Abstract: A fluorescence detection method allows fluorescence intensity detection from a fluorescently-labeled biological sample with high accuracy in shorter time, even when a fluorescence intensity from a microchip itself acting as background. A fluorescence intensity from an equivalent microchip, which is equivalent to a microchip with the fluorescently-labeled biological sample, is detected for a period from the start of application of excitation light until the intensity sufficiently attenuates, and a temporal change of the intensity is stored. The light is applied to the microchip and the sample is fed before the fluorescence intensity from the microchip sufficiently attenuates to detect the fluorescence intensity for a period from the start of application of the light to a point after the sample is fed. Values of the temporal change are subtracted from the intensity detected from the microchip with the sample to detect an intensity of fluorescence emitted from the sample.

Abstract: Time-course data that has been obtained by measuring, in time series, a change in the density of a sample material by a color reaction thereof is input. A regression curve generation unit generates a regression curve that approximates the time-course data. A standard deviation obtainment unit obtains the value of a standard deviation representing the distribution of the approximation error of the regression curve with respect to the time-course data. A standard deviation comparison judgment unit compares the value of the standard deviation and a predetermined threshold value that is stored in a standard deviation storage unit with each other. When the value of the standard deviation is greater than the threshold value, the standard deviation comparison judgment unit judges that a position shift of the sample material with respect to a sample table is present and outputs the result of the judgment.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection method allows fluorescence intensity detection from a fluorescently-labeled biological sample with high accuracy in shorter time, even when a fluorescence intensity from a microchip itself acting as background. A fluorescence intensity from an equivalent microchip, which is equivalent to a microchip with the fluorescently-labeled biological sample, is detected for a period from the start of application of excitation light until the intensity sufficiently attenuates, and a temporal change of the intensity is stored. The light is applied to the microchip and the sample is fed before the fluorescence intensity from the microchip sufficiently attenuates to detect the fluorescence intensity for a period from the start of application of the light to a point after the sample is fed. Values of the temporal change are subtracted from the intensity detected from the microchip with the sample to detect an intensity of fluorescence emitted from the sample.

Abstract: Time-course data that has been obtained by measuring, in time series, a change in the density of a sample material by a color reaction thereof is input. A regression curve generation unit generates a regression curve that approximates the time-course data. A standard deviation obtainment unit obtains the value of a standard deviation representing the distribution of the approximation error of the regression curve with respect to the time-course data. A standard deviation comparison judgment unit compares the value of the standard deviation and a predetermined threshold value that is stored in a standard deviation storage unit with each other. When the value of the standard deviation is greater than the threshold value, the standard deviation comparison judgment unit judges that a position shift of the sample material with respect to a sample table is present and outputs the result of the judgment.

Abstract: A biochemical analyzer includes an optical assay unit for light measurement by use of an analysis slide and an LED light source. A fluid sample is positioned on an assay surface of the analysis slide. The light source is oriented to tilt with respect to the assay surface, for applying illuminating light thereto. The optical assay unit includes a photo diode, positioned vertically under the assay surface, for measuring scattered reflected light of diffuse reflection from the assay surface. A light absorber is positioned in a light path of the light emitted by the LED light source and reflected in regular reflection by the assay surface, for absorbing the light. Furthermore, the light absorber is black with a low gloss. The photo diode responds to turning on of the light source, to output a signal of the scattered reflected light.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus, a chemical analysis element is taken out from a chemical analysis element cartridge, spotted with sample liquid and transferred to an incubator. After incubation, the optical density of the chemical analysis element is measured, and the concentration of a component to be analyzed in the sample liquid is determined. A test element which is substantially equal to the chemical analysis element in size and shape and has a density pattern for detecting shift of the position of the test element from a predetermined position is taken out from a cartridge and is transferred to the incubator in the same manner as the chemical analysis element.