Abstract: A nucleic acid amplifier comprises a holder 3 which is provided with a plurality of temperature control blocks 10 each designed to hold at least one reaction vessel 105 storing a reaction solution. The temperature of the reaction solution in each reaction vessel 105 is controlled individually by using temperature control devices 14 and 15 arranged in each of the temperature control blocks 10. The temperature that is set in each temperature control block 10 and the timing for temperature changes are controlled independently of the temperatures of other temperature control blocks 10. This configuration makes it possible to provide a nucleic acid amplifier and a nucleic acid inspection device (employing the nucleic acid amplifier) capable of processing multiple types of samples differing in the protocol in parallel (parallel processing) and starting a process for a different sample even when there is a process in execution.

Abstract: When taking in outside air with a fan to control the temperature inside a covered portion where a specimen is installed, the internal temperature may change depending on an environment temperature to cause a difference in temperature control. The wind generated by the fan may blow against a reaction container depending on its loading position and it may influence the temperature control over individual specimens and lead to problems with temperature accuracy, temperature rise speed, and temperature drop speed. A reaction container avoiding these problems has a covered portion which performs temperature control on the reaction container and in which a cover and a fin cover have a heat insulating structure. A heat source is provided for controlling an internal temperature of an internal covered space. The internal temperature is kept constant and the influence of the environment temperature over the temperature control of the reaction container is minimized.

Abstract: In the past, genetic testing systems for exclusive use were needed due to the difference in type or property of specimens. Therefore, a genetic testing system includes: an extraction unit; an assay preparation unit; a reading unit; a first conveying mechanism for conveying a sample among the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; multiple sample loading units which are provided corresponding to at least two units of the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; and multiple second conveying mechanisms which are provided corresponding to the multiple sample loading units and convey test samples to the inside of the system from the sample loading units.

Abstract: A device for detecting nucleic acid amplification in a sample, comprising: a loading unit (thermoregulation unit) which is provided with a plurality of holes for loading reaction containers and capable of arbitrarily controlling a measurement unit for measuring samples in the containers that are loaded in the holes. The loading unit and the measurement unit, which are placed opposite to each other, can be operated independently from each other. In a transfer operation, the operation speeds of the thermoregulation unit and measurement unit are controlled so that the sum of these speeds amounts to an arbitrary constant value.

Abstract: There is provided a genetic test system provided with a dispensing means for dispensing a sample and a reagent to a reaction vessel and a vessel conveyance means for conveying the reaction vessel. The system further includes a plurality of nucleic acid amplification detection units, each including a temperature control means for accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels and performing temperature control for each accommodated position of the reaction vessel, a temperature monitoring means for monitoring a value of temperature to be controlled of the reaction vessel, and a light emission measurement means for measuring light emission of reaction liquid in the reaction vessel. At least one of the nucleic acid amplification detection units individually has a vessel conveyance means different from the above-mentioned vessel conveyance means.

Abstract: A genetic testing method and an apparatus therefor are provided, in which temperatures of a plurality of reaction tubes are independently controlled using a thermostat, a temperature detecting device, and a heating and cooling device provided on each of the reaction tubes, the reaction tubes each accommodate an amplification liquid and a component necessary for amplification, temperature is controlled at individual positions to hold the reaction tubes and at a predetermined temperature set at the individual positions according to an analysis and testing protocol predetermined at individual positions of the reaction tubes, a controlled temperature value is monitored in a reaction tube unit and a corrected value of controlled temperature is computed and stored on a reaction tube unit, a temperature of the reaction tube is controlled based on the computed value, and light emission of the amplification liquid accommodated in the reaction tube is measured.

Abstract: When taking in outside air with a fan to control the temperature inside a covered portion where a specimen is installed, the internal temperature may change depending on an environment temperature to cause a difference in temperature control. The wind generated by the fan may blow against a reaction container depending on its loading position and it may influence the temperature control over individual specimens and lead to problems with temperature accuracy, temperature rise speed, and temperature drop speed A reaction container avoiding these problems has a covered portion which performs temperature control on the reaction container and in which a cover and a fin cover have a heat insulating structure. A heat source is provided for controlling an internal temperature of an internal covered space. The internal temperature is kept constant and the influence of the environment temperature over the temperature control of the reaction container is minimized.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplification apparatus which amplifies a nucleic acid of a reaction liquid in which a specimen and a reagent are mixed includes a carousel which is provided with a plurality of temperature control blocks, each of which holds at least one reaction container in which a reaction liquid is stored, a temperature control device which is provided in the carousel, temperature control devices which are respectively provided in a plurality of temperature control blocks and adjust the temperature of the reaction liquid, a temperature control device which adjusts the temperature of the atmospheric temperature inside the nucleic acid amplification apparatus, and a control device which detects a failure from a result of measuring the temperature.

Abstract: According to a conventional technique, when a calibrated temperature measuring probe is used for correcting the temperature absolute values of individually temperature-controllable thermal control blocks, a temperature difference of a maximum of 0.5° C. remains between the thermal control blocks. According to the present invention, the melting temperature of a temperature calibration sample housed in a reaction vessel corresponding to each of the temperature control blocks is measured as a measured melting temperature. The measured melting temperature corresponding to each of the thermal control blocks and the reference melting temperature of the temperature calibration sample are compared, and the temperature absolute value of each of the thermal control blocks is corrected based on respective difference values.

Abstract: In the past, genetic testing systems for exclusive use were needed due to the difference in type or property of specimens. Therefore, a genetic testing system includes: an extraction unit; an assay preparation unit; a reading unit; a first conveying mechanism for conveying a sample among the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; multiple sample loading units which are provided corresponding to at least two units of the extraction unit, the assay preparation unit, and the reading unit; and multiple second conveying mechanisms which are provided corresponding to the multiple sample loading units and convey test samples to the inside of the system from the sample loading units.

Abstract: A dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between reagents and attaching a lid to a reagent container is provided. The dispensing device of the present invention includes a dispensing nozzle 10 that aspirates and discharges liquid, a lid opening and closing part 26 that projects downward to be lower than the dispensing nozzle 10, and a drive unit that makes the dispensing nozzle 10 and the lid opening and closing part 26 drive in the vertical direction, in which the dispensing nozzle 10 drives in the vertical direction independently of the lid opening and closing part 26. The dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between the reagents and attaching the lid to the reagent container can be provided.

Abstract: There is provided a genetic test system provided with a dispensing means for dispensing a sample and a reagent to a reaction vessel and a vessel conveyance means for conveying the reaction vessel. The system further includes a plurality of nucleic acid amplification detection units, each including a temperature control means for accommodating a plurality of reaction vessels and performing temperature control for each accommodated position of the reaction vessel, a temperature monitoring means for monitoring a value of temperature to be controlled of the reaction vessel, and a light emission measurement means for measuring light emission of reaction liquid in the reaction vessel. At least one of the nucleic acid amplification detection units individually has a vessel conveyance means different from the above-mentioned vessel conveyance means.

Abstract: The nucleic acid amplification device is configured to amplify the nucleic acid in the reaction solution obtained by mixing a specimen and a reagent and includes a plurality of temperature regulation block configured to hold at least a reaction container provided on a holder base. The order and timings in which the reaction containers are continuously installed on the temperature regulation blocks and in which the temperature regulations of the temperature regulation blocks are started are controlled to minimize the temperature gradient in the holder base.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat retaining device for solving problematic adhesion of a container to the heat retaining device. The heat retaining device includes a supporting rod, a top plate, a bottom plate, a heat retaining body, and a supporting spring. A pressing force applied to the container contained in the hole of the heat retaining body compresses the supporting spring to move the heat retaining body downward along the supporting rod. Release of the pressing force moves the heat retaining body upward by an elastic force of the supporting spring until the heat retaining body comes into contact with the top plate.

Abstract: According to a conventional technique, when a calibrated temperature measuring probe is used for correcting the temperature absolute values of individually temperature-controllable thermal control blocks, a temperature difference of a maximum of 0.5° C. remains between the thermal control blocks. According to the present invention, the melting temperature of a temperature calibration sample housed in a reaction vessel corresponding to each of the temperature control blocks is measured as a measured melting temperature. The measured melting temperature corresponding to each of the thermal control blocks and the reference melting temperature of the temperature calibration sample are compared, and the temperature absolute value of each of the thermal control blocks is corrected based on respective difference values.

Abstract: A dispensing device and an analyzer capable of improving dispensing accuracy as well as improving jamming detection accuracy can be realized by having a short distance between a syringe and a suction tip. The dispensing device 10 includes an upper fixed unit 10A, a lower movable unit 10B which is connected to the upper fixed unit 10A, the movable unit being relatively movable with respect to the upper fixed unit 10A, and a Z-axis movement mechanism 55Z which moves the upper fixed unit to and fro. A syringe 4 and a plunger 13 are held by the upper fixed unit 10A. A tip nozzle 8 is attached to the lower movable unit 10B. An interior space of the syringe 4 and an interior space of the tip nozzle 8 are connected with each other by a connection tube 1 having flexibility.

Abstract: A genetic testing method and an apparatus therefor are provided, in which temperatures of a plurality of reaction tubes are independently controlled using a thermostat, a temperature detecting device, and a heating and cooling device provided on each of the reaction tubes, the reaction tubes each accommodate an amplification liquid and a component necessary for amplification, temperature is controlled at individual positions to hold the reaction tubes and at a predetermined temperature set at the individual positions according to an analysis and testing protocol predetermined at individual positions of the reaction tubes, a controlled temperature value is monitored in a reaction tube unit and a corrected value of controlled temperature is computed and stored on a reaction tube unit, a temperature of the reaction tube is controlled based on the computed value, and light emission of the amplification liquid accommodated in the reaction tube is measured.

Abstract: A device for detecting nucleic acid amplification in a sample, comprising: a loading unit (thermoregulation unit) which is provided with a plurality of holes for loading reaction containers and capable of arbitrarily controlling a measurement unit for measuring samples in the containers that are loaded in the holes. The loading unit and the measurement unit, which are placed opposite to each other, can be operated independently from each other. In a transfer operation, the operation speeds of the thermoregulation unit and measurement unit are controlled so that the sum of these speeds amounts to an arbitrary constant value.

Abstract: Provided is a device that can process a plurality of nucleic acid detection protocols in parallel, and in which any nucleic acid detection protocol of a new sample can be additively performed even when other nucleic acid detection protocols are being run. The nucleic acid detection device of the present invention includes: a thermostat bath (19) that has a vessel-accommodating hole for accommodating a reaction vessel; a detector (12a) that detects fluorescence from the reaction vessel (11a); a gate (16) provided at a portion where the vessel is loaded into the vessel-accommodating hole; and a grip unit (16) that loads the vessel into the vessel-accommodating hole.

Abstract: A dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between reagents and attaching a lid to a reagent container is provided. The dispensing device of the present invention includes a dispensing nozzle 10 that aspirates and discharges liquid, a lid opening and closing part 26 that projects downward to be lower than the dispensing nozzle 10, and a drive unit that makes the dispensing nozzle 10 and the lid opening and closing part 26 drive in the vertical direction, in which the dispensing nozzle 10 drives in the vertical direction independently of the lid opening and closing part 26. The dispensing device that achieves both of preventing cross-contamination between the reagents and attaching the lid to the reagent container can be provided.