JP6610550B2 - Magnetic carrier particle cleaning method, magnetic carrier particle cleaning device, and immunological measurement method using magnetic carrier particles - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for washing magnetic carrier particles used as a carrier in an immunological measurement method, a washing device for magnetic carrier particles, and an immunological measurement method using magnetic carrier particles.

  Conventionally, devices and methods for processing magnetizable particles or magnetically attractable particles such as magnetic carrier particles are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the immunoassay method, firstly, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, a reagent containing a first antibody, and a specimen are added to a reaction container, and the first antibody and the immunity of the measurement target component are added to the magnetic carrier particles. A complex is formed, and for example, the first antibody not bound to the magnetic carrier particles other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex, for example, is removed using a washing solution.
Thereafter, a reagent containing a labeled second antibody is added to the reaction container in which the immune complex of the first antibody and the measurement target component remains, and the first antibody, the measurement target component, Then, an immunocomplex of the labeled second antibody is formed, and the amount of the labeled second antibody in the immune complex is measured to measure the component to be measured in the sample.

Japanese Patent No. 4254924

  By the way, when removing the first antibody and the like that are not bound to the magnetic carrier particles using a washing liquid, the washing liquid is added to the reaction vessel to suspend the reagent containing the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex, Thereafter, a magnet was placed on the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex were collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the first antibody that was not bound to the magnetic carrier particles was included. Remove the cleaning solution by suction.

However, when the level of the cleaning liquid is higher than the height of the magnet, it is difficult for the magnetic force of the magnet to reach the upper part of the cleaning liquid, and it is difficult to collect magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex in the cleaning liquid, The recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex is reduced. If the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex is lowered, it becomes impossible to accurately measure the component to be measured in the specimen.
In addition, a reagent containing a labeled second antibody is added to a reaction vessel that is washed with a washing solution and contains magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex, and then the whole is stirred to label the magnetic carrier particles. When suspended in a reagent containing the second antibody, the height of the magnet that collects the magnetic carrier particles is the same as that when the reagent containing the labeled second antibody is added to the reaction vessel and the whole is stirred. When the height is higher than the upper end of the liquid surface, the magnetic carrier particles collected at a position higher than the upper end of the liquid surface are suspended in the reagent containing the labeled second antibody even if stirred. As a result, the dispersibility of the magnetic carrier particles in the reagent containing the labeled second antibody is deteriorated, and the measurement target component in the sample cannot be accurately measured.

  In view of the above facts, the present invention has an object to provide a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method, a magnetic carrier particle cleaning device, and an immunological measurement method capable of accurately measuring a measurement target component in a specimen. To do.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the first aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method for a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed. It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): Add a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container, or bind to the component to be measured in the sample. Adding a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody;
A step of performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the first antibody and the measurement target component.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a height lower than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel so that the first immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the first aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. Or a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in a specimen is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, and the first antibody, the component to be measured and A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex consisting of is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization is performed. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In step (5), the first immune complex was supported on the side surface of the reaction vessel by bringing a magnet having a height lower than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before the reaction container. After collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
As a result, a high cleaning effect is obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the first immune complex and collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be reduced. In addition, since the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel on which the first immune complex is supported can be lowered, a reagent or the like is then added to support the first immune complex. When suspending the magnetic carrier particles, the amount of the reagent can be reduced, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be reliably dispersed. It becomes possible.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the second aspect is characterized in that, in the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the first aspect, the following steps are further performed after the step (5).
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the second aspect, step (6) is performed after step (5).
In the step (6), the step (4) and the step (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times. Thus, by repeating the addition and removal of the washing liquid, the washing effect is improved, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel is lowered. After that, when adding the reagent or the like and suspending the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced, and even if the amount of the reagent is small The magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a third aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to the antibody is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, and a first immune complex comprising the first antibody and the measurement target component is carried A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the first immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). .

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the third aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. Or a reagent containing a sample and a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction vessel to measure the first antibody A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the target component is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization is performed. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and the magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the first immune complex is After collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
Step (6) is a step in which step (4) and step (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is higher than the height of the magnet in step (2). Low.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. When the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are suspended, the amount of the reagent etc. is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the first immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fourth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the second aspect or the third aspect, wherein the magnet height in the final cleaning step is combined with the measurement target component. The reagent containing the second antibody is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (6) and stirred.

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the fourth aspect, a reagent containing a second antibody whose magnet height in the last washing step binds to the component to be measured is added to the reaction vessel after step (6). Therefore, the position of the upper end of the magnetized magnetic carrier particles is set to the same level as the upper end of the liquid surface when stirred, and the reagent containing the second antibody is added to the reaction after step (6). When the reagent is added to the container and stirred, the height becomes the same as the upper end of the liquid surface, and when the reagent containing the second antibody is stirred, the magnetically collected magnetic carrier particles do not remain on the inner surface of the reaction container. It can be reliably dispersed in a reagent containing two antibodies.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the fifth aspect, in the cleaning method of any one of the magnetic carrier particles of the first to fourth embodiments, the height of the magnet in the step (2), the step (1 ) Or the height of the liquid surface of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fifth aspect, the height of the magnet in step (2) is obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1) or the reaction liquid in step (1). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a sixth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the first aspect to the fifth aspect, wherein the magnet is used for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. It is alternately arranged at the position facing each other across the.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the sixth aspect, the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles, so that the magnetic carrier particles are reliably Since the magnetic flux is alternately collected on one side and the other side of the reaction container after being dispersed, the cleaning effect of the magnetic carrier particles is improved.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a seventh aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to the antibody is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, and a first immune complex comprising the first antibody and the measurement target component is carried A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added to the reaction container,
Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex composed of the first antibody, the measurement target component, and the second antibody.
Step (5): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (6): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex.
Step (7): Add a cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove a magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add a washing solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (8): A magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the second immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the seventh aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. Or a reagent containing a sample and a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction vessel to measure the first antibody A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the target component is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization is performed. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex is removed.
In the step (4), a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the measurement target component is added to the reaction container, and an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container. From the first antibody, the measurement target component, and the second antibody, A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is obtained.
In step (5), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (6), a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex is removed.
In step (7), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (8), a magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before was relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the second immune complex was supported. After collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. When the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are suspended, the amount of the reagent etc. is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the second immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eighth aspect is characterized in that, in the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the seventh aspect, the following steps are further performed after the step (8).
Step (9): A step of sequentially repeating steps (7) and (8) once or a plurality of times.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eighth aspect, step (9) is performed after step (8). In the step (9), the steps (7) and (8) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times.
Thus, by repeating the addition and removal of the washing liquid, the washing effect is improved, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel is lowered. After that, when adding the reagent or the like to suspend the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced and even if the amount of the reagent is small The magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a ninth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method for a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to the antibody is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, and a first immune complex comprising the first antibody and the measurement target component is carried A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added to a reaction container, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container, and the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the first A step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex comprising two antibodies.
Step (5): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (6): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex.
Step (7): Add a cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove a magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add a washing solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (8): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or a low height are brought relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (9): A step in which steps (7) and (8) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (5). .

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the ninth aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. Or a reagent containing a sample and a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction vessel to measure the first antibody A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the target component is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization is performed. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex is removed.
In the step (4), a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the measurement target component is added to the reaction container, and an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container. From the first antibody, the measurement target component, and the second antibody, A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is obtained.
In step (5), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (6), a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex is removed.
In step (7), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (8), a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (9) is a step in which steps (7) and (8) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the magnet height in the final washing step is lower than the magnet height in step (5). .
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. When the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are suspended, the amount of the reagent etc. is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the second immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the tenth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eighth aspect or the ninth aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is the detection reagent 9) It is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid level when added to the subsequent reaction vessel and stirred.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the tenth aspect, the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is such that the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (9) and stirred at the upper end of the liquid level. Therefore, the position of the upper end of the magnetically collected magnetic carrier particles is the same as the upper end of the liquid level when the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (9) and stirred. When the detection reagent is stirred at the same height, the collected magnetic carrier particles can be reliably dispersed in the detection reagent without remaining on the inner surface of the reaction vessel.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eleventh aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the seventh aspect to the tenth aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the step (2) is the step (1 ) Or the height of the liquid surface of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eleventh aspect, the height of the magnet in step (2) is obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1) or the reaction liquid in step (1). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a twelfth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the seventh aspect to the eleventh aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the step (5) is the step (4 ) Or the liquid level of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (4).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the twelfth aspect, the height of the magnet in the step (5) is obtained by adding the cleaning solution to the reaction solution in the step (4) or the reaction solution in the step (4). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a thirteenth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the seventh aspect to the twelfth aspect, wherein the magnet is used for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. It is alternately arranged at the position facing each other across the.

In the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the thirteenth aspect, the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles, so that the magnetic carrier particles are reliably Since the magnetic flux is alternately collected on one side and the other side of the reaction container after being dispersed, the cleaning effect of the magnetic carrier particles is improved.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a fourteenth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): In a reaction container, a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, a reagent that contains magnetic carrier particles, and a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample. A reagent containing a sample, a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured. Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second immune complex composed of the second antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a lower height than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the second immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fourteenth aspect, in the step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. And a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, or a reagent and a reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample; A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container, and the second immune complex comprising the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody is carried. A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the separated substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet having a height lower than that when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before was relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel to carry the second immune complex. After collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. When the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are suspended, the amount of the reagent etc. is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the second immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fifteenth aspect is characterized in that, in the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fourteenth aspect, the following steps are further performed after the step (5).
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the fifteenth aspect, step (6) is performed after step (5).
In the step (6), the step (4) and the step (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times.
Thus, by repeating the addition and removal of the washing liquid, the washing effect is improved, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel is lowered. After that, when adding the reagent or the like to suspend the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced and even if the amount of the reagent is small The magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a sixteenth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method for a component to be measured in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): In a reaction container, a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, a reagent that contains magnetic carrier particles, and a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample. A reagent containing a sample, a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured. Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second immune complex composed of the second antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). .

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the sixteenth aspect, in step (1), the reaction vessel contains a sample, a reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles. And a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, or a reagent and a reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample; A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container, and the second immune complex comprising the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody is carried. A reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles is obtained.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In the step (3), the solution containing the separated substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is After collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
Step (6) is a step in which step (4) and step (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is higher than the height of the magnet in step (2). Low.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. When the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are suspended, the amount of the reagent etc. is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the second immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

The magnetic carrier particle washing method according to the seventeenth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to the fifteenth aspect or the sixteenth aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the final washing step is stirred by adding a detection reagent. Is set to the same height as the top of the liquid level.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the seventeenth aspect, the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel and stirred. For this reason, the position of the upper end of the magnetically collected magnetic carrier particles is the same height as the upper end of the liquid level when the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel and stirred. The magnetized magnetic carrier particles can be reliably dispersed in the detection reagent without remaining on the inner surface of the reaction vessel.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to an eighteenth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the fourteenth aspect to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the step (2) is the step (1 ) Or the liquid level of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the eighteenth aspect, the height of the magnet in step (2) is obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1) or the reaction liquid in step (1). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a nineteenth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the fourteenth aspect to the eighteenth aspect, wherein a magnet is provided for each collection of magnetic carrier particles. It is alternately arranged at the position facing each other across the.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the nineteenth aspect, the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. Since the magnets are alternately magnetized on one side and the other side of the reaction vessel after being dispersed, the cleaning effect of the magnetic carrier particles is improved.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a twentieth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1) In a reaction container, a reagent, a reagent containing a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to a competitor, and a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the labeled competitor First, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles is added, or a sample, a reagent containing a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to a competitive substance, and the component to be measured and the labeled competitive substance are bound to each other. A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying one antibody is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, a third immune complex comprising the first antibody and the component to be measured, and the first A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fourth immune complex comprising an antibody and the labeled competitor.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization The third immune complex, the fourth immune complex and the fourth immune complex, wherein the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and collected by a magnet. A step of separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before is placed close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, the third immune complex, and A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and then removing the washing liquid from the reaction vessel.

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the twentieth aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to the competitive substance, a component to be measured, and a label A reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a labeled competitor and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added, or a sample and a reagent containing a labeled competitor that is formed by binding a label to the competitor, and measurement A reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to a target component and a labeled competitor is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in a reaction vessel, and a third antibody consisting of the first antibody and the measurement target component And a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex comprising the first antibody and the labeled competitor.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization A third immune complex and a fourth immune complex in which the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and magnetized by a magnet Is separated from the other magnetic substance particles.
In step (3), the separated solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the third immune complex, After collecting magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex 4 on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the washing solution is removed from the reaction vessel.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be reduced. Thereafter, when the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are suspended by adding a reagent or the like, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced, and Even with a small amount of reagents, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-first aspect of the, in the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the twentieth aspect, after the step (5), further characterized by performing the following steps.
(6) Process: The process of repeating process (4) and (5) one time or several times sequentially.

In the cleaning method for magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-first aspect, step (6) is performed after step (5).
In the step (6), the steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times.
In this way, by repeating the addition and removal of the cleaning solution, the cleaning effect is improved, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel are supported. Since the height of the magnetic carrier particles can be lowered, the reagent is added thereafter to suspend the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex. It is possible to reliably disperse the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex even if the amount of the reagent is small and the amount of the reagent is small. Become.

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A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a twenty-second aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): Reagent containing a specimen, a reagent containing a labeled competitor substance formed by binding a label to a competitor substance, and a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the labeled competitor substance in a reaction container And a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, or a specimen, a reagent containing a labeled competitor formed by binding a label to a competitor, and the component to be measured and the labeled competitor A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction container, a third immune complex comprising the first antibody and the component to be measured, and the first (1) A step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fourth immune complex comprising an antibody and the labeled competitor.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization The third immune complex, the fourth immune complex and the fourth immune complex, wherein the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and collected by a magnet. A step of separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): On the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to each other, the third immune complex, And, after collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, removing the washing liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). .

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-second aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a labeled competitor substance formed by binding a label to the competitor substance, a component to be measured, and a label A reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a labeled competitor and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added, or a sample, a reagent containing a labeled competitor that is formed by binding a label to the competitor, and measurement A reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to a target component and a labeled competitor is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in a reaction container, and a third antibody comprising a first antibody and a measurement target component And a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fourth immune complex comprising the first antibody and a labeled competitor.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization A third immune complex and a fourth immune complex in which the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and magnetized by a magnet Is separated from the other magnetic substance particles.
In step (3), the separated solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the third immune complex, In addition, after collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the washing liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
Step (6) is a step in which step (4) and step (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is higher than the height of the magnet in step (2). Low.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be reduced. Thereafter, when the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are suspended by adding a reagent or the like, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced, and Even with a small amount of reagents, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 23rd aspect of the, in the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-first aspect or the 22 aspect of the height of the magnet at the end of the washing process, a detection reagent, step ( 6) It is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid level when added to the subsequent reaction vessel and stirred.

In the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to the twenty- third aspect, the height of the magnet in the last washing step is such that the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after the step (6) and stirred at the upper end of the liquid surface. Therefore, the position of the upper end of the magnetically collected magnetic carrier particles is the same as the upper end of the liquid level when the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (6) and stirred. When the detection reagent is stirred at the same height, the collected magnetic carrier particles can be reliably dispersed in the detection reagent without remaining on the inner surface of the reaction vessel.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 24th aspect of the, in the cleaning method of any one of the magnetic carrier particles of the twentieth aspect to the twenty-third aspect, the height of the magnet in the step (2), the step (1 ) Or the height of the liquid surface of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the twenty-fourth aspect, the height of the magnet in step (2) is obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1) or the reaction liquid in step (1). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-fifth aspect, in the cleaning method of any one of the magnetic carrier particles of the twentieth aspect to the 24th aspect, magnets, the current磁毎magnetic carrier particles, the reaction vessel It is alternately arranged at the position facing each other across the.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the twenty-fifth aspect, since the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles, the magnetic carrier particles are reliably Since the magnets are alternately magnetized on one side and the other side of the reaction vessel after being dispersed, the cleaning effect of the magnetic carrier particles is improved.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a twenty-sixth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method of a measurement target component in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and the following steps are sequentially performed: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): Whether to add a specimen, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitor in the specimen, a reagent containing a competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container Or a reagent containing a specimen, a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the specimen and a competitive substance, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the competitive substance, and an antigen antibody in a reaction container Performing a reaction to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex comprising the competitor and the first antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the fifth immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a height lower than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, thereby supporting the fifth immune complex. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.

In the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to the twenty-sixth aspect, in the step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the competitor in the sample, and a competitor Or a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, or a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitive substance in the specimen, and a magnetic carrier carrying the competitive substance A reagent containing particles is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction vessel to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex composed of a competitor and a first antibody.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In step (3), the solution containing the separated substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before was relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the fifth immune complex was supported. After collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the fifth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be reduced. Furthermore, since the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and carrying the fifth immune complex can be lowered, a reagent or the like is added thereafter to carry the fifth immune complex. When suspending the magnetic carrier particles, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced, and even with a small amount of the reagent, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex can be reliably dispersed. It becomes possible.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 27 embodiment of the, in the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 26 aspect, after step (5), further characterized by performing the following steps.
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the twenty-seventh aspect, step (6) is performed after step (5).
In step (6), steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times.
Thus, by repeating the addition and removal of the washing liquid, the washing effect is improved, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the fifth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel is lowered. After that, when adding the reagent or the like to suspend the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, the amount of the reagent or the like can be reduced, and even if the amount of the reagent is small The magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex can be reliably dispersed.

A magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a twenty-eighth aspect is a magnetic carrier particle cleaning method in an immunological measurement method for a component to be measured in a specimen, using the magnetic carrier particle as a carrier, and sequentially performing the following steps: It is characterized by performing.
Step (1): Whether to add a specimen, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitor in the specimen, a reagent containing a competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container Or a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample and the competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the competitor are added, and an antigen is added in the reaction container. Performing an antibody reaction to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex comprising the competitor and the first antibody;
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the fifth immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or a low height are brought relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the fifth immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): Steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times,
A step in which the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2).

In the method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to the twenty-eighth aspect, in step (1), the reaction container contains a sample, a reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the competitive substance in the specimen, and the competitive substance Or a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, or a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitive substance in the specimen, and a magnetic carrier carrying the competitive substance A reagent containing particles is added, and an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a reaction vessel to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex composed of a competitor and a first antibody.
In step (2), a magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, The magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet are separated from other substances.
In step (3), the solution containing the separated substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex is removed.
In step (4), a cleaning solution is added to the reaction vessel and the magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet is detached from the side surface of the reaction vessel and a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel, or a washing solution is added to the reaction vessel. While adding, the magnet is detached from the side of the reaction vessel.
In the step (5), a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the fifth immune complex is After collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, the cleaning liquid is removed from the reaction vessel.
Step (6) is a step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the magnet height in the last washing step is lower than the magnet height in step (2). .
As a result, a high cleaning effect can be obtained, and the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the fifth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel can be lowered. Thus, when suspending the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, the amount of the reagent or the like is small, and even if the amount of the reagent is small, the fifth immune complex is carried. It becomes possible to reliably disperse the magnetic carrier particles.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 29 embodiment of the, in the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles 27th aspect or twenty-eighth aspect, the height of the magnet at the end of the washing process, a detection reagent, step (6 It is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid level when added to the subsequent reaction vessel and stirred.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the twenty- ninth aspect, the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is such that the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (6) and stirred at the upper end of the liquid level. Therefore, the position of the upper end of the magnetically collected magnetic carrier particles is the same as the upper end of the liquid level when the detection reagent is added to the reaction vessel after step (6) and stirred. When the detection reagent is stirred at the same height, the collected magnetic carrier particles can be reliably dispersed in the detection reagent without remaining on the inner surface of the reaction vessel.

The magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to a thirtieth aspect is the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to any one of the twenty-sixth aspect to the twenty- ninth aspect, wherein the height of the magnet in the step (2) is the step (1 ) Or the height of the liquid surface of the suspension obtained by adding the washing liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1).

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the thirtieth aspect, the height of the magnet in step (2) is obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1) or the reaction liquid in step (1). Since the liquid level is the same as the liquid level of the suspension, the magnetic support particles are collected efficiently and reliably by applying the magnetic force of the magnet to the reaction liquid in the reaction vessel or the entire vertical direction of the suspension. It can be recovered magnetically.

Cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the 31 embodiment of the, in the cleaning method of any one of the magnetic carrier particle of the 26 mode through the thirtieth aspect, the magnet, the current磁毎magnetic carrier particles, the reaction vessel It is alternately arranged at the position facing each other across the.

In the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the thirty-first aspect, the magnets are arranged alternately at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles, so that the magnetic carrier particles are reliably Since the magnetic flux is alternately collected on one side and the other side of the reaction container after being dispersed, the cleaning effect of the magnetic carrier particles is improved.

Immunoassay of the measurement target component in the specimen according to the thirty-second aspect includes a magnetic carrier particles was washed with the washing method of any one of magnetic carrier particles of the sixth aspect, a second antibody Reacting the reagent contained therein to generate a second immune complex consisting of the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody on the magnetic carrier particles, and determining the amount of the generated second immune complex It is characterized by measuring.

According to the 32 immunological measurement method of the measurement target component in the specimen in accordance with aspects of the magnetic carrier particles it was washed with the washing method of any one of magnetic carrier particles of the sixth embodiment, the second The amount of the second immune complex produced by reacting the reagent containing the antibody to produce a second immune complex consisting of the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody on the magnetic carrier particles. Measure. Thereby, the measurement object component in the specimen can be accurately measured.

An immunological measurement method for a component to be measured in a specimen according to a thirty- third aspect includes a magnetic carrier particle washed by the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to any one of the seventh to thirty- first aspects and a detection reagent. It is characterized in that the amount of the immune complex produced on the magnetic carrier particles after the reaction is measured.

According to the immunoassay method of the measurement target component in the specimen in accordance with aspects of the 33, and the magnetic carrier particles was washed with the washing method of any one of magnetic carrier particles of the 7 to 31 embodiment, a detection reagent To measure the amount of immune complex formed on the magnetic carrier particles. Thereby, the measurement object component in the specimen can be accurately measured.

According to the magnetic carrier particle cleaning method according to the first to thirty- first aspects, it is possible to accurately measure the component to be measured in the specimen.
In addition, according to the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to the first to 31st aspects, the recovery rate of the magnetic carrier particles and / or the dispersibility of the magnetic carrier particles can be improved.
According to the thirty-second aspect, and immunological measuring method according to the 33 aspect, it is possible to perform measurement of the measurement target component in the specimen accurately.

It is a top view which shows the basic composition of an immunoassay apparatus. It is a perspective view which shows the cell which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the cell which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the lower part of a cell. It is a longitudinal section showing the 1st B / F unit. It is a top view which shows the 1st B / F unit. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the first B / F unit shown in FIG. 4 taken along line 5-5. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the state which puts a magnetic carrier particle containing reagent, a 1st antibody containing reagent, and a test substance. Furthermore, it is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the state which puts a washing | cleaning liquid. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 1st B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of a cell which shows the process of putting an alkaline phosphatase labeled 2nd antibody containing reagent in a cell. It is sectional drawing of a cell which shows the process of putting an alkaline phosphatase labeled 2nd antibody containing reagent in a cell. It is sectional drawing of a cell which shows the process of putting an alkaline phosphatase labeled 2nd antibody containing reagent in a cell. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit. It is sectional drawing of the cell which shows the washing | cleaning process in a 2nd B / F unit.

[First Embodiment (2-step sandwich method to washing after primary reaction)]
<Overall configuration of immunoassay device>
An immunoassay apparatus 200 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  Examples of the immunoassay method include a sandwich immunoassay method and a competitive method, and the sandwich immunoassay method includes a so-called two-step sandwich method and one-step sandwich method.

  In the two-step sandwich method, a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the cell (container), or the sample and the sample A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added, and the immune complex comprising the first antibody and the component to be measured (the first immune complex of the present invention) is carried. After obtaining the reaction liquid containing the magnetic carrier particles, the solution containing the substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex of the present invention is removed, and then the measurement target component A reagent containing a second antibody to be bound was added, and an immune complex (second immune complex of the present invention) comprising the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody was supported on the magnetic carrier particles. Immunoassay method comprising a step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles It is.

  In the one-step sandwich method, a cell (container) binds to a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, and a component to be measured in the sample. A reagent containing a second antibody is added, or a specimen, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to the measurement target component in the specimen, and a second antibody that binds to the measurement target component Adding a reagent to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying an immune complex (second immune complex of the present invention) comprising the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the second antibody; This is an immunoassay method.

  The competitive method includes, for example, a sample containing a measurement target component in a cell (container), a reagent containing a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to the competitive substance, a measurement target component and a labeled competitive substance, A reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a reagent and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, or a specimen, a reagent containing a labeled competitor substance formed by binding a label to a competitor substance, a component to be measured and a label A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to a conjugated competitor is added, an antigen-antibody reaction is carried out in a cell, and an immune complex comprising the first antibody and a measurement target component (of the present invention) (3rd immune complex) and a step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles on which an immune complex (the fourth immune complex of the present invention) composed of the first antibody and the labeled competitor is supported. (Hereinafter referred to as competition method 1) And a reagent containing a specimen, a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the specimen and a competitive substance, a reagent containing the competitive substance, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the cell, or Add the sample, the reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample and the competitor, and the reagent containing the magnetic carrier particles carrying the competitor, and perform the antigen-antibody reaction in the cell to compete A competition method comprising a step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying an immune complex comprising a substance and a first antibody (the fifth immune complex of the present invention) (hereinafter referred to as competition method in the present specification) 2).

The specimen in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a specimen that can be measured by an immunological measurement method. For example, whole blood (blood), blood cells, serum, plasma, spinal fluid, urine, stool, tissue, cultured cells Etc.
The measurement target component in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a measurement target component that can be measured by an immunological measurement method. For example, IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, apoprotein AI, apoprotein AII, apoprotein B, apoprotein E, rheumatoid factor, D-dimer, oxidized LDL, saccharified LDL, glycoalbumin, triiodothyronine (T3), total thyroxine (T4), drug (anti-tencan agent, etc.), C-reactive protein ( CRP), cytokines, soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R), α-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA19-9 (carbohydrate antigen 19-9), CA15-3 (carbohydrate) antigen 15-3), CA-125 (carbohydrate ant) igen 125), PIVKA-II (Protein induced by vitamin K absence-II), parathyroid hormone (PTH), human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), insulin, C-peptide, estrogen, anti-glutamic acid Decarboxylase (GAD) antibody, pepsinogen, hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen, anti-HBV antibody, hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen, anti-HCV antibody, adult T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-I) antigen , Anti-HTLV-I antibody, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody, influenza virus antigen, anti-influenza virus antibody, anti-tuberculosis antibody, tuberculosis antigen (TBGL) mycoplasma antibody, hemoglobin A1c, atrial natriuretic peptide ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin T, troponin I, creatinine kinase MB (CK-MB), myoglobin, H-FABP (human heart-derived fatty acid binding protein), mold toxin [deoxynivalenol (DON) , Nivalenol (NIV), T-2 toxin (T2), etc.], endocrine disruptors [bisphenol A, nonylphenol, dibutyl phthalate, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, p, p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane , Tributyltin, etc.], fungi such as Escherichia coli, food allergens (eg, eggs, milk, wheat, buckwheat, peanuts, etc.), allergens (eg, mites, such as mite mushrooms and mites), anti-allergic substances, and the like.

  The competing substance in the present invention is a substance that can be used in the competition method and can bind to an “antibody that binds to the component to be measured”, and its binding is competitive with the component to be measured. In addition, the measurement target component itself is also included.

The label used for the labeled antibody and the labeled competitor in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a label used in an immunological assay, and examples thereof include enzymes, fluorescent substances, luminescent substances, and radioisotopes. It is done. Examples of the enzyme include alkaline phosphatase, peroxidase, galactosidase, glucuronidase, luciferase and the like. Examples of the fluorescent substance include FITC (fluorescein isothiocyanate), RITC (rhodamine B-isothiocyanate) and the like. Examples of the light-emitting substance include acridinium and its derivatives, ruthenium complex compounds, and lophine. Examples of the radioisotope include ³ H, ¹⁴ C, ³⁵ S, ³² P, ¹²⁵ I, and ¹³¹ I.
The labeled antibody and the labeled competitor in the present invention can be prepared by a known method such as a method in which a label and an antibody, and a label and a competitor are covalently bonded using a linker, respectively.

In the present invention, the magnetic carrier particle is not particularly limited as long as it is a magnetic carrier particle collected by a magnet. Examples thereof include carrier particles, magnetic carrier particles having a structure in which a magnetic substance is not uniformly dispersed in an organic polymer without including an outer layer, and cluster-like magnetic carrier particles composed of only a magnetic substance.
The magnetic substance contained in the magnetic carrier particles is preferably superparamagnetic fine magnetic particles with little residual magnetization. For example, various ferrites such as triiron tetroxide (Fe 3 O 4) and γ-heavy sesquioxide (γ-Fe 2 O 3), A metal such as iron, manganese, cobalt, chromium, or an alloy of these metals is used.
Examples of the shape of the magnetic carrier particles include a spherical shape and a needle shape, and a spherical shape is preferable. The particle size of the magnetic carrier particles is, for example, 0.1 to 5 μm, and preferably 0.5 to 3 μm.

  The magnet in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can collect magnetic carrier particles, and examples thereof include rare earth magnets such as neodymium magnets, electromagnets, and the like.

  In the present invention, the height of the magnet is a length in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface in the cavity of the reaction vessel, and extends from the bottom surface in the cavity of the reaction vessel to the upper end of the magnet close to the reaction vessel. It means length. The length of the magnet is the length from the upper end to the lower end of the magnet, so the length of the magnet may be the same as the height of the magnet, but the lower end of the magnet is below the bottom surface in the cavity of the reaction vessel. In the case of the position of the magnet, the length of the magnet is longer than the height of the magnet. In the present invention, as long as the magnetic carrier particles in the reaction vessel can be efficiently collected, the length of the magnet may be the same as or different from the height of the magnet. It is preferable that the height of the magnet is the same as or the length of the magnet is longer than the height of the magnet.

  In the present invention, the reaction container is a reaction container that can collect magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction container when the magnet is relatively close to the side surface of the reaction container and can perform immunological measurement. There is no restriction | limiting in particular, For example, the below-mentioned reaction container etc. are mentioned.

  In the present invention, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, a reagent containing a first antibody, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody, a reagent containing a second antibody, a reagent containing a competitor, and a competitor Metal ions, salts, saccharides, preservatives, proteins, protein stabilizers and the like can coexist in the reagent containing the supported magnetic carrier particles. Examples of the metal ion include magnesium ion, manganese ion, zinc ion and the like. Examples of the salts include sodium chloride and potassium chloride. Examples of the saccharide include glucose, mannose, sucrose, lactose, trehalose, mannitol, sorbitol and the like. Examples of preservatives include sodium azide, antibiotics (streptomycin, penicillin, gentamicin, etc.), Bioace, Procrine 300, Proxel GXL, and the like. Examples of the protein include bovine serum albumin (BSA), fetal bovine serum (FBS), casein, block ace (manufactured by DS Pharma Biomedical) and the like. Examples of the protein stabilizer include peroxidase stabilizing buffer (Peroxidase Stabilizing Buffer, manufactured by DakoCytomation).

In the first embodiment, an example will be described in which measurement is performed by a two-step sandwich method using the immunoassay apparatus 200 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the immunoassay apparatus 200 mainly includes a cell supply unit 14, a reagent storage unit 12, a reaction table 18, a sample table 20, a first B / F unit 22A, a second B / F unit 22B, and a detection unit 24. Etc. are configured. In the following description, the sample table 20 side will be described as the front side of the apparatus for convenience.

  The cell supply unit 14 disposed at the left back of the immunoassay device 200 is a unit that transports empty cells 10 (reaction containers), which will be described later, to a predetermined position and aligns them in a line. The cell tank 30, rails 32, and The cell feeding mechanism 34 is included. A reagent storage unit 12 containing a stirrer 16 equipped with a turntable 36 is arranged in front of the cell supply unit 14, and a reagent set for immunoassay is stored in a cassette set on the turntable 36. A plurality of reagent containers 26 are held (not shown). The reagent storage unit 12 is cooled to a certain temperature by a cooling means (not shown).

<Cell>
The cell 10 (also referred to as a cuvette) used in the present embodiment is a plastic bottomed cylindrical body having an opening at one end, and is a general-purpose reaction container having a ridge formed at the opening. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, the cell 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and one end (opening side) is provided with a ridge 10 </ b> A for holding and transporting with each cell hand (not shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C). Underneath, a flange 10B is provided for holding the cell 10 in place when the cell 10 is inserted into the recess or hole of each table. The inside of the cell 10 is a cavity 10C, and a reagent, a specimen, a cleaning solution, etc. are injected into the cell 10 and can be stored and stirred inside.

  The bottom of the cell 10 is provided with an engagement hole 10E that opens so as to expand in the downward direction. The engagement hole 10E does not communicate with the cavity 10C and has a so-called blind tube shape. In the cell 10, the vicinity of the engagement hole 10E is reinforced by the rib 10D. As shown in FIG. 2C, the engagement hole 10E has a bowl-shaped inclined surface 10F, and the cell 10 is placed on the reaction table 18 by engaging with a rotating pin (not shown) of a stirring mechanism 66 described later. The sample is rotated and agitated to mix the internal reagent and sample.

As shown in FIG. 1, a reaction table 18 is arranged on the right side of the reagent storage unit 12. The reaction table 18 is located slightly to the left of the center of the immunoassay device 200 and includes a heater (not shown). A recess 38 for holding the cell 10 is formed on the outer periphery of the reaction table 18 over the entire periphery of the reaction table 18. The diameter of the recess 38 needs to be larger than the diameter of the cell 10 in accordance with the conveyance position accuracy of the cell hand 72 described later, and is smaller than the diameter of the flange 10B, so the cell 10 is held in the recess 38 by the flange 10B. .
The reaction container is suspended and held at the edge of the circular hole of the reaction table 18 by a flange (flange 10B) protruding from the reaction container.

  In the present embodiment, as an example, 60 concave portions 38 are formed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the reaction table 18. Further, the cell 10 held in the recess 38 can be warmed by a heater (not shown), and the reagent in the cell 10 can be activated.

<Agitating mechanism>
The reaction table 18 is provided with a stirring mechanism 66. In the present embodiment, two agitation mechanisms 66 are provided in the reaction table 18, but the number may be three or more, or may be one in some cases.

  The stirring mechanism 66 includes a stirring motor. A pin (not shown) extending in the vertical direction is eccentrically attached to the rotating shaft of the stirring motor. A pin engages with an engagement hole 10 </ b> E of the cell 10 inserted into the recess 38 of the reaction table 18 positioned immediately above the stirring mechanism 66. Since the pin is mounted eccentrically with the rotating shaft of the agitation motor, the pin rotates on a circular path around the rotating shaft, and the engagement hole 10E of the cell 10 with which the tip of the pin is engaged is also caused by the pin. Move to draw a circular orbit. At this time, since the cell 10 is inserted into the recess 38 and the diameter of the recess 38 is larger than the diameter of the cell 10 as described above, the engagement hole 10E moves so as to draw a circular orbit, whereby the cell 10 Rotates in a substantially conical pendulum trajectory so as to draw a circular trajectory below the recess 38. As a result, a specimen, a cleaning liquid, a magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent and the like, which will be described later, inside the cell 10 are stirred.

  A sample table 20 is arranged in front of the reaction table 18 and holds a plurality of test tubes 40 containing samples. Further, on the right side of the reaction table 18, a first B / F unit 22A is disposed on the back side of the apparatus with a cell hand 72 described later interposed therebetween, and a second B / F unit 22B is disposed on the front side of the apparatus. The first B / F unit 22A and the second B / F unit 22B each perform B / F separation of a turntable 84 to be described later for rotating and transporting the cell 10 and a reagent in the cell 10 set on the turntable 84. The B / F nozzle unit 44 and the like are included.

<1B / F unit>
As shown in FIG. 3, the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A has a plurality of support posts 75 standing on a substrate 73, and a base plate 78 made of a thick plate material is horizontally fixed on the support posts 75. ing. A shaft 82 supported by a bearing 80 is rotatably provided at the center of the base plate 78. A disc-shaped turntable 84 is attached to the upper end of the shaft 82, and a large pulley 86 is attached to the lower end.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, a plurality of holes 88 for inserting and holding the cells 10 are formed in the outer peripheral portion of the turntable 84 at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Since the diameter of the hole 88 is slightly larger than the diameter of the cell 10 and smaller than the diameter of the flange 10B, the cell 10 is held in the hole 88 in a state where the flange 10B is mounted on the upper surface of the turntable 84.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a motor 92 is attached to the lower surface of the base plate 78 via a support fitting 90. A small pulley 94 is attached to the rotating shaft 92 </ b> A of the motor 92, and a belt 96 is wound around the large pulley 86 and the small pulley 94. For this reason, the turntable 84 is rotated by the rotation shaft 92A of the motor 92 rotating.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, an annular ring groove 98 through which the cell 10 supported by the hole 88 of the turntable 84 passes is formed on the upper surface of the base plate 78. A plurality of recesses 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> F are formed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the upper surface of the base plate 78 along the radial direction inside the annular groove 98. A plurality of recesses 102A to 102F are formed at equal intervals so as to face the recesses 100A to 100F. The circumferential pitch of the recesses 100A to 100F and the circumferential pitch of the recesses 102A to 102F are set to be the same as the circumferential pitch of the holes 88 of the turntable 84.

  The recesses 100A to 100F and the recesses 102A to 102F are all formed in the same shape and the same dimensions. Further, the bottom of each of the recesses 100A to 100F and the recesses 102A to 102F is set to be the same height as the bottom of the cell 10 inserted into and supported by the hole 88 of the turntable 84 (the bottom of the cavity 10C). (See FIG. 5 as an example).

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the recess 100A and the recess 102A, a first magnet 104A having a height of 12 mm is fixed on the bottom. In the recess 102B, a second magnet 104B having a height of 10 mm is fixed on the bottom. In the recess 100C, a third magnet 104C having a height of 8 mm is fixed on the bottom. In the recess 102D, a fourth magnet 104D having a height of 7 mm is fixed on the bottom. In the recess 100E, a fifth magnet 104E having a height of 6 mm is fixed on the bottom. In the recess 102F, a sixth magnet 104F having a height of 5 mm is fixed on the bottom. For this reason, the height of each magnet is gradually lowered along the arrow CW direction. As these first magnet 104A to sixth magnet 104F, it is preferable to use a rare earth magnet having a strong magnetic force such as a neodymium magnet.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the B / F nozzle unit 44 includes five B / F nozzles 44 </ b> A and sucks reagents and discharges cleaning liquid into the cell 10 supported in the hole 88 of the turntable 84. It can be performed.

<Second B / F unit>
As shown in FIG. 1, the second B / F unit 22B has substantially the same configuration as the first B / F unit 22A, but the number of magnets, the height of the magnets, and the arrangement of the magnets are different. In the second B / F unit 22B, the height of all the magnets is set to 8 mm, and seven magnets are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction on the radially inner side and the outer side with the annular groove 98 interposed therebetween. . The second B / F unit 22B has the same configuration as the first B / F unit 22A except for the magnet. The second B / F unit 22B may have the same configuration as the first B / F unit 22A in terms of the number of magnets, the height of the magnets, and the arrangement of the magnets.

<Detection unit>
The detection unit 24 is arranged on the right side of the first B / F unit 22A and the second B / F unit 22B with a cell hand 74 described later interposed therebetween. The detection unit 24 includes a stirring unit 46 that stirs the reagent in the cell 10 and a measurement chamber 48 that measures the amount of light.

  In addition to the above, the immunoassay apparatus 200 includes a cell hand 52 that moves the cell 10 to the reaction table 18, reagent dispensing nozzles 54 and 68 that suck and discharge reagents, and a sample dispensing nozzle 60 that sucks and discharges samples. Has been. Further, the units, cell hands, nozzles, and the like constituting the immunoassay apparatus 200 are connected to a control unit (not shown) and operate according to signals from the control unit. In addition, the control unit controls the other operations of the entire apparatus.

<Immunoassay (2-step sandwich method)>
Next, an immunoassay method (two-step sandwich method) using the immunoassay device 200 will be described. In this embodiment, a streptavidin-bonded magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent is used as the magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent, but other types of magnetic carrier particle-containing reagents may be used. The streptavidin-bonded magnetic carrier particles are appropriately referred to as magnetic carrier particles. In this embodiment, the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent is used as the first antibody-containing reagent, but other types of first antibody-containing reagents may be used. In the present embodiment, the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent is used as the labeled second antibody-containing reagent. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A reagent containing a labeled antibody can be used. In this embodiment, a chemiluminescence immunoassay based on the sandwich method is used as the immunoassay.

  First, a plurality of unused cells 10 are charged into the cell tank 30 of the cell supply unit 14. The cells 10 put into the cell tank 30 are lifted one by one above the cell tank 30 by an elevator (not shown), and then slide on a rail 32 composed of two inclined bars and conveyed to the cell feed mechanism 34. Is done.

  The cells 10 conveyed to the cell feeding mechanism 34 are fed one by one to the terminal end 32A of the rail 32 by opening and closing the alignment plate 50 of the cell feeding mechanism 34. Note that the cell 10 may be slid from the cell tank 30 to the terminal end portion 32A of the rail 32 without providing the cell feed mechanism 34.

  The cell 10 that has reached the end portion 32A of the rail 32 is gripped by the cell hand 52, rotated around the rotation shaft 52A, and set in the recess 38 of the reaction table 18. Thereafter, the reaction table 18 is transported directly under the reagent dispensing nozzle 54 by the rotation of the reaction table 18. Here, the reagent dispensing nozzle 54 rotates around the rotation shaft 54A, and the reagent containing the streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particles is sucked from the reagent container 26A held in the cassette of the turntable 36 and discharged to the cell 10 (not shown). )

  Next, the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent is aspirated from another reagent container 26B and discharged to the cell 10 (not shown). Here, the reagent dispensing nozzle 54 that has discharged the reagent containing streptavidin-bound magnetic carrier particles is once washed in a dispensing nozzle washing tank 58, and then the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent is aspirated. Thereby, mixing of a reagent can be prevented.

  Instead of discharging a reagent containing streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particles and a reagent containing biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent carrier particles to the cell 10, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody is used. 10 may be discharged.

  The cell 10 from which the reagent containing streptavidin-bound magnetic carrier particles and the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent are discharged is provided on the reaction table 18 while being transported to the vicinity of the sample dispensing nozzle 60 by the rotation of the reaction table 18. The heater is heated at a predetermined temperature (in this embodiment, 37 ° C. as an example), and the reaction between the streptavidin bound to the magnetic carrier particles and the biotinylated first antibody is promoted.

  When the cell 10 is transported to the vicinity of the sample dispensing nozzle 60, the sample dispensing nozzle 60 rotates around the rotation axis 60A, sucks the sample from the test tube 40 set on the sample table 20, and streptavidin. It discharges to the cell 10 into which the binding magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent and the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent are discharged (see FIG. 6A). The sample dispensing nozzle 60 is washed in the sample nozzle washing tank 62. Thereby, contamination by the sample in the sample dispensing nozzle 60 is prevented.

  The cell 10 from which the sample has been discharged is transported to the position of the stirring mechanism 66 provided along the outer periphery of the reaction table 18, and the reagent and the sample in the cell 10 are stirred without contact by the stirring mechanism 66. Stirring is performed by rotating the bottom of the cell 10 along the trajectory of the conical pendulum. As described above, the measurement target component in the specimen is bound to the first antibody, and the first immune complex including the first antibody and the measurement target component (antigen) is formed on the magnetic carrier particles.

<Process in 1B / F unit>
Next, the cell 10 is transported to the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A by the cell hand 72 and inserted into the hole 88 of the turntable 84. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is discharged to the cell 10 through the B / F nozzle 44A (see FIG. 6B. Here, the height of the liquid level is 12 mm). Thereby, a suspension containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex is obtained. The washing solution is not particularly limited as long as it is a washing solution that can remove substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex from the mixture after the reaction. For example, phosphate buffered saline [ And 10 mmol / L phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) (hereinafter referred to as PBS)] containing 0.15 mol / L sodium chloride, PBS containing a surfactant, and the like. Examples of the surfactant include Tween 20 and the like.

  Thereafter, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the pair of first magnets 104A. In the above-described step of discharging the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is discharged so that the height of the first magnet 104A matches the liquid level.

  When the cell 10 faces the first magnet 104A having a height of 12 mm, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the first magnet 104A, and one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 and the other Gather on the side (in the figure, the part shown with halftone dots). Since the height of the liquid level and the height of the first magnet 104A coincide with each other, the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A can be exerted on the entire height direction of the liquid in the cell 10 and floats in the liquid. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be efficiently collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the height of the collected magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex is the same as that of the first magnet 104A, that is, 12 mm. When the liquid level is higher than the height of the first magnet 104A, the magnetic force on the upper part of the liquid is small, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex on the upper part of the liquid are removed. It becomes difficult to collect the magnetic flux on the inner surface of the cell 10.

  Further, since the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 (that is, diluted with the cleaning liquid), the influence of a specific component (for example, fibrin) in the sample is compared with the case where the cleaning liquid is not discharged. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can easily move in the liquid, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be efficiently collected in a short time. Therefore, the collection efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be increased.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the second magnet 104B having a height of 10 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 because it is attracted to the second magnet 104B lower than the first magnet 104A. Is lower than the height when collected by the first magnet 104A, that is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is from 12 mm. 10 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, and other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex (for example, bound to the magnetic carrier particles). The biotinylated first antibody or the like that has not been removed) is removed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. As described above, the substance (Bind) bonded to the magnetic carrier particles and the substance (Free) not bonded are separated (B / F separation). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7E, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the third magnet 104C having a height of 8 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C disposed on the side opposite to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C lower than the second magnet 104B, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10, The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying one immune complex is lower than the height when collected by the second magnet 104B, that is, the first immunity collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite is 10 mm to 8 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7F, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, B / F separation is performed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex become the cell 10 Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7G, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7H, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fourth magnet 104D having a height of 7 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D disposed on the side opposite to the third magnet 104C and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D lower than the third magnet 104C, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying one immune complex is lower than the height when collected by the third magnet 104C, that is, the first immunity collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite is 8 mm to 7 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7I, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex become the cell 10. Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7J, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7K, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fifth magnet 104E having a height of 6 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E disposed on the opposite side of the fourth magnet 104D and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E lower than the fourth magnet 104D, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10, The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying one immune complex is lower than the height when collected by the fourth magnet 104D, that is, the first immunity collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite is 7 mm to 6 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7L, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex become the cell 10 Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7M, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7N, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the sixth magnet 104F having a height of 5 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F disposed on the opposite side of the fifth magnet 104E and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F lower than the fifth magnet 104E, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying one immune complex is lower than the height at which the magnetic carrier particles were collected by the fifth magnet 104E, that is, the first immunity collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite is 6 mm to 5 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7O, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex become the cell 10 It is left on the inner surface (the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex is 5 mm).

<Process on reaction table>
Next, the cell 10 is transported to the reaction table 18 by the cell hand 72. Thereafter, the reagent dispensing nozzle 68 rotates about the rotation axis 68A, and the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent is sucked from the reagent container 26C held at a predetermined position of the cassette of the reagent storage unit 12 and discharged to the cell 10. (See FIG. 8A). As a result, the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody binds to the first immune complex on the magnetic carrier particle, and the biotinylated first antibody, the measurement target component (antigen), and the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody are bound on the magnetic carrier particle. A second immune complex of the antibody can be formed. The reagent dispensing nozzle 68 discharges the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent, and then moves to the dispensing nozzle washing tank 70 for cleaning.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent has a height of magnetic carrier particles (half-dot portions in the figure) carrying the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 ( The liquid level is discharged into the cell 10 so that the liquid level is slightly lower than 5 mm. Thereafter, the cell 10 is conveyed to the stirring mechanism 66. Stirring is performed by rotating the bottom portion of the cell 10 in the orbit of the conical pendulum, so that the liquid level is higher on the inner surface side (inner wall surface side) than the cell center side due to the action of centrifugal force as shown in FIG. Become.

  As described above, the height of the liquid surface after discharging the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody was slightly lower than the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex, but as shown in FIG. 8B. In addition, since the cell inner surface side of the liquid surface can be raised by stirring (the upper end of the liquid surface can be at least 5 mm in height), the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected on the cell inner surface The alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent can be washed away by contacting the whole, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are all adhered to the inner surface of the cell without remaining on the cell inner surface. It can be mixed and dispersed in the contained reagent (see FIG. 8C for the state after stirring and dispersing).

  Further, in this embodiment, when the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent is discharged to the cell 10, the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is set. Since it is lowered from the initial 12 mm to 5 mm, it contains an alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody as compared with the case where the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex is not lowered (initial height 12 mm). The discharge amount of the reagent can be suppressed to a small amount, the reagent containing the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody can be saved, and the running cost can be reduced.

  The reagents in the cell 10 from which the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody has been discharged are stirred by the stirring mechanism 66, whereby the reaction between the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody and the measurement target component in the sample is promoted.

  Next, the cell 10 is conveyed to the vicinity of the cell hand 72 by the rotation of the reaction table 18, is gripped by the cell hand 72, rotates around the rotation shaft 72 </ b> A, and is conveyed to the second B / F unit 22 </ b> B.

<Process in 2nd B / F unit>
The cell 10 transported to the second B / F unit 22B is inserted into the hole 88 of the turntable 84. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9A, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A. Then, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 9B, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the magnet 106R having a height of 8 mm.

  When the cell 10 opposes the magnet 106R having a height of 8 mm, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the magnet 106R and gather on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the height of the collected magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is the same as that of the magnet 106R, that is, 8 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9C, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, B / F separation is performed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex become the cell 10 Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9D, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 9E, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the magnet 106L. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the magnet 106L disposed on the opposite side of the magnet 106R and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9F, the B / F nozzle 44 </ b> A sucks the liquid in the cell 10, performs B / F separation, and collects the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The supported magnetic carrier particles are left on the inner surface of the cell. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 9G, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Thereafter, also in the second B / F unit 22B, similarly to the first B / F unit 22A, rotation of the turntable 84, discharge and suction of cleaning liquid to the cell 10, and magnetism on the inner surface of the cell 10 by alternately arranged magnets. The carrier particles are attracted and B / F separation is repeatedly performed to reliably remove substances that have not been bonded to the magnetic carrier particles.

  The cell 10 subjected to the B / F separation in the second B / F unit 22B is gripped by the cell hand 74, rotated around the rotation shaft 74A, and conveyed to the stirring unit 46 of the detection unit 24. At this time, the detection reagent (luminescent substrate reagent) is discharged from the tube (not shown) provided in the cell hand 74 to the cell 10. In the stirring unit 46, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex thereon and the detection reagent are stirred, and the alkaline phosphatase in the immune complex reacts with the luminescent substrate reagent to emit light.

  Next, the cell 10 is gripped by the cell hand 74, rotated around the rotation shaft 74 </ b> A, and conveyed into the measurement chamber 48. The measurement chamber 48 is a completely closed space where light does not enter, and an alkaline phosphatase and a luminescent substrate in the immune complex are measured by a sensor (not shown) that measures the amount of luminescence provided in the measurement chamber 48. The amount of light generated by the reaction with the reagent is measured, and the concentration of the measurement target component in the sample is determined from the measured light emission amount. The cell 10 for which measurement has been completed is grasped by the cell hand 74 and discarded into the waste pipe 76. The control unit (not shown) accumulates the concentration of the measurement target component in the sample as data, and displays the measurement result on a monitor (not shown) or the like.

  As described above, in the immunoassay apparatus 200 of the present embodiment, the height of the liquid level is set on the side surface of the cell 10 in which the liquid in which the magnetic carrier particles in which the first immune complex is formed is placed. Since the first magnet 104A having the same height is disposed and the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A acts on all the vertical portions of the suspension in the reaction container, the first immune complex in the liquid The magnetic carrier particles on which the body is formed can be attracted by applying a large magnetic force, and the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex can be increased. Further, the height of the liquid surface after discharging the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody is determined so that the entire magnetic carrier particle carrying the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is stirred during the stirring. Since the height is set so that the antibody-containing reagent can be contacted, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex can be dispersed in the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent. Can be increased. Since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex are not dispersed in the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent and do not remain on the inner surface of the cell 10, the first immune complex is carried for each cell 10. It is possible to suppress the difference in the amount of dispersed magnetic carrier particles, and to accurately measure the component to be measured in the specimen.

  When performing B / F separation (that is, cleaning of the magnetic carrier particles), a cleaning solution is added to the cell 10 to separate the magnets (104A to 104F) from the side surface of the cell 10, or from the side surface of the cell 10. Either the magnet is detached and the cleaning liquid is added to the cell 10, or the magnet may be detached from the side surface of the cell 10 while adding the cleaning liquid to the cell 10.

  Further, in the first B / F unit 22A of the above embodiment, the heights of the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F are all different from each other and are directed from the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F. However, it is only necessary that the height of the last sixth magnet 104F be the lowest, and among the plurality of magnets, adjacent magnets have the same height. There may be.

[Test Example 1]
According to the present invention, in the two-step sandwich method, a test was conducted to determine whether the dispersibility of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex after the addition of the labeled second antibody was improved.

  In the example, after the streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent, the biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent, and the specimen were discharged into the cell 10 for antigen-antibody reaction, the washing liquid was discharged to increase the liquid level. The first carrier having a height of 12 mm was made to face the side surface of the cell 10 and the magnetic carrier particles on which the first immune complex was formed were collected and washed five times. In the fifth washing, the magnet 10 having a height of 5 mm was made to face the side surface of the cell 10 to wash the magnetic carrier particles on which the first immune complex was formed. Thereafter, the alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody was added to the cell 10, and the height of the upper end of the liquid surface when stirring was set to 5 mm. Thereafter, the amount of luminescence was measured through the predetermined steps (addition of a luminescent substrate reagent, etc.).

  On the other hand, in the comparative example, the height of the magnet of the BF unit was all set to 12 mm, and the other procedures were performed in the same procedure as in the example.

In Test Example 1, as an index for evaluating whether or not the dispersibility of the magnetic carrier particles was improved, a variation coefficient of the light emission amount [variation coefficient = standard deviation / arithmetic average × 100 (%)] was used, and both cleaning methods were used. The coefficient of variation was compared. The coefficient of variation means that the smaller the value, the more accurately it can be measured.
In accordance with the procedures of the above-described Examples and Comparative Examples, the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation were calculated from the amount of luminescence when the same specimen was measured 30 times continuously (n = 30). Table 1 shows the calculated coefficient of variation.

When the coefficient of variation of the example and the comparative example were compared, the coefficient of variation of the example was 2.6% lower than that of the comparative example. That is, as compared with the comparative example, it was clarified that the example to which the present invention was applied improved the dispersibility of the magnetic carrier particles and can be measured with high accuracy.

[Second Embodiment (Washing after Secondary Reaction in Two-Step Sandwich Method)]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structure as 1st Embodiment, and the description is abbreviate | omitted. In the first embodiment, the heights of the plurality of magnets (the magnet 106R and the magnet 106L) of the second B / F unit 22B are all set to the same height (8 mm). The F unit 22B has the same configuration as the first B / F unit 22A, and the heights of the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F gradually increase from the first magnet 104A toward the sixth magnet 104F. (12 mm to 5 mm).

(Function, effect)
Next, the operation of the immunoassay apparatus 200 of this embodiment will be described.
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the steps in the second B / F unit 22B and the subsequent steps, and the other steps are the same, and therefore the second B / F unit 22B. The following steps will be described below, and description of other steps will be omitted.

<Process in 2nd B / F unit>
The cell 10 having the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is transported from the reaction table 18 to the second B / F unit 22B by the cell hand 72 and inserted into the hole 88 of the turntable 84. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A. Then, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the pair of first magnets 104A having a height of 12 mm.

  When the cell 10 faces the first magnet 104A having a height of 12 mm, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the first magnet 104A, and one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 and the other Gather on the side. Since the height of the liquid level and the height of the first magnet 104A coincide with each other, the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A can be exerted on the entire height direction of the liquid in the cell 10 and floats in the liquid. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex can be efficiently collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex and collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is the same as that of the first magnet 104A, that is, 12 mm.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the second magnet 104B having a height of 10 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 because it is attracted to the second magnet 104B lower than the first magnet 104A. Is lower than the height when collected by the first magnet 104A, that is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the second immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is from 12 mm. 10 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid in the cell 10 is aspirated by the B / F nozzle 44A, and other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are removed, and the second immunity is removed. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7E, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the third magnet 104C having a height of 8 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C disposed on the side opposite to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C lower than the second magnet 104B, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the two immune complexes is lower than the height at which the magnetic carrier particles were collected by the second magnet 104B, that is, the second immunity collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the composite is 10 mm to 8 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7F, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are transferred to the cell 10. Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7G, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7H, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fourth magnet 104D having a height of 7 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D disposed on the opposite side of the third magnet 104C and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D which is lower than the third magnet 104C, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex of 2 is lower than the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected by the third magnet 104C, that is, collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is 8 mm to 7 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7I, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are transferred to the cell 10. Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7J, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7K, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fifth magnet 104E having a height of 6 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E disposed on the side opposite to the fourth magnet 104D and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E lower than the fourth magnet 104D, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex of 2 is lower than the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected by the fourth magnet 104D, that is, collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is 7 mm to 6 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7L, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex become the cell 10 Left on the inside. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7M, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7N, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the sixth magnet 104F having a height of 5 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F disposed on the opposite side of the fifth magnet 104E and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F which is lower than the fifth magnet 104E, they are collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex of 2 is lower than the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected by the fifth magnet 104E, that is, collected on the inner surface of the cell 10. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is 6 mm to 5 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7O, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, B / F separation is performed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex are transferred to the cell 10. It is left on the inner surface (the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is 5 mm).

  The cell 10 subjected to the B / F separation in the second B / F unit 22B is gripped by the cell hand 74, rotated around the rotation shaft 74A, and conveyed to the stirring unit 46 of the detection unit 24. At this time, the detection reagent (luminescent substrate reagent) is discharged from the tube (not shown) provided in the cell hand 74 to the cell 10. In the stirring unit 46, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex and the detection reagent are stirred. Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the cell 10 is transported into the measurement chamber 48 and the amount of light is measured.

  Thus, in the second embodiment, since the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex is 5 mm in the cell 10 from which the detection reagent is discharged, the second immune complex is In order to disperse the supported magnetic carrier particles in the detection reagent, the height of the upper end of the liquid surface of the detection reagent at the time of stirring may be 5 mm, and the height of the liquid surface of the detection reagent discharged to the cell 10 is The amount may be less than 5 mm, and the amount of detection reagent to be used can be reduced as compared with the first embodiment while ensuring high dispersibility.

  When B / F separation is performed in the second B / F unit 22B (that is, cleaning of the magnetic carrier particles), a cleaning liquid is added to the cell 10 in the same manner as the first B / F unit 22A to The magnet (104A-F) can be detached from the cell 10, the magnet can be detached from the side surface of the cell 10 and the cleaning liquid can be added to the cell 10, or the magnet can be detached from the side surface of the cell 10 while adding the cleaning liquid to the cell 10. Any one may be performed.

  Also, in the second B / F unit 22B of the above embodiment, the heights of the magnets are all different from each other and the heights of the magnets are gradually reduced. However, the height of the last magnet is the highest. What is necessary is just to become low, and there may exist a part which has the same height by mutually adjacent magnets in a plurality of magnets.

[Third embodiment (one-step sandwich method)]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the first embodiment, the measurement target component is measured using the two-step sandwich method. In the third embodiment, the measurement target component is measured using the one-step sandwich method.

<Immunoassay (one-step sandwich method)>
Below, the 1 step sandwich method of this embodiment is demonstrated. Note that the reagent used in the present embodiment is the same as the two-step sandwich method of the above-described embodiment.

  In the one-step sandwich method, a reagent containing streptavidin-binding magnetic carrier particles, a biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent, an alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody-containing reagent, and a specimen are discharged into the cell 10 on the reaction table 18. The antigen-antibody reaction is performed, and these are stirred by the stirring mechanism 66. Thereby, the 2nd immune complex which consists of a 1st antibody, a measuring object component (antigen), and an alkaline phosphatase labeled 2nd antibody is formed on a magnetic support particle.

  Instead of discharging a reagent containing streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particles and a reagent containing biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent carrier particles to the cell 10, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody is used. 10 may be discharged.

Thereafter, the cell 10 is gradually lowered from the reaction table 18 by the cell hand 72 toward the first B / F unit 22A (the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F used in the first embodiment) (12 mm 5 mm), and is inserted into the hole 88 of the turntable 84. Thereafter, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A. Thereafter, B / F separation is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and the detection reagent is discharged, stirred, and the measurement chamber 48. The amount of light at is measured.
Therefore, also in this embodiment, the amount of detection reagent can be reduced.

[Test Example 2]
In the one-step sandwich method, a test was conducted to determine whether the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex can be increased according to the present invention.

  In the example, the cell 10 is discharged with a streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent, a biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent, a specimen, an alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody, and a washing solution to a liquid level of 12 mm. The first magnet having a height of 12 mm was made to face the side surface of the cell 10, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex were collected and washed five times. Thereafter, the amount of luminescence was measured through the predetermined steps (addition of a luminescent substrate reagent, etc.).

  On the other hand, in the comparative example, a streptavidin-coupled magnetic carrier particle-containing reagent, a biotinylated first antibody-containing reagent, a specimen, an alkaline phosphatase-labeled second antibody, and a washing solution are discharged into the cell 10 to a liquid surface height of 12 mm. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex were collected and washed five times with the first magnet having a height of 8 mm facing the side surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, the amount of luminescence was measured through the predetermined steps (addition of a luminescent substrate reagent, etc.).

In Test Example 2, the higher the amount of luminescence obtained, the higher the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex.
Table 2 shows the light emission amount (relative luminescence unit: RLU) between the example and the comparative example, and the relative value when the light emission amount in the comparative example is used as a reference (100%). When the amount of luminescence was compared between the example and the comparative example, the luminescence amount of the example was about 10% higher than that of the comparative example. From the test results, it was found that the recovery efficiency can be increased by using a magnet having the same height as the liquid level as described above.

[Fourth Embodiment (Competitive Method 1)]
Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described above, the measurement target component is measured using the sandwich method, but in this embodiment, the measurement target component is measured using the competitive method 1.

  In the competition method 1 of this embodiment, a reagent containing a specimen, a labeled competitor substance formed by binding a label (for example, alkaline phosphatase) to a competitor substance in the cell 10 set in the reaction table 18, and a subject to be measured The reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the component and the labeled competitor and the reagent containing the magnetic carrier particles are discharged to the cell 10 (see, for example, FIG. 6A), and an antigen-antibody reaction is performed. The mechanism 66 is agitated.

  Thus, the suspension containing the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex composed of the first antibody and the component to be measured and the fourth immune complex composed of the first antibody and the labeled competitor is supported. A turbid liquid is obtained.

  Instead of discharging the reagent containing the first antibody that binds to the analyte component to be measured and the labeled competing substance and the reagent containing the magnetic carrier particles to the cell 10, the first antibody was carried but carried. A reagent containing magnetic carrier particles may be discharged into the cell 10.

  Next, the cell 10 is transported to the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A by the cell hand 72 and inserted into the hole 88 of the turntable 84. The cleaning liquid is discharged to the cell 10 inserted into the hole 88 through the B / F nozzle 44A. In the step of discharging the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is discharged so that the height of the first magnet 104A matches the liquid level (here, the height of the liquid level is 12 mm).

  Thereafter, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7A, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the pair of first magnets 104A. When the cell 10 faces, for example, the first magnet 104A having a height of 12 mm, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the first magnet 104A. The cells 10 gather on one side and the other side of the inner side surface. Since the height of the liquid level and the height of the first magnet 104A coincide with each other, the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A can be exerted on the entire height direction of the liquid in the cell 10, and the third immune complex. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the body and the fourth immune complex can be efficiently collected on the inner surface of the cell 10.

  Further, since the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 (that is, diluted with the cleaning liquid), the influence of a specific component (for example, fibrin) in the sample is compared with the case where the cleaning liquid is not discharged. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex easily move in the liquid, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are carried. The magnetic carrier particles can be efficiently collected in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the second magnet 104B having a height of 10 mm. Thereby, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are attracted to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 are carried by the second magnet 104B which is lower than the first magnet 104A. The height of the formed magnetic carrier particles is lower than the height at which the magnetic carrier particles are collected by the first magnet 104A, that is, the magnetic carrier on which the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are supported. The height of the particles is 12 mm to 10 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, and other than the third carrier and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex. Is removed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. As described above, the substance (Bind) bonded to the magnetic carrier particles and the substance (Free) not bonded are separated (B / F separation). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7E, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the third magnet 104C having a height of 8 mm. As a result, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C disposed on the side opposite to the second magnet 104B, and the cell 10 Collected on one side of the inner surface. Here, since the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the third magnet 104C lower than the second magnet 104B, the inner surface of the cell 10 The height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded on one side of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is equal to the height of the magnetic carrier particles collected by the second magnet 104B. That is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is 10 mm to 8 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7F, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are carried. The magnetic carrier particles thus left are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7G, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7H, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fourth magnet 104D having a height of 7 mm. As a result, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D arranged on the side opposite to the third magnet 104C, and the cell 10 Collected on one side of the inner surface. Here, since the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D lower than the third magnet 104C, the inner surface of the cell 10 The height of the magnetic carrier particles collected on one side of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is lower than the height when collected by the third magnet 104C. That is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is 8 mm to 7 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7I, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are carried. The magnetic carrier particles thus left are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7J, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7K, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fifth magnet 104E having a height of 6 mm. As a result, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E disposed on the side opposite to the fourth magnet 104D, and the cell 10 Collected on one side of the inner surface. Here, since the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E lower than the fourth magnet 104D, the inner surface of the cell 10 The heights of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on one side of each of the first and second immune complexes are lower than the height when collected by the fourth magnet 104D. That is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is 7 mm to 6 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7L, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are carried. The magnetic carrier particles thus left are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7M, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7N, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the sixth magnet 104F having a height of 5 mm. As a result, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F disposed on the opposite side of the fifth magnet 104E, and the cell 10 Collected on one side of the inner surface. Here, the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F which is lower than the fifth magnet 104E. The height of the magnetic carrier particles collected on one side of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is lower than the height when collected by the fifth magnet 104E. That is, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is 6 mm to 5 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7O, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A to perform B / F separation, and the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex are carried. The magnetic carrier particles thus left are left on the inner surface of the cell 10 (the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is 5 mm).

  The cell 10 that has been subjected to the B / F separation by the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A is gripped by the cell hand 74 and conveyed to the stirring unit 46 of the detection unit 24. At this time, the detection reagent (luminescent substrate reagent) is discharged from the tube (not shown) provided in the cell hand 74 to the cell 10. In the stirring unit 46, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex and the detection reagent are stirred, and the alkaline phosphatase in the fourth immune complex reacts with the luminescent substrate reagent to emit light.

  In the present embodiment, since the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex is 5 mm in the cell 10 from which the detection reagent is discharged, the third immune complex In order to disperse the body and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex in the detection reagent, the height of the upper end of the liquid surface of the detection reagent at the time of stirring may be 5 mm and discharged to the cell 10. The liquid surface height of the detection reagent may be less than 5 mm, the amount of the detection reagent can be reduced, and by adding a smaller amount of the detection reagent, the magnetic carrier particles can be dispersed efficiently and reliably. Can do.

  Thereafter, the cell 10 is transported into the measurement chamber 48, and the light generated by the reaction between the alkaline phosphatase and the luminescent substrate reagent in the fourth immune complex carried by the magnetic carrier particles is detected by a sensor (not shown). The amount of light is measured, and the concentration of the measurement target component in the sample is determined from the measured amount of luminescence (note that the third immune complex consisting of the measurement target component of the sample and the first antibody has a label. Since the conjugated competitor is not bound, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex do not shine.) The competitive method 1 differs from the sandwich method in that the amount of luminescence decreases as the number of components to be measured in the sample increases.

As described above, in the immunoassay method of the present embodiment, the side surface of the cell 10 in which the liquid in which the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex are suspended is placed. Since the first magnet 104A having the same height as the liquid surface is disposed and the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A is applied to all parts of the liquid in the vertical direction, the third magnet 104A in the suspension is used. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex and the fourth immune complex can be attracted by applying a large magnetic force to increase the collection efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex. be able to.
Further, the height of the liquid level after the detection reagent is discharged is detected on the whole of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 during stirring. Since the height is set so that the reagent can be brought into contact, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the third immune complex and the fourth immune complex do not remain on the inner surface of the cell 10 and remain in the detection reagent. All can be dispersed, the dispersibility can be improved, and the measurement target component in the sample can be accurately measured.

  When performing B / F separation (that is, cleaning of the magnetic carrier particles), a cleaning solution is added to the cell 10 to separate the magnets (104A to 104F) from the side surface of the cell 10, or from the side surface of the cell 10. Either the magnet is detached and the cleaning liquid is added to the cell 10, or the magnet may be detached from the side surface of the cell 10 while adding the cleaning liquid to the cell 10.

  Also in the first B / F unit 22A of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the heights of the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F are all different between adjacent ones, and the first magnet 104A. From the first to the sixth magnet 104F, the height of the last sixth magnet 104F only needs to be the lowest. Among the plurality of magnets, the magnets adjacent to each other There may be parts with the same height.

[Fifth Embodiment (Competitive Method 2)]
Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, the measurement target component is measured using the competition method 2.

  In the competition method 2 of the present embodiment, a labeled first antibody that binds to a sample, a measurement target component in the sample, and a competitive substance is placed in the cell 10 set in the reaction table 18 (labeled first 1 as appropriate). A reagent containing a competing substance, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are discharged, and these are stirred by the stirring mechanism 66 to perform an antigen-antibody reaction.

As a result, a suspension containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex composed of the competitor and the labeled first antibody is obtained.
Instead of discharging a reagent containing a competing substance and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the cell 10, a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a competing substance may be discharged to the cell 10.

  Next, the cell 10 is transported to the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A by the cell hand 72 and stored in the hole 88 of the turntable 84. A cleaning liquid is discharged to the cell 10 stored in the hole 88 through the B / F nozzle. In the step of discharging the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is discharged so that the height of the first magnet 104A matches the liquid level (here, the height of the liquid level is 12 mm).

  Thereafter, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the pair of first magnets 104A (see FIG. 7A). For example, when the cell 10 faces the first magnet 104A having a height of 12 mm, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance become the first magnet 104A. And gathered on one side and the other side of the inner side surface of the cell 10 (portions shown by halftone dots in the figure). Since the height of the liquid level and the height of the first magnet 104A coincide with each other, the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A can be exerted on the entire height direction of the liquid in the cell 10, and the fifth immune complex. The magnetic carrier particles carrying the body and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor can be efficiently collected on the inner surface of the cell 10.

  In addition, since the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 (that is, the reaction liquid is diluted with the cleaning liquid), specific components in the sample (for example, fibrin as an example) are compared with the case where the cleaning liquid is not discharged. ), The magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor substance easily move in the suspension, and the fifth immune complex carries The magnetic carrier particles thus formed and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance can be efficiently collected in a short time. Therefore, it is possible to increase the recovery efficiency of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7B, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the second magnet 104B having a height of 10 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor are attracted to the second magnet 104B and collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the fifth immune complex collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 and the competition are attracted to the second magnet 104B which is lower than the first magnet 104A. The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the substance is lower than the height when the magnetic carrier particles are collected by the first magnet 104A, ie, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and the competition The height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the substance is 12 mm to 10 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7C, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and the magnetic carrier carrying only the competing substance. Things other than the particles are removed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. As described above, the substance (Bind) bonded to the magnetic carrier particles and the substance (Free) not bonded are separated (B / F separation). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7D, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7E, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the third magnet 104C having a height of 8 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance are attracted to the third magnet 104C arranged on the side opposite to the second magnet 104B. And collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor are attracted to the third magnet 104C lower than the second magnet 104B, The heights of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor substance collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 are collected by the second magnet 104B. In other words, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor are 10 mm to 8 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7F, the B / F nozzle 44A sucks the liquid in the cell 10 to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and the competition Magnetic carrier particles carrying only a substance are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7G, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the arrow CW direction, and as shown in FIG. 7H, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fourth magnet 104D having a height of 7 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D arranged on the side opposite to the third magnet 104C. And collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are attracted to the fourth magnet 104D which is lower than the third magnet 104C. The heights of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 are collected by the third magnet 104C. The height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded on the inner surface of the cell 10 and carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor is 8 mm. To 7 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7I, the B / F nozzle 44A sucks the liquid in the cell 10 to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and the competition Magnetic carrier particles carrying only a substance are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7J, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7K, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the fifth magnet 104E having a height of 6 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E arranged on the side opposite to the fourth magnet 104D. And collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are attracted to the fifth magnet 104E lower than the fourth magnet 104D, The heights of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor substance collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 are collected by the fourth magnet 104D. The height of the magnetic carrier particles collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 and carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor is 7 mm. To 6 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7L, the B / F nozzle 44A sucks the liquid in the cell 10 to perform B / F separation, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and the competition Magnetic carrier particles carrying only a substance are left on the inner surface of the cell 10. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7M, the cleaning liquid is discharged into the cell 10 to a height of 12 mm by the B / F nozzle 44A.

  Next, the turntable 84 is rotated in the direction of the arrow CW, and as shown in FIG. 7N, the cell 10 is disposed at a position facing the sixth magnet 104F having a height of 5 mm. As a result, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F arranged on the side opposite to the fifth magnet 104E. And collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10. Here, since the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are attracted to the sixth magnet 104F lower than the fifth magnet 104E, The heights of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance collected on one side of the inner surface of the cell 10 are collected by the fifth magnet 104E. The height of the magnetic carrier particles loaded with the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles loaded with only the competitive substance collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 is 6 mm. To 5 mm.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 7O, the liquid in the cell 10 is sucked by the B / F nozzle 44A, B / F separation is performed, and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex become the cell 10 It remains on the inner surface (the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance is 5 mm).

  The cell 10 that has been subjected to the B / F separation by the first B / F unit 22 </ b> A is gripped by the cell hand 74 and conveyed to the stirring unit 46 of the detection unit 24. At this time, the detection reagent (luminescent substrate reagent) is discharged from the tube (not shown) provided in the cell hand 74 to the cell 10. In the agitation unit 46, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor, and the fifth immunity carrying the detection reagent and carrying the detection reagent. Alkaline phosphatase in the complex reacts with the luminescent substrate reagent to emit light.

  In the present embodiment, the cell 10 from which the detection reagent is ejected has the height of the collected magnetic carrier particles, that is, the collected magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex, and only the competitive substance. Since the height of the magnetic carrier particles comprising the supported magnetic carrier particles is 5 mm, the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitive substance are contained in the detection reagent. In order to disperse, the height of the upper surface of the detection reagent at the time of stirring may be 5 mm, and the height of the detection reagent discharged to the cell 10 may be less than 5 mm, reducing the amount of detection reagent. In addition, by adding a smaller amount of detection reagent, the magnetic carrier particles can be dispersed efficiently and reliably.

  Thereafter, the cell 10 is transported into the measurement chamber 48, and the light generated by the reaction between the alkaline phosphatase and the luminescent substrate reagent in the fifth immune complex carried by the magnetic carrier is detected by a sensor (not shown). The amount of light is measured, and the concentration of the measurement target component in the sample is determined from the measured amount of luminescence (note that the magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competing substance do not shine). In the competitive method 2, as in the competitive method 1, the amount of luminescence decreases as the measurement target component in the sample increases.

As described above, in the immunoassay method of the present embodiment, a suspension of magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex and magnetic carrier particles carrying only the competitor is placed. Since the first magnet 104A having the same height as the liquid level is arranged on the side surface of the cell 10 and the magnetic force of the first magnet 104A acts on all the parts in the vertical direction of the liquid, A magnetic carrier capable of collecting a magnetic force by applying a large magnetic force to a magnetic carrier particle carrying a fifth immune complex and a magnetic carrier particle carrying only a competitive substance. Particle recovery efficiency can be increased.
Further, the height of the liquid level after the detection reagent is discharged is set to the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 during stirring, and the magnetic carrier carrying only the competing substance. Since the height is set such that the detection reagent can be brought into contact with the entire particle, the magnetic carrier particle carrying the fifth immune complex and the magnetic carrier particle carrying only the competitive substance are placed on the inner surface of the cell 10. All of the components can be dispersed in the detection reagent without remaining, and the measurement target component in the sample can be accurately measured.

  When performing B / F separation (that is, cleaning of the magnetic carrier particles), a cleaning solution is added to the cell 10 to separate the magnets (104A to 104F) from the side surface of the cell 10, or from the side surface of the cell 10. Either the magnet is detached and the cleaning liquid is added to the cell 10, or the magnet may be detached from the side surface of the cell 10 while adding the cleaning liquid to the cell 10.

  Also in the first B / F unit 22A of the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the heights of the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F are all different between adjacent ones, and the first magnet 104A. From the first to the sixth magnet 104F, the height of the last sixth magnet 104F only needs to be the lowest. Among the plurality of magnets, the magnets adjacent to each other There may be parts with the same height.

[Other Embodiments]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said embodiment at all, and it cannot be overemphasized that it can implement with a various aspect in the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention.

  In the embodiment described above, a pair of the first magnets 104A is provided, but the number of the first magnets 104A may be one.

  In the above embodiment, the second magnet 104B to the sixth magnet 104F are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular groove 98 on the radially inner side and the outer side with the annular groove 98 interposed therebetween. As long as the measurement target component can be accurately measured, the arrangement of the second magnet 104B to the sixth magnet 104F is not particularly limited, and the second magnet 104B to the sixth magnet 104F are arranged radially inward of the annular groove 98. Or only on the outside in the radial direction.

  The number of magnets arranged along the annular groove 98 is not limited to that of the above embodiment, and may be more or less than that of the above embodiment.

  In the above-described embodiment, the heights of the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F are different from each other, but it is sufficient that the height decreases from the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F. There may be magnets of the same height.

  In the above embodiment, the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F, the magnet 106R, and the magnet 106L are permanent magnets, but may be electromagnets.

  In the above embodiment, the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F are fixed and the cell 10 is moved by rotating the turntable 84. However, the cell 10 is fixed, and the first magnet 104A to the sixth magnet 104F. The magnet 104F may be moved (in this case, the turntable 84 is fixed and the base plate 78 is rotated). Even in this case, the height of the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected on the inner surface of the cell 10 can be reduced.

  In the above embodiment, the immunoassay apparatus 200 is used for the immunoassay based on the sandwich method and the competition method. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other immunoassay methods (for example, aptamers or the like instead of antibodies) Can also be used.

The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2014-191698 filed on September 19, 2014 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
All references, patent applications, and technical standards mentioned in this specification are to the same extent as if each reference, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually stated to be incorporated by reference, Incorporated herein by reference.

10 cells (reaction vessel)
22A 1B / F unit (cleaning device)
44A B / F nozzle 84 Turntable 88 Hole (loading part)
92 Motor (drive device)
104A First magnet (first magnet)
104B to 104F Second magnet to sixth magnet 104F nth magnet 200 Immunoassay device

Claims (33)

A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): Add a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container, or bind to the component to be measured in the sample. Adding a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody;
A step of performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the first antibody and the measurement target component.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a height lower than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel so that the first immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel. After step (5), further characterized by performing the following steps, a cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles of claim 1.
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample Adding a reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to
A step of performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the first antibody and the measurement target component.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the first immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). . The height of the magnet in the last washing step is the same as the upper end of the liquid level when the reagent containing the second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added to the reaction vessel after step (6) and stirred. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 2 or 3 , wherein The height of the magnet in the step (2) is the same as the liquid level of the reaction liquid in the step (1) or the suspension obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1). Item 5. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 1 to 4 . Magnet, the current磁毎magnetic carrier particles, are alternately arranged in opposite positions across the reaction vessel, the cleaning method of the magnetic carrier particles according to any one of claims 1 to 5. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample Adding a reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to
A step of performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the first antibody and the measurement target component.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added to a reaction container, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container, and the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the first A step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex comprising two antibodies.
Step (5): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (6): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex.
Step (7): Add a cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove a magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add a washing solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (8): A magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles were collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the second immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 7 , wherein the following step is further performed after the step (8).
Step (9): A step of sequentially repeating steps (7) and (8) once or a plurality of times. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): A reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a measurement target component in the sample, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles are added to the reaction container, or the sample and the measurement target component in the sample Adding a reagent comprising magnetic carrier particles carrying a first antibody that binds to
A step of performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex composed of the first antibody and the measurement target component.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the first immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the first immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated first immune complex.
Step (4): A reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured is added to a reaction container, an antigen-antibody reaction is performed in the reaction container, and the first antibody, the component to be measured, and the first A step of obtaining a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex comprising two antibodies.
Step (5): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (6): A step of removing a solution containing a substance other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the separated second immune complex.
Step (7): Add a cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove a magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add a washing solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (8): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or a low height are brought relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (9): A step in which steps (7) and (8) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (5). . The height of the magnet at the end of the washing process, a detection reagent, is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the stirring was added to the reaction vessel after step (9), according to claim 8 or The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 9 . The height of the magnet in step (2) is the same as the liquid level of the reaction liquid in step (1) or the suspension obtained by adding a washing liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1). Item 11. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 7 to 10 . The height of the magnet in step (5) is the same as the height of the liquid level of the reaction liquid obtained in step (4) or the suspension obtained by adding a washing liquid to the reaction liquid in step (4). Item 12. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 7 to 11 . The method for cleaning magnetic carrier particles according to any one of claims 7 to 12 , wherein the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): In a reaction container, a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, a reagent that contains magnetic carrier particles, and a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample. A reagent containing a sample, a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured. ,
Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex composed of the first antibody, the measurement target component, and the second antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a lower height than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, and the second immune complex is supported. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 14 , wherein the following step is further performed after the step (5).
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): In a reaction container, a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured in the sample, a reagent that contains magnetic carrier particles, and a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample. A reagent containing a sample, a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the sample, and a reagent containing a second antibody that binds to the component to be measured. ,
Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a second immune complex composed of the first antibody, the measurement target component, and the second antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the second immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex collected by the magnet from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the second immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the second immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). . The magnetic carrier particle cleaning according to claim 15 or 16 , wherein the height of the magnet in the final cleaning step is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the detection reagent is added and stirred. Method. The height of the magnet in the step (2) is the same as the liquid level of the reaction liquid in the step (1) or the suspension obtained by adding the cleaning liquid to the reaction liquid in the step (1). Item 18. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 14 to 17 . The method for cleaning magnetic carrier particles according to any one of claims 14 to 18 , wherein the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): Reagent containing a specimen, a reagent containing a labeled competitor substance formed by binding a label to a competitor substance, and a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the labeled competitor substance in a reaction container And adding a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles,
Alternatively, a reagent comprising a sample, a reagent containing a labeled competitor obtained by binding a label to the competitor, and a magnetic carrier particle carrying a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured and the labeled competitor Add
A fourth immune complex comprising the first antibody and the labeled competing substance, and a third immune complex comprising an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container and comprising the first antibody and the measurement target component; A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles on which is supported.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization The third immune complex, the fourth immune complex and the fourth immune complex, wherein the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and collected by a magnet. A step of separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a lower height than the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are magnetized immediately before is placed close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, the third immune complex, and A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, and then removing the washing liquid from the reaction vessel. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 20 , wherein the following step is further performed after the step (5).
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): a reagent containing a specimen, a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to a competitive substance, and a first antibody that binds to the measurement target component and the labeled competitive substance in a reaction container And a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles, or a specimen, a reagent containing a labeled competitive substance formed by binding a label to the competitive substance, and the measurement target component and the labeled competitive substance are bound to each other. Adding a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the first antibody;
A fourth immune complex comprising the first antibody and the labeled competing substance, and a third immune complex comprising an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container and comprising the first antibody and the measurement target component; A step of obtaining a reaction liquid containing magnetic carrier particles on which is supported.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the third immunization The third immune complex, the fourth immune complex and the fourth immune complex, wherein the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex and the fourth immune complex are collected on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and collected by a magnet. A step of separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the immune complex from other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the third immune complex and the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): On the side surface of the reaction vessel, a magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or low height are relatively brought close to each other, the third immune complex, And, after collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fourth immune complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel, removing the washing liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). . The height of the magnet at the end of the washing process, a detection reagent, is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the stirring was added to the reaction vessel after step (6), according to claim 21 or The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 22 . The height of the magnet in step (2) is the same as the liquid level of the reaction liquid in step (1) or the suspension obtained by adding a washing liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1). The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 20 to 23 . The method for cleaning magnetic carrier particles according to any one of claims 20 to 24 , wherein the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): Whether to add a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitor in the sample, a reagent containing a competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container Or, a reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitor in the specimen, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the competitor,
Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex comprising the competitor and the first antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the fifth immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet having a height lower than that of the magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before is relatively brought close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, thereby supporting the fifth immune complex. A step of collecting the magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel. 27. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 26 , further comprising the following step after step (5).
Step (6): A step of sequentially repeating steps (4) and (5) once or a plurality of times. A method for washing magnetic carrier particles in a method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen using magnetic carrier particles as a carrier, wherein the following steps are sequentially performed.
Step (1): Whether to add a sample, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to a component to be measured and a competitor in the sample, a reagent containing a competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles to the reaction container Or, a reagent, a reagent containing a first antibody that binds to the component to be measured in the specimen and the competitor, and a reagent containing magnetic carrier particles carrying the competitor,
Performing an antigen-antibody reaction in a reaction container to obtain a reaction solution containing magnetic carrier particles carrying a fifth immune complex comprising the competitor and the first antibody.
Step (2): A magnet is placed relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel containing the obtained reaction solution or a suspension obtained by adding a washing solution to the obtained reaction solution, and the fifth immunization Collecting the magnetic carrier particles carrying the complex on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and separating the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex collected by the magnet from the other substances.
Step (3): A step of removing the separated solution containing substances other than the magnetic carrier particles carrying the fifth immune complex.
Step (4): Add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel and remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel, or remove the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel and add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel, or add the cleaning solution to the reaction vessel While removing the magnet from the side of the reaction vessel.
Step (5): A magnet when the magnetic carrier particles are collected immediately before and a magnet having the same or a low height are brought relatively close to the side surface of the reaction vessel, so that the fifth immune complex is A step of collecting the supported magnetic carrier particles on the inner surface of the reaction vessel and then removing the cleaning liquid from the reaction vessel.
Step (6): A step in which steps (4) and (5) are sequentially repeated once or a plurality of times, and the height of the magnet in the last washing step is lower than the height of the magnet in step (2). . The height of the magnet at the end of the washing process, a detection reagent, is set to the same height as the upper end of the liquid surface when the stirring was added to the reaction vessel after step (6), according to claim 27 or The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to claim 28 . The height of the magnet in step (2) is the same as the height of the liquid surface of the reaction liquid obtained in step (1) or the suspension obtained by adding a washing liquid to the reaction liquid in step (1). Item 26. The method for washing magnetic carrier particles according to any one of Items 26 to 29 . The method for cleaning magnetic carrier particles according to any one of claims 26 to 30 , wherein the magnets are alternately arranged at positions facing each other across the reaction vessel for each magnetic collection of the magnetic carrier particles. A magnetic carrier particle washed by the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a reagent containing a second antibody are reacted to produce a first antibody, a component to be measured, and Characterized in that a second immune complex comprising a second antibody is produced on a magnetic carrier particle, and the amount of the produced second immune complex is measured, Measuring method. The amount of immune complexes produced on the magnetic carrier particles by reacting the magnetic carrier particles washed by the magnetic carrier particle washing method according to any one of claims 7 to 31 with a detection reagent. A method for immunological measurement of a component to be measured in a specimen, which comprises measuring.