Patent Description:
Conventionally, there has been known a sample measuring apparatus (for example, see Patent Literature <NUM>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the above-mentioned Patent Literature <NUM> discloses an automatic analyzer <NUM> (sample measuring apparatus) that includes an analyzing unit <NUM>, which analyzes a sample using a reagent, and a reagent depository <NUM>, which stores multiple reagent bottles <NUM> each storing the reagent. This automatic analyzer <NUM> of Patent Literature <NUM> stores the multiple reagent bottles <NUM> in a reagent holding rack <NUM> in the reagent depository <NUM> with the multiple reagent bottles <NUM> inserted in box-shaped small sections <NUM>, respectively. Further, Patent Literature <NUM> is concerned with an automated analyzer.

However, since the multiple reagent bottles <NUM> are stored in the reagent holding rack <NUM> in the reagent depository <NUM> with the multiple reagent bottles <NUM> inserted in the box-shaped small sections <NUM>, respectively, in the automatic analyzer <NUM> (sample measuring apparatus) described in the above-mentioned Patent Literature <NUM>, the reagent bottles <NUM> are not likely to be exposed to air in the reagent depository <NUM>. For this reason, the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagent is reduced, and it is difficult to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, there is a disadvantage that the number of parts is increased as more numbers of the box-shaped small sections <NUM> are provided. Thus, there is the problem that it is difficult to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently, and also the number of parts is increased.

One or more aspects aim to keep a reagent cool or warm efficiently and also to inhibit an increase in the number of parts.

A sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect of the present invention, is defined in claim <NUM>.

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent container (<NUM>) to protrude from the reagent container holder (<NUM>) with the reagent container (<NUM>) not being covered with the reagent container holder (<NUM>). Consequently, the reagent container (<NUM>) can be arranged to be exposed to a space, and thus it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the number of parts than that in a case of providing a box-shaped small section for the reagent container (<NUM>). Thus, it is possible to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently and also to inhibit an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, since the reagent container holder (<NUM>) can hold, by suspending, the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to hold the reagent container (<NUM>) stably. Consequently, when the reagent is aspirated from the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to insert an aspiration tube into the reagent container (<NUM>) correctly.

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, the reagent container holder (<NUM>) includes a plate-shaped member (30a) having a through-hole (<NUM>), and the plate-shaped member (30a) holds the reagent container (<NUM>) such that a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the reagent container (<NUM>) is exposed from the through-hole (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) from the through-hole (<NUM>) of the plate-shaped member (30a) and provide the reagent container (<NUM>) in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily.

In this case, the plate-shaped member (30a) comprises suspending portions (<NUM>) that each suspend and hold the reagent container (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to hold the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) by the multiple suspending portions (<NUM>), and thus it is possible to easily increase the amount and the types of the reagent to be held.

In the configuration in which the above-described plate-shaped member (30a) includes the suspending portions (<NUM>), each suspending portion (<NUM>) is tapered downward. With this configuration, the reagent container (<NUM>) can be guided to a providing position of the suspending portion (<NUM>) easily with the shape tapered downward, and thus it is possible to provide the reagent container (<NUM>) in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily.

In the configuration in which the above-described plate-shaped member (30a) includes the suspending portions (<NUM>), alternatively, each of the suspending portions (<NUM>) comprises a lower stage opening (33a) and an upper stage opening (33b), and the upper stage opening (33b) is provided above the lower stage opening (33a) and comprises an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the lower stage opening (33a). With this configuration, it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) from the upper stage opening (33b) having the great outer circumference into the suspending portion (<NUM>) easily. Additionally, since the reagent container (<NUM>) inserted from the upper stage opening (33b) can be guided easily to the lower stage opening (33a) continuing the upper stage opening (33b), it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) in the lower stage opening (33a) easily.

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent container holder (<NUM>) comprises a circular outer circumferential edge such a plurality of the reagent containers (<NUM>) are arranged circularly. With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) circularly in the circular reagent container holder (<NUM>) and store the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) in a depository compactly.

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent container holder (<NUM>) includes at least one holding portion (<NUM>) that positions the reagent containers (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent containers (<NUM>) in predetermined positions of the reagent container holder (<NUM>) accurately and also to inhibit the reagent containers (<NUM>) from moving with respect to the reagent container holder (<NUM>).

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent container holder (<NUM>) comprises a first reagent container holder (<NUM>),a first supporting unit (<NUM>) supporting the first reagent container holder (<NUM>), and a first driving unit (<NUM>) that rotates the first supporting unit (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to rotate and move the first reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily by the first driving unit (<NUM>).

In this case, it may be preferable that the reagent container holder (<NUM>) comprises a second reagent container holder (<NUM>) arranged around the first reagent container holder (<NUM>);a rotation table (<NUM>) supporting the second reagent container holder (<NUM>) through a joint part (<NUM>);a second supporting unit (<NUM>) supporting the rotation table (<NUM>); and a second driving unit (<NUM>) that rotates the second supporting unit (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to rotate and move the second reagent container holder (<NUM>) independently from the first reagent container holder (<NUM>).

It may be preferable that the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect comprises: a reagent storage (<NUM>) comprising a cover (21a) that covers top portions of the reagent containers (<NUM>), and the reagent container holder (<NUM>) is arranged in the reagent storage (<NUM>). The reagent storage (<NUM>) allows the reagent container holder (<NUM>) to be arranged in the reagent storage (<NUM>) so as to store the reagent containers (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to keep the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) stored in the reagent storage (<NUM>) including the cover (21a) covering the top portions cool or warm efficiently.

In this case, it may be preferable that the cover (21a) covers a top portion of the reagent storage (<NUM>) and comprises an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the reagent storage (<NUM>). With this configuration, the top portion of the reagent storage (<NUM>) can be covered with the cover (21a) reliably, and thus it is possible to keep the multiple reagent container (<NUM>) stored in the reagent storage (<NUM>) cool or warm efficiently.

In the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent contains any of capture substances that are bound to target substances in the sample by an antigen-antibody reaction, solid-phase carriers that are bound to the capture substances, and labeling substances that are bound to the target substances by the antigen-antibody reaction. With this configuration, it is possible to keep the capture substances, the solid-phase carriers, or the labeling substances used in the immune testing cool or warm efficiently.

A reagent container (<NUM>) according to a second aspect is used in the sample measuring apparatus (<NUM>) according to a first aspect described above.

A method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect is defined in claim <NUM>.

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, with the abovedescribed configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent container (<NUM>) to protrude from the reagent container holder (<NUM>) with the reagent container (<NUM>) not being covered with the reagent container holder (<NUM>). Consequently, the reagent container (<NUM>) can be arranged to be exposed to a space, and thus it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the number of parts than that in a case of providing a box-shaped small section for the reagent container (<NUM>). Thus, it is possible to provide a method of measuring a sample capable of keeping the reagent cool or warm efficiently and also inhibiting an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, since the reagent container holder (<NUM>) can hold, by suspending, the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to hold the reagent container (<NUM>) stably. Consequently, when the reagent is aspirated from the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to insert an aspiration tube into the reagent container (<NUM>) correctly.

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent container holder (<NUM>) includes a plate-shaped member (30a) that has a through-hole (<NUM>), and the reagent container is provided in the plate-shaped member (30a) such that a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the reagent container (<NUM>) is exposed from the through-hole (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) from the through-hole (<NUM>) of the plate-shaped member (30a) and provide the reagent container (<NUM>) in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily.

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent containers (<NUM>) are provided circularly in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) that includes a circular outer circumferential edge. With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) circularly in the circular reagent container holder (<NUM>) and store the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) in a depository compactly.

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent containers (<NUM>) are positioned and provided by holding portions (<NUM>) of the reagent container holder (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent containers (<NUM>) in predetermined positions of the reagent container holder (<NUM>) accurately and also to inhibit the reagent containers (<NUM>) from moving with respect to the reagent container holder (<NUM>).

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent contains any of capture substances that are bound to target substances in the sample by an antigen-antibody reaction, solid-phase carriers that are bound to the capture substances, and labeling substances that are bound to the target substances by the antigen-antibody reaction. With this configuration, it is possible to keep the capture substances, the solid-phase carriers, or the labeling substances used in the immune testing cool or warm efficiently.

In the method of measuring a sample according to a third aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent containers (<NUM>) are provided in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) such that <NUM>% or more of a surface of each reagent container (<NUM>) is exposed to a space inside the reagent storage (<NUM>). With this configuration, since <NUM>% or more of the surface of the reagent container (<NUM>) can be exposed to the space inside the reagent storage (<NUM>), it is possible to further improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagent.

A reagent container (<NUM>) according to an embodiment not encompassed by the scope of the claims, comprising: a container main body that stores a reagent used to measure a sample; and a contact portion that is brought into contact with a reagent container holder and comprises an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the container main body, wherein the reagent container is configured to be suspended and held in the reagent container holder with the contact portion put in contact with the reagent container holder.

In the reagent container (<NUM>) according to this embodiment, with the above-described configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent container (<NUM>) to protrude from the reagent container holder (<NUM>) with the reagent container (<NUM>) not being covered with the reagent container holder (<NUM>). Consequently, the reagent container (<NUM>) can be arranged to be exposed to a space, and thus it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagent. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the reagent cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the number of parts than that in a case of providing a box-shaped small section for the reagent container (<NUM>). Thus, it is possible to provide a reagent container (<NUM>) capable of keeping the reagent cool or warm efficiently and also inhibiting an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, since the reagent container holder (<NUM>) can hold, suspending, the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to hold the reagent container (<NUM>) stably. Consequently, when the reagent is aspirated from the reagent container (<NUM>), it is possible to insert an aspiration tube into the reagent container (<NUM>) correctly.

In the reagent container (<NUM>) according to this embodiment, the reagent container holder (<NUM>) includes a plate-shaped member (30a) that has a through-hole (<NUM>), and the reagent container (<NUM>) is held such that a bottom surface (<NUM>) is exposed from the through-hole (<NUM>) of the plate-shaped member (30a). With this configuration, it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) from the through-hole (<NUM>) of the plate-shaped member (30a) and provide the reagent container (<NUM>) in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily.

It may be preferable that the reagent container (<NUM>) according to this embodiment includes: a bottom surface (<NUM>) that can pass through the through-hole (<NUM>) of the reagent container holder (<NUM>); and a middle side surface portion (<NUM>) that is with an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the through-hole (<NUM>), between the bottom surface and a top surface. With this configuration, it is possible to insert the reagent container (<NUM>) from the through-hole (<NUM>) of the reagent container holder (<NUM>) and provide the reagent container (<NUM>) in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) easily.

It may be preferable that the reagent container (<NUM>) according to a fourth aspect is arranged circularly in the reagent container holder (<NUM>) that includes a circular outer circumferential edge. With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) circularly in the circular reagent container holder (<NUM>) to store the multiple reagent containers (<NUM>) compactly.

It may be preferable that the reagent container (<NUM>) according to a fourth aspect is positioned and arranged in the reagent container holder (<NUM>). With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the reagent container (<NUM>) in a predetermined position of the reagent container holder (<NUM>) accurately and also to inhibit the reagent container (<NUM>) from moving with respect to the reagent container holder (<NUM>).

In the reagent container (<NUM>) according to a fourth aspect, it may be preferable that the reagent contains any of capture substances that are bound to target substances in the sample by an antigen-antibody reaction, solid-phase carriers that are bound to the capture substances, and labeling substances that are bound to the target substances by the antigen-antibody reaction. With this configuration, it is possible to keep the capture substances, the solid-phase carriers, or the labeling substances used in the immune testing cool or warm efficiently.

According to one or more aspects, it is possible to keep a reagent cool or warm efficiently and also to inhibit an increase in the number of parts.

Hereinafter, embodiments are described with reference to the drawings.

First, an overview of a sample measuring apparatus <NUM> according to an embodiment is described with reference to <FIG>.

The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> is an apparatus that measures a measurement specimen created by adding a predetermined reagent to a sample collected from a subject.

The subject is mostly a human; however, the subject may be another animal other than a human. The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> performs measurement of a sample collected from a patient for laboratory testing or medical studies, for example. The sample is a sample derived from a living body. The sample derived from a living body is a liquid such as blood (whole blood, serum, or plasma), urine, or other body fluid collected from the subject, a liquid obtained by performing predetermined preprocessing on the collected body fluid or blood, or the like, for example. Additionally, the sample may be other than the liquid, such as a part of tissues or cells of the subject, for example. The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> detects predetermined target components contained in the sample. The target components may include predetermined components, cells, and particles in the sample of blood or urine, for example. The target components may be nucleic acids such as DNA (deoxyribonucleic acids), cells and cell substances, antigens or antibodies, proteins, peptides, and the like. The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> may be a measuring apparatus such as a blood cell counter, a blood coagulation measuring apparatus, an immune measuring apparatus, or a urine particle measuring apparatus, or a measuring apparatus other than the above.

For instance, the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> is an immune measuring apparatus that detects subject substances in the sample by using antigen-antibody reaction. The immune measuring apparatus detects antigens or antibodies, proteins, peptides, and the like contained in blood as the target components, for example. The immune measuring apparatus obtains serum or plasma as the sample and performs quantitative measurement or qualitative measurement on the antigens or the antibodies and the like contained in the sample. The antigen-antibody reaction includes not only a reaction between the antigens and the antibodies but also a reaction using specific binding substances such as aptamers. The aptamers are nucleic acid molecules or peptides synthesized to be bound specifically to specific substances.

The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> adds predetermined one or more types of reagents to the sample and prepares a measurement specimen. The reagents are set in the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> with the reagents each stored in a bottle-shaped reagent container <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> includes a measuring unit <NUM>, a reagent storage <NUM>, and a reagent container holder <NUM>. The reagent stored in the reagent container <NUM> of the reagent storage <NUM> is used for immune testing. For example, the reagent contains any of capture substances that are bound to target substances in the sample by the antigen-antibody reaction, solid-phase carriers that are bound to the capture substances, and labeling substances that are bound to the target substances by the antigen-antibody reaction.

The measuring unit <NUM> measures the sample by using the reagent. Specifically, the measuring unit <NUM> adds the reagent from the reagent container <NUM> into the sample to prepare a measurement specimen and measures the sample. Additionally, the measuring unit <NUM> is configured to detect components contained in the measurement specimen prepared from the sample and the reagent. For a method of detecting the target components by the measuring unit <NUM>, any method such as a chemical method, an optical method, or an electromagnetic method can be adopted depending on the target components. Based on the detection result, the measuring unit <NUM> measures whether there are the target components, the number or the amount of the target components, a density or a presence rate of the target components, and so on, for example.

The reagent storage <NUM> stores the reagent container <NUM> storing the reagent. The reagent storage <NUM> keeps the reagent cool or warm at a predetermined temperature. For example, the reagent storage <NUM> keeps the reagent cool at a predetermined temperature. That is, the temperature inside the reagent storage <NUM> is kept lower than the temperature outside the reagent storage <NUM>.

The reagent container holder <NUM> is arranged in the reagent storage <NUM>. Additionally, the reagent container holder <NUM> can hold multiple reagent containers <NUM>. The reagent container holder <NUM> suspends, or hangs, and holds the reagent containers <NUM> storing the reagents. Specifically, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes multiple holding portions <NUM> that hold the reagent containers <NUM>. Moreover, the reagent containers <NUM> are set in the reagent container holder <NUM> automatically by the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> or manually by a user. Furthermore, the reagent container holder <NUM> may hold the reagent containers <NUM> with an engagement portion (not-illustrated) provided in a predetermined part of each reagent container <NUM> being engaged with a supporting portion of the reagent container holder <NUM>. Additionally, the reagent container holder <NUM> is formed in a flat shape extending horizontally.

With this, it is possible to arrange the reagent containers <NUM> to protrude from the reagent container holder <NUM> to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM> with the reagent containers <NUM> not being covered with the reagent container holder <NUM>. Consequently, the reagent containers <NUM> can be arranged to be exposed to a space inside the reagent storage <NUM>, and thus it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagents. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the reagents cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the number of parts than that in a case of providing box-shaped small sections for the reagent containers <NUM>, respectively. Moreover, since the space for arranging the small sections can be omitted, it is possible to simplify and miniaturize the apparatus configuration. Thus, it is possible to keep the reagents cool or warm efficiently and also to inhibit an increase in the number of parts. Furthermore, since the reagent container holder <NUM> can suspend and hold the reagent containers <NUM>, it is possible to hold the reagent containers <NUM> stably. Consequently, when the reagent is aspirated from each reagent container <NUM>, it is possible to insert an aspiration tube into the reagent container <NUM> correctly.

The reagent container holder <NUM> has a circular shape in a plan view, for example. Additionally, the reagent container holder <NUM> allows the multiple reagent containers <NUM> to be arranged circularly. That is, the multiple holding portions <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM> are arranged circularly. The reagent container holder <NUM> may have a shape other than a circular shape. For example, the reagent container holder <NUM> may be formed in a rectangular shape in a plan view. Moreover, the multiple reagent containers <NUM> may be arranged linearly.

Furthermore, in the reagent container holder <NUM>, the multiple holding portions <NUM> arranged in the form of a single circle may be provided, or the multiple holding portions <NUM> arranged in the form of double circles may be provided. Additionally, in the reagent container holder <NUM>, the multiple holding portions <NUM> arranged in the form of triple or more circles may be provided.

Next, a method of measuring a sample executed by the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> of an embodiment is described simply. The method of measuring a sample includes the following steps (<NUM>) and (<NUM>).

In the method of measuring a sample of an embodiment, as described above, the reagent containers <NUM> storing the reagents are suspended and provided in the reagent container holder <NUM>. In this way, it is possible to arrange the reagent containers <NUM> to protrude from the reagent container holder <NUM> to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM> with the reagent containers <NUM> not being covered with the reagent container holder <NUM>. Consequently, the reagent containers <NUM> can be arranged to be exposed to the space inside the reagent storage <NUM>, and thus it is possible to improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagents. Accordingly, it is possible to keep the reagents cool or warm efficiently. Additionally, it is possible to reduce the number of parts than that in the case of providing the box-shaped small sections for the reagent containers <NUM>, respectively. Moreover, since the space for arranging the small sections can be omitted, it is possible to simplify and miniaturize the apparatus configuration. Thus, it is possible to provide a method of measuring a sample capable of keeping the reagents cool or warm efficiently and also inhibiting an increase in the number of parts.

Next, a specific configuration example of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> is described in details with reference to <FIG>. In the examples of <FIG>, the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> is an immune measuring apparatus that detects subject substances in the sample by using the antigen-antibody reaction.

The sample measuring apparatus <NUM> includes the measuring unit <NUM>, the reagent storage <NUM>, and the reagent container holder <NUM>. Additionally, in the configuration example of <FIG>, the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> includes a housing <NUM>, a sample transport unit <NUM>, a sample dispensing unit <NUM>, a reaction container supply unit <NUM>, a reaction container transfer unit <NUM>, a reaction unit <NUM>, a reagent container transfer unit <NUM>, a BF separation unit <NUM>, and a reagent dispensing unit <NUM>. The measuring unit <NUM> includes a detection unit <NUM> and a control unit <NUM>.

The housing <NUM> has a box shape that can store the units of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> therein. The housing <NUM> may have a configuration in which the units of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> are stored on a single layer or may have a layer configuration in which multiple layers are provided in a vertical direction to allocate and arrange the units of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> on each layer.

The sample transport unit <NUM> is configured to transport the sample collected from the subject to an aspiration position of the sample dispensing unit <NUM>. The sample transport unit <NUM> can transport a rack provided with multiple test tubes each storing the sample to a predetermined sample aspiration position.

The sample dispensing unit <NUM> aspirates the sample transported by the sample transport unit <NUM> and dispenses the aspirated sample into a reaction container <NUM>. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> includes a pipette connected to a fluid circuit for performing aspiration and ejection and a movement mechanism for moving the pipette. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> attaches a dispensing tip set in a not-illustrated tip supply unit to a tip end of the pipette and aspirates a predetermined amount of the sample from the transported test tube into the dispensing tip. The sample dispensing unit <NUM> dispenses the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM> arranged at a predetermined sample dispensing position. After the dispensing, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> removes the dispensing tip from the tip end of the pipette and discards the dispensing tip.

The reaction container supply unit <NUM> stores multiple reaction containers <NUM>. The reaction container supply unit <NUM> can supply the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> with the reaction containers <NUM> one by one at a predetermined reaction container supply position.

The reaction container transfer unit <NUM> transfers the reaction container <NUM>. The reaction container transfer unit <NUM> obtains the reaction container <NUM> from the reaction container supply position and transfers the reaction container <NUM> to corresponding positions of processing of the sample dispensing unit <NUM>, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM>, the reaction unit <NUM>, the detection unit <NUM>, and so on. The reaction container transfer unit <NUM> includes a catcher that grabs the reaction container <NUM> or a holding portion having a hole in which the reaction container <NUM> is to be provided, and a movement mechanism that moves the catcher or the holding portion. The movement mechanism is moved in a direction of a single axis or directions of multiple axes by one or more linear motion mechanisms capable of moving linearly. The movement mechanism may include an arm mechanism that rotates horizontally about a rotational axis and an articulated robot mechanism. One or more reaction container transfer units <NUM> are provided.

The reaction unit <NUM> includes a heater and a temperature sensor and holds the reaction container <NUM> to heat the specimen stored in the reaction container <NUM> and to make a reaction. With the heating, the sample and the reagent stored in the reaction container <NUM> are reacted. One or more reaction units <NUM> are provided in the housing <NUM>. Each reaction unit <NUM> may be provided to be fixed in the housing <NUM> or may be provided movably in the housing <NUM>. When the reaction unit <NUM> is configured to be movable, the reaction unit <NUM> may function as a part of the reaction container transfer unit <NUM>.

The reagent container transfer unit <NUM> can transfer the reagent container <NUM>. For example, the reagent container transfer unit <NUM> can lift the reagent container <NUM> by a not-illustrated hand mechanism and set the reagent container <NUM> in the corresponding holding portion <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM>.

The BF separation unit <NUM> has a function of executing BF separation processing for separating a liquid phase and a solid phase from the reaction container <NUM>. The BF separation unit <NUM> includes one or more processing ports each can be provided with the reaction container <NUM>. In the processing port, a magnetic source <NUM> (see <FIG>) that collects magnetic particles contained in an R2-reagent and a cleaning unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) that performs aspiration of a liquid phase and supplying of a cleaning liquid are provided. The BF separation unit <NUM> aspirates a liquid phase in the reaction container <NUM> and supplies the cleaning liquid by the cleaning unit <NUM> with the magnetic particles in which the later-described immune complexes are formed being collected. The cleaning unit <NUM> includes an aspiration channel of the liquid phase and an ejection channel of the cleaning liquid and is connected to the not-illustrated fluid circuit. With this, it is possible to separate unnecessary components contained in the liquid phase from the bound immune complex and magnetic particles and remove the unnecessary components.

The reagent dispensing unit <NUM> aspirates the reagent in the reagent container <NUM> and dispenses the aspirated reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. The reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move an aspiration tube 190a for performing aspiration and ejection of the reagent in a horizontal direction between a reagent aspiration position and a reagent dispensing position. Additionally, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move the aspiration tube 190a downward to advance into the reagent container <NUM>. Moreover, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move the aspiration tube 190a upward to retract the aspiration tube 190a to an upper position of the reagent container <NUM>. The aspiration tube 190a is connected with the not-illustrated fluid circuit, aspirates a predetermined amount of the reagent from the reagent container <NUM>, and dispenses the reagent into the reaction container <NUM> transferred to the reagent dispensing position.

The aspiration tube 190a is connected to a liquid surface sensor. The liquid surface sensor is connected to the control unit <NUM>. When the aspiration tube 190a aspirates the reagent from the reagent container <NUM>, the liquid surface sensor detects a reagent liquid surface based on a change in capacitance due to a contact between the liquid surface of the reagent and the aspiration tube 190a and outputs the detection result to the control unit <NUM>. Additionally, the control unit <NUM> monitors the operation amount of the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to monitor the movement amount of the aspiration tube 190a in the vertical direction.

Three reagent dispensing units <NUM> are provided for dispensing of R1-reagent to R3-reagent, respectively, for example. A single reagent dispensing unit <NUM> may dispense multiple types of reagents. In the configuration example illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> includes a first reagent dispensing unit <NUM> that dispenses the R1-reagent, a second reagent dispensing unit <NUM> that dispenses the R2-reagent, and a third reagent dispensing unit <NUM> that dispenses the R3-reagent. Additionally, the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> includes a fourth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> that dispenses an R4-reagent and a fifth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> that dispenses an R5-reagent.

The first reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move the aspiration tube 190a between a hole portion 21d on the most inner circumference side for aspirating the R1-reagent and a predetermined R1-reagent dispensing position. The second reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move the aspiration tube 190a between a hole portion 21d on the most outer circumference side for aspirating the R2-reagent and a predetermined R2-reagent dispensing position. The third reagent dispensing unit <NUM> can move the aspiration tube 190a between a hole portion 21d in a radial middle position for aspirating the R3-reagent and a predetermined R3-reagent dispensing position. The fourth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> and the fifth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> are connected with reagent containers (not illustrated) storing the R4-reagent and the R5-reagent through liquid transfer tubes, respectively, and can eject the reagents into the reaction container <NUM> transferred by the reaction container transfer unit <NUM>.

The detection unit <NUM> includes a light detector 11a (see <FIG>) such as a photomultiplier tube. The detection unit <NUM> uses the light detector 11a to obtain light generated in a reaction process of a luminescent substrate with labeling antibodies bound to the antigens of the sample on which the various types of processing is performed and measures the amount of the antigens contained in the sample.

The control unit <NUM> includes a processor 12a such as a CPU and a storage unit 12b such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. The processor 12a functions as a control unit of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> by executing a control program stored in the storage unit 12b. The control unit <NUM> controls operations of the above-described units of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM>. Additionally, the control unit <NUM> measures the result detected by the detection unit <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> includes the box-shaped reagent storage <NUM> storing the reagent container holder <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> is provided in a case <NUM> having a function of insulating heat of the reagent storage <NUM>. The reagent storage <NUM> includes the reagent container holder <NUM> and a cooling mechanism <NUM> in the case <NUM> and keeps the reagent in the reagent container <NUM> set in the reagent container holder <NUM> cool at a constant temperature appropriate for storing. Additionally, the reagent storage <NUM> allows the reagent container holder <NUM> to be arranged in the reagent storage <NUM> so as to store the multiple reagent containers <NUM>.

The case <NUM> includes an inner space defined by circular-shaped cover 21a and bottom surface portion 21b and a cylindrical-shaped side surface portion 21c. The cover 21a, the bottom surface portion 21b, and the side surface portion 21c include heat insulation materials to insulate heat of the inside and the outside of the case <NUM>. For example, the cover 21a, the bottom surface portion 21b, and the side surface portion 21c include foam materials. This makes it possible to store the reagent containers <NUM> at a low temperature.

The cover 21a covers top portions of the reagent containers (<NUM>). The cover 21a has a circular plate shape. Additionally, the cover 21a has an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the reagent storage <NUM>. Thus, the cover 21a can cover a top portion of the reagent storage <NUM> reliably, and thus it is possible to keep the multiple reagent containers <NUM> stored in the reagent storage <NUM> cool or warm more efficiently.

The reagent storage <NUM> includes the hole portion 21d that allows the reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to advance into the reagent storage <NUM>. The hole portion 21d is provided in the cover 21a. Additionally, multiple hole portions 21d are provided.

The cooling mechanism <NUM> includes a cooling unit including the Peltier device or the like and a fin transmitting heat, for example. Additionally, multiple cooling mechanisms <NUM> are provided near the bottom surface portion 21b of the reagent storage <NUM>. Air inside the reagent storage <NUM> is sent to the cooling mechanisms <NUM> by a fan, and the cooled air is circulated in the reagent storage <NUM>.

The reagent container holder <NUM> can hold the multiple reagent containers <NUM>. The reagent container holder <NUM> includes the multiple holding portions <NUM>. Specifically, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes suspending portions <NUM> that suspend and hold the reagent containers <NUM>. Additionally, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes through-holes <NUM>. Moreover, the reagent container holder <NUM> is formed to hold the multiple reagent containers <NUM> arranged in a circumferential direction. In the configuration example of <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes a first reagent container holder <NUM> and a second reagent container holder <NUM>. Furthermore, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes a first driving unit <NUM> that rotates the first reagent container holder <NUM> and a second driving unit <NUM> that rotates the second reagent container holder <NUM>. Additionally, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes a rotation table <NUM> and joint parts <NUM>.

In this case, as illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> is formed in a flat shape extending horizontally. With this, it is possible to keep the reagents cool or warm efficiently and also to inhibit an increase in the number of parts.

Specifically, the reagent container holder <NUM> is configured to hold the reagent containers <NUM> such that <NUM>% or more of the surface of each reagent container <NUM> is exposed to the space inside the reagent storage <NUM>. Thus, since <NUM>% or more of the surface of the reagent container <NUM> can be arranged to be exposed to the space inside the reagent storage <NUM>, it is possible to further improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagents.

More preferably, the reagent container holder <NUM> is configured to hold the reagent containers <NUM> such that <NUM>% or more of the surface of each reagent container <NUM> is exposed to the space inside the reagent storage <NUM>. Thus, since <NUM>% or more of the surface of the reagent container <NUM> can be arranged to be exposed to the space inside the reagent storage <NUM>, and thus it is possible to further improve the cooling efficiency or the heating efficiency of the reagents.

For example, the reagent container holder <NUM> suspends and holds the reagent containers <NUM> by the suspending portions <NUM>. With this, an upper portion of each reagent container <NUM> can be supported by the reagent container holder <NUM>, and thus it is possible to reliably expose a lower portion of the reagent container <NUM> storing the reagent to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM>. Additionally, since the upper portion of the reagent container <NUM> can be supported, it is possible to hold the reagent container <NUM> stably when the reagent is aspirated from the above.

Moreover, the reagent container holder <NUM> is configured to hold the multiple reagent containers <NUM> such that the exposed portions of the adjacent reagent containers <NUM> face each other. That is, a space between the adjacent reagent containers <NUM> other than portions at a height position at which the flat-shaped reagent container holder <NUM> holds the reagent containers <NUM> is opened to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM>. Thus, since no member is arranged between the adjacent reagent containers <NUM>, it is possible to make a distance between the multiple reagent containers <NUM> close. Consequently, the space for arranging the reagent container <NUM> can be made small, and thus it is possible to miniaturize the apparatus effectively.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> is formed such that the multiple reagent containers <NUM> are arranged circularly and has a substantially circular outer circumferential edge. With this, it is possible to arrange the multiple reagent containers <NUM> circularly in the substantially circular reagent container holder <NUM> and store the multiple reagent containers <NUM> in a depository compactly. Additionally, the first reagent container holder <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM> is formed in a circular shape. Moreover, the second reagent container holder <NUM> is formed in a ring shape to surround the first reagent container holder <NUM> in a plan view. That is, the second reagent container holder <NUM> is arranged around the first reagent container holder <NUM>. The first reagent container holder <NUM> and the second reagent container holder <NUM> are arranged concentrically and can be rotated independently from each other. Furthermore, the first reagent container holder <NUM> and the second reagent container holder <NUM> are arranged at substantially the same height positions.

The first reagent container holder <NUM> on the inner circumference side can hold the multiple reagent containers <NUM> circularly. The second reagent container holder <NUM> on the outer circumference side can hold the multiple reagent containers <NUM> circularly.

The reagent container holder <NUM> positions and fixes the reagent containers <NUM> by the holding portions <NUM>. With this, it is possible to arrange each reagent container <NUM> at a predetermined position in the reagent container holder <NUM> accurately and also to inhibit the reagent container <NUM> from moving with respect to the reagent container holder <NUM>.

In the configuration examples of <FIG> and <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> is arranged in a region of an upper half side of the reagent storage <NUM> in the vertical direction (Z direction). With this, the reagent container holder <NUM> can support the upper half portion of the reagent container <NUM>, and thus it is possible to reliably expose the lower portion of the reagent container <NUM> storing the reagent to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM>. Additionally, since the upper half portion of the reagent container <NUM> can be supported, it is possible to hold the reagent container <NUM> stably when the reagent is aspirated from the above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the first driving unit <NUM> is arranged outside the reagent storage <NUM>. Specifically, the first driving unit <NUM> is arranged outside and below the reagent storage <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> rotates a first supporting unit <NUM>. The first supporting unit <NUM> supports the first reagent container holder <NUM>. That is, the first driving unit <NUM> rotates and drives the first reagent container holder <NUM> through the first supporting unit <NUM>. The first driving unit <NUM> is a driving source such as a stepper motor or a servomotor, for example. Specifically, the first driving unit <NUM> rotates the first reagent container holder <NUM> by rotating and driving the first supporting unit <NUM> connected to the center of the first reagent container holder <NUM> and extending vertically. In the first supporting unit <NUM>, a lower end portion is joined to the first driving unit <NUM>, and an upper end portion is joined to the center of the first reagent container holder <NUM>.

Thus, it is possible to rotate and move the first reagent container holder <NUM> easily by the first driving unit <NUM> arranged outside the reagent storage <NUM>. Additionally, with the first driving unit <NUM> provided outside the reagent storage <NUM>, it is possible to inhibit the first driving unit <NUM> from interfering the reagent containers <NUM> held by the first reagent container holder <NUM> and also to inhibit transmission of heat of the first driving unit <NUM> to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM>.

The second driving unit <NUM> is arranged outside the reagent storage <NUM>. Specifically, the second driving unit <NUM> is arranged outside and below the reagent storage <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> rotates a second supporting unit <NUM>. The second supporting unit <NUM> supports the rotation table <NUM>. The rotation table <NUM> supports the second reagent container holder <NUM> through the multiple joint parts <NUM>. That is, the second driving unit <NUM> rotates and drives the second reagent container holder <NUM> through the second supporting unit <NUM>, the rotation table <NUM>, and the joint parts <NUM>. The second driving unit <NUM> is a driving source such as a stepper motor or a servomotor, for example. Specifically, the second driving unit <NUM> rotates the second reagent container holder <NUM> by rotating and driving the rotation table <NUM> joined to the second reagent container holder <NUM> through a transmission mechanism <NUM>. The rotation table <NUM> is joined to the transmission mechanism <NUM> through coupling and the second supporting unit <NUM>. In the rotation table <NUM> and the second supporting unit <NUM>, through-holes to allow the first supporting unit <NUM> to pass therethrough are provided in the centers and are rotated independently from the first supporting unit <NUM>. With this, the second driving unit <NUM> and the first driving unit <NUM> rotate and move independently the second reagent container holder <NUM> on the outer circumference side and the first reagent container holder <NUM> on the inner circumference side, respectively.

Thus, the second reagent container holder <NUM> can be rotated and moved independently from the first reagent container holder <NUM>. Additionally, with the second driving unit <NUM> provided outside the reagent storage <NUM>, it is possible to inhibit the second driving unit <NUM> from interfering the reagent container <NUM> held by the second reagent container holder <NUM> and also to inhibit transmission of heat of the second driving unit <NUM> to the inside of the reagent storage <NUM>.

The reagent container <NUM> includes a reagent container <NUM> and a reagent container <NUM>. In the configuration examples illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container <NUM> includes the later-described container main body <NUM> storing the R2-reagent. The reagent container <NUM> is a multiply-joined type reagent container in which the later-described container main body <NUM> storing the R3-reagent and container main body <NUM> storing the R1-reagent are joined with each other as a pair.

The reagent container <NUM> and the reagent container <NUM> each include a top cover <NUM> covering the top of the container main body. The top cover <NUM> includes an outer circumference portion <NUM> along a side surface of the container main body to cover a part of the side surface of the container main body, and a contact portion <NUM> is provided at a lower end portion of the outer circumference portion <NUM> to be engaged with the reagent container holder <NUM>. The contact portion <NUM> is supported by the holding portion <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM>. The contact portion <NUM> is brought into contact with the reagent container holder <NUM>. Additionally, the contact portion <NUM> has an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the container main body. In the configuration examples of <FIG>, the top cover <NUM> includes a grabbed portion <NUM>. Moreover, the top cover <NUM> is provided with an openable/closable lid portion <NUM>.

In the configuration example of <FIG>, the lid portion <NUM> of each of the multiple reagent containers <NUM> arranged and held in the circumferential direction is arranged circularly in the same way. Each of the multiple reagent containers <NUM> arranged and held in the circumferential direction is arranged circularly in the same way. The container main bodies <NUM> and <NUM> of each of the multiple reagent containers <NUM> arranged and held in the circumferential direction are each arranged circularly in the same way. In the reagent container holder <NUM>, the container main body <NUM>, the container main body <NUM>, and the container main body <NUM> are arranged at radially different positions, respectively. Consequently, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the cover 21a of the case <NUM>, the hole portions 21d corresponding to the aspiration positions of the R1-reagent to the R3-reagent are provided at three parts so as to be overlapped with predetermined positions on the circle on which the corresponding lid portions <NUM> of the reagent containers <NUM> are arranged.

The reagent containers <NUM> are inserted and provided in the through-holes <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM>. Specifically, the reagent container holder <NUM> includes a plate-shaped member 30a including the through-holes <NUM>. Additionally, the plate-shaped member 30a holds each reagent container <NUM> to expose a bottom surface <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM> from the through-hole <NUM>. With this, it is possible to insert the reagent container <NUM> from the through-hole <NUM> of the plate-shaped member 30a and provide the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> easily. Moreover, the plate-shaped member 30a includes the multiple suspending portions (<NUM>) that suspend and hold the reagent containers <NUM>. Furthermore, each suspending portion <NUM> has a shape tapered downward.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container <NUM> includes the bottom surface <NUM> that can pass through the through-hole <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM> and a middle side surface portion <NUM> between the bottom surface and a top surface that has an outer circumference greater than the outer circumference of the through-hole <NUM>. With this, it is possible to insert the reagent container <NUM> from the through-hole <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM> and provide the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> easily. Additionally, since the middle side surface portion <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM> can be put in contact with an edge portion of the through-hole <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM>, it is possible to provide the reagent container <NUM> while accurately positioning in the vertical direction. that is, it is possible to set the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> with no backlash. Moreover, it is possible to set the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> easily.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the through-hole <NUM> of the reagent container holder <NUM> includes a lower stage opening 33a and an upper stage opening 33b provided above the lower stage opening 33a and having an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the lower stage opening 33a. That is, the suspending portion <NUM> includes the lower stage opening 33a and the upper stage opening (33b) provided above the lower stage opening 33a and having the outer circumference greater than the outer circumference of the lower stage opening 33a. Additionally, the bottom surface <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM> has an outer circumference smaller than the lower stage opening 33a, and the middle side surface portion <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM> has the outer circumference of substantially the same size with the upper stage opening 33b. Thus, since the outer circumference of the upper stage opening 33b is greater than the outer circumference of the bottom surface <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM>, it is possible to insert the reagent container <NUM> in the upper stage opening 33b easily as illustrated in <FIG>. Moreover, since the reagent container <NUM> inserted from the upper stage opening 33b can be guided easily to the lower stage opening 33a continuing the upper stage opening 33b, it is possible to insert the reagent container <NUM> in the lower stage opening 33a easily. Furthermore, since the outer circumference of the upper stage opening 33b is substantially the same size with the outer circumference of the middle side surface portion <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM>, it is possible to fix the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> easily by fitting the middle side surface portion <NUM> in the upper stage opening 33b as illustrated in <FIG>.

A clearance between the lower stage opening 33a and the reagent container <NUM> is about <NUM> to <NUM> on one side, for example. Additionally, a clearance between the upper stage opening 33b and the reagent container <NUM> is about <NUM> on one side, for example.

Moreover, only a part of the through-hole <NUM> may have a backlash. For example, the through-hole <NUM> may have a large clearance with the reagent container <NUM> around a corner portion. With this, it is possible to inhibit failing in fitting the reagent container <NUM> into the through-hole <NUM> because of a dimension error.

In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the upper stage opening 33b has a tapered shape tapered toward the lower stage opening 33a. With this, the reagent container <NUM> can be guided more easily from the upper stage opening 33b to the lower stage opening 33a, and thus it is possible to provide the reagent container <NUM> in the reagent container holder <NUM> easily. That is, as illustrated in <FIG>, the tapered shape of the upper stage opening 33b allows the reagent container <NUM> to be guided to the center of the through-hole <NUM>. Then, as illustrated in <FIG>, the middle side surface portion <NUM> of the reagent container <NUM> is fit and positioned in the upper stage opening 33b.

The tapered shape of the upper stage opening 33b has an inclination angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to a perpendicular direction, for example.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container <NUM> may be inclined such that side surfaces expand upward. With this, the reagent container <NUM> is provided with the bottom surface <NUM> passing through the through-hole <NUM> and the middle side surface portion <NUM> fitted in the through-hole <NUM> with no clearance at a predetermined height position. Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the reagent container <NUM>, the middle side surface portion <NUM> may be provided to protrude from the side surfaces.

Moreover, as illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container <NUM> may include an engaging portion <NUM>. In this case, the reagent container holder <NUM> may include a supporting portion <NUM> and an engaged portion <NUM>. The reagent container <NUM> is held by the reagent container holder <NUM> with the engaging portion <NUM> engaged with and hooked in the engaged portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> may support the upper portion of the reagent container <NUM>. Additionally, as illustrated in <FIG>, the reagent container holder <NUM> may support a portion around a middle portion in the vertical direction of the reagent container <NUM>.

In the configuration examples illustrated in <FIG>, the immune measuring is performed using the R1-reagent to the R5-reagent as described above. An example in which subject substances <NUM> are hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAg) is described with reference to <FIG> as an example of the immune measuring.

First, a sample containing the subject substances <NUM> and the R1-reagent are dispensed into the reaction container <NUM>. The first reagent dispensing unit <NUM> dispenses the R1-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>, and the sample dispensing unit <NUM> dispenses the sample into the reaction container <NUM>. The R1-reagent contains capture substances <NUM> and is reacted with and bound to the subject substances <NUM>. The capture substances <NUM> contain binding substances to allow the capture substances <NUM> to be bound to solid-phase carriers <NUM> contained in the R2-reagent.

It is possible to use combinations such as biotin and the avidin family, a hapten and an anti-hapten antibody, nickel and histigine tag, and glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase for the binding of the binding substances and the solid-phase carriers, for example. The "avidin family" means that avidin and streptavidin are included.

For example, the capture substances <NUM> are antibodies modified with biotin (biotin antibodies). That is, the capture substances <NUM> are modified with biotin as the binding substances. After the dispensing of the sample and the R1-reagent, the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reaction unit <NUM>, and thus the capture substances <NUM> and the subject substances <NUM> are bound.

Next, the second reagent dispensing unit <NUM> dispenses the R2-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. The R2-reagent contains the solid-phase carriers <NUM>. The solid-phase carriers <NUM> are bound to the binding substances of the capture substances <NUM>. The solid-phase carriers <NUM> are magnetic particles (StAvi-bound magnetic particles) to which streptavidin to be bound to biotin is fixed, for example. The streptavidin of the StAvi-bound magnetic particles is reacted with and bound to biotin as the binding substances. After the dispensing of the R2-reagent, the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reaction unit <NUM>. Consequently, the subject substances <NUM> and the capture substances <NUM> are bound to the solid-phase carriers <NUM>.

The subject substances <NUM> and the capture substances <NUM> formed on the solid-phase carriers <NUM> and unreacted capture substances <NUM> are separated from each other by primary BF separation processing by the BF separation unit <NUM>. Once the reaction container <NUM> is set in the processing port of the BF separation unit <NUM>, the BF separation unit <NUM> executes one or more times each of the processes of aspirating the liquid phase by the cleaning unit <NUM> and ejecting the cleaning liquid while the magnetic particles are collected by the magnetic source <NUM> and agitating while no magnetic particles are collected. Unnecessary components such as the unreacted capture substances <NUM> are removed from the reaction container <NUM> by the primary BF separation processing. In the primary BF separation processing, the liquid phase in the reaction container <NUM> is aspirated eventually, and the process proceeds to the next process.

Next, the third reagent dispensing unit <NUM> dispenses the R3-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. The R3-reagent contains labeling substances <NUM> and is reacted with and bound to the subject substances <NUM>. After the dispensing of the R3-reagent, the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reaction unit <NUM>. Consequently, an immune complex <NUM> containing the subject substance <NUM>, the labeling substance <NUM>, and the capture substance <NUM> is formed on each solid-phase carrier <NUM>. In the example of <FIG>, the labeling substances <NUM> are ALP (alkaline phosphatase) labeling antibodies.

The immune complexes <NUM> formed on the solid-phase carriers <NUM> and unreacted labeling substances <NUM> are separated from each other by secondary BF separation processing. The BF separation unit <NUM> executes one or more times each of the processes of aspirating the liquid phase and ejecting the cleaning liquid while the magnetic particles are collected by the magnetic source <NUM> and agitating while no magnetic particles are collected. Unnecessary components such as the unreacted labeling substances <NUM> are removed from the reaction container <NUM> by the secondary BF separation processing. In the secondary BF separation processing, the liquid phase in the reaction container <NUM> is aspirated eventually, and the process proceeds to the next process.

Thereafter, the fourth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> and the fifth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> dispense the R4-reagent and the R5-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>, respectively. The R4-reagent contains a buffer solution. The immune complexes <NUM> bound to the solid-phase carriers <NUM> are dispersed in the buffer solution. The R5-reagent contains a chemiluminescent substrate. The buffer solution contained in the R4-reagent has a composition that promotes the reaction between labels (enzymes) of the labeling substances <NUM> contained in the immune complexes <NUM> and the substrate. After the dispensing of the R4 and R5-reagents, the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> is heated to a predetermined temperature in the reaction unit <NUM>. With the substrate reacted with the labels, light is generated, and the intensity of the generated light is measured by the light detector 11a of the detection unit <NUM>. Based on a detection signal of the detection unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> measures the contained amount of the subject substances <NUM> in the sample.

Next, the measurement processing operation of the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is described with reference to <FIG>. Additionally, the processing of each step illustrated in <FIG> is controlled by the control unit <NUM>.

In step S1, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the R1-reagent dispensing position. The control unit <NUM> causes the first reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the R1-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>.

In step S2, the sample is dispensed into the reaction container <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the sample dispensing unit <NUM> to aspirate the sample from the test tube on the sample transport unit <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the sample dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the aspirated sample into the reaction container <NUM>. After the dispending, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> is controlled to discard the dispensing tip to a not-illustrated discard port. Every time the dispensing operation using the dispensing tip is performed, the sample dispensing unit <NUM> replaces the dispensing tip with an unused dispensing tip.

In step S3, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the R2-reagent dispensing position and causes the second reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the R2-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. After the dispensing of the R2-reagent, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the reaction unit <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined period of time in the reaction unit <NUM>.

In step S4, the control unit <NUM> causes the BF separation unit <NUM> to execute the primary BF separation processing. First, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the BF separation unit <NUM>. The BF separation unit <NUM> is controlled to perform the primary BF separation processing (see <FIG>) on the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> and remove the liquid components.

In step S5, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the R3-reagent dispensing position and causes the third reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the R3-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. After the dispensing of the R3-reagent, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the reaction unit <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined period of time in the reaction unit <NUM>.

In step S6, the control unit <NUM> causes the BF separation unit <NUM> to execute the secondary BF separation processing. First, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the BF separation unit <NUM>. The BF separation unit <NUM> is controlled to perform the secondary BF separation processing (see <FIG>) on the specimen in the reaction container <NUM> and remove the liquid components.

In step S7, the R4-reagent is dispensed into the reaction container <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the R4-reagent dispensing position and causes the fourth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the R4-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>.

In step S8, the R5-reagent is dispensed into the reaction container <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the R5-reagent dispensing position and causes the fifth reagent dispensing unit <NUM> to dispense the R5-reagent into the reaction container <NUM>. After the dispending of the R5-reagent, the control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the reaction unit <NUM>. The reaction container <NUM> is heated for a predetermined period of time in the reaction unit <NUM>.

In step S9, the processing of detecting the immune complexes <NUM> is performed. The control unit <NUM> causes the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> to transfer the reaction container <NUM> to the detection unit <NUM>. The detection unit <NUM> measures the intensity of the light generated by making the substrate react with the labels. The detection result of the detection unit <NUM> is outputted to the control unit <NUM>.

After the detection is done, in step S10, the reaction container transfer unit <NUM> is controlled to take out the reaction container <NUM> done with the measurement processing from the detection unit <NUM> and discard the reaction container <NUM> to the not-illustrated discard port.

As described above, the measurement processing operation by the sample measuring apparatus <NUM> is performed.

Claim 1:
A sample measuring apparatus comprising:
a reagent container holder (<NUM>) configured to hold, by suspending, a reagent container (<NUM>) storing a reagent; and
a measuring unit (<NUM>) configured to add the reagent from the reagent container (<NUM>) into the sample to prepare a measurement specimen and measure the measurement specimen,
wherein
the reagent container holder (<NUM>) comprises a plate-shaped member (30a) having a through-hole (<NUM>), and
characterized in that the plate-shaped member (30a) is configured to hold the reagent container (<NUM>) such that a bottom surface (<NUM>) of the reagent container (<NUM>) is exposed from the through-hole (<NUM>),
the plate-shaped member (30a) comprises suspending portions (<NUM>) that each suspend and hold the reagent container (<NUM>), and
in that:
each of the suspending portions (<NUM>) is tapered downward or
in that:
each of the suspending portions (<NUM>) comprises a lower stage opening (33a) and an upper stage opening (33b), and
the upper stage opening (33b) is provided above the lower stage opening (33a) and comprises an outer circumference greater than an outer circumference of the lower stage opening (33a).