Therefore, the processing of the measurement sample  90  does not need to be performed in order, and the processing time required to detect the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  can be reduced. Also in this case, high-precision light detection can be performed in which light is prevented from being mixed into the plurality of detection chambers  10  by the transmission suppression unit  20  provided in the cartridge  100 . 
     Transmission Suppression Unit 
     The structure of the transmission suppression unit  20  is not particularly limited insofar as the transmission of the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  from one of the detection chambers  10  to another detection chamber  10  among the light generated from the measurement sample  90  can be suppressed. The transmission suppression unit  20  suppresses the transmission of the light  91  by absorbing the light  91 , for example. The transmission suppression unit  20  suppresses the transmission of the light  91  by, for example, scattering the light  91 . 
     For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3 to 5 , the transmission suppression unit  20  may include at least one of a light absorbing part  21  that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90 , and a light scattering part  22  that scatters light generated from the measurement sample  90 . According to the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit  20  includes the light absorption unit  21 , the light  91  incident on the transmission suppression unit  20  among the light generated from the measurement sample  90  is absorbed by the light absorbing part  21  to suppress the transmission of the light. It also is possible to suppress the light  91  incident on the transmission suppression unit  20  from being scattered toward the external photodetector unit. According to the configuration in which the transmission suppression unit  20  includes the light scattering part  22 , the light  91  incident on the transmission suppression unit  20  among the light generated from the measurement sample  90  is scattered by the light scattering part  22  to change the direction of the light such that the light is prevented from reaching another detection chamber  10 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , the transmission suppression unit  20  includes a light absorbing part  21  that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90 . When light generated from the measurement sample  90  enters the light absorbing part  21  of the transmission suppression unit  20 , the incident light  91  is absorbed by the light absorbing part  21 . As a result, transmission of light generated from the measurement sample  90  is suppressed in the transmission suppression unit  20 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , the light absorbing part  21  includes a light absorbing filler that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90 . The transmission suppression unit  20  has a structure in which a light absorbing filler is dispersed in a base material such as a resin material, for example. The light absorbing filler is fine particles of a pigment that absorbs light. Light absorbing fillers include inorganic pigments and organic pigments. Examples of the inorganic pigment include oxides and composite oxides of inorganic materials such as carbon black and iron. 
     In this way the transmission suppression unit  20  incorporating the light absorbing part  21  can be easily provided in the cartridge  100  just by mixing the light absorbing filler into a base material such as the resin material. The light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  also can be controlled to a desired value just by adjusting the light absorbing filler content. 
     Note that the light absorbing part  21  may be a layer formed of a light absorbing material instead of the light absorbing filler. In this case, the light absorbing part  21  is formed by forming a film on the cartridge  100 , and configures the transmission suppression unit  20 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , the transmission suppression unit  20  includes a light scattering part  22  that scatters light generated from the measurement sample  90 . When light generated from the measurement sample  90  enters the light scattering part  22  of the transmission suppression unit  20 , the incident light  91  is scattered by the light scattering part  22 . Due to the scattering, the traveling direction of the light  91  changes. The transmission suppression unit  20  diffuses light generated from the measurement sample  90  in random directions by, for example, scattering. As a result, the light  91  emitted from one of the detection chambers  10  is suppressed from passing through the transmission suppression unit  20  and reaching another detection chamber  10 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 4 , the light scattering part  22  includes a light scattering filler that scatters light generated from the measurement sample  90 . The transmission suppression unit  20  has a structure in which a light scattering filler is dispersed in a base material such as a resin material. Light scattering fillers are fine particles of a substance that scatters light. Light scattering fillers include inorganic particles and organic particles. Examples of the inorganic particles include calcium carbonate and titanium oxide. Examples of the organic particles include acrylic particles, silicone particles, and styrene particles having high crystallinity. 
     In this way the transmission suppression unit  20  incorporating the light scattering part  22  can be easily provided in the cartridge  100  just by mixing the light scattering filler with a base material such as the resin material. The light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  also can be controlled to a desired value just by adjusting the light scattering filler content. 
     Note that the light scattering part  22  also may be a layer formed of a light scattering material instead of the light scattering filler, as shown in  FIG. 5 . In this case, the light scattering part  22  is formed by forming a film on the cartridge  100 , and configures the transmission suppression unit  20 . The layer of the light scattering part  22  can diffusely or specularly reflect light generated from the measurement sample  90  (see  FIG. 5 ). 
     Light Wavelength 
     The transmission suppression unit  20  only needs to suppress transmission of light generated from the measurement sample  90 , and does not need to suppress transmission of light other than light generated from the measurement sample  90 . In other words, the transmission suppression unit  20  only needs to suppress transmission of at least the wavelength component of light generated from the measurement sample  90 . Therefore, for example, a black pigment such as carbon black is exemplified as the above-described light-absorbing filler, but it does not need to be black. Since black pigment has a flat light absorption characteristic that does not depend on the specific light wavelength, it is preferable in that the wavelength of light generated from the measurement sample  90  can be selected in a wide range. 
     Specifically, light generated from the measurement sample  90  is light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 800 nm or less. The light having a wavelength of 300 nm or more and 800 nm or less includes peak wavelengths of various luminescent substances used for labeling a test substance obtained from a biological sample. Therefore, it is suitable for the cartridge  100  used for detecting a test substance obtained from a biological sample. 
     The light generated from the measurement sample  90  is, for example, chemiluminescence. In chemiluminescence, for example, light emission continues once emission is started unlike fluorescence in which light emission can be controlled by turning on and off excitation light. Therefore, in the case of chemiluminescence, light emission in another detection chamber  10  cannot be stopped while light detection is being performed in any of the plurality of detection chambers  10 , such that the cartridge  100  capable of suppressing light from being mixed in the cartridge is particularly useful. In this way the S/N ratio in light detection can be improved, so that the detection accuracy of the test substance can be improved. 
       FIG. 6  is an example of a spectrum SP of light generated from the measurement sample  90 . In  FIG. 6 , the vertical axis indicates the light emission amount, and the horizontal axis indicates the wavelength of light.  FIG. 6  shows, as an example, a chemiluminescence spectrum SP of CDP-Star (registered trademark) which is a dioxetane-based luminescent substrate used in a chemiluminescence immunoassay. CDP-Star (registered trademark) is a chemiluminescent substrate for the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In the spectrum SP of  FIG. 6 , the peak wavelength of light generated from the measurement sample  90  is about 450 nm. In the spectrum SP of  FIG. 6 , the light generated from the measurement sample  90  has a wavelength range from about 350 nm to about 650 nm. 
     Although the transmission suppression unit  20  does not need to completely suppress the transmission of the light  91  that is generated from the measurement sample  90  in one of the detection chambers  10  and travels to another detection chamber  10 , it is desirable to sufficiently suppress the transmission. The transmission suppression unit  20  may be configured to substantially block transmission of the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  between the plurality of detection chambers  10 . In other words, the transmission suppression unit  20  is configured of a translucent or opaque material. It is preferable that the light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  with respect to the light  91  generated from the measurement sample  90  is a sufficiently low value of 0% or more. Here, the light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  with respect to the light generated from the measurement sample  90  means the light transmittance at the peak wavelength of the light generated from the measurement sample  90 . 
     The ratio of the amount of light reaching the detection chamber  10  that performs light detection from another detection chamber  10  through the transmission suppression unit  20  is set to be below a reference value relative to the light transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  based on the amount of light emitted in the detection chamber  10  that performs light detection. The reference value can be, for example, 1/103, 1/104, 1/105, 1/106, 1/(2×106), 1/(5×106), 1/107, or the like. 
     Example of Specific Cartridge Configuration 
     Next, a specific configuration example of the cartridge  100  will be described. In the example of  FIG. 7 , the cartridge  100  has a flat plate-like shape. The cartridge  100  is rotated around a rotation shaft  321 . Specifically, the cartridge  100  is a disk-type cartridge formed of a plate-shaped, that is, disk-shaped substrate. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the cartridge  100  is configured as a sample processing cartridge capable of executing a process for detecting a test substance in a sample using an antigen-antibody reaction. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , the cartridge  100  includes three detection chambers  10  that are fluidly isolated from each other. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , the cartridge  100  includes a wall  51  that partitions the plurality of detection chambers  10 . In the example of  FIG. 7 , the wall  51  is configured by the transmission suppression unit  20 . In the example of  FIG. 7 , the entirety of the wall  51  that partitions the spaces that form the various chambers and passages of the cartridge  100  is configured by the transmission suppression unit  20 . Therefore, in the example of  FIG. 7 , the plurality of detection chambers  10  are fluidly isolated from each other by the transmission suppression unit  20 . 
     Specifically, as shown in  FIG. 8 , the cartridge  100  includes a flat main body  50  including the plurality of detection chambers  10  and the wall  51 , and a cover  52  that covers at least a part of the main body  50 . The transmission suppression unit  20  including the light absorbing part  21  (see  FIG. 3 ) that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90  is used as a structural material of the main body  50  including the wall  51 . In the configuration example of  FIG. 8 , the light absorbing part  21  (see  FIG. 3 ) is a light absorbing filler that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90 . The transmission suppression part  20  is configured of a thermoplastic resin mixed with a light absorbing filler. 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , the main body  50  has a thickness such that the temperature of the cartridge  100  can be easily adjusted by a heater  361  described later. For example, the thickness of the main body  50  is several millimeters, and specifically, about 1.2 mm. The diameter of the main body  50  is set to several centimeters to several tens cm in diameter, for example, about 12 cm. 
     The plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged along the surface of the disk-shaped main body  50 . Each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  has the light extraction unit  11  that is not covered with the wall  51  in a direction other than the direction in which the plurality of detection chambers  10  face each other. The direction in which the plurality of detection chambers  10  face each other is the above-described first direction DR 1  (see  FIG. 8 ). The direction other than the direction in which the plurality of detection chambers  10  face each other is the above-described second direction DR 2  (see  FIG. 8 ). In the example of  FIG. 7 , each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is open in the thickness direction of the disk-shaped main body  50  (that is, in the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of  FIG. 7 ), and is not covered by the wall  51 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . Therefore, the light extraction unit  11  is configured by the opening in the thickness direction. 
     With such a configuration, the wall  51  itself, which is a structural part of the cartridge  100 , can be configured by the transmission suppression unit  20 , so that the amount of transmitted light incident into the cartridge  100  can be reliably and effectively reduced. Even in this case, since the light  92  in the second direction DR 2  is emitted from the light extraction unit  11  not covered with the wall  51  to the outside of the cartridge  100  from within each detection chamber  10 , the light generated from the measurement sample  90  in the detection chamber  10  can be detected with high accuracy. 
     More specifically, each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  has a structure in which a through-hole or a non-penetrating recess provided in the wall  51  of the main body  50  is covered with a cover  52 . As shown in  FIG. 8 , the detection chamber  10  is configured such that the through-holes formed in the main body  50  are covered by covers  52  on both surfaces of the main body  50 . The detection chamber  10  is a space defined by the wall  51  configuring the main body  50  and covers  52  on both sides in the thickness direction. The cover  52  has a light transmittance higher than that of the wall  51  with respect to the light of the measurement sample  90  in the thickness direction of the main body  50 . The light extraction unit  11  is configured by a portion of the cover unit  52  that covers the detection chamber  10 . In this way the detection chamber  10  provided with the light extraction unit  11  can be easily provided just by covering the through-hole or the non-penetrating recess provided in the wall  51  of the main body  50  with the cover  52 . 
     The cover  52  is configured by, for example, a light-transmitting film. The cover  52  preferably has a transparent portion covering the detection chamber  10 . The detection chamber  10  may be a non-penetrating recess formed in the main body  50 . In this case, instead of being provided on both surfaces of the main body  50 , the cover  52  covers the surface of the main body  50  on the side where the concave portion configuring the detection chamber  10  is open. 
     The cartridge  100  shown in  FIG. 7  also is configured to receive a sample containing a test substance, and to process the sample inside the cartridge  100  so that a measurement sample  90  can be prepared. That is, the cartridge  100  shown in  FIG. 7  includes a plurality of processing regions  60  including one detection chamber  10  and the passage  40  for transferring the test substance to the detection chamber  10 . In the example of  FIG. 7 , the cartridge  100  includes three processing regions  60 . Each of the three processing regions  60  includes one detection chamber  10  and the passage  40 . 
     The space of each of the three processing regions  60  is fluidly isolated from each other. Each of the three processing regions  60  is separately partitioned by the wall  51  that is the transmission suppression unit  20 . In other words, the transmission suppression unit  20  is provided so as to isolate the plurality of processing regions  60  from each other. 
     In this way the transmission suppression unit  20  can suppress the transmission of light generated from the measurement sample  90  between the plurality of processing regions  60 , which are regions connected to the detection chamber  10  and the passage  40 . As described above, the light generated from the measurement sample  90  can propagate through the passage  40  into the processing region  60  connected to the detection chamber  10  by the passage  40 . Therefore, according to the above configuration, since the transmission suppression unit  20  is provided between the processing regions  60 , the light  93  propagated through the passage  40  into the processing region  60  other than the detection chamber  10  is transmitted to the inside of the cartridge  100 , and when the light passes through the detection chamber  10  and goes to another detection chamber  10 , the light can be reliably made incident on the transmission suppression unit  20  to reduce the amount of transmitted light. As a result, the light  93  propagated through the passage  40  into the processing region  60  other than the detection chamber  10  can be effectively prevented from reaching another detection chamber  10 . 
     The plurality of processing regions  60  are provided so as to divide the main body  50  substantially equally. In the example of  FIG. 7 , three processing regions  60  are provided so as to divide the disk-shaped main body  50  into three equal parts in the circumferential direction. Each processing region  60  is formed as a fan-shaped area extending in a range of about 120 degrees from the center of the main body  50 . 
     The sample processing performed in the processing region  60  includes liquid transfer. In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the transfer of the liquid is performed by rotating the cartridge  100  about the rotation shaft  321  to apply a centrifugal force to the liquid. Therefore, the cartridge  100  has a flat plate-like shape that is rotated around a rotation shaft  321 . The cartridge  100  has a hole  55  passing through the main body  50  at the center of the main body  50 . The cartridge  100  is installed in the detection device  300  (see  FIG. 10 ) such that the center of the hole  55  matches the center of the rotation shaft  321 . 
     The transmission suppression unit  20  is provided continuously from the rotation shaft  321  or the end on the rotation shaft  321  side to the end on the side away from the rotation shaft  321 . In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , since the transmission suppression unit  20  is the wall  51  of the main body  50 , the transmission suppression unit  20  is continuously provided from the end  54   a  on the rotation shaft  321  side to the end  54   b  on the side remote from the rotation shaft  321 . The end  54   a  on the rotation shaft  321  side is an inner peripheral surface of the hole  55  of the main body  50 . The end  54   b  on the side away from the rotation shaft  321  is the outer peripheral surface of the main body  50 . 
     In this way the transmission suppression unit  20  can be provided continuously from end to end so as to divide the cartridge  100  in the radial direction between the plurality of detection chambers  10 . Therefore, the light  91  of the light generated from the measurement sample  90  directed to another detection chamber  10  can be reliably made to enter the transmission suppression unit  20 , so that the light generated from the measurement sample  90  can be effectively suppressed from reaching another detection chamber  10 . Note that a rotation shaft may be provided in the cartridge  100  instead of the hole  55 . In this case, the detection device  300  supports the rotation shaft of the cartridge  100  as a bearing. The transmission suppression unit  20  also may be provided continuously from the rotation shaft to an end on the side away from the rotation shaft  321 . 
     In addition, the plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged around the rotation axis  321  at angular intervals obtained by equally dividing one rotation. In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the relative positions of the detection chambers  10  in each of the three processing regions  60  substantially match. Since the three processing regions  60  are provided so as to divide the disk-shaped main body  50  into three equal parts in the circumferential direction, the three detection chambers  10  are arranged at intervals of 120 degrees, each of which divides one rotation into three equal parts. In this way the distance between the adjacent detection chambers  10  in the cartridge  100  can be as large as possible. Since the arrival of the light  91  between the detection chambers  10  is suppressed as the distance between the detection chambers  10  increases, light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  can be effectively prevented from being mixed into other detection chambers  10 . 
     In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged at positions on the outer peripheral side of the cartridge  100  with the rotation shaft  321  as a center. In this way the liquid can be sent to the detection chamber  10  using the centrifugal force generated when the cartridge  100  is rotated. Since the plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the cartridge  100 , at this time a large distance between the detection chambers  10  in the cartridge  100  can be ensured compared to when the plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cartridge  100 . Since the arrival of the light  91  between the detection chambers  10  is suppressed as the distance between the detection chambers  10  increases, light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  can be effectively prevented from being mixed into other detection chambers  10 . In the example of  FIG. 7 , a plurality of detection chambers  10  are arranged at the outermost periphery of the cartridge  100 . The arrangement at the outermost peripheral portion means that structures such as the passage  40  and other chambers are not arranged outside the detection chamber  10 . 
     In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the liquid sent to each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  by the rotation of the cartridge  100  is a luminescent substrate. That is, the cartridge  100  includes the liquid container  67  fluidly connected to each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . The liquid container  67  is configured such that a luminescent substrate for generating light from the measurement sample  90  is disposed therein. Therefore, a luminescent substrate is sent to each of the detection chambers  10  from each of the corresponding liquid storage units  67 . A measurement sample  90  that emits chemiluminescence is prepared in the detection chamber  10  as a result of sending the luminescent substrate. 
     In this way the chemiluminescence of the measurement sample  90  can be generated only inside the detection chamber  10  by transferring the luminescent substrate from the liquid container  67  to the detection chamber  10 . Therefore, unlike when the luminescent measurement sample  90  is transferred from a portion other than the detection chamber  10 , the region where light is generated can be limited to only the inside of the detection chamber  10 , and the detection sensitivity using the cartridge  100  can be increased. 
     Note that the luminescent substrate is arranged in the liquid storage unit  67  in advance when the cartridge  100  is manufactured. The luminescent substrate also may be injected into the empty liquid container  67  by the user when the cartridge  100  is used. 
     In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the plurality of detection chambers  10  also are spaced apart along the surface of the cartridge  100 . The distance between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is greater than the thickness of the cartridge  100 . The transmission suppression unit  20  has a light transmittance of 30% or less of the light generated from the measurement sample  90  in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  (see  FIG. 8 ). Note that the light transmittance in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  is defined as the light transmittance of the portion of the cartridge  100  where the thickness is maximum. The light transmittance of light generated from the measurement sample  90  in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  is preferably 15% or less. The light transmittance of light generated from the measurement sample  90  is more preferably 10% or less. 
     When a plurality of detection chambers  10  are provided along the surface of the flat plate-like cartridge  100  as described above, the transmission chamber  20  having at least the width of the thickness of the cartridge  100  is provided between the plurality of detection chambers  10 , such that it is possible to secure a sufficiently low light transmittance between the detection chambers  10 . Therefore, it is possible to effectively suppress the light generated in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  from being mixed into another detection chamber  10 . 
     In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is configured to store the measurement sample  90  even after detecting light generated from the measurement sample  90 . That is, the detection chamber  10  has no outlet for discharging the measurement sample  90  that has been subjected to the light detection. The cartridge  100  does not have a discharge passage for discharging the light-detected measurement sample  90  from the detection chamber  10 . Therefore, each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  continues to store the measurement sample  90  inside the detection chamber  10  even after the end of the light detection. 
     In this way the measurement sample  90  after the light detection is completed is kept stored inside the detection chamber  10 , and the emission of the measurement sample  90  that emits light to the outside of the detection chamber  10  can be avoided. Since the measurement sample  90  is not transferred to the outside of the detection chamber  10 , the light  91  generated from the measurement sample  90  can be reliably incident on the transmission suppression unit  20 . Therefore, for example, when light detection in each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  is performed sequentially, the light  91  generated from the moved measurement sample  90  due to the movement of the measurement sample  90  for which the light detection has been completed can be prevented from reaching another detection chamber  10 . 
     Processing Region 
     A specific configuration of the processing region  60  will be described. In the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the three processing regions  60  have the same structure as each other. Therefore, only one processing region  60  will be described, and description of the remaining processing regions  60  will be omitted. 
     The processing region  60  includes a separation unit  31  and a recovery unit  32 , five processing chambers  61  to  65 , one detection chamber  10 , a passage  40 , six liquid storage units  66 , one liquid storage unit  67 , and an inlet  30 . A sample is injected into the inlet  30 . The sample is a blood sample of whole blood collected from a subject. 
     The passage  40  is provided separately for each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  and is fluidly connected to the detection chamber  10 . The passages  40  of one of the processing regions  60  are not fluidly connected to the passages  40  of the other processing region  60 . The passage  40  includes a plurality of passages  41  to  45  that fluidly connect each part in the processing region  60 . 
     The processing chambers  61  to  65  also are provided separately for each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  and are fluidly connected to the detection chamber  10  via the passage  40 . The processing chambers  61  to  65  of any one of the processing regions  60  are not fluidly connected to the processing chambers  61  to  65  of the other processing region  60 . 
     Each of the separation unit  31 , the recovery unit  32 , and the processing chambers  61  to  65  is a space that can accommodate a liquid. The separation unit  31 , the recovery unit  32 , and the processing chambers  61  to  65  are each partitioned by a wall  51 . The separation unit  31 , the recovery unit  32 , the processing chambers  61  to  65 , and the detection chamber  10  are arranged in the circumferential direction near the outer periphery of the main unit  50 . 
     The separation unit  31  is connected to the inlet  30  via the passage  41 . The sample injected from the inlet  30  is transferred to the separation unit  31  via the passage  41  by centrifugal force generated by rotation of the cartridge  100 . 
     The recovery unit  32  is disposed radially outward of the separation unit  31  and is connected to the separation unit  31  via the passage  42 . A sample flowing into the separation unit  31  from the passage  41  accumulates sequentially from the outside in the radial direction due to centrifugal force. When the sample stored in the separation unit  31  reaches the passage  42 , a larger amount of the sample is moved to the collection unit  32  by the action of the centrifugal force. In this way the amount of the sample stored in the separation unit  31  is determined to a fixed amount. 
     The sample processing performed in the processing region  60  includes a process of separating a liquid component and a solid component contained in the sample. The sample in the separation unit  31  is centrifuged into plasma as a liquid component and blood cells and other non-liquid components as a solid component by centrifugal force generated by rotation of the cartridge  100 . The plasma separated by the separation unit  31  moves to the passage  43  by capillary action. The passage  43  is narrowed at a connection immediately before the processing chamber  61 , and the plasma fills the passage  43  immediately before the processing chamber  61 . 
     The passage  43  is connected to the processing chamber  61 . When centrifugal force is applied by rotation of the cartridge  100  in a state in which the plasma fills the inside of the passage  43 , the plasma in the passage  43  is transferred to the processing chamber  61 . A predetermined amount of plasma to be transferred to the processing chamber  61  is determined by the volume of the passage  43 . 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 7 , the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction so as to be adjacent to each other, and are connected via a passage  45  extending in the circumferential direction. As will be described later, between the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10 , the test substance passes sequentially one by one through the passage  45  from one side (the processing chamber  61  side) to the other side (the detection chamber  10  side). The reagents stored in the corresponding liquid storage sections  66  are individually transferred to the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  via the passage  44 . 
     The liquid containing the test substance is transferred to the processing chamber  61  via the passage  43 . In the processing chamber  61 , magnetic particles MP are sealed. In the processing chamber  61 , the test substance contained in the sample is a complex with the magnetic particles MP. Therefore, after the processing chamber  61 , the test substance combined with the magnetic particles MP is transferred to another processing chamber via the passage  40  by a combination of the rotation of the cartridge  100  and the action of the magnetic force. 
     The passage  45  includes six radial regions  45   a  extending in the radial direction and an arc-shaped circumferential region  45   b  extending in the circumferential direction. The circumferential region  45   b  is connected to the six radial regions  45   a . Five of the six radial regions  45   a  are respectively connected to the corresponding five processing chambers  61  to  65 , and the other one radial region  45   a  is connected to one detection chamber  10 . The six liquid storage units  66  are respectively connected to the passages  45  via the passages  44  in the radial direction. The six liquid storage units  66  are arranged radially alongside the corresponding processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10 . The liquid container  67  is connected to the passage  44  connecting the detection chamber  10  and the liquid container  66  mainly through a passage extending in the radial direction. A total of seven liquid storage units  66  and  67  are arranged on the inner peripheral side of the cartridge  100 , and the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  are arranged on the outer peripheral side of the cartridge  100 . 
     Each of the liquid storage units  66  and the liquid storage units  67  stores a reagent, and includes one sealing body  68  on the upper surface of both ends in the radial direction. The sealing body  68  can be opened by being pressed from above by the opening unit  360  (see  FIG. 12 ) of the detection device  300 . The reagent in the liquid container  66  does not flow to the passage  44  before the sealing body  68  is opened, and the reagent in the liquid container  66  flows out to the passage  44  when the sealing member  68  is opened. When the cartridge  100  is rotated, the reagent moves to the corresponding processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  by centrifugal force. 
     Note that each of the liquid storage units  66  and  67  invariably stores a reagent for a single measurement. That is, the cartridge  100  includes the liquid storage units  66  and  67  each storing a reagent that can perform one measurement of the test substance. 
     The measurement process includes a process of transferring a complex of the test substance and the magnetic particles MP from one of the processing chambers to another processing chamber or the detection chamber  10 . For example, the magnetic particles MP are moved in the radial direction by the magnetic force between the inside of the processing chamber  61  and the circumferential region  45   b . When the cartridge  100  is rotated, the magnetic particles MP move in the circumferential direction in the arc-shaped circumferential region  45   b . The magnetic particles MP carrying the test substance are sequentially moved to the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  by a combination of the radial movement due to the action of the magnetic force and the circumferential movement due to the rotation. 
     The measurement process includes a process of stirring the test substance and the reagent inside at least one of the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  by rotating the cartridge  100 . That is, the rotation speed of the cartridge  100  is changed, and acceleration and deceleration are alternately repeated. Due to the acceleration/deceleration, the liquid is moved back and forth in the circumferential direction in the chamber, and the complex is dispersed in the reagent. 
     In the cartridge  100 , after the test substance is carried on the magnetic particles MP in the processing chamber  61 , the test substance is mixed with the reagent in each of the processing chambers  62 ,  63 ,  64 , and  65 . The processing in the processing chambers  61  to  65  is set according to an assay for detecting a test substance. For example, the treatment with the reagent binds the test substance and a labeling substance. Finally, the magnetic particles MP carrying the test substance and the labeling substance are moved to the detection chamber  10 . In the detection chamber  10 , the preparation of the measurement sample  90  that emits light is completed. Light  92  (see  FIG. 8 ) generated from the measurement sample  90  is detected by the photodetector  331  of the detection device  300 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 7 , three processing regions  60  are formed in one third of the main body  50 . However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, inasmuch as two or four or more processing regions  60  also may be formed. 
     The number and shape of the processing chambers and passages also are not limited to those shown in  FIG. 7 . The configuration of each part of the processing region  60  is determined according to the content of the sample processing assay performed in the processing region  60 . 
     The cartridge  100  contains reagent for a single use. In this case, the accuracy of the cartridge  100  cannot be controlled by measuring a control substance using the contained reagent. In order to perform quality control instead of measurement of the control substance, it is desirable to visually confirm from the outside that the processing has been properly performed in the cartridge  100 . Visual confirmation includes not only the case where the user visually recognizes the cartridge  100  but also the case where an image of the cartridge  100  is captured by the imaging unit and confirmed. 
     Therefore, in the configuration example of  FIG. 7 , the transmission suppression unit  20  is configured to transmit a part of the light traveling in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  to the formation region of the passage  40 . Specifically, the transmission suppression unit  20  which forms the wall  51  does not completely block light incident in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  in the region where the passage  40  is formed, but transmits the light at least partially. For example, as shown in  FIG. 9 , the passage  40  is a through-hole (not shown) formed in the main body  50  or a non-penetrating recess, and is covered by the cover  52 . When the passage  40  is a through hole, similarly to the detection chamber  10  in  FIG. 8 , the transmission suppression unit  20  does not cover the region where the passage  40  is formed in the thickness direction, and transmits light through the cover  52 . When the passage  40  is a non-penetrating recess as shown in  FIG. 9 , it has a light transmittance that allows transmission. That is, the transmittance of the transmission suppression unit  20  in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  is greater than 0%. 
     In this way the inside of the formation region of the passage  40  can be optically visually recognized or photographed even when the wall portion  51  is configured by the transmission suppression unit  20 . Therefore, it is possible to externally determine whether the transfer of the liquid such as the sample and the reagent in the passage  40  is appropriate. Accordingly, whether the detection processing of the test substance using the cartridge  100  has been appropriately performed is evaluated from the appearance, and the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be ensured insofar as the detection processing is appropriate. Therefore, the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be easily confirmed from the appearance of the cartridge  100  even when the wall  51  is formed by the transmission suppression unit  20 . 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 7 , the transmission suppression unit  20  is configured to transmit a part of the light traveling in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  to the formation regions of the processing chambers  61  to  65 . Specifically, the transmission suppression unit  20  configuring the wall  51  does not completely block light incident in the thickness direction of the cartridge  100  in the region where the processing chambers  61  to  65  are formed, but transmits the light at least partially. For example, the processing chambers  61  to  65  are through holes or non-penetrating recesses formed in the main body  50 , and are covered by the cover  52 . When the processing chambers  61  to  65  are through holes, similarly to the detection chamber  10  of  FIG. 8 , the transmission suppression unit  20  does not cover the formation region of the processing chambers  61  to  65  in the thickness direction, such that light is transmitted through the cover  52 . When the processing chambers  61  to  65  are non-penetrating recesses, similarly to the passage  40  in  FIG. 9 , the transmission suppression unit  20  can suppress the transmission of the light  91  between the detection chambers  10  and the processing chambers  61  to  65 , and the region where the processing chambers  61  to  65  are formed has a light transmittance such that light can be transmitted in the thickness direction. 
     In this way, similarly to the passage  40 , whether the processing of the test substance in the processing chambers  61  to  65  is appropriate can be grasped from the outside. Therefore, the reliability of the detection accuracy of the test substance can be easily confirmed from the appearance of the cartridge  100  even when the wall  51  is formed by the transmission suppression unit  20 . 
     Summary of Detection Device 
     Next, a specific configuration example of the detection device  300  that performs the detection method according to the present embodiment will be described. 
     The detection device  300  performs the measurement using the disk type cartridge  100  (see  FIG. 7 ). The detection device  300  is a device that performs light detection by executing the above-described detection method (see  FIG. 2 ). In the examples shown in  FIGS. 10 to 15 , the detection device  300  is an immunoassay device that uses the cartridge  100  to detect a test substance in a sample using an antigen-antibody reaction, and measures the test substance based on the detection result. 
     In the structural examples of  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the detection device  300  includes a housing  310  that houses the photodetector  331  (see  FIG. 12 ). 
     The housing  310  is configured by a box-shaped member having an internal space of a predetermined volume, a combination of a frame and an exterior plate, and the like. The housing  310  of the detection device  300  for PoC inspection has a small box-like shape that can be installed on a desktop. 
     The housing  310  includes a base  311  and a cover  312 . The cover  312  is provided so as to cover substantially the entire upper surface of the base  311 . An arrangement part  313  in which the cartridge  100  is arranged is provided on an upper surface portion of the base  311 . The cover  312  is provided to be openable and closable between a state in which the arrangement part  313  shown in  FIG. 10  is opened, and a state in which the arrangement part  313  is covered as shown in  FIG. 11 . The housing  310  is configured as a dark box configured to shield the cartridge  100  from the outside with the cover  312  covering the arrangement part  313  in which the cartridge  100  is arranged. 
     As shown in  FIG. 12 , the detection device  300  includes a rotation mechanism  320 , a measurement unit  330 , and an imaging unit  340 . The detection device  300  also includes a magnet drive unit  350 , a plug opening unit  360 , a heater  361  and a temperature sensor  362 , and a clamper  363 . These components are housed in the housing  310 . 
     The arrangement part  313  (see  FIG. 10 ) forms an upper surface of the base  311  which is openably and closably covered by the cover  312 . A support member  314  that supports the cartridge  100  from below is arranged in the arrangement part  313 . The support member  314  is formed of, for example, a turntable. The support member  314  is provided at the upper end of the rotation shaft  321  of the rotation mechanism  320 . The support member  314  is configured to support the cartridge  100  at a predetermined relative rotation angle. 
     The rotation mechanism  320  includes a rotation shaft  321  and a drive unit  322  such as a motor. The rotation mechanism  320  drives the drive unit  322  to rotate the cartridge  100  installed on the support member  314  about the rotation shaft  321 . The rotation mechanism  320  includes an encoder  323  for detecting the rotation angle of the drive unit  322  and an origin sensor  324  for detecting the origin position of the rotation angle. The cartridge  100  can be moved to an arbitrary rotation position by driving the drive unit  322  based on the detection angle of the encoder  323  with reference to the detection position of the origin sensor  324 . 
     The rotation mechanism  320  holds the cartridge  100  via the rotation shaft  321 . The rotation shaft  321  is arranged vertically, for example, when the detection device  300  is installed. The cartridge  100  is supported by the rotation mechanism  320  in a posture along the horizontal direction. 
     When the drive unit  322  rotates the rotation shaft  321  about the axis, the cartridge  100  rotates about the rotation shaft  321 . As a result, each part of the cartridge  100 , such as the detection chamber  10 , the processing chambers  61  to  65 , and the passage  40 , has a circular orbit having a rotation radius corresponding to a radial distance from the respective arrangement position to the rotation shaft  321  in the circumferential direction. 
     The rotation mechanism  320  is configured to execute at least a part of the measurement process by rotating the cartridge  100  about the rotation shaft  321 . The rotation mechanism  320  rotates the inside of the cartridge  100  by centrifugation of the blood sample, transfer of the sample, and transfer of the reagent to each of the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  (see  FIG. 7 ), stirring of the reagent and the sample, transfer of the magnetic particles MP in the circumferential direction between the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10 , and the like are performed as part of the measurement process. 
     The magnet drive unit  350  includes a magnet  351  and has a function of moving the magnetic particles MP inside the cartridge  100  in the radial direction. The magnet drive unit  350  is arranged below the arrangement part  313 , and is configured to move the magnet  351  in the radial direction. The magnet drive unit  350  is configured to move the magnet  351  in a direction approaching or retracting from the cartridge  100 . The magnetic particles MP in the cartridge  100  are collected by bringing the magnets  351  close to each other, and the magnetic collection of the magnetic particles MP is released by separating the magnets  351 . 
     The opening unit  360  projects a pin member  360   a  that can advance and retreat toward the cartridge  100  from above the cartridge  100  arranged in the arrangement part  313  to make contact with the cartridge  100  to open the sealing body  68  (see  FIG. 7 ) in the cartridge  100  via pressing. The two opening units  360  are provided so that the sealing body  68  provided at two locations for one liquid storage portion can be opened. After opening, the opening unit  360  moves the pin member  360   a  to the retreat position where it is separated from the cartridge  100  and does not make contact. 
     The heater  361  is provided at a position directly below the cartridge  100  arranged in the arrangement part  313  and at a position immediately above the cartridge  100 , respectively. The heater  361  heats the sample contained in the cartridge  100  to a predetermined reaction temperature to promote the reaction between the sample and the reagent. The temperature sensor  362  detects the temperature of the cartridge  100  by infrared rays. 
     The measurement unit  330  includes a photodetector  331  at a position facing the cartridge  100  arranged on the arrangement part  313  via an opening formed in the base  311 . In this way the measurement unit  330  detects the light generated from inside the detection chamber  10  (see  FIG. 13 ) by the photodetector  331 . The photodetector  331  detects the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  moved to the detection position  332  (see  FIG. 14 ). The photodetector  331  outputs a pulse waveform corresponding to photons, that is, photons received. The measurement unit  330  includes a circuit therein, counts photons at regular intervals based on an output signal of the photodetector  331 , and outputs a count value. 
     The photodetector  331  is arranged at a position directly below the cartridge  100  arranged in the arrangement part  313 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , the distance from the rotation axis  321  of the photodetector  331  substantially matches the distance from the rotation axis  321  of each detection chamber  10  in a plan view. The rotation mechanism  320  rotates the cartridge  100  about the rotation shaft  321  to arrange any one of the detection chambers  10  at the detection position  332  immediately above the photodetector  331 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the photodetector  331  detects light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  and emitted in the second direction DR 2  for each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . In the example of  FIG. 13 , the first direction DR 1  is a horizontal direction passing through the inside of the cartridge  100 , and the second direction DR 2  is a vertical direction orthogonal to the surface of the cartridge  100 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13 , the photodetector  331  is exposed through an opening on the upper surface of the base  311  that forms the inner surface  315  of the housing  310 . The photodetector  331  detects the light  92  in the second direction DR 2  emitted from the light extraction unit  11  of the detection chamber  10  arranged at the detection position  332 . 
     Here, the inner surface  315  of the housing  310  is formed of a material that absorbs light. The inner surface  315  of the housing  310  includes an upper surface of the base  311  and a lower surface of the cover  312  that form a light-shielding space that covers the arrangement part  313 . The light absorbing material is, for example, a black opaque material. The black opaque material is, for example, a resin material mixed with carbon black. Light generated from the measurement sample  90  in each of the detection chambers  10  is also radiated to the inside of the housing  310  via the light extraction unit  11 . The light  94  radiated inside the housing  310  is absorbed by the inner surface  315  of the housing  310 . 
     In the detection method performed by the detection device  300  described above, the scattering of light generated from the measurement sample  90  and emitted from the cartridge  100  to the outside of the cartridge  100  is suppressed by the inner surface  315  of the housing  310  that absorbs light generated from the measurement sample  90 . In this way the light  94 , among the light emitted from the measurement sample  90  emitted to the outside of the cartridge  100  and directed in a direction other than the second direction DR 2  enters the inner surface  315  of the housing  310 , is absorbed by the inner surface  315  of the housing  310 . As a result, it is possible to prevent the light  94  traveling in a direction other than the second direction DR 2  from being scattered in the housing  310  and mixed into another detection chamber  10 . That is, the light  94  is suppressed from being multiply reflected between the surface of the cartridge  100  and the inner surface  315  of the housing  310  and reaching the photodetector  331 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     A clamper  363  rotatably supports the center of the upper surface of the cartridge  100  installed on the support member  314  with the cover  312  closed. The cartridge  100  is supported while being sandwiched between the support member  314  and the damper  363 . The clamper  363  is configured to be able to stroke vertically in a predetermined range, and is forced toward the support member  314  side. The clamper  363  is provided with a stroke detection sensor (not shown), and is connected to a control unit  370  described later. It is possible to detect a state in which the cartridge  100  is not installed, a state in which the cartridge  100  is properly installed, and a state in which the cartridge  100  is installed improperly due to a displacement or the like. 
     The imaging unit  340  is provided so as to face the upper surface of the cartridge  100  installed on the support member  314 , and is configured to acquire an image of the cartridge  100 . It is possible to confirm whether the processing inside the cartridge  100  has been properly performed by the obtained image. The imaging unit  340  includes, for example, a CCD image sensor, a CMOS image sensor, and the like. The illumination unit  341  is configured by, for example, by a light emitting diode and generates illumination light at the time of imaging. 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 12 , the imaging unit  340  is fixed to the cover  312 . The imaging unit  340  directly faces the upper surface of the cartridge  100  via a hole provided in the cover  312 . The illumination unit  341  directly faces the upper surface of the cartridge  100  via a hole provided in the cover  312 . As shown in  FIG. 14 , when the cartridge  100  arranged in the arrangement part  313  rotates, a part or all of the detection chamber  10 , the processing chambers  61  to  65 , the passage  40  and the like are set to pass the imaging range  342  of the imaging unit  340 . The rotation mechanism  320  arranges any of the detection chambers  10 , the processing chambers  61  to  65 , and the passage  40  within the imaging range  342  of the imaging unit  340  by rotating the cartridge  100 . The transmission suppression unit  20  transmits at least a part of the illumination light from the illumination unit  341 . Therefore, the imaging unit  340  acquires an image of the liquid or the magnetic particles MP inside the cartridge  100  using the illumination light. 
     The imaging unit  340  captures an image of an identifier (not shown) provided for each processing region  60  on the upper surface of the cartridge  100 . The identifier is an information recording medium that can be read from an image, such as a barcode or a two-dimensional code. The rotation mechanism  320  sequentially positions the identifiers within the imaging range  342  by rotating the cartridge  100 . Information for specifying the measurement item, information on the reagent, information for specifying the cartridge  100 , and the like are recorded in the identifier. 
     In addition, the detection device  300  shown in  FIG. 12  includes an operation unit  364  that receives a user operation when opening the cover  312 , a detection unit  365  that detects opening and closing of the cover  312 , a locking mechanism  366  for locking the cover  312  in the closed state and the like. 
       FIG. 15  shows a control structure of the detection device  300 . 
     The detection device  300  includes a control unit  370 . Control unit  370  includes, for example, a processor and a memory. The processor includes, for example, a CPU, an MPU, and the like. The memory includes, for example, a ROM and a RAM. The control unit  370  receives a signal from each unit of the detection device  300  and controls each unit of the detection device  300 . 
     The detection device  300  includes a storage unit  371 . The storage unit  371  stores measurement result data. The storage unit  371  is configured by, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like. 
     The detection device  300  includes a communication unit  372 . The communication unit  372  is capable of transmitting information to an external device and receiving information from the external device. Communication unit  372  includes, for example, a communication module, an interface for external connection, and the like. The communication unit  372  can perform communication with a terminal (not shown) capable of communicating with the detection device  300  and communication with a server (not shown) via a network by wired or wireless communication. The communication enables transmission of a log including measurement result data and acquisition of data related to measurement processing such as a calibration curve. The terminals include, for example, tablet terminals, portable information terminals such as smartphones, and information terminals such as PCs (personal computers). The control unit  370  can receive a user&#39;s operation input via the user interface displayed on the terminal. 
     Description of Detection Device Operation 
     Next, the operation of the detection device  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 16 . The structure of the detection device  300  will be described with reference to  FIG. 12 . The structure of the cartridge  100  will be described with reference to  FIG. 7  and  FIG. 14 . 
     First, as a preparation operation, the user injects a blood sample collected from a subject through the inlet  30  of the cartridge  100 . The user injects a sample to be measured into each of the three inlets  30  formed in the three processing regions  60 . As an example of the measurement items of the cartridge  100 , a measurement example of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is shown. The test substance in the blood sample contains an antigen. The antigen is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The measurement item also may be prostate specific antigen (PSA), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormone (FT4), or the like. 
     In the cartridge  100 , an R1 reagent is stored in a liquid storage unit  66  located in a radial direction of the processing chamber  61 . The processing chamber  61  contains an R2 reagent. An R3 reagent is stored in a liquid storage unit  66  located in the radial direction of the processing chamber  62 . A cleaning liquid is stored in each of the liquid storage units  66  located in the radial direction of the processing chambers  63  to  65 . An R4 reagent is stored in the liquid storage unit  66  located in the radial direction of the detection chamber  10 . The liquid storage unit  67  stores the R5 reagent. 
     In step S 11  of  FIG. 16 , the control unit  370  performs an initial operation for starting measurement. 
     Specifically, the control unit  370  detects the closure of the cover  312  after the user opens the cover  312  and installs the cartridge  100  on the support member  314  based on the signals of the detection unit  365  and the stroke detection sensor of the clamper  363 . The cartridge  100  is placed in the light-shielded housing  310  by closing the cover  312 . The control unit  370  causes an identifier (not shown) provided for each processing region  60  to be read. When the identifier is imaged by the imaging unit  340 , the control unit  370  acquires various information used for measurement. The control unit  370  also acquires the rotation position of each chamber and each sealing unit for each processing region  60  based on the origin position detected by the origin sensor  324  and the reading position of the identifier. 
     The control unit  370  causes the detection device  300  to start the processing of the sample and the light detection operation after step S 12 . At each step, the control unit  370  also positions each unit on which the sample processing has been executed in the imaging range  342  of the imaging unit  340  by the rotation mechanism  320 , and causes the imaging unit  340  to perform imaging. The control unit  370  monitors whether the sample processing has been normally executed based on the captured image of the imaging unit  340 . Note that if the execution has not been performed normally, the control unit  370  performs a predetermined error process, but that description is omitted here. 
     In step S 12 , the control unit  370  performs a process of transferring the sample to the separation unit  31  and a process of separating the sample into a liquid component and a solid component. The control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to rotate the cartridge  100  at high speed, and moves the sample from the passage  41  to the separation unit  31  by centrifugal force. At this time, a surplus sample exceeding a predetermined amount moves to the collection unit  32 . In the separation unit  31 , the sample is separated into a liquid component as plasma and a solid component such as blood cells by centrifugal force. The separated plasma moves into the passage  43  and fills the passage  43 . By the rotation of the cartridge  100 , centrifugal separation is simultaneously performed in the three processing regions  60 . 
     In step S 13 , the control unit  370  transfers the plasma and the reagent to the processing chamber  61 . First, the control unit  370  performs positioning of the cartridge  100  by the rotation mechanism  320  and drives the opening unit  360  to open each of the sealing bodies  68  of the six liquid storage units  66 . When the opening of the first processing region  60  is completed, the control unit  370  executes the opening operation of the second processing region  60  and the third processing region  60  in order. 
     Next, the control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to rotate the cartridge  100 . Due to the centrifugal force, the plasma is transferred from the passage  43  to the processing chamber  61 , and the reagents stored in the six liquid storage units  66  are transferred to the corresponding processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10 , respectively. The liquid is simultaneously transferred in the three processing regions  60  by the rotation of the cartridge  100 . In this way the plasma, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent are mixed in the processing chamber  61 . The R3 reagent is transferred to the processing chamber  62 . The cleaning liquid is transferred to the processing chambers  63  to  65 , respectively. The R4 reagent is transferred to the detection chamber  10 . 
     In step S 13 , when the transfer of the plasma and the reagent is completed, the control unit  370  also performs a stirring process for accelerating and decelerating the rotation of the cartridge  100  by the rotation mechanism  320 . In this way the liquid in the processing chambers  61  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  is stirred. Such a stirring process is performed not only in step S 13  but also in steps S 14  to S 19  after the transfer process. The stirring process is performed simultaneously in the three processing regions  60  by the acceleration and deceleration of the rotation of the cartridge  100 . 
     Here, the R1 reagent includes a capture substance that binds to the test substance. The capture substance includes, for example, an antibody that binds to the test substance. The antibody is, for example, a biotin-conjugated HBs monoclonal antibody. The R2 reagent contains magnetic particles MP. The magnetic particles MP are, for example, streptavidin-bound magnetic particles whose surface is coated with avidin. In step S 13 , when the plasma, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent are mixed and the stirring process is performed, the test substance and the R1 reagent bind by an antigen-antibody reaction. Then, the test substance bound to the capture substance of the R1 reagent binds to the magnetic particles MP via the capture substance by the reaction between the antigen-antibody reactant and the magnetic particles MP. As a result, a complex in which the test substance and the magnetic particles MP are bound is generated. 
     Next, in step S 14 , the control unit  370  transfers the complex in the processing chamber  61  from the processing chamber  61  to the processing chamber  62  in order for each processing region  60 . 
     When transferring the complex, the control unit  370  drives the magnet driving unit  350  to bring the magnet  351  closer to the cartridge  100  and collect the complex that spreads in the processing chamber  61 . The control unit  370  combines the radial movement of the magnet  351  by the driving of the magnet driving unit  350  and the circumferential movement of the cartridge  100  by the rotation mechanism  320  to move the complex along the passage  45 . That is, the control unit  370  moves the complex from inside the processing chamber  61  to the processing chamber  62  in the order of the radial inner movement of the path PT 1 , the circumferential movement of the path PT 2 , and the radial outer movement of the path PT 3  shown in  FIG. 14 . When the transfer process in the first processing region  60  is completed, the control unit  370  sequentially performs the transfer processing on the second processing region  60  and the third processing region  60 . After moving the complex, the control unit  370  performs a stirring process. Note that the movement of the complex to each of the processing chambers  63  to  65  and the detection chamber  10  is performed by the same method, and thus a detailed description is omitted. 
     By transferring the complex to the processing chamber  62 , the complex generated in the processing chamber  61  and the R3 reagent are mixed in the processing chamber  62 . Here, the R3 reagent contains a labeling substance. The labeling substance includes a label, and a capture substance that specifically binds to the test substance. For example, the labeling substance is a labeled antibody using an antibody as a capture substance. In step S 14 , when the complex generated in the processing chamber  61  and the R3 reagent are mixed and agitated, the complex generated in the processing chamber  61  reacts with the labeled antibody contained in the R3 reagent. As a result, a complex in which the test substance, the capture antibody, the magnetic particles MP, and the labeled antibody are bound is generated in the processing chamber  62 . 
     In step S 15 , the control unit  370  transfers the complex in the processing chamber  62  from the processing chamber  62  to the processing chamber  63  in order for each processing region  60 . In this way in the processing chamber  63 , the complex generated in the processing chamber  62  and the cleaning liquid are mixed in the processing chamber  63 . In step S 15 , when the stirring process is performed, the complex and the unreacted substance are separated in the processing chamber  63 . That is, in the processing chamber  63 , unreacted substances are removed by cleaning. 
     In step S 16 , the control unit  370  transfers the complex in the processing chamber  63  from the processing chamber  63  to the processing chamber  64  in order for each processing region  60 . In this way the complex generated in the processing chamber  62  and the cleaning liquid are mixed in the processing chamber  64 . In the processing chamber  64  as well, unreacted substances are removed by cleaning. 
     In step S 17 , the control unit  370  transfers the complex in the processing chamber  64  from the processing chamber  64  to the processing chamber  65  in order for each processing region  60 . In this way the complex generated in the processing chamber  62  and the cleaning liquid are mixed in the processing chamber  65 . Unreacted substances also are removed by cleaning in the processing chamber  65 . 
     In step S 18 , the control unit  370  transfers the complex in the processing chamber  65  from the processing chamber  65  to the detection chamber  10  in order for each processing area  60 . In this way the complex generated in the processing chamber  62  and the R4 reagent are mixed in the detection chamber  10 . Here, the R4 reagent is a reagent for dispersing the complex generated in the processing chamber  62 . The R4 reagent is, for example, a buffer. In step S 18 , when the stirring process is performed, the complex generated in the processing chamber  62  is dispersed in the R4 reagent in the detection chamber  10 . 
     In step S 19 , the control unit  370  transfers the R5 reagent to the detection chamber  10 . Specifically, the control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to position the cartridge  100 , and drives the opening unit  360  to open the sealing body  68  of the liquid storage unit  67 . The control unit  370  causes each of the three processing regions  60  to sequentially perform the opening operation. The control unit  370  rotates the cartridge  100  by the rotation mechanism  320 , and transfers the R5 reagent stored in the liquid storage unit  67  to the detection chamber  10  by centrifugal force. The R5 reagent is simultaneously transferred in the three processing areas  60  by the rotation of the cartridge  100 . In this way the R5 reagent is further mixed with the liquid mixture generated in step S 18  in the detection chamber  10 . 
     Here, the R5 reagent includes a luminescent substrate that generates light by reaction with the labeled antibody bound to the complex. In step S 19 , when the mixed solution generated in step S 18  and the additionally transferred R5 reagent are mixed and stirred, a measurement sample  90  (see  FIG. 13 ) is prepared. The measurement sample  90  emits chemiluminescence when the labeling substance bound to the complex reacts with the luminescent substrate. As a result of step S 19 , the measurement sample  90  is disposed in each of the detection chambers  10  of the three processing regions  60 . As a result, light generated from the measurement sample  90  is emitted from each of the three detection chambers  10 . 
     In step S 20 , the control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to position each of the detection chambers  10  at the detection position  332  immediately above the photodetector  331 . The photodetector  331  detects the light  92  emitted from the detection chamber  10 . The control unit  370  causes each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  to individually detect the light generated from the measurement sample  90  when the light generated from the measurement sample  90  is generated from each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . That is, the control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to position the first detection chamber  10  at the detection position  332  of the photodetector  331 , and to detect the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90 . Next, the control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to position the second detection chamber  10  at the detection position  332  of the photodetector  331 , and causes the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  to be detected. The control unit  370  causes the rotation mechanism  320  to position the third detection chamber  10  at the detection position  332  of the photodetector  331 , and causes the light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  to be detected. 
     During a total of three light detections, the transmission of the light  91  generated from the measurement sample  90  radiated in the first direction DR 1  is suppressed by the transmission suppression unit  20  provided between each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 . For each of the plurality of detection chambers  10 , light  92  generated from the measurement sample  90  and emitted in the second direction DR 2  which is different from the first direction DR 1  is detected. 
     In step S 21 , the control unit  370  performs a measurement process regarding immunity based on the light detected by the photodetector  331 . The measurement unit  330  counts photons and outputs a count value. The control unit  370  measures the presence or absence and amount of the test substance based on the count value output from the measurement unit  330  and the calibration curve, and generates a measurement result. 
     When the measurement result is obtained, control unit  370  records the measurement result data in storage unit  371  in step S 22 . The control unit  370  also transmits measurement result data to a terminal or a server through communication unit  372 . 
     Thus, the measurement operation of the detection device  300  is completed. 
     In the above embodiment, chemiluminescence is light emitted by utilizing energy due to a chemical reaction, for example, light emitted when a molecule is excited by a chemical reaction to an excited state and then returns to the ground state. Chemiluminescence is generated, for example, by the reaction between an enzyme and a substrate, by applying an electrochemical stimulus to a labeling substance, by the LOCI (Luminescent Oxygen Channeling Immunoassay) method, or by generating bioluminescence. In the present embodiment, any chemiluminescence may be performed. A complex may be formed by combining a substance that is excited by fluorescence when irradiated with light of a predetermined wavelength and a test substance. In this case, a light source for irradiating the detection chamber  10  with light is arranged. The photodetector detects the fluorescence excited from the substance bound to the complex by the light from the light source. 
     Note that the magnetic particles MP may be any particles that include a material having magnetism used as a base material and are used in a normal immunoassay. For example, magnetic particles using Fe2O3 and/or Fe3O4, cobalt, nickel, phyllite, magnetite, or the like as a substrate can be used. The magnetic particles may be coated with a binding substance for binding to the test substance, or may be bound to the test substance via a capture substance for binding the magnetic particles to the test substance. The capture substance is, for example, an antigen or an antibody that binds to the magnetic particle and the test substance. 
     The capture substance is not particularly limited as long as it specifically binds to the test substance. For example, the capture substance binds to the test substance by an antigen-antibody reaction. More specifically, the capture substance is an antibody, but when the test substance is an antibody, the capture substance may be an antigen of the antibody. When the test substance is a nucleic acid, the capture substance may be a nucleic acid complementary to the test substance. Examples of the label contained in the labeling substance include an enzyme and a fluorescent substance. Examples of the enzyme include alkaline phosphatase (ALP), peroxidase, glucose oxidase, tyrosinase, and acid phosphatase. When performing electrochemiluminescence as chemiluminescence, the label is not particularly limited insofar as it is a substance that emits light by electrochemical stimulation, and examples thereof include a ruthenium complex. As the fluorescent substance, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), green fluorescent protein (GFP), luciferin and the like can be used. 
     When the label is an enzyme, a known luminescent substrate may be appropriately selected as the luminescent substrate for the enzyme depending on the enzyme used. Examples of useful luminescent substrates when alkaline phosphatase is used as an enzyme include chemiluminescent substrates such as CDP-Star (registered trademark), (4-Chloro-3-(methoxyspiro [1,2-dioxetane-3,2 ‘-(5’-chloro) triculo [3.3.13,7] decane]-4-yl) phenylphosphate disodium), CSPD (registered trademark) (3-(4-methoxyspiro [1,2-dioxetane-3,2-(5′-chloro) tricyclo [3.3.1.13,7] decane]-4-yl) phenyl disodium phosphate) and the like; luminescent substrates such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphoric acid (BCIP), 4-nitro blue tetrazolium chloride (NBT), Iodonitrotetrazolium (INT) and the like; fluorescent substrates such as 4-methylum beryphenyl phosphate (4MUP) and the like; and chromogenic substrates such as 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl phosphoric acid (BCIP), disodium 5-bromo-6-chloro-indolyl phosphate, p-nitrophenyl phosphorus and the like. 
     Transmission Suppression Unit Modification 
     Although  FIG. 7  shows an example in which the transmission suppression unit 20  configures the wall  51  of the cartridge  100  wherein the entire wall  51  which forms the main body  50  is the transmission suppression unit  20 , only a part of the wall  51  may be configured by the transmission suppression unit  20 . The transmission suppression unit  20  need not necessarily configure the wall  51 , however. The transmission suppression unit  20  also may be a member different from the wall  51 . 
     For example, in the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the transmission suppression unit  120  is provided on a part of the wall  51 . That is, the transmission suppression unit  120  is configured by a member partially formed on the surface or inside the wall  51  with respect to the wall  51  that partitions the plurality of detection chambers  10 . In this way, for example, the transmission suppression unit  120  can be provided locally by forming a layer of the transmission suppression unit  120  on the surface of the wall  51  or embedding the transmission suppression unit  120  in a part of the wall  51 . In this way the transmission suppression unit  120  can be provided while securing a degree of freedom in selecting the constituent material of the wall  51 . For example, the transmission of light can be more effectively suppressed by the units  20  and  120  when a plurality of types of transmission suppression units are provided when the wall  51  is configured by the first transmission suppression unit  20  (see  FIG. 8 ) and the second transmission suppression unit  120  is provided on the surface or inside of the wall  51 . 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the transmission suppression unit  120  is provided so as to divide the wall  51 . The transmission suppression unit  120  is provided continuously from the end  54   a  on the rotation shaft  321  side of the cartridge  100  to the end  54   b  on the side remote from the rotation shaft  321 . That is, the transmission suppression unit  120  extends in the radial direction of the cartridge  100  from the inner surface of the hole  55  which is the inner peripheral surface of the cartridge  100  to the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge  100 . A total of three transmission suppression units  120  are provided between the detection chambers  10  so as to partition between the three detection chambers  10 . In this way the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  bound between the detection chambers  10  always enters the transmission suppression unit  120  as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 17 . As a result, the transmission of the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  between the detection chambers  10  is suppressed by the transmission suppression unit  120 . 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the transmission suppression unit  120  extends linearly. The transmission suppression unit  120  may have a curved shape, a broken line shape, or a wide band shape. The transmission suppression unit  120  is formed to have a constant width. The width of the transmission suppression unit  120  also may change. 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the transmission suppression unit  120  includes the light scattering part  22  that scatters light generated from the measurement sample  90 . The light scattering part  22  includes a light scattering filler that scatters light generated from the measurement sample  90 . That is, the transmission suppression unit  120  is a resin mixed with a light scattering material. The resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin. The transmission suppression unit  120  may be, for example, a light-diffusing polypropylene resin, a light-diffusing acrylic resin, or the like. 
     In the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the wall  51  also may be translucent or may be transparent. As described above, the wall  51  may be configured by the transmission suppression unit  20  shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     Although the transmission suppression unit  120  is provided continuously from the inner end  54   a  to the outer end  54   b  of the cartridge  100  in the structural example of  FIG. 17 , the transmission suppression unit  120  need not be continuous between both ends. For example, in the structural example of  FIG. 18 , the transmission suppression unit  120  does not reach the end  54   a  or the end  54   b  of the cartridge  100 . In the structural example of  FIG. 18 , the transmission suppression unit  120  has a continuous annular shape so as to surround the processing region  60 . The three transmission suppression units  120  are provided to circumscribe the three processing regions  60  that are fluidly isolated from each other. In this way the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  bound between the detection chambers  10  always enters the transmission suppression unit  120  as indicated by the arrow in  FIG. 18 . As a result, the transmission of the light  91  in the first direction DR 1  between the detection chambers  10  is suppressed by the transmission suppression unit  120 . 
     Detection Chamber Modification 
     Although an example in which the three detection chambers  10  of the cartridge  100  are used for measuring the same measurement item has been described in the present embodiment, each of the plurality of detection chambers  10  may a different type of measurement item and type of sample to be used in optional combination. 
     In the example of  FIG. 19 , three detection chambers  10  are used for measuring different measurement items for the same sample. In the example of  FIG. 19 , the same sample A is injected into the inlet  30  of each processing region  60 . Then, different measurement items X, Y, and Z are measured for the measurement samples  90  accommodated in the respective detection chambers  10 . Each of the measurement items X, Y, and Z is, for example, any one of prostate specific antigen (PSA), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and thyroid hormone (FT3, FT4). 
     In the example of  FIG. 20 , three detection chambers  10  are used for measurement of the same measurement item for different samples. In the example of  FIG. 20 , different samples A, B, and C are injected into the inlets  30  of the respective processing regions  60 . Then, the measurement of the same measurement item X is performed for the measurement samples  90  accommodated in the respective detection chambers  10 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 21 , the three detection chambers  10  are used for measurement of different measurement items for different samples. In the example of  FIG. 21 , different samples A, B, and C are injected into the inlets  30  of the respective processing regions  60 . Then, different measurement items X, Y, and Z are measured for the measurement samples  90  accommodated in the respective detection chambers  10 . 
     Note that the embodiments disclosed in this disclosure are illustrative in all aspects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description of the embodiments, and includes all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.