Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements, which are necessary for analyses of the samples, are loaded on a sample tray. Each sample is sucked with a spotting nozzle of a spotting unit and spotted onto one dry chemical analysis element. Analysis information, which contains information representing a type of analysis, is appended to each dry chemical analysis element. The analysis information is read with a reading device located such that, when a certain sample is located at a position for sample suction by an operation of the sample tray, the reading device reads the analysis information, which has been appended to a next dry chemical analysis element to be used for the analysis of the certain sample, at a position at which the next dry chemical analysis element is located.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements, which are necessary for analyses of the samples, are loaded on a sample tray. Each sample is sucked with a spotting nozzle of a spotting unit and spotted onto one dry chemical analysis element. Analysis information, which contains information representing a type of analysis, is appended to each dry chemical analysis element. The analysis information is read with a reading device located such that, when a certain sample is located at a position for sample suction by an operation of the sample tray, the reading device reads the analysis information, which has been appended to a next dry chemical analysis element to be used for the analysis of the certain sample, at a position at which the next dry chemical analysis element is located.

Abstract: An incubator is provided which is capable of quickly heating a dry analysis element to a predetermined temperature by efficient heat supply. An incubator for accommodating and holding at a predetermined constant temperature a dry analysis element spotted with a sample includes: upper and lower blocks, one of which is movable towards and away from the other, for sandwiching therebetween the dry analysis element from above; and a heater provided in one of the blocks. The block provided with the heater and the other block are brought into contact with each other to preheat the other block before introducing the dry analysis element therebetween. The introduced dry analysis element is then sandwiched between the blocks and quickly heated from above and below by both blocks.

Abstract: A dry chemical analysis element cartridge includes a box-like cartridge casing in which a plurality of chemical analysis elements are stacked and are taken out through an element take-out port formed at one end of the cartridge casing. The inner dimension of the cartridge casing in the direction of the stack of the chemical analysis elements is smaller than the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of each of the chemical analysis elements.

Abstract: An analysis method using a dry chemical analysis element accurately measures change in optical density indicating the composition of a liquid sample without requiring accurate control of the amount and position of the liquid sample dripped on the dry chemical analysis element. A one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical reading apparatus measures one-dimensional or two-dimensional distribution of degree of color reaction for a reacted portion of the dry chemical analysis element. Concurrently, the one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical reading apparatus measures a length or a spread area of the reacted portion. Physical density or activity of a target component contained in the liquid sample is determined based on an integrated value of the degree of the color reaction and the measured length or the spread area of the reacted portion.

Abstract: Samples and dry chemical analysis elements, which are necessary for analyses of the samples, are loaded on a sample tray. Each sample is sucked with a spotting nozzle of a spotting unit and spotted onto one dry chemical analysis element. Analysis information, which contains information representing a type of analysis, is appended to each dry chemical analysis element. The analysis information is read with a reading device located such that, when a certain sample is located at a position for sample suction by an operation of the sample tray, the reading device reads the analysis information, which has been appended to a next dry chemical analysis element to be used for the analysis of the certain sample, at a position at which the next dry chemical analysis element is located.

Abstract: A dry chemical analysis element cartridge includes a box-like cartridge casing in which a plurality of chemical analysis elements are stacked and are taken out through an element rake-out port formed a tone end of the cartridge casing. The inner dimension of the cartridge casing in the direction of stack of the chemical analysis elements is smaller than the longitudinal and transverse dimensions of each of the chemical analysis elements.

Abstract: An analysis method using a dry chemical analysis element accurately measures change in optical density indicating the composition of a liquid sample without requiring accurate control of the amount and position of the liquid sample dripped on the dry chemical analysis element. A one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical reading apparatus measures one-dimensional or two-dimensional distribution of degree of color reaction for a reacted portion of the dry chemical analysis element. Concurrently, the one-dimensional or two-dimensional optical reading apparatus measures a length or a spread area of the reacted portion. Physical density or activity of a target component contained in the liquid sample is determined based on an integrated value of the degree of the color reaction and the measured length or the spread area of the reacted portion.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of a liquid sample is accommodated in a sample spotting tip, which is fitted to a bottom end of a suction nozzle for sucking the liquid sample. Thereafter, the sample spotting tip is moved down, and the bottom end of the sample spotting tip is thereby brought into contact with a dry-type frameless chemical analysis film piece. The sample spotting tip is then moved up. The pressure inside the sample spotting tip is increased, while the sample spotting tip is thus being moved up. The liquid sample is thereby discharged from the sample spotting tip onto the dry-type frameless chemical analysis film piece.