Cartridge holder, reaction unit and gene detection device

Abstract

A reaction unit for a genetic testing device comprises a test tube unit containing or capable of accommodating multiple test tubes, and a cartridge rack capable of accommodating the test tube unit. A ventilation opening is provided on the top surface of the cartridge rack. An exhaust fan, disposed on or connected to the side of the cartridge rack, creates a negative pressure within the cartridge rack, generating a downward flow of gas from above the test tubes toward the ventilation opening. This prevents cross-contamination between different samples in the genetic testing device and improves testing accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a box frame, a reaction unit and a gene detection device. Background Art

[0002] Obtaining genetic information from nucleic acids contained in samples derived from living organisms for clinical medical and diagnostic purposes requires technologies for extracting nucleic acid molecules from the sample and quantifying them by amplifying the target sequence. Fully automated genetic testing devices that automate this series of technologies are now being used in clinical settings.

[0003] As the nucleic acid amplification technology used when carrying out nucleic acid detection, for example, there is a method (hereinafter referred to as " PCR method ") using polymerase chain reaction (Polymerase Chain Reaction). PCR method utilizes heat-resistant polymerase and primer, and the technology that target nucleic acid is amplified by the rise and fall of temperature, is widely used in the fields such as genetic engineering, biological test method / detection method. The principle of PCR method is to make target DNA amplify with geometric progression by repeatedly implementing circulation, in this circulation, along the thermal profile (temperature rise and fall) that is set as 3 stages, namely: the first stage that is maintained at the temperature that the double-stranded DNA that comprises target DNA sequence dissociates into single chain, the second stage that is maintained at the temperature that the single-stranded DNA after the primer pair dissociation in the forward direction and reverse direction is annealed and the third stage that is maintained at the temperature that synthesizes the DNA chain complementary to the single-stranded DNA by DNA polymerase.

[0004] Among quantitative detection methods that utilize this PCR method are real-time PCR or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (hereinafter referred to as "qPCR"). qPCR is a highly sensitive genetic analysis method that is gaining popularity in clinical applications such as quantitative gene expression analysis, pathogen detection, and testing for potential drug targets. In qPCR, the concentration of the target nucleic acid during amplification is indirectly measured using the intensity of the fluorescent reaction light.

[0005] However, the PCR amplification process is sensitive, and even if a very small amount of target DNA from a sample other than the sample to be tested is mixed in, amplification of the sample that should not be amplified will occur (hereinafter referred to as "false positive amplification"). This false positive amplification will affect the accuracy of the fully automated gene detection device.

[0006] When nucleic acid extraction and PCR sample preparation are performed manually, contamination of the dispensing pipette and the dispensing tip may occur due to adverse conditions during operation, which may cause false positive amplification. Therefore, it is preferred to conduct the test in a clean bench that generates downward and upward airflows in the room as a whole. As a result, aerosols containing nucleic acid molecules generated during the operation will be discharged. In the case of a fully automatic gene detection device, since the detection test of multiple specimens is carried out in parallel, the aerosols and mist generated by high-speed dispensing will diffuse in the device, causing cross contamination between different specimens.

[0007] Patent Document 1 discloses that by using a nucleic acid detection device, enzymes attached to a dispensing tip can be inactivated, thereby preventing the greatest risk of cross-contamination, namely, unintended amplification. The nucleic acid detection device comprises: a closing mechanism for capping the dispensing tip for dispensing reagents and sample nucleic acids into a reaction vessel; a heating unit for inactivating enzymes remaining at the front end of the dispensing tip; and a tip disposal box.

[0008] Patent Document 2 discloses a gas flow path for ejecting gas upward from between a plurality of containers placed on a tray in an apparatus for performing radiochemical synthesis, analysis of radiopharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparation.

[0009] Prior art literature

[0010] Patent Literature

[0011] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-234693

[0012] Patent Document 2: U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0003791 Summary of the Invention

[0013] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0014] Multi-channel, fully automated genetic testing devices, used to improve testing efficiency, are equipped with multiple reaction channels and dispensing mechanisms, allowing different samples to react simultaneously. Furthermore, such devices are more efficient when a series of operations—extraction of nucleic acids from the sample, purification of the extracted nucleic acids, amplification by PCR, and fluorescence detection—are performed in the same channel.

[0015] Multiple channels are arranged in parallel, and the reagents used in each channel are transported by a dispensing mechanism and injected into a test tube containing the specimen. During this process, a dispensing tip is inserted into the test tube, and high-speed aspiration and discharge operations are performed. This generates aerosols and mists containing nucleic acid molecules, which can sometimes migrate to adjacent channels and cause cross-contamination.

[0016] The nucleic acid detection device disclosed in Patent Document 1 can inactivate enzymes attached to the dispensing tip. However, this device cannot prevent cross-contamination caused by droplets generated in adjacent test tubes when frequent dispensing is performed with multiple test tubes adjacent to each other.

[0017] In the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, when multiple test tubes are adjacent, droplets generated during dispensing operations, for example, may not be adequately removed by upward airflow alone and may land in adjacent test tubes. Furthermore, the upward airflow may cause droplets to temporarily adhere to structures above the test tubes, potentially dropping into the test tubes before the next test, contaminating the sample.

[0018] An object of the present invention is to prevent cross contamination between different specimens in a gene testing device and to improve detection accuracy.

[0019] Methods for solving problems

[0020] The reaction unit of the present invention is used in a genetic testing device and has the following structure: it includes a test tube unit having multiple test tubes or a test tube unit that can be provided with multiple test tubes, and a box rack that can be provided with the test tube unit; a ventilation opening is provided on the upper surface of the box rack, and an exhaust fan is provided or connected to the side of the box rack to make the internal space of the box rack have a negative pressure, thereby generating a downward flow of gas from above the test tubes toward the ventilation opening.

[0021] Effects of the Invention

[0022] According to the present invention, in a gene testing device, cross contamination between different samples can be prevented, thereby improving detection accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view showing the multi-channel parallel amplification reaction section constituting the gene detection device of Example 1.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the test tube unit is mounted on the cartridge rack in Example 1.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the test tube unit of Example 1.

[0026] Figure 4A It is a perspective view showing the cartridge holder of Example 1.

[0027] Figure 4B Yes Figure 4A A perspective view of a modified example of a box holder.

[0028] Figure 5This is an exploded perspective view showing the multi-channel parallel amplification reaction section constituting the gene detection device of Example 2.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a cross-sectional view showing the simulation results in the configuration of Example 1.

[0030] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view showing the simulation results when there are no vertical flanges and no slits on the upper surface of the cartridge holder.

[0031] Figure 8 It means that in the structure of this embodiment, Figure 6 Cross-sectional views of the simulation results for different initial conditions.

[0032] Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the simulation results when there is no longitudinal flange.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing an example of a gene detection device.

[0034] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 A three-dimensional diagram of the internal structure of a genetic testing device.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 3.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 4.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 5.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 6.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention relates to a nucleic acid analysis device for analyzing nucleic acids contained in samples such as blood and urine from a living organism. The nucleic acid analysis device is a type of genetic testing device. The genetic testing device includes a cartridge rack, a reaction unit containing the cartridge rack, and a dispensing tip.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described using the drawings.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] Figure 1The following shows the configuration of a multi-channel parallel amplification reaction section constituting the gene detection apparatus of Example 1. In this specification, the multi-channel parallel amplification reaction section is referred to as a "reaction unit."

[0044] As shown in the figure, the basic elements of the reaction unit are the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C on the upper side and the box rack 2 on the lower side. The test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C each constitute a channel, including three test tubes 15, a transverse flange 12 (transverse flange portion) connecting the test tubes 15, and a longitudinal flange 11 (longitudinal flange portion) perpendicular to the transverse flange 12. The transverse flange 12 and the longitudinal flange 11 form an L-shaped cross section. Three test tubes 15 are provided on the transverse flange 12, and a circular opening 13 is provided on the upper surface of each test tube 15. In addition, a slit 14 (ventilation opening portion) is provided on the transverse flange 12 near the side opposite to the side where the longitudinal flange 11 is provided, penetrating the transverse flange 12.

[0045] The cassette rack 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape with a space inside. A rectangular slit 22 (ventilation opening) and a circular opening 23 are provided on the upper surface 21. An exhaust fan 25 is provided on the side surface 24 of the cassette rack 2. The cassette rack 2 has no external connection other than the slit 22, the circular opening 23, and the exhaust fan 25. The exhaust fan 25 has the function of exhausting the air (gas) inside the cassette rack 2 to the outside.

[0046] As shown in the figure, when the test tube units 1A, 1B, 1C are mounted on the cassette rack 2, the test tubes 15 of the test tube units 1A, 1B, 1C are inserted into the circular openings 23. Then, the upper surface 21 of the cassette rack 2 contacts the lateral flange 12, supporting the test tube units 1A, 1B, 1C.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the test tube unit is mounted on the cartridge rack in this embodiment.

[0048] In this figure, the slits 14 provided in the lateral flanges 12 of the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C are connected to the slits 22 provided in the upper surface portion 21 of the cartridge rack 2, and the space above the lateral flanges 12 is connected to the internal space of the cartridge rack 2. The test tube 15 is inserted into the circular opening 23 ( Figure 1 ). Furthermore, the lateral flange 12 contacts the upper surface portion 21 of the cartridge rack 2. Thus, the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C are supported.

[0049] The exhaust fan 25 ( Figure 1), the interior of the cartridge rack 2 reaches a negative pressure. This negative pressure draws air from the space above the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C through the slits 14 and 22, generating a downflow 3 (downdraft) above the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C. Furthermore, the negative pressure in the interior of the cartridge rack 2 also achieves a tight fit between the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C and the cartridge rack 2.

[0050] The longitudinal flange 11 functions as a partition that divides the space above the channels formed by the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C. The longitudinal flange 11 can also be called a channel partition. Therefore, near the upper surface of the test tubes 15 located in each channel, the movement of air toward adjacent channels is restricted. This creates a downward flow 3 within each channel. When the dispensing tip for dispensing reagents is moved up and down, aerosols and mist containing nucleic acid molecules may be generated. However, by positioning the lower end of the dispensing tip below the height of the upper end of the longitudinal flange 11, the migration of aerosols and mist toward adjacent channels can be prevented.

[0051] The downflow 3 flows in from the top of the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C, passes through the top of the test tube 15, and reaches the slit 14. Along with this airflow, the aerosol and mist containing nucleic acid molecules released from the test tube 15 are transported to the inner space of the cartridge rack 2. The aerosol and mist are then discharged by the exhaust fan 25 ( Figure 1 ) and discharged to the outside of the device. A filter is set on the downstream side of the exhaust fan 25 to capture the polluting particles and prevent secondary pollution.

[0052] In this embodiment, a structure with three channels is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the number of channels may be plural. In addition, the material of the cassette rack 2 is not limited, and the test tube unit 1 is usually made of plastic.

[0053] Figure 3 It is a perspective view showing the test tube unit of this embodiment.

[0054] As shown in the figure, one test tube unit 1 includes three test tubes 15, forming a single passage. A longitudinal flange 11 is provided parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 301. Slits 14 are also provided parallel to the direction indicated by arrow 301. In other words, the ventilation opening has a slit shape parallel to the passage of the test tube unit.

[0055] In this figure, three test tubes 15 are shown, but depending on the intended use, several test tubes 15 may be contained in one test tube unit 1. However, a series of test tubes 15 placed in the same test tube unit 1 are used only in one test for one specimen, are discarded after use, and a new test tube unit 1 is used for a new test.

[0056] It should be noted that Figure 1The three test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C shown are identical to Figure 3 The same is true for test tube unit 1.

[0057] Figure 4A Only shown Figure 1 Box rack 2.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the cassette rack 2 has circular openings 23 for inserting three test tube units each containing three test tubes, for a total of nine test tubes. Slits 22 are provided on one side of the channels corresponding to each test tube unit. The channels extend in the direction indicated by arrows 401. Therefore, arrows 401 can be referred to as "channel directions."

[0059] An exhaust fan 25 is provided on a side surface 24 of the cartridge rack 2 .

[0060] Figure 4B It is a perspective view showing a modified example of the cartridge holder.

[0061] In this figure, an exhaust opening 31 connected to an exhaust fan is provided on the side surface 24 of the cartridge rack 2. The exhaust fan is connected to the exhaust opening 31 and is provided on the housing side of the gene testing device (not shown).

[0062] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the slit 14 and the slit 22 are connected, but even if the slit 14 is not provided in the transverse flange 12, the desired effect can be obtained as long as the slit 22 is opened in a manner that is not blocked by the transverse flange 12 and the gas above the test tube 15 is sucked in.

[0063] For example, a configuration in which a gap is provided between the transverse flanges 12 of the test tube units 1A, 1B, and 1C and the upper surface 21 of the cartridge rack 2 is conceivable. In this case, a protrusion can be provided on the transverse flanges 12 or the upper surface 21 to cause the transverse flanges 12 to float. The protrusion can be in the shape of a rod or a dot. In this case, a portion of the circumference of the circular opening 23 for inserting the test tube 15 can also be provided with a larger diameter portion so that this portion is not blocked when the test tube 15 is inserted.

[0064] In addition, the slit 22 may be provided at a position not covered by the transverse flange 12. For example, in this embodiment, the slit 22 is provided at the transverse flange 12 ( Figure 2 ) is provided with a slit 22 on the right side of the right end in the figure. Figure 15 as well as Figure 16 The slit 252 is also included in this type.

[0065] Next, in order to verify the validity of the structure of this embodiment, a numerical simulation of the behavior of particles in the airflow was performed. Figure 1 and Figure 2The configuration modeling of the three test tubes and three channels shown was simulated using the finite volume method. In this simulation, a negative pressure condition was set within the rack as the setting condition corresponding to the operation of the exhaust fan, simulating the generation of a downward flow above the test tube unit.

[0066] Figure 6 The simulation results in the configuration of this embodiment are shown.

[0067] This figure shows initial conditions in which solid or liquid particles 6 simulating aerosol or test solution mist containing nucleic acid molecules are present inside a test tube 15 , and the results of trajectory simulation of the particles 6 are shown.

[0068] As shown in the figure, particles 6 move from the interior of test tube 15 toward the top of test tube 15. Following the downward flow, they pass through slits 14 and 22 from the top of test tube 15, move into the interior of cartridge holder 2, and are discharged outside the device. Arrow 5 schematically illustrates the trajectory of particles 6.

[0069] In this simulation, it was found that in the case where the slits 14 and 22 existed in each channel, the particles 6 did not move to the adjacent channels.

[0070] Figure 7 The case where the longitudinal flange and the slit on the upper surface of the box frame are absent is shown.

[0071] In this figure, there are no slits to draw in gas from above and generate a downward flow, nor are there vertical flanges to restrict the horizontal movement of particles 6. Therefore, as a result of the simulation, it was confirmed that particles 6 moved from the interior of test tube 715 of test tube unit 701 to the adjacent channel, as indicated by arrow 7, and entered the interior of test tube 715.

[0072] Figure 8 It is shown that in the configuration of this embodiment, Figure 6 Results of simulations under different initial conditions.

[0073] In this figure, given the initial condition that the particle 806 exists above the test tube 15, the result of the trajectory simulation of the particle 806 is shown.

[0074] As shown in the figure, particles 806 follow the downward flow, pass through slits 14 and 22 from above the test tube 15, move into the interior space of the cartridge rack 2, and are discharged to the outside of the device. Arrow 8 schematically shows the trajectory of the particles 806.

[0075] This simulation shows that when each channel has longitudinal flange 11, horizontal airflow is suppressed, effectively preventing particles 806 from moving to adjacent channels. In other words, longitudinal flange 11 prevents particles 806 already released above test tube 15 from further movement.

[0076] Since microparticles containing nucleic acid molecules may sometimes be generated from the lower end of the dispensing tip provided in the dispensing mechanism, considering the effect shown in the figure, the upper end of the longitudinal flange is preferably higher than the lower end of the dispensing tip, which is believed to be more effective in preventing cross contamination.

[0077] It should be noted that even if the longitudinal flange 11 is not provided and only the slits 14 and 22 are provided, the desired effect can be obtained as long as the internal space of the cartridge holder 2 can be kept at a sufficiently negative pressure.

[0078] Figure 9 The simulation results are shown for the case where there are slits but no longitudinal flanges.

[0079] In this figure, with Figure 8 Likewise, an initial condition is given in which the microparticle 906 exists above the test tube 915 of the test tube unit 901 .

[0080] In this case, if the gas suction from the slits 14 and 22 is insufficient and there is no vertical flange, the particles 906 above the test tube 915 may move in the horizontal direction as indicated by arrow 9 .

[0081] Therefore, if Figure 8 As shown, a longitudinal flange 11 is preferably provided.

[0082] It should be noted that according to the configuration of this embodiment, particles emerging from the test tube, which is a contamination source, move to the interior space of the cartridge holder and are discharged outside the device or captured by a filter, preventing them from returning to the top of the test tube. Therefore, secondary contamination can be prevented.

[0083] Based on the above simulation results, it is believed that this embodiment has the effect of preventing cross contamination in a multi-channel fully automatic gene detection device.

[0084] Example 2

[0085] Figure 5 This is an exploded perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 2.

[0086] In this figure, the horizontal flange 12 of the test tube unit 1 is provided with an arcuate opening 514 having a shape corresponding to the circular opening 13 provided on the upper surface of the test tube 15. The arcuate opening 514 (ventilation opening) is semicircular in shape. The upper surface 21 of the cassette rack 2 is provided with an arcuate opening 522 (ventilation opening). By mounting the test tube unit 1 on the cassette rack 2, the arcuate opening 514 and the arcuate opening 522 are connected.

[0087] Therefore, the exhaust fan 25 provided in the cartridge rack 2 creates a negative pressure in the interior of the cartridge rack 2, generating a downward flow above the test tube unit 1 through the arcuate openings 514 and 522. This also prevents particles containing nucleic acid molecules scattered from the circular openings 13 from moving toward the channel.

[0088] Next, other examples of the reaction unit will be described. Note that in the following description, descriptions of the configurations common to Examples 1 and 2 will be omitted.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] Figure 12 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 3.

[0091] In this figure, small holes 224 (vertical openings) are provided on both sides of the circular opening 13. The small holes 224 communicate with ventilation openings (not shown) provided on the upper surface 21 of the cartridge holder 2.

[0092] Example 4

[0093] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 4.

[0094] In this figure, a small hole 224 (vertical opening) is provided on one side of the circular opening 13 (opposite to the vertical flange 11 ). The small hole 224 communicates with a ventilation opening (not shown) provided on the upper surface 21 of the cartridge holder 2 .

[0095] Example 5

[0096] Figure 14 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 5.

[0097] In this figure, slits 234 (vertical openings) are provided at both ends of the passage. The slits 234 communicate with ventilation openings (not shown) provided on the upper surface 21 of the cartridge holder 2.

[0098] Example 6

[0099] Figure 15 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 6.

[0100] In this figure, longitudinal flanges 11 are provided on both sides of the circular opening 13. Slits 252 (ventilation openings) are provided on the upper surface 21 of the cartridge holder 2 located between adjacent channels.

[0101] Example 7

[0102] Figure 16 This is a perspective view showing the reaction unit of Example 7.

[0103] In this figure, in addition to the structure of the sixth embodiment, a slit 254 (lateral opening) is provided in the lower portion of the longitudinal flange 11 .

[0104] Hereinafter, the gene detection device will be described using the drawings.

[0105] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing an example of a gene detection device.

[0106] In this figure, the genetic testing device includes a device body 151 and a control terminal 152. A portion of the reaction unit can be seen through a window of the device body 151. In the control terminal 152, the user can appropriately input operating conditions of the device and can confirm the display of test results.

[0107] Figure 11 Yes Figure 10 Diagram of the internal structure of the genetic testing device.

[0108] In this figure, eight channels are provided, and longitudinal flanges 171, 173, test tubes 174, 175, 176, etc. are provided in each channel.

[0109] Explanation of symbols

[0110] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C: test tube unit, 2: box rack, 3: downflow, 5, 7, 8, 9: arrows, 6, 806, 906: particles, 11: longitudinal flange, 12: transverse flange, 13, 23: circular opening, 14, 22, 234, 252, 254: slit, 15: test tube, 21: upper surface, 24: side, 25: exhaust fan, 151: device body, 152: control terminal, 224: small hole, 301, 401: arrows, 514, 522: arc-shaped opening.

Claims

1. A reaction unit, which is a reaction unit for a gene detection device, It has the following composition: The invention comprises a test tube unit for arranging a plurality of test tubes in a row, and a cassette rack capable of arranging a plurality of the test tube units in a row. The test tube unit has a transverse flange portion for connecting the plurality of test tubes. A first ventilation opening is provided between the test tubes or the row of the test tube installation positions included in one test tube unit and the test tubes or the row of the test tube installation positions included in an adjacent test tube unit. The upper surface of the box rack is provided with a second ventilation opening connected to the first ventilation opening and a circular opening into which the plurality of test tubes can be inserted. The box rack has a structure that has no portion communicating with the outside except the second ventilation opening, the circular opening, and the exhaust fan. The test tube unit has a longitudinal flange portion that divides the space above the channel formed by the test tube unit into sections for each of the channels. The exhaust fan provided or connected to the side surface of the cartridge rack creates a negative pressure in the interior space of the cartridge rack, thereby generating a downward flow of gas from above the test tube toward the second ventilation opening.

2. The reaction unit according to claim 1, wherein The lateral flange portion has a longitudinal opening portion communicating with the second ventilation opening portion.

3. The reaction unit according to claim 1, wherein The longitudinal flange portion is perpendicular to the transverse flange portion.

4. The reaction unit according to claim 3, wherein The longitudinal flange portion has a transverse opening portion.

5. The reaction unit according to claim 3, wherein The lateral flange portion and the longitudinal flange portion form an L-shaped cross section. The reaction unit according to claim 1 , wherein: The first ventilation opening has a slit shape parallel to the channel of the test tube unit.

7. The reaction unit according to claim 1, wherein The first ventilation opening is provided so as to surround the upper portion of the test tube.

8. The reaction unit according to claim 3, wherein The plurality of test tubes are arranged between the first ventilation opening and the vertical flange.

9. The reaction unit according to claim 1, wherein The test tube unit has a configuration in which the test tube unit has two longitudinal flanges, and the plurality of test tubes are arranged between the two longitudinal flanges.

10. The reaction unit according to claim 9, wherein The first ventilation opening is provided between two adjacent test tube units.

11. The reaction unit according to claim 1, wherein There are a plurality of test tube units, each of which constitutes a channel.

12. A gene detection device having the following structure: The invention comprises a test tube unit for arranging a plurality of test tubes in a row, and a cassette rack capable of arranging a plurality of the test tube units in a row. A first ventilation opening is provided between the test tubes or the row of the test tube installation positions included in one test tube unit and the test tubes or the row of the test tube installation positions included in an adjacent test tube unit. The upper surface of the box rack is provided with a second ventilation opening connected to the first ventilation opening and a circular opening into which the plurality of test tubes can be inserted. The box rack has a structure that has no portion communicating with the outside except the second ventilation opening, the circular opening, and the exhaust fan. The test tube unit has a longitudinal flange portion that divides the space above the channel formed by the test tube unit into sections for each of the channels. The exhaust fan provided or connected to the side surface of the cartridge rack creates a negative pressure in the interior space of the cartridge rack, thereby generating a downward flow of gas from above the test tube toward the second ventilation opening.

13. The gene detection device according to claim 12, wherein: The exhaust fan is arranged on the housing of the gene detection device.

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