Genetic testing equipment

Abstract

To reduce variations in sample concentration in sample tubes in a genetic testing device. [Solution] The genetic testing device includes an arm that transports a multiple tube, a block that heats the multiple tube while it is fitted into the multiple holes, and a lid that is pressed against the multiple tube from above. The multiple tube includes N sample tubes and (N-1) connecting parts. The arm includes (N-1) support parts that support the (N-1) connecting parts from below while a sample tube is inserted into each of the N through holes from above. The multiple holes include a first hole having a 2A opening and a second hole having a 2B opening. The block includes a main body, a first protrusion that surrounds the 2A opening and protrudes upward from the main body, and a second protrusion that surrounds the 2B opening and protrudes upward from the main body. When the arm moves downward, the first protrusion is inserted into the first through hole of the arm from below, and the second protrusion is inserted into the second through hole of the arm from below.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a genetic testing device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is a genetic testing device that has a structure in which a container containing a mixture of a sample and a reagent is fitted into the hole of a block (also called a temperature control block) for controlling temperature by keeping the container warm or heating, etc., from above, so that the container is in close contact with the inner surface of the hole of the block (also called a temperature control block) (see, for example, the description in Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-89934 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is room for improvement in genetic testing devices in terms of reducing variations in sample concentration within sample tubes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A genetic testing device is disclosed.

[0006] One aspect of the genetic testing device includes a first arm, a first block, and a lid. The first arm transports a multiple tube. The first block includes a plurality of holes into which portions of the multiple tube are fitted from above. The first block heats the multiple tube with portions of the multiple tube fitted from above into the plurality of holes. The lid is pressed against the multiple tube from above with portions of the multiple tube fitted from above into the plurality of holes. The multiple tube includes N sample tubes (N is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) lined up at a first pitch and (N-1) connecting portions connecting the N sample tubes. Each of the N sample tubes includes a first opening and a ring-shaped portion surrounding the first opening. Each of the (N-1) connecting portions connects the ring-shaped portions of two adjacent sample tubes among the N sample tubes. The first arm has N through holes and (N-1) support portions. The N through holes are aligned in a row at the first pitch and extend vertically. The (N-1) support portions support the (N-1) connecting portions from below when one of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above. The N through holes include a first through hole and a second through hole. The holes include a first hole and a second hole. The first hole has a second A opening that opens on the top surface of the first block. The second hole has a second B opening that opens on the top surface of the first block. The first block includes a block main body, a first protrusion, and a second protrusion. The first protrusion surrounds the second A opening and protrudes upward from the block main body. The second protrusion surrounds the second B opening and protrudes upward from the block main body. When the first arm moves downward from above the first block, the first protrusion is inserted upward from below into the first through hole, and the second protrusion is inserted upward from below into the second through hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In a genetic testing device, variation in the concentration of a sample in a sample tube can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the general configuration of a genetic testing device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram showing an example of the schematic structure of a chromosome. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a multiple tube. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a multiple tube. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a multi-tube. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a temperature adjustment device. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the transfer arm. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the transfer arm as viewed in the +Y direction at position VIII-VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an example of a virtual cross section of the transfer arm as viewed in the +X direction at position IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a state in which a transfer arm supports a multiple tube. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the first driving unit. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the heating block and the holding block. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block taken at position XIII-XIII in FIG. 12, as viewed in the +Y direction. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block and the holding block taken at position XIV-XIV in FIG. 12, as viewed in the +X direction. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the second driving unit. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation flow of the temperature control device. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the lid according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28]FIG. 28 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a heating block according to the third embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block taken at position XXXI-XXXI in FIG. 30, as viewed in the +X direction. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature control device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] For example, there is a genetic testing device that has a structure in which a container storing a mixture of a specimen and a reagent is fitted into a hole in a block (also called a temperature control block) for controlling temperature by keeping the temperature insulated or heating, etc., so that the container is in close contact with the inner surface of the hole in the block. In this genetic testing device, the mixture of the specimen and the reagent is heated, which allows a reaction between the specimen and the reagent to proceed.

[0010] Furthermore, there is a genetic testing device in which, for example, two or more mixed liquids are collectively subjected to a process such as heating in a temperature control block. In this genetic testing device, for example, a tube strip (also called a multiple tube) in which multiple tubes are connected as multiple test tubes (also called sample tubes) that are multiple containers is used. For example, a microtube is used for each of the multiple tubes. Note that tubes manufactured by Eppendorf are also called Eppendorf conical tubes or Eppendorf tubes. For example, a tube strip (also called an 8-tube strip or 8-tube) in which ring-shaped portions (also called ring portions) located around the openings of eight tubes lined up in a row are connected is used as the multiple tube.

[0011] A liquid specimen and a liquid reagent that differ for each tube are injected (also called dispensed) into two or more of the multiple tubes that make up this multiple tube, for example, using a pipette. As a result, the multiple tube becomes a state in which each tube contains a sample that includes a liquid specimen and a liquid reagent that differ for each tube. Then, the different samples contained in each tube of the multiple tube can be subjected to a process such as heating all at once in a temperature control block, for example.

[0012] For example, when a multiple tube is fitted into multiple holes in a temperature control block, each tube in the multiple tube has a configuration in which there is a space between the flange serving as an annular portion around the opening of the tube and the top surface of the temperature control block. In other words, there is a portion of each tube in the multiple tube that is not surrounded by the temperature control block between the flange serving as an annular portion and the top surface of the temperature control block. In yet other words, each tube in the multiple tube has a portion below the flange serving as an annular portion that protrudes upward from the hole in the temperature control block (also referred to as a protruding portion). This ensures space for the movement and positioning of a transfer arm that inserts and removes the multiple tube into and from the multiple holes in the temperature control block.

[0013] However, for example, when a multiple tube inserted into multiple holes in a temperature control block is heated by the temperature control block, the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the protruding portion of each tube of the multiple tube, which is not surrounded by the temperature control block, can become large. This can cause condensation to form on the inner surface of the protruding portion of each tube. In other words, condensation can form on the inner surface of each tube. The amount of condensation is not constant but can vary. As a result, the concentration of the sample in each tube can vary.

[0014] Therefore, there is room for improvement in genetic testing devices in terms of reducing variations in the concentration of samples in tubes serving as sample tubes.

[0015] Therefore, the inventors of the present disclosure have created a technology for reducing the variation in the concentration of a sample in a tube serving as a sample tube in a genetic testing device.

[0016] In this regard, various embodiments and examples will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, parts having the same or similar configurations and functions are designated by the same reference numerals. In the following description, duplicated explanations will be omitted. The drawings are shown in a schematic manner.

[0017] For convenience, the drawings include diagrams in which a right-handed XYZ coordinate system is indicated. In the following description, the +Z direction is defined as the vertically upward direction (also referred to simply as the upward direction). The -Z direction is defined as the vertical direction (also referred to as the direction of gravity or the vertically downward direction). The vertically downward direction is also simply referred to as the downward direction. A direction perpendicular to the +Z direction is defined as the +X direction. In other words, the first horizontal direction (also referred to as the first horizontal direction) is defined as the +X direction. The second horizontal direction (also referred to as the second horizontal direction) that is opposite to the first horizontal direction is defined as the -X direction. A direction perpendicular to both the +Z direction and the +X direction is defined as the +Y direction. The direction opposite to the +X direction is also referred to as the -X direction. The direction opposite to the +Y direction is also referred to as the -Y direction. In other words, the third horizontal direction (also referred to as the third horizontal direction) is defined as the -Y direction. The direction opposite to the +Z direction is also referred to as the -Z direction. For convenience, the drawings also include a right-handed xyz coordinate system. In this xyz coordinate system, the direction in which multiple tubes 51 are lined up in multiple tube 5 is the +y direction, the direction in which openings (first openings) 51o face along the longitudinal direction of each of N tubes 51 in multiple tube 5 is the +z direction, and the direction perpendicular to both the +y direction and the +z direction is the +x direction. For ease of viewing the drawings, cross sections of multiple tube 5 are not hatched in the drawings.

[0018] In this disclosure, when expressions indicating relative or absolute positional relationships (e.g., "in one direction," "along one direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," "coaxial," etc.) are used, unless otherwise specified, these expressions not only express the exact positional relationship but also express a state of relative displacement in terms of angle or distance within a range that provides tolerance or equivalent functionality. When expressions indicating an equal state (e.g., "identical," "equal," "homogeneous," etc.) are used, these expressions not only express a state of strict quantitative equality but also express a state of difference that provides tolerance or equivalent functionality, unless otherwise specified. When expressions indicating a shape (e.g., "rectangular" or "cylindrical") are used, these expressions not only express the exact geometric shape, but also express a shape that has, for example, irregularities or chamfers, within a range that provides equivalent effects, unless otherwise specified. When the expressions "comprise," "include," "have," "includes," "includes," or "have" are used to describe one component, these expressions are not exclusive expressions that exclude the presence of other components. When the expression "at least one of A, B, and C" is used, this expression includes any of the following cases: A only, B only, C only, any two of A, B, and C, and all of A, B, and C.

[0019] 1. First Embodiment <1-1. Genetic testing equipment> The genetic testing device 91 is a device for testing genes of humans and the like. In the genetic testing device 91, for example, genes contained in white blood cells in blood are tested. As in a general blood test, blood is collected in advance from a subject. This blood is stored in a container (also called a blood container). The blood to be tested may be blood itself, or blood diluted with physiological saline or the like. As the blood container, for example, a commonly used blood collection tube, blood collection bottle, or sample cup is used.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a genetic testing device 91. As shown in FIG. 1, the genetic testing device 91 includes, for example, a container installation unit (also referred to as an installation unit) 92, a white blood cell separation unit (also referred to as a separation unit) 93, a concentration measurement unit (also referred to as a first measurement unit) 94, a reagent mixing unit (also referred to as a liquid generation unit) 95, a second liquid processing unit (also referred to as a liquid processing unit) 96, an optical measurement unit (also referred to as a second measurement unit) 97, and a measurement processing unit (also referred to as an information processing unit) 98. These seven units may or may not be configured as an integrated device. In other words, the genetic testing device 91 may have a configuration in which the seven units, the installation unit 92, the separation unit 93, the first measurement unit 94, the liquid generation unit 95, the liquid processing unit 96, the second measurement unit 97, and the information processing unit 98, are integrated, or the seven units may not be integrated. For example, the genetic testing device 91 may be configured as a single device as a whole, with the seven parts being located closely together. Also, for example, the genetic testing device 91 may be configured as a single device as a whole, with some of the seven parts being electrically connected to the other parts and being located at an appropriate distance from each other.

[0021] <1-1-1. Installation section> The setting section 92 is a section where a blood container containing blood is set. The setting section 92 may have a structure that allows a user of the genetic testing device 91 (also simply referred to as a user) or the like to easily set a sample container and to stably hold the blood container.

[0022] <1-1-2. Separation section> The separation unit 93 can collect blood from a blood container installed in the installation unit 92 and perform a process of separating a plurality of white blood cells from the blood using the white blood cell separation device 931. This allows the separation unit 93 to collect a first liquid containing a plurality of white blood cells. The first liquid is a liquid containing white blood cells separated from blood as the main blood cell component. This first liquid may be called a white blood cell liquid, or in the case of a hybridization protection assay (HPA) method, a white blood cell suspension.

[0023] The leukocyte separation device 931 may also be referred to as a flow path device. The leukocyte separation device 931 has a flow path into which a liquid containing blood, such as blood or blood diluted with saline or the like (also referred to as a blood-containing liquid), and another liquid are introduced, thereby separating and recovering a plurality of leukocyte particles from the blood-containing liquid. As the other liquid, for example, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is used as a buffer liquid. The buffer liquid may be a liquid in which other components are added to PBS. As the other component, for example, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) may be used as a second component, or bovine serum albumin (BSA) may be used as a third component.

[0024] In the white blood cell separation device 931, particle separation is performed using, for example, a method known as hydrodynamic filtration. Particle separation may be a process in which specific particles, i.e., a plurality of white blood cell particles, are separated from a plurality of particles, such as white blood cells and red blood cells, contained in a blood-containing liquid. In the white blood cell separation device 931, for example, a first liquid containing specific particles, i.e., a plurality of white blood cells, is discharged to the outside through a predetermined discharge hole. Here, the first liquid discharged to the outside through the predetermined discharge hole may be collected in a container (also referred to as a collection container) and then supplied to a part of the genetic testing device 91 other than the separation unit 93, or may be supplied to a part of the genetic testing device 91 other than the separation unit 93 connected directly or via another member such as a tube. The first liquid is subjected to a specific process. The specific process may include measurement of the white blood cell concentration (or number) in the first measurement unit 94, mixing of reagents, reaction processing, and chemiluminescence detection.

[0025] The other part may include, for example, a tube holder that holds a tube strip (also called a multiple tube) in which a plurality of tubes serving as a plurality of test tubes (also called sample tubes) are connected. For example, if the tube holder holds a liquid-storing tube strip (also called a liquid-storing multiple tube) in which a plurality of tubes (e.g., nine tubes) are connected in one direction (e.g., horizontally), the first liquid may be supplied to one tube in this liquid-storing multiple tube. The liquid-storing multiple tube may be a multiple tube that can store various liquids such as specimens and reagents.

[0026] When the liquid storage multiple tube has nine tubes, the nine tubes may be composed of the first to ninth liquid storage tubes (also referred to as liquid storage tubes) lined up in a row. In this case, for example, the first liquid storage tube may store a buffer solution. The second liquid storage tube may store the first solution. The third liquid storage tube may store a hybridization buffer (HB) solution (also referred to as HB solution) as a cell membrane dissolution solution described below. The fourth liquid storage tube may store water (e.g., pure water). The fifth liquid storage tube may store a positive control solution (also referred to as positive control solution or positive control) described below. The sixth liquid storage tube may store an HB solution (also referred to as diluted HB solution) that is diluted a predetermined time (e.g., four times) with the HB solution stored in the third liquid storage tube as a reference. The seventh storage tube may store a negative control solution (also referred to as "negative control solution" or "negative control"), which will be described later. The eighth storage tube may store a labeled probe solution (also referred to as "probe solution" or simply "probe"), which will be described later, as a labeled probe reagent. The ninth storage tube stores a DH buffer (Differential Hydrolysis buffer) solution (also referred to as "DH buffer solution" or simply "DH buffer"), which will be described later as a hydrolysis reagent.

[0027] The separation unit 93 may include, for example, a nozzle unit (also referred to as a first nozzle unit) 932 and a movement drive unit (also referred to as a first movement drive unit) 933 in addition to the white blood cell separation device 931. The first nozzle unit 932 may include, for example, a mechanism having the function of a pump that aspirates blood from a blood container, holds the blood, and then injects the blood into the white blood cell separation device 931. The first movement drive unit 933 can move the first nozzle unit 932 between the blood container and the white blood cell separation device 931. The first movement drive unit 933 may include, for example, a mechanism (also referred to as a movement mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robot arm. Furthermore, the first movement drive unit 933 may be driven to aspirate blood through the first nozzle unit 932 and inject blood from the first nozzle unit 932 into the white blood cell separation device 931. The separation unit 93 may include, for example, a nozzle cleaning unit that can clean the first nozzle.

[0028] <1-1-3. 1st measurement section> The first measurement section 94 can perform a predetermined measurement on the first liquid obtained in the separation section 93. The predetermined measurement may be, for example, a measurement related to the concentration of white blood cells in the first liquid.

[0029] The first liquid obtained in the separation unit 93 is sent to the first measurement unit 94. Here, for example, the first liquid may be sent from the separation unit 93 to a measurement container (also referred to as a first measurement container) placed at a predetermined position (also referred to as a first measurement position) in the first measurement unit 94. For example, the second nozzle unit may aspirate the first liquid from a collection container, temporarily hold the first liquid, move to the first measurement position, and introduce the first liquid into the first measurement container. The second nozzle unit may include, for example, a mechanism having a pumping function that aspirates and holds the first liquid from the collection container, and then injects the first liquid into the first measurement container. The movement and operation of the second nozzle unit may be realized by, for example, a second movement drive unit. The second movement drive unit may include, for example, a movement mechanism such as an automated arm or a robot arm. For example, the genetic testing device 91 may include the second nozzle unit and the second movement drive unit. Furthermore, for example, the first liquid may be sent from the separation unit 93 to a first measurement container placed at the first measurement position of the first measurement unit 94 via a tube connected to a predetermined outlet hole of the leukocyte separation device 931. If the first measurement container is translucent, optical measurement of the leukocyte concentration in the first liquid can be easily performed. In the first measurement container, the first liquid may be diluted with a buffer liquid.

[0030] The first measurement unit 94 includes, for example, a first light irradiator 941 and a first light detector 942. The first measurement unit 94 can acquire a detection result (also referred to as a first detection result) related to the concentration of white blood cells in the first fluid through optical measurement using the first light irradiator 941 and the first light detector 942. The first measurement unit 94 acquires, as the first detection result, an electrical signal or data corresponding to the light intensity corresponding to the concentration of white blood cells in the first fluid using, for example, the first light detector 942. In the first measurement unit 94, for example, the first light irradiator 941 irradiates the first fluid with measurement light, and the first light detector 942 detects the intensity of reflected light generated by reflection in the first fluid or transmitted light that has passed through the first fluid. The first light irradiator 941 is, for example, a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode (LED). For example, a light receiving element such as a photodiode (PD) is applied to the first light detection unit 942. The PD may be capable of detecting an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of incident light.

[0031] <1-1-4. Example of genetic testing method> Before explaining the liquid generation unit 95, liquid processing unit 96, second measurement unit 97, and information processing unit 98, the HPA method, a representative method for testing specific gene sites, will be described as an example of a genetic testing method. The HPA method is considered to be a testing method that can detect whether a subject is in a pre-disease state. The HPA method measures the fatigue level of telomeres, which are structures at the ends of chromosomes.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a diagram simply showing an example of the schematic configuration of chromosome 990. Telomere 991 is a structure present at the end of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) that constitutes the main body of the gene contained in chromosome 990. The main body of the gene is composed of DNA. Therefore, the gene and DNA can substantially mean the same structure. Telomere 991 protects important gene information in chromosome 990, is an important structure that determines cell aging, and is also said to be related to the onset of diseases due to human aging. Measuring the fatigue degree of this telomere 991 is useful for detecting the pre-disease state of the subject. When measuring the fatigue degree of telomere 991, for example, the length of a site called G-tail 992 present at the end of that telomere 991 is measured. G-tail 992 is located at the end of the G strand (also called the G strand end) of the double-stranded portion (also called the telomere double-stranded portion) composed of the G strand and the C strand of telomere 991 at the end of chromosome 990. For example, in humans, when G-tail 992 becomes shorter due to disruptions in lifestyle habits or the like, the state becomes one where diseases are likely to occur. On the other hand, in humans, if lifestyle habits are improved, the length of G-tail 992 can increase. Therefore, measuring the length of telomere 991 (also called telomere length) as a feature of telomere 991, which is a specific site of the gene, or measuring the length of G-tail 992 (also called G-tail length) as a feature of G-tail 992, which is a specific site of the gene, is useful as a gene test.

[0033] <<Measurement of G-tail Length>> Here, an example of a method for measuring the length of G-tail 992 (G-tail length), which is a specific site of the gene contained in chromosome 990, will be described.

[0034] By adding a cell membrane dissolving solution to the first liquid, the white blood cells contained in the first liquid are lysed. As a result, the chromosomes 990 containing the genes (DNA) possessed by the white blood cells are extracted and suspended in the first liquid. The cell membrane dissolving solution may be a liquid capable of dissolving cell membranes, nuclear membranes, etc. Specific examples of cell membrane dissolving solutions include lithium succinate buffer containing lauryl sulfate, lithium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (also known as glycol ether diaminetetraacetic acid) (EGTA).

[0035] The length of G tail 992 (G tail length) is specifically the length of the sequence of G tail 992. In the HPA method, multiple labeled probes complementary to the repeat sequences constituting G tail 992 are hybridized, and non-radioactive labeled substances (also simply referred to as labeled substances) bound to the labeled probes (also simply referred to as probes) are made to emit chemiluminescence, and the amount of chemiluminescence (also referred to as chemiluminescence amount) is used as an indicator to measure the G tail length.

[0036] The formation of a complementary complex between nucleic acid molecules (DNA or ribonucleic acid (RNA)) is also called hybridization or molecular hybridization. Hybridization, which utilizes base complementarity to create double-stranded molecules between nucleic acids of different origins, is called hybridization. An oligomer labeled with a non-radioactive labeling substance is used as the probe. Before the probe labeling substance is made to emit chemiluminescence, the probe labeling substance that is free and not hybridized to the repeat sequence constituting the G tail 992 is selectively hydrolyzed and inactivated. This allows the probe hybridized to the repeat sequence constituting the G tail 992 to be distinguished from the free probe that is not hybridized. A reagent that functions as a probe (also called a probe reagent) is, for example, a solution containing an acridinium ester (AE)-labeled probe. An acridinium ester refers to an acridinium ring and an ester group.

[0037] The AE-labeled probe contained in the probe reagent is labeled with AE and has a sequence complementary to the repetitive sequence in G tail 992. Therefore, a number of probes corresponding to the number of repetitions of the repetitive sequence in G tail 992 are hybridized to G tail 992 by hybridization. Here, a solution containing the AE-labeled probe (also referred to as a hybridization solution) is added to the cell pellet, and the mixture is incubated (also referred to as an incubation period) for 5 to 30 minutes at a temperature range of 60 degrees Celsius (60°C) to 65°C, for example, to allow hybridization between the AE-labeled probe and G tail 992.

[0038] In AE-labeled probes hybridized with G-tail 992, AE is stabilized. Therefore, the ester bond of AE is protected even after a certain period of hydrolysis. The hydrolysis is carried out, for example, by adding a hydrolysis reagent. AE with protected ester bonds emits chemiluminescence when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added. On the other hand, in AE-labeled probes not hybridized with G-tail 992, AE is not stabilized. Therefore, probes not hybridized with G-tail 992 become inactivated by hydrolysis of the ester bond of AE. As a result, inactivated probes do not emit chemiluminescence when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added.

[0039] For example, if a hydrolysis reagent is added to a cell pellet to which a hybridization solution has been added, and the pellet is then incubated at 60°C for 5 to 10 minutes, the ester bond of the AE in the unreacted probe that has not hybridized with G tail 992 may be hydrolyzed, resulting in a state in which no chemiluminescence is produced even when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added.

[0040] <<Measurement of telomere length>> Next, an example of a method for measuring the length (telomere length) of telomere 991 as a specific site of a gene contained in chromosome 990 will be described.

[0041] By adding a cell membrane dissolving solution to the first solution, the white blood cells contained in the first solution are lysed. As a result, the chromosomes 990 containing the genes (DNA) possessed by the white blood cells are extracted into the first solution and suspended in the solution. Here, by heating to approximately 90°C to 95°C, the double strands of DNA in the telomere 991 are separated. As a result, a single strand having a length corresponding to the telomere length is present in the chromosome 990. In other words, the telomere 991 as a specific site in a single-stranded state corresponds to the telomere length, which is the length of the telomere 991.

[0042] The length of telomere 991 is specifically the length of the single-stranded sequence of telomere 991. In the HPA method, multiple labeled probes complementary to the repeat sequence that makes up single-stranded telomere 991 are hybridized, and non-radioactive labeled substances (labeled substances) bound to the labeled probes (probes) emit chemiluminescence, and the amount of chemiluminescence (also called the chemiluminescence amount) is used as an indicator to measure telomere length.

[0043] As in the G-tail length measurement described above, an oligomer labeled with a non-radioactive labeling substance is used as the probe. Before the probe labeling substance is made to emit chemiluminescence, the probe labeling substance that is free and not hybridized to the repeat sequence constituting the single-stranded telomere 991 is selectively hydrolyzed and inactivated. This allows the probe that is hybridized to the repeat sequence constituting the single-stranded telomere 991 to be distinguished from the free unhybridized probe when the probe labeling substance is made to emit chemiluminescence. As in the G-tail length measurement described above, the reagent that functions as the probe (probe reagent) is, for example, a solution containing an AE-labeled probe.

[0044] The AE-labeled probe contained in the probe reagent is labeled with AE and has a sequence complementary to the repetitive sequence in the single-stranded telomere 991. Therefore, a number of probes corresponding to the number of repetitions of the repetitive sequence in the single-stranded telomere 991 are hybridized to the single-stranded telomere 991 by hybridization. Here, a solution containing the AE-labeled probe (hybridization solution) is added to the cell pellet, and incubation is carried out for 5 to 30 minutes at a temperature range of about 60°C, for example, to allow hybridization between the AE-labeled probe and the single-stranded telomere 991.

[0045] In the AE-labeled probe hybridized with single-stranded telomere 991, the AE is stabilized, just like in the AE-labeled probe hybridized with G-tail 992. Therefore, the ester bond of AE is protected even after a certain period of hydrolysis. Hydrolysis is performed, for example, by adding a hydrolysis reagent. AE with protected ester bonds emits chemiluminescence when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added. On the other hand, in the AE-labeled probe not hybridized with single-stranded telomere 991, the AE is not stabilized. Therefore, the probe not hybridized with single-stranded telomere 991 becomes inactivated by hydrolysis of the ester bond of AE. As a result, inactivated probes do not emit chemiluminescence when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added.

[0046] For example, if a hydrolysis reagent is added to a cell pellet to which a hybridization solution has been added, and the pellet is then incubated at 60°C for 5 to 10 minutes, the ester bond of the AE in the unreacted probe that has not hybridized with the single-stranded telomere 991 may be hydrolyzed, resulting in a state in which chemiluminescence is not produced even when hydrogen peroxide and alkaline solution are added.

[0047] <1-1-5.Liquid generation section> The liquid generating unit 95 can generate a second liquid, for example, by mixing a cell membrane dissolving liquid and a probe liquid with the first liquid that is the target of a predetermined measurement in the first measuring unit 94. This second liquid can include a liquid for measuring G tail length (also referred to as a second G liquid) and a liquid for measuring telomere length (also referred to as a second T liquid). For example, the liquid generating unit 95 generates the second G liquid by mixing the first liquid that is the target of a predetermined measurement in the first measuring unit 94 with a cell membrane dissolving liquid and a probe liquid, in this order. For example, the liquid generating unit 95 generates the second T liquid by mixing the first liquid that is the target of a predetermined measurement in the first measuring unit 94 with a cell membrane dissolving liquid, heating, and mixing the probe liquid, in this order.

[0048] In the liquid generating unit 95, for example, a cell membrane dissolving solution is added to the first liquid, thereby dissolving the white blood cells contained in the first liquid. As a result, the first liquid becomes a state in which chromosomes 990 containing the genes (DNA) possessed by the white blood cells are extracted and suspended in the liquid. Here, a liquid (also referred to as a first mixed liquid) in which the cell membrane dissolving solution is mixed with the first liquid is generated.

[0049] For example, in the liquid generating unit 95, when a cell membrane dissolving solution is mixed with the first liquid, the cell membrane of the white blood cells is dissolved and chromosomes 990 containing DNA, which is the main body of the gene, can be extracted without any special heating or the like. This generates a liquid (also referred to as a first G mixture) for measuring the G-tail length. The first G mixture may be the first mixture. In the first G mixture, chromosomes 990 containing the genes (DNA) possessed by the white blood cells are extracted and suspended in the liquid. As shown in FIG. 2, the chromosomes 990 in this first G mixture contain telomeres 991, and a G-tail 992 is present at the end of the telomere 991.

[0050] For example, in the liquid generating unit 95, a cell membrane dissolving solution is mixed with the first liquid, and heating is performed, thereby extracting the chromosomes 990 held in the cell membrane, and separating the double-stranded DNA at the telomere 991 of the chromosomes 990. This generates a liquid (also referred to as a first T mixed liquid) for measuring telomere length. In the first T mixed liquid, the chromosomes 990 containing the genes (DNA) held by the white blood cells are extracted and suspended in the liquid, and the double-stranded DNA at the telomere 991 of the chromosomes 990 is separated. The heating may be performed by maintaining the temperature at, for example, about 90°C to 95°C for about 10 to 20 minutes.

[0051] In the solution generator 95, a probe solution is further mixed with the first G mixed solution or the first T mixed solution to generate a second solution. Specifically, in the solution generator 95, for example, a probe solution is mixed with the first G mixed solution, allowing the labeled probe in the probe solution to hybridize with the repetitive sequence constituting the G tail 992, which is a specific site in a single-stranded state. This generates a second G solution for measuring the G tail length. In addition, in the solution generator 95, for example, a probe solution is mixed with the first T mixed solution, allowing the probe in the probe solution to hybridize with the repetitive sequence constituting the telomere 991, which is a specific site in a single-stranded state. This generates a second T solution for measuring the telomere length.

[0052] The liquid generating section 95 may include, for example, a dissolving liquid mixing section (also referred to as a first mixing section) 951, a temperature adjusting section 952, and a reagent mixing section (also referred to as a second mixing section) 953.

[0053] The liquid producing unit 95 uses, for example, a tube strip (multiple tube) 5 in which a plurality of tubes 51 are connected as a plurality of test tubes (sample tubes). FIG. 3 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the multiple tube 5. FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the multiple tube 5. FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the multiple tube 5. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the multiple tube 5 is a tube strip (also referred to as an eight-tube) in which eight tubes 51 are connected. The eight tubes 51 constituting this eight-tube are arranged in a line, and include a first tube 511 as the first sample tube, a second tube 512 as the second sample tube, a third tube 513 as the third sample tube, a fourth tube 514 as the fourth sample tube, a fifth tube 515 as the fifth sample tube, a sixth tube 516 as the sixth sample tube, a seventh tube 517 as the seventh sample tube, and an eighth tube 518 as the eighth sample tube. The detailed configuration of the multiple tube 5 will be described later.

[0054] The first mixing unit 951 can mix, for example, the first liquid with a cell membrane dissolving liquid. This generates a first mixed liquid. Here, for example, in the liquid storage multiple tubes held by the tube holder described above, the first mixed liquid may be generated by injecting HB solution as a cell membrane dissolving liquid stored in a third liquid storage tube into the second liquid storage tube storing the first liquid. Here, for example, the first mixed liquid may be generated by injecting HB solution as a cell membrane dissolving liquid stored in the third liquid storage tube into the second liquid storage tube storing the first liquid, and then injecting water stored in a fourth liquid storage tube. The injection of HB solution as a cell membrane dissolving liquid and water into the second liquid storage tube storing the first liquid may be achieved using a pipette such as an electric micropipette (electric micropipette). The tube holder may have a mechanism for vibrating the liquid storage multiple tube using a motor or the like. This can promote the mixing of the cell membrane dissolving liquid with the first liquid.

[0055] The temperature adjustment unit 952 can, for example, heat and cool the first mixed liquid as needed. The temperature adjustment unit 952 may include, for example, a structure (also referred to as a first holding structure) capable of holding the multiple tube 5, and a means (also referred to as a heating means) for heating the first mixed liquid stored in the multiple tube 5 held in the first holding structure. Various heaters may be used as the heating means. Examples of the heater that may be used include various heaters, an air heater that supplies hot air to an area covering the multiple tube 5, and a water heater that supplies hot water to a tank into which the multi-tube 5 is inserted. Heaters including various heaters, air heaters, and water heaters may be collectively referred to simply as heaters.

[0056] In the temperature adjustment unit 952, for example, the first mixed liquid stored in the first tube 511 of the multiple-tube 5 and the positive control liquid stored in the second tube 512 of the multiple-tube 5 may be heated. As a result, the first mixed liquid is heated in the first tube 511 to produce a first mixed liquid. The heating may be, for example, heating in a temperature range of about 90°C to 95°C for about 10 to 20 minutes. Here, two different types of liquids stored in two tubes 51 of the multiple-tube 5 may be heated simultaneously. In other words, the multiple tubes 51 of the multiple-tube 5 may be used in a manner that allows different types of liquids to be subjected to heat treatment simultaneously.

[0057] In the temperature adjustment unit 952, for example, a temperature adjustment device 100 (described later) may heat the liquid stored in each of the multiple tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5. In other words, the genetic testing device 91 may include a temperature adjustment device 100 as a device capable of heating the liquid stored in each of the multiple tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the general configuration of the temperature adjustment device 100. In the temperature adjustment unit 952, for example, a heating block 21 (which serves as a first block of the temperature adjustment device 100) heats the liquid stored in each of the multiple tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5. During this heating, tube openings 51o (which serve as first openings of each of the multiple tubes 51) are closed by lids 31. The multiple tube 5 may be moved, for example, by a transport arm 11 (which serves as a first arm capable of transporting the multiple tube 5). The detailed configuration of the temperature adjustment device 100 will be described later.

[0058] Here, for example, before the first mixed liquid is heated by temperature adjustment unit 952, a first predetermined amount (e.g., 10 microliters (10 μL)) of the first mixed liquid may be injected into first tube 511 of multiple tube 5 and stored therein. The first predetermined amount of the first mixed liquid may be a portion of the first mixed liquid stored in the second liquid storage tube of the liquid storage multiple tube. For example, a second predetermined amount (e.g., 10 μL) of positive control liquid may be injected into second tube 512 of multiple tube 5 and stored therein. The second predetermined amount of positive control liquid may be a portion of the positive control liquid stored in the fifth liquid storage tube of the liquid storage multiple tube. The injection of the first predetermined amount of the first mixed liquid into first tube 511 and the injection of the second predetermined amount of positive control liquid into second tube 512 may each be achieved using a pipette such as an electric micropipette. The movement of the pipette may be achieved by a mechanism capable of various movements (movement mechanism), such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0059] The positive control solution may be a solution containing a predetermined substance having a repeating structure of single-stranded DNA of a predetermined length to which the probe in the probe solution can hybridize. The predetermined substance may be, for example, a poorly differentiated colon cancer cell line (RKO). This positive control solution (also referred to as the first reference solution) is used to confirm whether the series of processes of probe hybridization, inactivation of the probe's labeling substance by selective hydrolysis, and chemiluminescence of the labeling substance bound to the probe are performed correctly.

[0060] In temperature adjustment unit 952, for example, after heating the first mixed liquid and the positive control liquid, the first mixed liquid stored in first tube 511 and the positive control liquid stored in second tube 512 may be cooled. This cooling process may be, for example, a process of cooling to a temperature range near 0°C and maintaining the temperature range near 0°C for several minutes to approximately 5 minutes. During or after this cooling process, a third predetermined amount (e.g., 40 μL) of diluted HB liquid may be injected into first tube 511 storing the first mixed liquid and into second tube 512 storing the positive control liquid. The third predetermined amount of diluted HB liquid may be a portion of the diluted HB liquid stored in the sixth storage tube of the storage multiple tubes. This produces a liquid in which the diluted HB solution is mixed with the first t mixed solution (also referred to as a first T mixed solution), and a liquid in which the diluted HB solution is mixed with the positive control solution (also referred to as a first positive control mixed solution). The injection of the third predetermined amount of diluted HB solution into each of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 may be achieved using a pipette such as an electric micropipette. The movement of this pipette may be achieved by a mechanism (operating mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0061] The second mixing unit 953 can mix, for example, the first G mixed liquid and / or the first T mixed liquid with a probe liquid. This generates a second liquid. For example, when the first G mixed liquid is mixed with a probe liquid, a second G liquid is generated. When the first T mixed liquid is mixed with a probe liquid, a second T liquid is generated.

[0062] Here, for example, before the probe liquid is mixed into each of the first G mixed liquid and the first T mixed liquid, a fourth predetermined amount (e.g., 30 μL) of the first T mixed liquid may be injected into the third tube 513 of the multiple tube 5. The fourth predetermined amount of the first T mixed liquid may be a portion of the first T mixed liquid stored in the first tube 511 of the multiple tube 5. A fifth predetermined amount (e.g., 30 μL) of the first positive control mixed liquid may be injected into the fourth tube 514 of the multiple tube 5. The fifth predetermined amount of the first positive control mixed liquid may be a portion of the first positive control mixed liquid stored in the second tube 512 of the multiple tube 5. A sixth predetermined amount (e.g., 30 μL) of the first mixed liquid (first G mixed liquid) may be injected into the fifth tube 515 of the multiple tube 5. The sixth predetermined amount of the first G mixed solution may be a portion of the first mixed solution (the first G mixed solution) stored in the second storage tube of the storage multiple tube. A seventh predetermined amount (e.g., 30 μL) of negative control solution may be injected into the sixth tube 516 of the multiple tube 5. The seventh predetermined amount of negative control solution may be a portion of the negative control solution stored in the seventh storage tube of the storage multiple tube. The injection of the fourth predetermined amount of the first T mixed solution into the third tube 513, the injection of the fifth predetermined amount of the first positive control mixed solution into the fourth tube 514, the injection of the sixth predetermined amount of the first G mixed solution into the fifth tube 515, and the injection of the seventh predetermined amount of negative control solution into the sixth tube 516 may each be achieved using a pipette such as an electric micropipette. The movement of the pipette may be achieved by a mechanism (operating mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0063] Here, the negative control solution may be a solution containing a specific substance to which the probe in the probe solution cannot hybridize. The specific substance may be, for example, TE (Tris EDTA). The solution containing TE may be a solution produced by mixing a trishydroxymethylaminomethane solution with an ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution. This negative control solution is a solution (also called a second reference solution) used to confirm whether the series of processes, including probe hybridization, selective hydrolysis to inactivate the probe's labeling substance, and chemiluminescence of the labeling substance bound to the probe, are being carried out correctly.

[0064] Next, an eighth predetermined amount (e.g., 30 μL) of probe liquid may be injected into each of the following tubes: the third tube 513, which stores a fourth predetermined amount of the first T mixed liquid; the fourth tube 514, which stores a fifth predetermined amount of the first positive control mixed liquid; the fifth tube 515, which stores a sixth predetermined amount of the first G mixed liquid; and the sixth tube 516, which stores a seventh predetermined amount of the negative control liquid. The eighth predetermined amount of probe liquid may be a portion of the probe liquid stored in the eighth liquid storage tube of the liquid storage multiple tube. This produces a second T liquid in which the probe liquid is mixed with the first T mixed liquid; a liquid in which the probe liquid is mixed with the first positive control mixed liquid (also referred to as the second positive control liquid); a second G liquid in which the probe liquid is mixed with the first G mixed liquid; and a liquid in which the probe liquid is mixed with the negative control liquid (also referred to as the second negative control liquid). The injection of the eighth predetermined amount of probe liquid into each of the third tube 513, the fourth tube 514, the fifth tube 515, and the sixth tube 516 may be achieved by using a pipette such as an electric micropipette. The movement of this pipette may be achieved by a mechanism (operating mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0065] The second liquid (e.g., second T liquid and second G liquid) generated in the liquid generation unit 95 is sent to the liquid processing unit 96. For example, the transfer arm 11 of the temperature adjustment device 100 may be used to move the multiple tube 5 in which the second liquid (e.g., second T liquid and second G liquid) is stored, thereby sending the second liquid (e.g., second T liquid and second G liquid) to the liquid processing unit 96. Here, for example, the multiple tube 5 in which the second T liquid is stored in the third tube 513, the second positive control liquid is stored in the fourth tube 514, the second G liquid is stored in the fifth tube 515, and the second negative control liquid is stored in the sixth tube 516 may be sent to the liquid processing unit 96 using the transfer arm 11 of the temperature adjustment device 100.

[0066] <1-1-6. Liquid processing section> The liquid processing unit 96 can, for example, heat and cool the second liquid, causing a specific portion of the gene that the white blood cells had in the first liquid to react with the probe reagent in the second liquid, thereby forming a light-emitting portion at the specific portion of the gene in the second liquid.

[0067] In the liquid processing section 96, the second liquid is first heated. At this time, the second liquid is heated so as to be maintained in a temperature range of, for example, about 60°C. The time for this heating may be, for example, about 5 to 20 minutes. Thereafter, the second liquid may be cooled to a temperature range of, for example, room temperature (also called room temperature), and maintained in this temperature range for several minutes to about 5 minutes. Room temperature may typically be about 20 to 25°C.

[0068] By such heating and cooling, for example, in the second T solution, multiple labeled probes complementary to the repeat sequence constituting the single-stranded telomere 991 are hybridized. As a result, a luminescent moiety is formed by the labeled probe in the portion of the telomere 991 in the single-stranded state as a specific site of the gene in the second T solution. Furthermore, by the above heating and cooling, for example, multiple labeled probes complementary to the repeat sequence constituting the G tail 992 as a single-stranded portion of DNA are hybridized in the second G solution. As a result, a luminescent moiety is formed by the labeled probe in the portion of the G tail 992 as a single-stranded portion as a specific site of the gene in the second G solution.

[0069] Furthermore, the liquid processing unit 96 can inactivate unreacted labeled probes that have not hybridized to specific sites of genes derived from leukocytes in the second liquid by, for example, adding a hydrolysis reagent to the second liquid (e.g., the second T liquid and / or the second G liquid). Here, the specific sites of the genes may be single-stranded telomeres 991 and / or G-tails 992. Here, the liquid processing unit 96 sequentially heats and cools the second liquid to which the hydrolysis reagent has been added. Heating the second liquid to which the hydrolysis reagent has been added may involve incubation, in which the second liquid to which the hydrolysis reagent has been added is maintained at a temperature of approximately 60°C for 5 to 10 minutes. Cooling the second liquid to which the hydrolysis reagent has been added after heating may involve cooling to a temperature range near 0°C and maintaining the temperature at approximately 0°C for several minutes to 5 minutes.

[0070] Here, for example, a liquid generated by adding a hydrolysis reagent to the second liquid to inactivate unreacted labeled probes in the second liquid may be referred to as the third liquid. This third liquid may include a liquid for measuring G tail length (also referred to as the third G liquid) and a liquid for measuring telomere length (also referred to as the third T liquid). The third G liquid may be generated by heating and cooling the second G liquid to form a light-emitting moiety, adding a hydrolysis reagent, and inactivating the unreacted labeled probes by heating and cooling, in this order. The third T liquid may be generated by heating and cooling the second T liquid to form a light-emitting moiety, adding a hydrolysis reagent, and inactivating the unreacted labeled probes by heating and cooling, in this order.

[0071] The liquid processing section 96 may include, for example, a heating section 961, a cooling section 962, a temperature detection section 963, and a hydrolysis processing section (also referred to as a decomposition processing section) 964.

[0072] In the liquid processing unit 96, for example, the second T liquid stored in the third tube 513 of the multiple tube 5, the second positive control liquid stored in the fourth tube 514 of the multiple tube 5, the second G liquid stored in the fifth tube 515 of the multiple tube 5, and the second negative control liquid stored in the sixth tube 516 of the multiple tube 5 are subjected to processes such as heating, cooling, temperature detection, and addition of hydrolysis reagent.

[0073] The heating unit 961 can, for example, heat the second liquid stored in the multiple tube 5. The cooling unit 962 can, for example, cool the second liquid stored in the multiple tube 5. The temperature detection unit 963 can, for example, detect the temperature of the second liquid stored in the multiple tube 5. The decomposition processing unit 964 can, for example, add a hydrolysis reagent to the second liquid stored in the multiple tube 5 to deactivate, by hydrolysis, the labeled substance of the labeled probe that is floating unreacted.

[0074] The heating unit 961 may be, for example, a known heating means. Various types of heaters may be used as the heating means. Examples of the heaters include various heaters, an air heater that supplies warm air to the area surrounding the multiple tube 5, and a water heater that supplies warm water to a tank into which the multiple tube 5 is inserted. The heating unit 961 may heat the second T liquid stored in the third tube 513, the second positive control liquid stored in the fourth tube 514, the second G liquid stored in the fifth tube 515, and the second negative control liquid stored in the sixth tube 516. This heating may be a process in which each liquid is maintained at a temperature of approximately 60°C for approximately 5 to 20 minutes. Here, four different types of liquids may be stored in the four tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5, and the liquids may be heated simultaneously. In other words, the plurality of tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 can be used in a manner that allows different types of liquids to be heated at the same time.

[0075] In the heating unit 961, for example, the liquid stored in each of the plurality of tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5 may be heated by a device having the same or similar configuration as the temperature adjustment device 100 described below. In this case, in the temperature adjustment unit 952 and the liquid processing unit 96, for example, the multiple tube 5 may be transported by using a common transport arm 11.

[0076] The cooling unit 962 may be, for example, a heat dissipation means and / or a cooling means. The cooling unit 962 may be, for example, a known heat dissipation means and / or a cooling means capable of cooling each liquid, such as the second liquid, stored in the multiple tube 5, from about 60°C to room temperature (for example, about 20°C to 25°C). The cooling unit 962 may be, for example, a known heat dissipation means and / or a cooling means capable of cooling each liquid, such as the second liquid, stored in the multiple tube 5, from about 60°C to near 0°C (also known as ice cooling). The heat dissipation means may be any of various types of radiators. The cooling means may be any of various types of coolers. The radiator may be, for example, a jacket equipped with an air-cooled or other heat sink in contact with the outer surface of the multiple tube 5, or an air cooler that supplies cool air to an area covering the multiple tube 5. The cooler may be, for example, a jacket equipped with a heat sink such as a water-cooled type that contacts the outer surface of the multi-tube 5, or a water cooler that supplies cold water to a tank in which the multi-tube 5 is immersed. A Peltier temperature control heater / cooler may be used as a means that combines the functions of the heating means of the heating unit 961 and the cooling means of the cooling unit 962. In this case, with four different types of liquid stored in the four tubes 51 of the multi-tube 5, the liquids can be cooled collectively. In other words, the multiple tubes 51 of the multi-tube 5 can be used in a manner that allows different types of liquid to be cooled collectively.

[0077] The temperature detection unit 963 may be, for example, a known means for detecting or measuring temperature (also referred to as a temperature detection means). Various temperature sensors may be used as the temperature detection means. For example, the temperature sensor may indirectly detect or measure the temperature of each liquid, such as the second liquid, stored in the multiple tube 5 via the multiple tube 5, or may directly detect or measure the temperature of each liquid, such as the second liquid, stored in the multiple tube 5. The temperature sensor may be, for example, a thermistor-type temperature sensor, a thermocouple-type temperature sensor, or a temperature sensor with other configurations, such as a radiation thermometer. If the temperature sensor can output the temperature detection result as an electrical signal, for example, the temperature of each liquid, such as the second liquid, can be accurately and stably controlled by the heating unit 961 and the cooling unit 962 in accordance with the electrical signal output from the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor of the temperature detection unit 963 may be included in the temperature adjustment device 100, for example.

[0078] The decomposition processing unit 964 can inject a hydrolysis reagent into each of the multiple tubes 51 storing each liquid, such as the second liquid, in the multiple tube 5. The decomposition processing unit 964 may also have a mechanism (also referred to as a vibrator) that can vibrate the multiple tube 5 using, for example, a motor. This allows efficient deactivation of unreacted floating probe-labeling substances by hydrolysis in each liquid, such as the second liquid, stored in the multiple tube 5.

[0079] In the decomposition processing unit 964, for example, a ninth predetermined amount (e.g., 90 μL) of hydrolysis reagent may be injected into each of the following tubes: the third tube 513 storing the second T solution, the fourth tube 514 storing the second positive control solution, the fifth tube 515 storing the second G solution, and the sixth tube 516 storing the second negative control solution. The ninth predetermined amount of hydrolysis reagent may be a portion of the DH buffer solution serving as the hydrolysis reagent stored in the ninth storage tube of the storage multiple tubes. The injection of the ninth predetermined amount of hydrolysis reagent into each of the third tube 513, the fourth tube 514, the fifth tube 515, and the sixth tube 516 may be achieved using a pipette such as an electric micropipette. The movement of the pipette may be achieved by a mechanism (operating mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0080] In the liquid processing unit 96, for example, the second T liquid stored in the third tube 513 is heated and cooled to form a light-emitting portion, a hydrolysis reagent is added, and unreacted labeled probes are inactivated by heating and cooling, in this order, to produce the third T liquid for measuring telomere length. For example, the second positive control liquid stored in the fourth tube 514 is heated and cooled to form a light-emitting portion, a hydrolysis reagent is added, and unreacted labeled probes are inactivated by heating and cooling, in this order, to produce the third positive control liquid. For example, the second G liquid stored in the fifth tube 515 is heated and cooled to form a light-emitting portion, a hydrolysis reagent is added, and unreacted labeled probes are inactivated by heating and cooling, in this order, to produce the third G liquid for measuring G tail length. For example, the third negative control solution is produced by heating and cooling the second negative control solution stored in the sixth tube 516 to form a light-emitting section, adding a hydrolysis reagent, and inactivating unreacted labeled probes by heating and cooling, in the order described above.

[0081] Each liquid generated in liquid processing section 96 is sent to second measurement section 97. In second measurement section 97, for example, a new multiple tube 5 (also referred to as second multiple tube 5) different from the multiple tube 5 (also referred to as first multiple tube 5) used in liquid generation section 95 and liquid processing section 96 may be used. This second multiple tube 5 is used as a container for measurement in second measurement section 97. In this case, the multiple liquids stored in the first multiple tube 5 may be dispensed into multiple tubes 51 in the second multiple tube 5.

[0082] For example, the third T solution stored in the third tube 513 of the first multiple tube 5 may be dispensed in a tenth predetermined amount (e.g., 40 μL) into each of the three tubes 51 in the second multiple tube 5. The three tubes 51 to which the third T solution is dispensed may be, for example, the first tube 511, the second tube 512, and the third tube 513. For example, the third G solution stored in the fifth tube 515 of the first multiple tube 5 may be dispensed in an eleventh predetermined amount (e.g., 40 μL) into each of the three tubes 51 in the second multiple tube 5. The three tubes 51 to which the third G solution is dispensed may be, for example, the fourth tube 514, the fifth tube 515, and the sixth tube 516. For example, a twelfth predetermined amount (e.g., 40 μL) of the third positive control liquid stored in the fourth tube 514 of the first multiple tube 5 may be dispensed into one tube 51 of the second multiple tube 5. The one tube 51 into which the third positive control liquid is dispensed may be, for example, the seventh tube 517. For example, a thirteenth predetermined amount (e.g., 40 μL) of the third negative control liquid stored in the sixth tube 516 of the first multiple tube 5 may be dispensed into one tube 51 of the second multiple tube 5. The one tube 51 into which the third negative control liquid is dispensed may be, for example, the eighth tube 518.

[0083] Here, for example, a pipette such as an electric micropipette may be used to dispense the plurality of liquids stored in the plurality of tubes 51 of the first multiple tube 5 into the plurality of tubes 51 of the second multiple tube 5. The movement of the pipette may be achieved by a mechanism (operating mechanism) capable of various operations, such as an automated arm or a robotic arm.

[0084] <1-1-7.Second measurement section> The second measurement unit 97 can generate chemiluminescence in the light-emitting unit by, for example, mixing hydrogen peroxide solution and an alkaline solution with a third liquid containing a gene having a specific site in which a light-emitting unit has been formed in the liquid processing unit 96. Furthermore, the second measurement unit 97 can obtain a detection result (also referred to as a second detection result) relating to the amount of light (amount of chemiluminescence) emitted from the light-emitting unit by this chemiluminescence.

[0085] Here, the hydrogen peroxide solution and the alkaline solution may be mixed with the third liquid in the order listed. The second measurement unit 97 includes a second light detection unit 971. The second measurement unit 97 can obtain a detection result (second detection result) related to the amount of light (amount of chemiluminescence) emitted from the light-emitting unit by chemiluminescence using the second light detection unit 971. For example, a photometer such as a luminometer using a photomultiplier tube (PMT) can be used as the second light detection unit 971. Such a second light detection unit 971 can obtain an electrical signal or data of an intensity corresponding to the amount of chemiluminescence emitted from the light-emitting unit formed at a specific site of the gene in the third liquid.

[0086] For example, the second measurement unit 97 generates chemiluminescence in the light-emitting unit by sequentially mixing hydrogen peroxide solution and alkaline solution in the third T solution stored in each of the first tube 511, second tube 512, and third tube 513 of the second multiple tube 5. Then, the second light detection unit 971 acquires a second detection result (also referred to as a second T detection result) related to the amount of light (amount of chemiluminescence) emitted by chemiluminescence from the third T solution stored in each of the first tube 511, second tube 512, and third tube 513. The second T detection result may be, for example, an average of three detection results related to the amount of chemiluminescence.

[0087] For example, the second measurement unit 97 generates chemiluminescence in the light-emitting unit by sequentially mixing hydrogen peroxide solution and alkaline solution in the 3G solution stored in each of the fourth tube 514, fifth tube 515, and sixth tube 516 of the second multiple tube 5. Then, the second light detection unit 971 acquires a second detection result (also referred to as a second G detection result) related to the amount of light (amount of chemiluminescence) emitted by chemiluminescence from the 3G solution stored in each of the fourth tube 514, fifth tube 515, and sixth tube 516. The second G detection result may be, for example, an average of three detection results related to the amount of chemiluminescence.

[0088] For example, the second measurement unit 97 generates chemiluminescence in the light-emitting unit by sequentially mixing hydrogen peroxide solution and an alkaline solution in the third positive control liquid stored in the seventh tube 517 of the second multiple tube 5. Then, the second light detection unit 971 acquires a detection result (also referred to as a positive control detection result) relating to the amount of light (amount of chemiluminescence) emitted by chemiluminescence from the third positive control liquid stored in the seventh tube 517.

[0089] For example, the second measurement unit 97 sequentially mixes hydrogen peroxide solution and alkaline solution in the third negative control liquid stored in the eighth tube 518 of the second multiple tube 5. Then, when chemiluminescence is emitted from the third negative control liquid stored in the eighth tube 518, the second light detection unit 971 acquires a detection result (also referred to as a negative control detection result) relating to the amount of light generated by this chemiluminescence (amount of chemiluminescence).

[0090] The second measurement unit 97 may include, for example, a pre-emission mixer (also referred to as a third mixer) 972. The third mixer 972 may mix, for example, hydrogen peroxide solution and alkaline solution with the liquid stored in each of the N tubes 51 in the second multiple tube 5. The third mixer 972 may include, for example, a structure (also referred to as a second holding structure) capable of holding the multiple tube 5, and a mechanism (also referred to as a mixing mechanism) capable of drawing liquid (such as hydrogen peroxide solution or alkaline solution) from a predetermined container and injecting it into each of the N tubes 51 in the second multiple tube 5. The second holding structure may have a structure capable of stably holding the second multiple tube 5, for example. The mixing mechanism may include a third nozzle unit and a third movement drive unit. The third nozzle unit may aspirate hydrogen peroxide solution from a first predetermined container, temporarily hold the hydrogen peroxide solution, move to the target tube 51 in the second multiple-tube 5, and inject the hydrogen peroxide solution into the target tube 51. The third nozzle unit may also aspirate alkaline liquid from a second predetermined container, temporarily hold the alkaline liquid, move to the target tube 51 in the second multiple-tube 5, and inject the alkaline liquid into the target tube 51. The third nozzle unit may include, for example, a mechanism having the function of a pump that aspirates and holds a liquid (such as hydrogen peroxide solution or alkaline liquid) from a predetermined container, and then injects the liquid (such as hydrogen peroxide solution or alkaline liquid) into the target tube 51. The movement and operation of the third nozzle unit may be achieved by, for example, a third movement drive unit. The third movement drive unit may include, for example, an operating mechanism such as an automated arm or a robot arm.

[0091] The second measurement unit 97 may include, for example, a light-shielding structure 973. This light-shielding structure 973 houses the second multiple tube 5, in which each liquid such as the third liquid (e.g., the third T liquid or the third G liquid) is stored, together with the second light detection unit 971. This can block external light from entering the interior of the light-shielding structure 973 from around the light-shielding structure 973. For example, a commonly used light-shielding container known as a dark box may be used as the light-shielding structure 973. The injection of the hydrogen peroxide solution and the alkaline solution into the target tube 51 in the second multiple tube 5 by the third mixing unit 972 may be performed, for example, inside the light-shielding structure 973.

[0092] Here, chemiluminescence can be generated in the eight liquids in sequence, with four different types of liquids stored in the eight tubes 51 of the second multiple tube 5 arranged inside the light-shielding structure 973. In other words, the multiple tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5 can be used selectively to generate chemiluminescence in different liquids within a short period of time.

[0093] <1-1-8. Information Processing Unit> The information processing unit 98 can obtain, for example, an electrical signal or data having an intensity corresponding to the light intensity corresponding to the concentration of white blood cells in the first fluid as the first detection result obtained by the first optical detection unit 942. The information processing unit 98 can calculate the concentration of white blood cells in the first fluid from the first detection result. Here, the method of calculating the concentration of white blood cells from the first detection result obtained by the first optical detection unit 942 can be, for example, a method of comparing the first detection result with a first calibration curve and calculating the concentration of white blood cells from the first detection result. Data on the first calibration curve can be stored in advance in a storage medium such as a memory in the information processing unit 98. The first calibration curve can be obtained, for example, experimentally.

[0094] The information processing unit 98 can obtain, as the second detection result obtained by the second light detection unit 971, an electrical signal or data having an intensity corresponding to the amount of chemiluminescence emitted by the light-emitting unit formed at the specific site of the gene in the third liquid. The information processing unit 98 may, for example, calculate the length of the specific site of the gene in the white blood cells from the concentration of white blood cells in the first liquid calculated from the first detection result and the second detection result. Here, for example, the concentration of white blood cells in the first liquid calculated based on the first detection result, the second detection result, and a second calibration curve may be compared to calculate the length of the specific site of the gene in the white blood cells. Data on the second calibration curve may be stored in advance in a storage medium such as a memory in the information processing unit 98. The data on the second calibration curve may include data on a second A calibration curve for measuring telomere length and data on a second B calibration curve for measuring G-tail length. The second calibration curve may be determined, for example, experimentally.

[0095] For example, a computer including a memory and an arithmetic processing circuit such as various known processors may be applied to the information processing unit 98. Various electric circuits, mechanisms, and / or devices may be applied to the information processing unit 98 as long as it satisfies the conditions that it can execute a processing program and a control program according to the purpose of the information processing unit 98 and is provided with a memory capable of storing various information such as the first calibration curve, the second calibration curve, the first detection result, and the second detection result.

[0096] The information processing unit 98 may have a configuration capable of importing the first detection result obtained by the first measurement unit 94 and the second detection result obtained by the second measurement unit 97, exchanging various signals for controlling each unit of the genetic testing device 91 other than the information processing unit 98, and displaying calculation results and control status to the user of the genetic testing device 91. Therefore, the information processing unit 98 may or may not be configured integrally with each unit of the genetic testing device 91 other than the information processing unit 98. In the genetic testing device 91, a configuration in which the information processing unit 98 is not configured integrally with each unit other than the information processing unit 98 may include a configuration in which the information processing unit 98 and each unit other than the information processing unit 98 are connected in a state capable of transmitting and receiving various electrical signals or data. A state in which various electrical signals or data can be transmitted and received may include a state in which various electrical signals or data can be transmitted and received via wiring such as a cable, as well as a state in which various electrical signals or data can be transmitted and received via wireless communication, etc.

[0097] In addition, the information processing unit 98 may not only process the first detection result obtained by the first optical detection unit 942 and the second detection result obtained by the second optical detection unit 971, but may also have the function of a control unit (controller) that detects the operating status of each of the installation unit 92, separation unit 93, first measurement unit 94, liquid generation unit 95, liquid processing unit 96 and second measurement unit 97 and controls them appropriately.

[0098] <1-2. Multi-tube> As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the multiple tube 5 includes N (N is a natural number of 2 or greater) tubes 51 as sample tubes and (N-1) connecting portions (also called connecting bridges) 52. The multiple tube 5 is also called an N-tube. The multiple tube 5 is made of a material such as a resin such as polypropylene. The multiple tube 5 has a structure in which, for example, N tubes 51 and (N-1) connecting portions 52 are integrally formed. Here, the number (N-1) is the number of N tubes 51 minus 1.

[0099] The N tubes 51 are arranged in a row at a first pitch (also referred to as the first pitch) D1. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the N tubes 51 are arranged in a row at the first pitch D1 along the -y direction. The number N may be, for example, about 5 to 10. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the number N is 8. In this case, the multiple tube 5 is also referred to as an 8-tube strip or an 8-tube. The 8-tube multiple tube 5 includes a first tube 511, a second tube 512, a third tube 513, a fourth tube 514, a fifth tube 515, a sixth tube 516, a seventh tube 517, and an eighth tube 518. The first tube 511, the second tube 512, the third tube 513, the fourth tube 514, the fifth tube 515, the sixth tube 516, the seventh tube 517, and the eighth tube 518 are arranged in a row in this order. A first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N tubes 51 are arranged in the -y direction, may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent tubes 51 in the -y direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent tubes 51 may be the distance between the center of one tube 51 and the center of the other tube 51 of the two adjacent tubes 51 when the multiple tube 5 is viewed in a plan view in the -z direction. The first pitch D1 may be, for example, approximately 5 millimeters (mm) to 20 mm.

[0100] Each of the N tubes 51 is a microtube. Tubes manufactured by Eppendorf are also called Eppendorf conical tubes or Eppendorf tubes. Each of the N tubes 51 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 51p and a bottom portion 51b. In other words, each of the N tubes 51 may be a cylindrical body with a bottom. Each of the N tubes 51 has an outer surface (also referred to as a first outer surface) 51e of the cylindrical portion 51p and the bottom portion 51b. The first outer surface 51e may be the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51p and the bottom portion 51b. The cylindrical portion 51p may be a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter d1. The outer diameter d1 may be, for example, about 3 mm to 15 mm. In other words, the cylindrical portion 51p may have a cylindrical internal space. The longitudinal direction of the tube 51 may be along the central axis of the cylindrical internal space of the cylindrical portion 51p. The shape of the bottom portion 51b may be conical. The shape of the bottom portion 51b may be flat or hemispherical.

[0101] Each of the N tubes 51 has a tube opening (first opening) 51o. More specifically, each of the N tubes 51 has the tube opening 51o on the side opposite to the bottom 51b. The tube opening 51o may be circular. In each of the N tubes 51, the direction perpendicular to the tube opening 51o may be the longitudinal direction of the tube 51. Each of the N tubes 51 can store liquid in the tube 51 when arranged with the tube opening 51o facing upward. Here, in each of the N tubes 51, the cross section of the cylindrical portion 51p perpendicular to the direction from the tube opening 51o toward the bottom 51b may be constant or approximately constant regardless of the position in the direction from the tube opening 51o toward the bottom 51b. This can increase the amount of liquid stored in each of the N tubes 51. In each of the N tubes 51, when liquid is stored in the tube 51, the tube opening 51o is located at the top and the bottom 51b is located at the bottom, so the bottom 51b may also be referred to as the lower part of the tube 51.

[0102] Each of the N tubes 51 has a portion (also referred to as an annular portion) 51u surrounding the tube opening 51o. In each of the N tubes 51, the annular portion 51u may include a flange. The flange has a shape that protrudes radially outward from the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 51p that surrounds the tube opening 51o. In other words, the flange may have, for example, a circular ring shape. In each of the N tubes 51, when liquid is stored in the tube 51, the tube opening 51o is located at the top, and therefore the annular portion 51u may be referred to as the upper portion of the tube 51.

[0103] The (N-1) connecting portions 52 connect N tubes 51. More specifically, each of the (N-1) connecting portions 52 connects the annular portions 51u of two adjacent tubes 51 among the N tubes 51. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, each of the (N-1) connecting portions 52 connects the flanges of two adjacent tubes 51 among the N tubes 51. From another perspective, the connecting portion 52 may be provided between two adjacent tubes 51, spanning from the annular portion 51u of one tube 51 to the annular portion 51u of the other tube 51. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the connecting portion 52 is provided between two adjacent tubes 51, spanning from the flange of one tube 51 to the flange of the other tube 51. 5, when the N tube openings 51o are viewed in plan, each connecting portion 52 may extend along an imaginary straight line (also referred to as a first imaginary line) Ln1 that passes through the center of each of the N tube openings 51o. For example, each connecting portion 52 may have a strip-like, band-like, or string-like shape that extends along the first imaginary line Ln1. In FIG. 5, the first imaginary line Ln1 is depicted as a thin dashed line.

[0104] 3 to 5, (N-1) is 7. In this case, the seven connecting portions 52 include a first connecting portion 521, a second connecting portion 522, a third connecting portion 523, a fourth connecting portion 524, a fifth connecting portion 525, a sixth connecting portion 526, and a seventh connecting portion 527.

[0105] The first connecting portion 521 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent first tube 511 and second tube 512. From another perspective, the first connecting portion 521 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent first tube 511 and second tube 512, from the annular portion 51u of the first tube 511 to the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the first connecting portion 521 connects the flange of the first tube 511 to the flange of the second tube 512. From another perspective, the first connecting portion 521 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent first tube 511 and second tube 512, from the flange of the first tube 511 to the flange of the second tube 512.

[0106] The second coupling portion 522 couples the annular portions 51u between the adjacent second tube 512 and third tube 513. From another perspective, the second coupling portion 522 is provided between the adjacent second tube 512 and third tube 513, spanning from the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512 to the annular portion 51u of the third tube 513. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5, the second coupling portion 522 couples the flange of the second tube 512 to the flange of the third tube 513. From another perspective, the second coupling portion 522 is provided between the adjacent second tube 512 and third tube 513, spanning from the flange of the second tube 512 to the flange of the third tube 513.

[0107] The third connecting portion 523 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent third tube 513 and fourth tube 514. From another perspective, the third connecting portion 523 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent third tube 513 and fourth tube 514, spanning from the annular portion 51u of the third tube 513 to the annular portion 51u of the fourth tube 514. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5 , the third connecting portion 523 connects the flange of the third tube 513 to the flange of the fourth tube 514. From another perspective, the third connecting portion 523 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent third tube 513 and fourth tube 514, spanning from the flange of the third tube 513 to the flange of the fourth tube 514.

[0108] The fourth connecting portion 524 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent fourth tube 514 and fifth tube 515. From another perspective, the fourth connecting portion 524 has a configuration in which it is provided between the adjacent fourth tube 514 and fifth tube 515, spanning from the annular portion 51u of the fourth tube 514 to the annular portion 51u of the fifth tube 515. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5 , the fourth connecting portion 524 connects the flange of the fourth tube 514 to the flange of the fifth tube 515. From another perspective, the fourth connecting portion 524 has a configuration in which it is provided between the adjacent fourth tube 514 and fifth tube 515, spanning from the flange of the fourth tube 514 to the flange of the fifth tube 515.

[0109] The fifth connecting portion 525 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent fifth tube 515 and sixth tube 516. From another perspective, the fifth connecting portion 525 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent fifth tube 515 and sixth tube 516, spanning from the annular portion 51u of the fifth tube 515 to the annular portion 51u of the sixth tube 516. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5 , the fifth connecting portion 525 connects the flange of the fifth tube 515 to the flange of the sixth tube 516. From another perspective, the fifth connecting portion 525 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent fifth tube 515 and sixth tube 516, spanning from the flange of the fifth tube 515 to the flange of the sixth tube 516.

[0110] The sixth connecting portion 526 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent sixth tube 516 and seventh tube 517. From another perspective, the sixth connecting portion 526 has a configuration in which it is provided between the adjacent sixth tube 516 and seventh tube 517, spanning from the annular portion 51u of the sixth tube 516 to the annular portion 51u of the seventh tube 517. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5 , the sixth connecting portion 526 connects the flange of the sixth tube 516 to the flange of the seventh tube 517. From another perspective, the sixth connecting portion 526 has a configuration in which it is provided between the adjacent sixth tube 516 and seventh tube 517, spanning from the flange of the sixth tube 516 to the flange of the seventh tube 517.

[0111] The seventh connecting portion 527 connects the annular portions 51u between the adjacent seventh tube 517 and eighth tube 518. From another perspective, the seventh connecting portion 527 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent seventh tube 517 and eighth tube 518, from the annular portion 51u of the seventh tube 517 to the annular portion 51u of the eighth tube 518. In the examples of FIGS. 3 to 5 , the seventh connecting portion 527 connects the flange of the seventh tube 517 to the flange of the eighth tube 518. From another perspective, the seventh connecting portion 527 has a configuration in which it is installed between the adjacent seventh tube 517 and eighth tube 518, from the flange of the seventh tube 517 to the flange of the eighth tube 518.

[0112] <1-3.Temperature control device> As shown in Fig. 1, the genetic testing device 91 includes a temperature adjustment device 100. As shown in Fig. 6, the temperature adjustment device 100 includes a transfer arm 11, a heating block 21, and a lid 31. In other words, the genetic testing device 91 includes the transfer arm 11, the heating block 21, and the lid 31. In the example of Fig. 6, the temperature adjustment device 100 includes a transfer unit 1 including the transfer arm 11, a heating unit 2 including the heating block 21, a pressing unit 3 including the lid 31, and a control unit 4.

[0113] <1-3-1.Transportation section> The transport unit 1 is a part for transporting the multiple tube 5. The transport unit 1 may include a mechanism (also referred to as a transport mechanism) that can transport the multiple tube 5. The transport unit 1 includes, for example, a transport arm 11 and a first drive unit 12.

[0114] <<Transport arm>> The transfer arm 11 is capable of transferring the multiple tube 5. The transfer arm 11 is capable of transferring the multiple tube 5 while supporting the multiple tube 5 from below.

[0115] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the transfer arm 11. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the transfer arm 11 as viewed in the +Y direction at position VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the transfer arm 11 as viewed in the +X direction at position IX-IX in FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of how the transfer arm 11 supports the multiple tube 5. Note that the configuration of the transfer arm 11 is not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 7 to 10.

[0116] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9 , the transfer arm 11 has N through holes 11t. The number N of the through holes 11t corresponds to the number N of the tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. In other words, the number N of the through holes 11t is the same as the number N of the tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. In the example of FIGS. 7 to 9 , the N through holes 11t are eight through holes 11t. In this case, the transfer arm 11 has a first through hole 11t1, a second through hole 11t2, a third through hole 11t3, a fourth through hole 11t4, a fifth through hole 11t5, a sixth through hole 11t6, a seventh through hole 11t7, and an eighth through hole 11t8. In other words, the N through holes 11t include the first through hole 11t1 and the second through hole 11t2. The transfer arm 11 may have N or more through holes 11t.

[0117] The N through holes 11t are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1. In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9 , the N through holes 11t are arranged in a row at the first pitch D1 in the −Y direction as a third horizontal direction. The first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N through holes 11t are arranged in the −Y direction as a third horizontal direction, may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent through holes 11t in the −Y direction as the third horizontal direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent through holes 11t may be the distance between the center of one through hole 11t and the center of the other through hole 11t when the transfer arm 11 is viewed in a plan view downward. The first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N through holes 11t are arranged, may be the same as or substantially the same as the first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 are arranged. In addition, in the examples of Figures 7 to 9, the first through hole 11t1, the second through hole 11t2, the third through hole 11t3, the fourth through hole 11t4, the fifth through hole 11t5, the sixth through hole 11t6, the seventh through hole 11t7, and the eighth through hole 11t8 are arranged in a row in the order shown.

[0118] In the transfer arm 11, each of the N through holes 11t penetrates in the vertical direction. Each of the N through holes 11t may have a circular shape, for example, when the transfer arm 11 is viewed in a plan view from below. The inner diameter d2 of each of the N through holes 11t is set to be larger than the outer diameter d1 of the cylindrical portion 51p of the tube 51 of the multiple tube 5. Each of the N through holes 11t has, for example, a length L1 (also referred to as a first length) in the vertical direction. For the N through holes 11t, the first length L1 in the vertical direction may be constant or approximately constant, or may not be constant.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 10 , the transfer arm 11 can support each of the (N−1) connecting portions 52 of the multiple tube 5 from below when one of the N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of the N through holes 11t. Here, the (N−1) connecting portions 52 can be supported by (N−1) portions (also referred to as support portions) 11s that exist between adjacent through holes 11t of the transfer arm 11. In other words, the transfer arm 11 includes (N−1) supporting portions 11s. The (N−1) supporting portions 11s can support the (N−1) connecting portions 52 from below when one of the N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of the N through holes 11t (also referred to as a first insertion state). The number of supporting portions 11s (N−1) is the same as the number of the (N−1) connecting portions 52.

[0120] In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9, (N-1) is seven. The seven support portions 11s include a first support portion 11s1, a second support portion 11s2, a third support portion 11s3, a fourth support portion 11s4, a fifth support portion 11s5, a sixth support portion 11s6, and a seventh support portion 11s7. The first support portion 11s1 is located between the first through hole 11t1 and the second through hole 11t2. This first support portion 11s1 can support the first connecting portion 521 from below. The second support portion 11s2 is located between the second through hole 11t2 and the third through hole 11t3. This second support portion 11s2 can support the second connecting portion 522 from below. The third support portion 11s3 is located between the third through hole 11t3 and the fourth through hole 11t4. The third support portion 11s3 can support the third connecting portion 523 from below. The fourth support portion 11s4 is located between the fourth through hole 11t4 and the fifth through hole 11t5. The fourth support portion 11s4 can support the fourth connecting portion 524 from below. The fifth support portion 11s5 is located between the fifth through hole 11t5 and the sixth through hole 11t6. The fifth support portion 11s5 can support the fifth connecting portion 525 from below. The sixth support portion 11s6 is located between the sixth through hole 11t6 and the seventh through hole 11t7. The sixth support portion 11s6 can support the sixth connecting portion 526 from below. The seventh support portion 11s7 is located between the seventh through hole 11t7 and the eighth through hole 11t8. The seventh support portion 11s7 can support the seventh connecting portion 527 from below.

[0121] Here, the shape of the through-hole 11t when viewed in a plan view from below may be various shapes other than a circle, as long as the shape allows the tube 51 to be inserted from above. The various shapes other than a circle may be, for example, a polygonal shape such as a square, hexagonal, or octagonal shape, or an elliptical shape. The N through-holes 11t may have the same shape and size, or may have different shapes or slightly different sizes.

[0122] The transfer arm 11 includes, for example, an arm main body 11p and an attachment portion 11c. The arm main body 11p may be a portion having N through holes 11t and (N-1) support portions 11s. The attachment portion 11c may be a portion attached to the first driving unit 12.

[0123] The arm main body 11p may have, for example, a planar upper surface along an imaginary horizontal plane. In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9, the arm main body 11p is a portion (also referred to as a support plate) having a flat plate-like shape along an imaginary horizontal plane. The arm main body 11p may be a flat plate-like portion having a longitudinal direction along the −Y direction, which is the third horizontal direction. Each of the N through holes 11t may penetrate the arm main body 11p in the up-down direction. In this case, the thickness of the arm main body 11p may be the first length L1. The shape of the arm main body 11p may be various shapes other than a flat plate shape, as long as it has (N−1) support portions 11s that can support each of the (N−1) connecting portions 52 from below when one of the N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of the N through holes 11t.

[0124] The mounting portion 11c may be connected to the arm main body portion 11p, for example. In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9, the mounting portion 11c may have a flat plate-like shape along an imaginary horizontal plane. The mounting portion 11c may be a flat plate-like portion (also referred to as a mounting plate) having a longitudinal direction along the +X direction as a first horizontal direction (first horizontal direction). The first horizontal direction may be perpendicular to the third horizontal direction. The shape of the mounting portion 11c may be various shapes other than a flat plate, as long as it is a shape that can be connected to the arm main body portion 11p and attached to the first driving unit 12.

[0125] The arm main body 11p and the attachment portion 11c may be included in a single member, for example. The arm main body 11p and the attachment portion 11c may each be a part of a single plate-shaped member (also referred to as a plate member), for example. In the examples of FIGS. 7 to 9, the single plate-shaped member has an L-shape when viewed downward in a plan view. Here, if the transport arm 11 is a member based on a single flat plate-shaped member and this flat plate-shaped member has a shape that is bent along its edge, the rigidity of the transport arm 11 can be increased.

[0126] <<First drive unit>> The first driving unit 12 can move the transfer arm 11. The first driving unit 12 may include a mechanism (also referred to as a first driving mechanism) that can move the transfer arm 11. The first driving unit 12 can, for example, move the transfer arm 11 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Here, the horizontal direction may include the +X direction as a first horizontal direction and the −X direction as a second horizontal direction that is opposite to the first horizontal direction.

[0127] The first drive unit 12 may be, for example, a combination of two or more linear motion mechanisms, a mechanism capable of moving in various directions, or a combination of a linear motion mechanism and a mechanism capable of various motions. The linear motion mechanism may be a mechanism capable of linear motion. Examples of such a linear motion mechanism include a combination of a guide unit such as a linear guide with a ball screw, or a combination of a belt with a pulley and a motor. Examples of the linear motion mechanism include a mechanism using a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder, a solenoid, or a linear motion motor. Examples of mechanisms capable of various motions include an automated arm or a robot arm. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the first drive unit 12 as long as it can move the transfer arm 11 vertically and horizontally.

[0128] 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of first driving unit 12. Note that the configuration of first driving unit 12 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0129] In the example of Fig. 11, the first drive unit 12 includes a first linear motion mechanism 121 and a second linear motion mechanism 122. The first linear motion mechanism 121 is a mechanism that moves the transfer arm 11 in the up-down direction, which is a direction parallel to the Z axis. The second linear motion mechanism 122 is a mechanism that moves the transfer arm 11 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction may be a direction along the +X direction as a first horizontal direction and a direction along the -X direction as a second horizontal direction (also referred to as the left-right direction). In Fig. 11, the first linear motion mechanism 121 and the second linear motion mechanism 122 are shown in a simplified schematic form.

[0130] The first linear motion mechanism 121 includes, for example, a first guide portion 121g extending in the vertical direction and a block (also referred to as a first slider) 121s to which the transport arm 11 is fixed. The first guide portion 121g may be, for example, a linear guide having a longitudinal direction along the vertical direction. The mounting portion 11c of the transport arm 11 may be fixed to the first slider 121s by, for example, screwing, fitting, caulking, or bonding. The first slider 121s may have, for example, a protrusion that engages with the first guide portion 121g or a through-hole through which the first guide portion 121g is inserted, so that the first slider 121s can move smoothly relative to the first guide portion 121g along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 121g. From another perspective, the first guide portion 121g may have, for example, a guide surface that guides the movement of the first slider 121s along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 121g. The first slider 121s may have, for example, a protrusion hooked on the first guide portion 121g or a bearing that contacts the guide surface of the first guide portion 121g in a through hole through which the first guide portion 121g is inserted. The first linear motion mechanism 121 further includes a portion (also referred to as a first power unit) 121m that generates a driving force that moves the first slider 121s along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 121g. The first power unit 121m may be a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder. In the example of FIG. 11, the first power unit 121m is a cylinder, and the mounting portion 11c of the transfer arm 11 is connected to a rod of the cylinder that can be driven up and down by a first connector C1. The first power unit 121m may be, for example, a solenoid, a linear motor, or a combination of a ball screw and a motor. In Fig. 11, the direction in which the first slider 121s moves along the longitudinal direction of the first guide portion 121g is schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow.

[0131] The second linear motion mechanism 122 includes, for example, a second guide portion 122g extending along the left-right direction and a block (also referred to as a second slider) 122s to which the first guide portion 121g and the first power unit 121m are fixed or connected. In FIG. 11, an example of a portion of the base portion 8 to which the second guide portion 122g is fixed is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line. The base portion 8 may be, for example, a base portion such as a pedestal of the genetic testing device 91. For example, a linear guide having a longitudinal direction along the left-right direction may be applied to the second guide portion 122g. The second slider 122s may have, for example, a protrusion hooked on the second guide portion 122g or a through-hole through which the second guide portion 122g is inserted, so that the second slider 122s can move smoothly relative to the second guide portion 122g along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 122g. From another perspective, the second guide portion 122g may have, for example, a guide surface that guides the movement of the second slider 122s along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 122g. The second slider 122s may have, for example, a protrusion hooked on the second guide portion 122g or a bearing in contact with the guide surface of the second guide portion 122g in a through hole through which the second guide portion 122g is inserted. The second linear motion mechanism 122 may further include a component (also referred to as a second power unit) that generates a driving force to move the second slider 122s along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 122g. The second power unit may include, for example, a combination of a ball screw and a motor, a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder, a solenoid, or a linear motion motor. In FIG. 11, the configurations of the second guide portion 122g and the second slider 122s are shown in a simplified schematic manner, and the second power unit is not shown. In FIG. 11, the direction in which the second slider 122s moves along the longitudinal direction of the second guide portion 122g is schematically indicated by a thin, two-dot chain arrow.

[0132] <1-3-2. Heating section> The heating unit 2 is a part for heating the multiple tube 5. More specifically, the heating unit 2 is a part for heating the liquid stored in at least some of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. The heating unit 2 includes, for example, a heating block 21 and a heater 22. The heating unit 2 may include, for example, a temperature sensor 23 and a temperature control circuit 24.

[0133] <<Heating block>> The heating block 21 can heat the multiple tube 5. More specifically, the heating block 21 can heat the liquid stored in at least some of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5.

[0134] Fig. 12 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the heating block 21 and the holding block 7 as a second block. Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block 21 as seen in the +Y direction at position XIII-XIII in Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block 21 and the holding block 7 as seen in the +X direction at position XIV-XIV in Fig. 12. Note that the configurations of the heating block 21 and the holding block 7 are not limited to the examples shown in Figs. 12 to 14.

[0135] 12 to 14, heating block 21 includes a plurality of holes 2h. Portions of multiple tubes 5 can be fitted into the plurality of holes 2h from above. Heating block 21 can heat multiple tubes 5 in a state in which portions of multiple tubes 5 are fitted into the plurality of holes 2h from above. The plurality of holes 2h include a first hole 2h1 and a second hole 2h2.

[0136] Some of the multiple tubes 5 fitted into the holes 2h from above may be two or more tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5. Each of the holes 2h has an inner surface (also referred to as a first inner surface) 2i having a shape that allows the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51 to come into close contact with the inner surface 2i when the tube 51, with its tube opening 51o located above, is inserted from above. In other words, the first inner surface 2i of each of the holes 2h has a shape that corresponds to the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. For example, the first inner surface 2i of each of the holes 2h may have the same shape or approximately the same shape as the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. From another perspective, when the tube 51 is fitted into each of the holes 2h from above, the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the hole 2h in each of the holes 2h.

[0137] In the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the plurality of holes 2h are two holes 2h. In the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the two or more tubes 51 may be a first tube 511 and a second tube 512 as two tubes 51. The plurality of holes 2h are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1. In the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the two holes 2h are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1 in the −Y direction as a third horizontal direction. The first pitch D1 as the pitch at which the plurality of holes 2h are arranged may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent holes 2h among the plurality of holes 2h. The distance between the centers of two adjacent holes 2h may be the distance between the center of one hole 2h and the center of the other hole 2h among the two adjacent holes 2h when the heating block 21 is viewed in a plan view downward. The first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the plurality of holes 2h are arranged, may be the same as or substantially the same as the first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the plurality of tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 are arranged.

[0138] In the heating block 21, each of the multiple holes 2h has a second opening 2o at its upper end. The first hole 2h1 has a secondA opening 2o1 as the second opening 2o that opens to the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The second hole 2h2 has a secondB opening 2o2 as the second opening 2o that opens to the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The second opening 2o may have a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51. For example, if the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51 is a cylindrical portion, the second opening 2o may be a circular opening having an inner diameter d3. In this case, the inner diameter d3 of the second opening 2o may be the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter d1 of the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51.

[0139] The heating block 21 includes a main body (also referred to as a block main body) 211 and a plurality of protrusions (also referred to as ribs) 212.

[0140] The block main body 211 may have, for example, a flat upper surface along a horizontal plane. In the examples of Figures 12 to 14, the block main body 211 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The block main body 211 may be fixed to a base 8, such as a pedestal in the genetic testing device 91. In Figures 13 and 14, an example of a portion of the base 8 to which the block main body 211 is fixed is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0141] Each of the multiple protrusions 212 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the block main body 211. The multiple protrusions 212 include a first protrusion 2121 and a second protrusion 2122. The first protrusion 2121 surrounds the second A opening 2o1 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The second protrusion 2122 surrounds the second B opening 2o2 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. In other words, the first protrusion 2121 has the second A opening 2o1 that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The second protrusion 2122 has the second B opening 2o2 that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. Each of the multiple protrusions 212 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape that surrounds the second opening 2o. More specifically, the first protrusion 2121 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2A opening 2o1. The second protrusion 2122 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2B opening 2o2. Here, the inner circumferential surface of the first protrusion 2121 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the first hole 2h1 on the 2A opening 2o1 side. The inner circumferential surface of the second protrusion 2122 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the second hole 2h2 on the 2B opening 2o2 side.

[0142] In the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14 , each of the multiple protrusions 212 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the second opening 2o. In this case, each of the multiple protrusions 212 may be a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter d4. The outer diameter d4 of the multiple protrusions 212 may be constant, approximately constant, or may not be constant. The outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t. From another perspective, the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t is set to be larger than the outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 and smaller than the first pitch D1 of the N through holes 11t. If the first pitch D1 of the N through holes 11t is 9 mm and the outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 is 7 mm, the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t is set to be smaller than 9 mm and larger than 7 mm.

[0143] Each of the multiple protrusions 212 may have a length (also referred to as a second length) L2 in the vertical direction, for example. The length (second length) L2 of the protrusion 212 in the vertical direction may be the distance in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the block main body 211 to the upper end of the protrusion 212. For the multiple protrusions 212, the second length L2 in the vertical direction may be constant or approximately constant, or may not be constant. Here, the second length L2 of the protrusion 212 may be, for example, equal to or greater than the first length L1 of the through hole 11t. More specifically, for example, in the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the first protrusion 2121 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the first through hole 11t1, and the length (second length L2) of the second protrusion 2122 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the second through hole 11t2. The second length L2 of the protrusion 212 may be shorter than the first length L1 of the through hole 11t. For example, in the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the first protrusion 2121 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the first through hole 11t1, and the length (second length L2) of the second protrusion 2122 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the second through hole 11t2.

[0144] The material of the heating block 21 may be, for example, a metal with high thermal conductivity. Examples of metals with high thermal conductivity include aluminum and copper. The block main body 211 and the multiple protrusions 212 may be configured as, for example, a single member. The heating block 21 may be formed, for example, by performing various processes on a block of a single material, or by joining each of the multiple protrusions 212 to the block main body 211.

[0145] Here, the second length L2 of the protruding portion 212 may be set to, for example, about 0.5 mm to 2 mm, which can ensure a certain degree of mechanical strength in the protruding portion 212. Also, the tube 51 can be heated sufficiently by the protruding portion 212.

[0146] <<Heater>> The heater 22 may be capable of heating the heating block 21. The heater 22 may or may not be built into the heating block 21. In other words, the heater 22 may heat the heating block 21 from the inside or the outside. The heater 22 may be any of various heaters that utilize resistance heating, such as a sheathed heater. The output of the heater 22 is controlled by, for example, a temperature control circuit 24. This may adjust the temperature of the heating block 21 or the temperature of the liquid stored in the multiple tube 5 fitted in the heating block 21. The heater 22 may be configured to have both heating and cooling functions, such as a Peltier element.

[0147] <<Temperature sensor>> Temperature sensor 23 may be capable of detecting the temperature of heating block 21, or may be capable of detecting the temperature of the liquid stored in multi-tube 5 fitted in heating block 21. Temperature sensor 23 may, for example, directly detect the temperature of heating block 21, or may indirectly detect the temperature of heating block 21 via another member. Temperature sensor 23 may, for example, directly detect the temperature of the liquid stored in multi-tube 5, or may indirectly detect the temperature of the liquid stored in multi-tube 5 via another member such as tube 51. Temperature sensor 23 may, for example, be a thermistor-type temperature sensor, a thermocouple-type temperature sensor, or another type of temperature sensor such as a radiation thermometer. An electrical signal related to the temperature detected by temperature sensor 23 may be output to temperature control circuit 24, for example.

[0148] <<Temperature control circuit>> The temperature adjustment circuit 24 may be capable of controlling the output of the heater 22. For example, the temperature adjustment circuit 24 may be capable of controlling the output of the heater 22 based on an electrical signal related to a target temperature value input from the control unit 4 and an electrical signal from the temperature sensor 23. The output of the heater 22 may be controlled by various types of control, such as control for switching the output of the heater 22 on and off (on-off control).

[0149] <<holding block>> As shown in Figures 12 and 14, the temperature control device 100 may have, for example, a holding block 7.

[0150] The holding block 7 may be a part that can hold one or more remaining tubes 51 excluding some of the N tubes 51 when some of the N tubes 51 in the multi-tube 5 are heated by the heating block 21.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14 , the holding block 7 has one or more gaps 7h for holding one or more tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. Each of the one or more gaps 7h has an opening (also referred to as a third opening) 7o located above. In other words, in the holding block 7, each of the one or more gaps 7h has a third opening 7o that opens to the upper surface 7u of the holding block 7. Each of the one or more gaps 7h has a shape that allows the tube 51, whose tube opening 51o is located above, to be inserted from above to hold the tube 51. In the first embodiment, each of the one or more gaps 7h is a hole. This hole may have a columnar internal space with a longitudinal direction along the up-down direction. The third opening 7o may have, for example, a circular shape when viewed in a plan view facing downward. In this case, the hole serving as the gap 7h has a columnar internal space with a longitudinal direction along the up-down direction. 12 and 14, the hole serving as gap 7h may be a hole having an inner diameter d5 when viewed in a downward plan view. The inner diameter d5 of gap 7h is equal to or greater than the outer diameter d1 of tube 51.

[0152] The number of gaps 7h in the holding block 7 may be calculated by subtracting the number of holes 2h in the heating block 21 from N, which is the same number as the number of tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. In the example of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the number of gaps 7h in the holding block 7 is six, calculated by subtracting two, which is the number of holes 2h in the heating block 21, from eight, which is the same number as the number of tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. In other words, in the example of FIGS. 12 to 14 , the holding block 7 has six gaps 7h as one or more gaps 7h. More specifically, the holding block 7 has a first gap 7h1, a second gap 7h2, a third gap 7h3, a fourth gap 7h4, a fifth gap 7h5, and a sixth gap 7h6 as the six gaps 7h.

[0153] When the holding block 7 has two or more gaps 7h as the one or more gaps 7h, the two or more gaps 7h may be arranged in a row at a first pitch D1. In the examples of FIGS. 12 to 14 , six gaps 7h as the two or more gaps 7h are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1 in the −Y direction as the third horizontal direction. The first pitch D1 as the pitch at which the two or more gaps 7h are arranged in the −Y direction as the third horizontal direction may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent gaps 7h in the −Y direction as the third horizontal direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent gaps 7h may be the distance between the center of one gap 7h and the center of the other gap 7h of the two adjacent gaps 7h when the holding block 7 is viewed in a plan view downward. The first pitch D1 as the pitch at which the two or more gaps 7h are arranged may be the same as or substantially the same as the first pitch D1 as the pitch at which the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 are arranged. In addition, in the examples of Figures 12 to 14, the first gap 7h1, the second gap 7h2, the third gap 7h3, the fourth gap 7h4, the fifth gap 7h5, and the sixth gap 7h6 are arranged in a row in the order shown.

[0154] From another perspective, the holes 2h in the heating block 21 and the one or more gaps 7h in the holding block 7 may be aligned at the first pitch D1. In the example of Figures 12 to 14, two holes 2h and six gaps 7h are aligned at the first pitch D1 in the -Y direction, which is the third horizontal direction.

[0155] The upper surface 7u of the holding block 7 may be, for example, a planar upper surface aligned with the horizontal plane. In the examples of Figures 12 and 14, the holding block 7 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The upper surface 7u of the holding block 7 may be located below, for example, the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. More specifically, the upper surface 7u of the holding block 7 may be located below the upper surface of the block body portion 211 of the heating block 21. This reduces the obstruction of the downward movement of the transport arm 11 by the holding block 7 when some of the tubes 51 of the multi-tube 5 are fitted into the multiple holes 2h of the heating block 21 from above.

[0156] <1-3-3. Pressing part> The pressing section 3 is a part for pressing the multi-tube 5 from above when a portion of the multi-tube 5 is fitted from above into a plurality of holes 2h of the heating block 21. The pressing section 3 includes, for example, a lid 31 and a second drive unit 32. The pressing section 3 may also include, for example, a heater 33, a temperature sensor 34, or a temperature control circuit 35.

[0157] <<Lid>> The cover 31 can be pressed against the multi-tube 5 from above, with a portion of the multi-tube 5 fitted into the multiple holes 2h in the heating block 21 from above. In other words, the cover 31 may be capable of closing the tube opening 51o of the tube 51 when the multi-tube 5 is heated by the heating block 21.

[0158] 6, the lid 31 has, for example, a lid main body portion 311 and an elastic portion 312. The lid 31 has a lower surface (also referred to as a bottom surface) 31b. In the first embodiment, the lower surface 31b may be a surface along a horizontal plane. The lower surface 31b may be, for example, a flat surface along a horizontal plane, or a surface having a slight curve and / or slight unevenness.

[0159] The lid main body 311 may be, for example, a block-shaped member having a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The material of the lid main body 311 may be, for example, a metal having high rigidity and high thermal conductivity. This metal may include, for example, aluminum and / or copper. The lid main body 311 may be, for example, composed of a single material, or may be composed of multiple members combined by bonding and / or fastening. The lid main body 311 may have, for example, a bottom surface along a horizontal plane.

[0160] The elastic portion 312 is located along the lower surface 31b of the lid 31. The elastic portion 312 may constitute the entire or substantially the entire lower surface 31b of the lid 31, or may constitute a part of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31. The elastic portion 312 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the lid main body 311 by, for example, bonding such as adhesive and / or screwing. The elastic portion 312 may be made of an elastic material. For example, a silicone sheet (also referred to as a silicone rubber sheet) may be applied to the elastic portion 312. The silicone sheet may be formed by processing silicone rubber into a sheet. The silicone sheet has, for example, heat resistance. The elastic portion 312 may be a portion for sealing the tube opening 51o of the tube 51 when the multiple tube 5 is heated by the heating block 21.

[0161] <<Second drive unit>> The second drive unit 32 can move the lid body 31. The second drive unit 32 may include a mechanism (also referred to as a second drive mechanism) that can move the lid body 31. The second drive unit 32 can, for example, move the lid body 31 in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Here, the horizontal direction may include the +X direction as a first horizontal direction and the −X direction as a second horizontal direction that is opposite to the first horizontal direction.

[0162] The second drive unit 32 may be, for example, a combination of two or more linear motion mechanisms, a mechanism capable of moving in various directions, or a combination of a linear motion mechanism and a mechanism capable of various motions. The linear motion mechanism may be a mechanism capable of linear motion. Examples of such a linear motion mechanism include a combination of a guide unit such as a linear guide with a ball screw, or a combination of a belt and a pulley with a motor. Examples of the linear motion mechanism include a mechanism using a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder, a solenoid, or a linear motion motor. Examples of mechanisms capable of various motions include an automated arm or a robot arm. There are no particular limitations on the configuration of the second drive unit 32 as long as it can move the lid 31 vertically and horizontally.

[0163] 15 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the second driving section 32. Note that the configuration of the second driving section 32 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0164] In the example of FIG. 15, the second drive unit 32 includes a third linear motion mechanism 321 and a fourth linear motion mechanism 322. The third linear motion mechanism 321 is a mechanism that moves the cover 31 in the up-down direction, which is a direction parallel to the Z axis. The fourth linear motion mechanism 322 is a mechanism that moves the cover 31 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal direction may be a direction (left-right direction) along the +X direction as a first horizontal direction and the −X direction as a second horizontal direction. In FIG. 15, the third linear motion mechanism 321 and the fourth linear motion mechanism 322 are shown in a simplified schematic form.

[0165] The third linear motion mechanism 321 includes, for example, a portion (also referred to as a third power unit) 321m that generates a driving force to move the cover 31 in the vertical direction, which is parallel to the Z axis. A solenoid, a linear motor, or a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder may be used as the third power unit 321m. In the example of FIG. 15, the cover 31 is connected to a rod Sf1 of the third linear motion mechanism that can be driven vertically by a second connector C2. The second connector C2 includes, for example, a second A connector C21 and a second B connector C22. The second A connector C21 includes, for example, a first portion C21a and a second portion C21b. The first portion C21a is fixed to an upper portion (e.g., the top surface) of the cover 31. Various methods, such as screwing or bonding, may be used to fix the first portion C21a to the upper portion of the cover 31. The first portion C21a has a longitudinal direction along the −Y direction as a third horizontal direction. The first portion C21a may be, for example, an elongated rectangular parallelepiped portion having a longitudinal direction along the −Y direction as a third horizontal direction. The second portion C21b is connected to an end portion of the first portion C21a in the +Y direction as a fourth horizontal direction opposite the third horizontal direction. The end portion of the first portion C21a in the +Y direction as a fourth horizontal direction opposite the third horizontal direction may be located further in the +Y direction as the fourth horizontal direction than the cover 31. The first portion C21a and the second portion C21b may be connected to each other by being configured as a single member, or the first portion C21a and the second portion C21b may be connected to each other as two separate members. Various methods, such as screwing or bonding, may be used to fasten the two members to each other. The second B connecting portion C22 is fixed to the upper end of the rod Sf1. The 2B connecting portion C22 can be fixed to the upper end of the rod Sf1 by various methods, such as screwing or joining. The 2B connecting portion C22 is connected to the 2A connecting portion C21. The 2B connecting portion C22 and the second portion C21b of the 2A connecting portion C21 may be connected to each other by being configured as a single member, or the second portion C21b (or the 2A connecting portion C21) and the 2B connecting portion C22 may be connected to each other as two separate members.The two members may be fixed to each other by various methods, such as screwing or bonding. In Fig. 15, the direction in which the cover body 31 moves up and down due to the driving force generated by the third power unit 321m is schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow.

[0166] The fourth linear motion mechanism 322 includes, for example, a third guide portion 322g extending along the left-right direction, and a block (also called a third slider) 322s to which the third power unit 321m is fixed or connected. Figure 15 schematically shows an example of a part of the base portion 8 to which the third guide portion 322g is fixed, indicated by a thin dashed line. The base portion 8 may be, for example, the base portion of a pedestal in a genetic testing device 91. The third guide portion 322g may be, for example, a linear guide having a longitudinal direction along the left-right direction. The third slider 322s may have a projection that catches on the third guide portion 322g in a form that allows it to move smoothly relative to the third guide portion 322g along the longitudinal direction of the third guide portion 322g, or it may have a through hole through which the third guide portion 322g is inserted. From another perspective, the third guide portion 322g may have, for example, a guide surface that guides the movement of the third slider 322s along the longitudinal direction of the third guide portion 322g. The third slider 322s may have, for example, a projection that catches on the third guide portion 322g, or a bearing that contacts the guide surface of the third guide portion 322g in the through hole through which the third guide portion 322g is inserted. The fourth linear motion mechanism 322 may further include a part (also called the fourth power unit) that generates a driving force to move the third slider 322s along the longitudinal direction of the third guide portion 322g. The fourth power unit may include, for example, a combination of a ball screw and a motor, a cylinder such as a hydraulic cylinder or a gas pressure cylinder, a solenoid or a linear motor. In Figure 15, the configuration of the third guide portion 322g and the third slider 322s is shown schematically in a simplified manner, and the illustration of the fourth power unit is omitted. Figure 15 schematically shows the direction in which the third slider 322s moves along the longitudinal direction of the third guide section 322g, indicated by a thin dashed-dot arrow.

[0167] <<Heater>> The heater 33 may be any heater capable of heating the lid 31. The heater 33 may be built into the lid main body 311, or may not be built into the lid main body 311. In other words, the heater 33 may heat the lid 31 from the inside or the outside. Various heaters utilizing resistance heating, such as a sheathed heater, may be used as the heater 33. The output of the heater 33 is controlled, for example, by a temperature control circuit 35, thereby adjusting the temperature of the lid 31. When the multiple tube 5 containing liquid is heated by the heating block 21, the heater 33 may heat the lid 31 to a temperature slightly higher than that of the heating block 21 to reduce condensation that may occur in the portion of the lid 31 that blocks the tube openings 51o of the tubes 51. The slightly higher temperature than that of the heating block 21 may be, for example, 1° C. to 3° C. higher than that of the heating block 21. For example, if the temperature of the heating block 21 is 95° C., the temperature slightly higher than that of the heating block 21 may be 96° C. to 98° C. The heater 33 may be configured to have both heating and cooling functions, such as a Peltier element.

[0168] <<Temperature sensor>> The temperature sensor 34 may be any sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the lid 31. For example, the temperature sensor 34 may directly detect the temperature of the lid 31, or may indirectly detect the temperature of the lid 31 via another member. For example, the temperature sensor 34 may be a thermistor-type temperature sensor, a thermocouple-type temperature sensor, or another type of temperature sensor such as a radiation thermometer. An electrical signal related to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 34 may be output to the temperature adjustment circuit 35, for example.

[0169] <<Temperature control circuit>> The temperature adjustment circuit 35 may be any circuit capable of controlling the output of the heater 33. For example, the temperature adjustment circuit 35 may be capable of controlling the output of the heater 33 based on an electrical signal related to a target temperature value input from the control unit 4 and an electrical signal from the temperature sensor 34. The output of the heater 33 may be controlled by various types of control, such as control for switching the output of the heater 33 on and off (on-off control).

[0170] <1-3-4. Control Unit> 6 shows a block diagram that schematically illustrates an example of the overall configuration of the control unit 4. Note that the configuration of the control unit 4 is not limited to the example shown in FIG.

[0171] The control unit 4 can control, for example, the transport of the multiple tube 5 by the transport unit 1 and the movement of the lid body 31 in the pressing unit 3.

[0172] The control unit 4 may, for example, control the transport of the multiple tube 5 by the transport unit 1 by sending a control signal to the first drive unit 12 for controlling the operation of the first drive unit 12. Control of the transport of the multiple tube 5 by the transport unit 1 may include control of the direction of transport of the multiple tube 5 by the transport unit 1, the transport distance, and the position after transport. For example, the control unit 4 may control the operation of each of the first power unit 121m and the second power unit by sending a control signal to each of the first power unit 121m and the second power unit, thereby controlling the transport of the multiple tube 5 by the transport unit 1.

[0173] Furthermore, the control unit 4 may control the movement of the lid body 31 in the pressing unit 3, for example, by sending a control signal to the second driving unit 32 for controlling the operation of the second driving unit 32. Control of the movement of the lid body 31 in the pressing unit 3 may include control of the direction of movement of the lid body 31 by the second driving unit 32, the distance of movement, and the position after movement. For example, the control unit 4 may control the operation of each of the third power unit 321m and the fourth power unit by sending a control signal to each of the third power unit 321m and the fourth power unit, thereby controlling the movement of the lid body 31 in the pressing unit 3.

[0174] The control unit 4 may be, for example, capable of controlling the operation of each of the heater 22 in the heating unit 2 and the heater 33 in the pressing unit 3. For example, the control unit 4 may be capable of indirectly controlling the operation of the heater 22 by sending an electrical signal related to a target temperature value to the temperature adjustment circuit 24. For example, the control unit 4 may be capable of indirectly controlling the operation of the heater 33 by sending an electrical signal related to a target temperature value to the temperature adjustment circuit 35.

[0175] The control unit 4 may be included in the information processing unit 98 described above, or may exist separately from the information processing unit 98. The control unit 4 may be connected to each of the components in the conveying unit 1, the heating unit 2, and the pressing unit 3, for example, in a wired manner such as by a cable so as to be able to send and receive signals, or may be connected in a wireless manner so as to be able to send and receive signals.

[0176] The controller 4 may be, for example, a computer or other control circuit, and may include at least one processor to provide control and processing power for performing various functions, as described in more detail below.

[0177] According to various embodiments, the at least one processor may be implemented in a single integrated circuit (IC) or in a plurality of communicatively coupled ICs and / or discrete circuits. The at least one processor may be implemented according to various known techniques.

[0178] In one embodiment, a processor includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data computational procedures or processes, for example, by executing instructions stored in associated memory. In another embodiment, a processor may be firmware (e.g., discrete logic components) configured to perform one or more data computational procedures or processes.

[0179] According to various embodiments, the processor may include one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any combination of these devices or configurations, or other known combinations of devices and configurations, to perform the functions described below.

[0180] In one example of the first embodiment, the control unit 4 may include, for example, a central processing unit (CPU) 41 and a storage unit 42. The storage unit 42 may include a non-transitory recording medium readable by the CPU 41, such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The storage unit 42 may store one or more programs Pg1 for controlling the elements of the conveying unit 1, the heating unit 2, and the pressing unit 3. Various functions of the control unit 4 may be realized by the CPU 41 executing one or more programs Pg1 in the storage unit 42.

[0181] The configuration of the control unit 4 is not limited to the above example. For example, the control unit 4 may include multiple CPUs 41. The control unit 4 may also include at least one digital signal processor (DSP). All or some of the functions of the control unit 4 may be implemented by hardware circuits that do not require software to implement the functions. The storage unit 42 may also include a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium other than ROM and RAM. The storage unit 42 may also include, for example, a small hard disk drive and / or a solid state drive (SSD).

[0182] <1-3-5. Operation of the temperature control device> Next, we will explain the operation of the temperature control device 100.

[0183] Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation flow of the temperature control device 100. The operation flow illustrated in Fig. 16 is an example of the operation flow of the temperature control device 100 when one tube 51 of the multiple tube 5 is fitted into each of the multiple holes 2h in the heating block 21 and the multiple tubes 51 fitted into the multiple holes 2h in the heating block 21 are heated. The operation flow illustrated in Fig. 16 is an example of the operation flow of the temperature control device 100 after a desired liquid has been dispensed into each of the multiple tubes 51 fitted into the multiple holes 2h in the heating block 21. The desired liquid may be, for example, a liquid that has been stored in any one of the above-mentioned liquid-storing multiple tubes or a liquid that has been stored in any one of the tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5.

[0184] An example of the operational flow of the temperature control device 100 shown in Figure 16 is realized, for example, by the control unit 4 appropriately controlling the operation of each unit of the temperature control device 100. In the temperature control device 100, for example, steps S1 to S4 shown in Figure 16 are performed in the order shown. In other words, in the genetic testing device 91, for example, steps S1 to S4 shown in Figure 16 are performed in the order shown. From another perspective, the control method for the temperature control device 100 may include steps S1 to S4. In other words, the control method for the genetic testing device 91 may include steps S1 to S4.

[0185] Each of Fig. 17 to Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the temperature adjustment device 100 according to the first embodiment. In other words, each of Fig. 17 to Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state during operation of the genetic testing device 91 according to the first embodiment. Each of Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S1. Each of Fig. 19 and Fig. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S2. Each of Fig. 21 to Fig. 24 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S3.

[0186] <<Step S1 Process>> In the process of step S1, transfer arm 11 is in a state (also referred to as a first support state) in which it supports multiple tube 5 from below. In this first support state, transfer arm 11 is in a state in which one tube 51 of N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of N through holes 11t, and transfer arm 11 supports (N-1) connecting portions 52 of multiple tube 5 from below by (N-1) supporting portions 11s. In other words, the first support state may be a state in which one tube 51 of N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of N through holes 11t, and transfer arm 11 supports (N-1) connecting portions 52 of multiple tube 5 from below by (N-1) supporting portions 11s.

[0187] 17 and 18 each show an example of the genetic testing apparatus 91 in step S1, in which the transfer arm 11 supports the multiple tube 5 from below. FIG. 17 shows an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, a portion of the transfer arm 11, and the multiple tube 5 in the temperature adjustment apparatus 100. FIG. 18 shows an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, the holding block 7, a portion of the transfer arm 11, and the multiple tube 5 in the temperature adjustment apparatus 100. In step S1, the tube opening 51o of each of the N tubes 51 is positioned at the top, and the bottom 51b is positioned at the bottom.

[0188] Here, before the process of step S1, the state (first support state) in which transfer arm 11 supports multiple tube 5 from below may be set by, for example, automatically positioning multiple tube 5 relative to transfer arm 11, or may be set by manually positioning multiple tube 5 relative to transfer arm 11. Automatic positioning of multiple tube 5 relative to transfer arm 11 may be achieved by, for example, various transfer mechanisms of genetic testing device 91. Manual positioning of multiple tube 5 relative to transfer arm 11 may be achieved by, for example, a user of genetic testing device 91.

[0189] <<Step S2 Process>> In step S2, the control unit 4 controls the first drive unit 12 to move the transfer arm 11, which is in the first support state, from above to below the heating block 21. As a result, one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5 is inserted from above into each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2, which are the plurality of holes 2h in the heating block 21. Furthermore, the control unit 4 controls the first drive unit 12 to move the transfer arm 11, which is in the first support state, from above to below the heating block 21. As a result, the first protrusion 2121 is inserted from below to above into the first through hole 11t1 of the transfer arm 11, and the second protrusion 2122 is inserted from below to above into the second through hole 11t2 of the transfer arm 11 (also referred to as a second insertion state).

[0190] 19 and 20 each show an example of the state of the genetic testing apparatus 91 in step S2, in which the transfer arm 11 moves downward, inserting the tube 51 of the multiple tube 5 from above into the hole 2h of the heating block 21, and further inserting the protrusion 212 of the heating block 21 from below into the through-hole 11t of the transfer arm 11 from below toward above. FIG. 19 also shows an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, a portion of the transfer arm 11, and the multiple tube 5 in the temperature control device 100. FIG. 20 also shows an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, the holding block 7, a portion of the transfer arm 11, and the multiple tube 5 in the temperature control device 100. In each of FIGS. 19 and 20, the downward movement of the transfer arm 11 and the multiple tube 5 is schematically shown by arrows drawn with thin, two-dot chain lines. In the process of step S2, in each of the N tubes 51, the tube opening 51o is positioned at the top and the bottom 51b is positioned at the bottom.

[0191] In an example of the process in step S2, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the conveying arm 11 moves downward from above to above the heating block 21 in the first support state described above, inserting one of the N tubes 51 into each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2 from above. In the example in Figures 19 and 20, the conveying arm 11 moves downward from above to above the heating block 21 in the first support state described above, inserting the first tube 511 into the first hole 2h1 from above and the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2 from above. Here, in step S2, for example, a portion of the tube 51 located at the bottom is inserted into each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2. Here, each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2 has a first inner surface 2i having a shape corresponding to the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. Therefore, for example, simply lowering the multi-tube 5 will not result in the tube 51 being completely fitted from above into the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2, respectively.

[0192] In an example of the process in step S2, as shown in Figures 19 and 20, the transport arm 11 further moves downward so that the first projection 2121 is inserted into the first through hole 11t1 from below upward, and the second projection 2122 is inserted into the second through hole 11t2 from below upward (second insertion state). In other words, in the gene testing apparatus 91 according to the first embodiment, the transport arm 11 moves downward from above the heating block 21 so that the first projection 2121 is inserted into the first through hole 11t1 from below upward, and the second projection 2122 is inserted into the second through hole 11t2 from below upward (second insertion state). Here, for example, the transport arm 11 may descend until it touches the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21, or it may not descend until it touches the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. More specifically, for example, the transport arm 11 may descend until it touches the upper surface of the block body portion 211 of the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21, or it may not descend until it touches the upper surface of the block body portion 211 of the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21.

[0193] Here, for example, it is assumed that in the vertical direction, the length (second length) L2 of the first protrusion 2121 is greater than or equal to the length (first length) L1 of the first through hole 11t1, and the length (second length) L2 of the second protrusion 2122 is greater than or equal to the length (first length) L1 of the second through hole 11t2. In this case, as the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21, the first protrusion 2121 may penetrate the first through hole 11t1 from below to above, and the second protrusion 2122 may penetrate the second through hole 11t2 from below to above.

[0194] By the way, in step S2, for example, as shown in Figure 20, when the control unit 4 moves the transport arm 11, which is in the first supported state, from above to below the heating block 21 using the first drive unit 12, it may also move the holding block 7 from above to below. As a result, one of the N tubes 51 may be inserted from above into each of the one or more gaps 7h of the holding block 7. In the example in Figure 20, one of the remaining six tubes 51, excluding the first tube 511 and the second tube 512, is inserted from above into each of the six holes, which are the six gaps 7h of the holding block 7. More specifically, the third tube 513 is inserted from above into the first gap 7h1, the fourth tube 514 is inserted from above into the second gap 7h2, the fifth tube 515 is inserted from above into the third gap 7h3, the sixth tube 516 is inserted from above into the fourth gap 7h4, the seventh tube 517 is inserted from above into the fifth gap 7h5, and the eighth tube 518 is inserted from above into the sixth gap 7h6.

[0195] <<Step S3 Process>> In the process of step S3, the control unit 4 causes the second drive unit 32 to move the lid body 31 downward. As a result, the lid body 31 presses down on the multiple tube 5 from above, thereby forcing one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 into each of the plurality of holes 2h. Then, the lid body 31 is pressed against the multiple tube 5 from above, with one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 fitted into each of the plurality of holes 2h in the heating block 21 from above.

[0196] 21 and 22 each show an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state before the lid 31 moves downward. FIGS. 23 and 24 each show an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state after the lid 31 moves downward. FIGS. 21 and 23 each show an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, a portion of the transfer arm 11, the multiple tube 5, and the lid 31 of the temperature control device 100. FIGS. 22 and 24 each show an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, the holding block 7, a portion of the transfer arm 11, the multiple tube 5, and the lid 31 of the temperature control device 100. In FIGS. 23 and 24, the descent of the lid 31 is shown schematically by a thin, two-dot chain arrow. In the process of step S3, in each of the N tubes 51, the tube opening 51o is positioned at the top and the bottom 51b is positioned at the bottom.

[0197] In the process of step S3, for example, control unit 4 may move lid body 31 downward after moving it along an imaginary horizontal plane using second drive unit 32. As a result, for example, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, lid body 31 may move to directly above multiple tube 5, and then as shown in Figures 23 and 24, lid body 31 may move downward, thereby pressing down multiple tube 5 from above.

[0198] 21 to 24, the lid body 31 moves downward in a state in which the first tube 511 is inserted from above into the first hole 2h1 of the heating block 21 and the second tube 512 is inserted from above into the second hole 2h2 of the heating block 21 (also referred to as a third insertion state). As a result, the lid body 31 presses down on each of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 with the lower surface 31b, thereby forcing the first tube 511 into the first hole 2h1 and forcing the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2. Then, with the first tube 511 fitted in the first hole 2h1 of the heating block 21 and the second tube 512 fitted in the second hole 2h2 of the heating block 21, the lid body 31 closes the tube openings 51o of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512. In this state, the first outer surface 51e of the first tube 511 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the first hole 2h1, and the first outer surface 51e of the second tube 512 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the second hole 2h2. Here, if the respective tube openings 51o of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 are blocked by the elastic portion 312 along the lower surface 31b of the lid 31, the respective tube openings 51o of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 can be sealed. Also, here, for example, the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the first tube 511 and the upper surface of the first protruding portion 2121 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512 and the upper surface of the second protruding portion 2122 may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0199] In the process of step S3, for example, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 24 , when the control unit 4 moves the lid body 31 downward using the second drive unit 32 and presses the multiple tube 5 down from above using the lid body 31, one of the N tubes 51 may be further inserted or pushed downward into each of one or more gaps 7h in the holding block 7. In the example of FIG. 24 , one tube 51 of the remaining six tubes 51, excluding the first tube 511 and the second tube 512, out of the eight tubes 51, is further pushed downward into each of the six holes that form the six gaps 7h in the holding block 7. More specifically, the third tube 513 is further pushed downward into the first gap 7h1. The fourth tube 514 is further pushed downward into the second gap 7h2. The fifth tube 515 is further pushed downward into the third gap 7h3. In the fourth gap 7h4, the sixth tube 516 is pushed further downward. In the fifth gap 7h5, the seventh tube 517 is pushed further downward. In the sixth gap 7h6, the eighth tube 518 is pushed further downward.

[0200] <<Step S4 Process>> In the process of step S4, the control unit 4 causes the heating unit 2 to heat the multiple tube 5 using the heating block 21. Here, the heating block 21 heats the multiple tube 5 with portions of the multiple tube 5 fitted from above into the multiple holes 2h. In the first embodiment, the heating block 21 heats each of the first tube 511 fitted in the first hole 2h1 and the second tube 512 fitted in the second hole 2h2. In the process of step S4, the lid 31 may be in a state in which the first tube 511 is fitted in the first hole 2h1 of the heating block 21 and the second tube 512 is fitted in the second hole 2h2 of the heating block 21, and the lid 31 closes the tube openings 51o of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512. Here, for example, the control unit 4 may start heating the heating block 21 using the heating unit 2 before the process of step S2.

[0201] In this step S4, for example, by the steps S2 and S3 described above, the transport arm 11 moves downward from above the heating block 21, so that the first protrusion 2121 is inserted from below to above into the first through hole 11t1 and the second protrusion 2122 is inserted from below to above into the second through hole 11t2 (second insertion state).

[0202] As a result, the heating block 21 has a first protrusion 2121 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 of the transfer arm 11 and a second protrusion 2122 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the transfer arm 11. Therefore, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that is not surrounded by the heating block 21 between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the block main body 211 of the heating block 21 can be reduced. In other words, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be reduced. As a result, condensation occurring on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquids are respectively stored, can be reduced. Therefore, variation in the concentration of the sample in tube 51 can be reduced. More specifically, variation in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 and variation in the concentration of the sample in second tube 512 can be reduced. Therefore, for example, accuracy in genetic testing based on the amount of chemiluminescence emitted from a light-emitting portion formed at a specific site of a gene in the third liquid (e.g., third T liquid or third G liquid) and / or the third positive control liquid can be improved.

[0203] In other words, the genetic testing apparatus 91 of the first embodiment has a configuration in which, when the transport arm 11 moves from above the heating block 21 downward, the first protrusion 2121 is inserted from below to above the first through hole 11t1 and the second protrusion 2122 is inserted from below to above the second through hole 11t2 (second insertion state).

[0204] This can reduce condensation on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquids are stored, respectively. This can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in tube 51. More specifically, this can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 and in second tube 512. This can improve the accuracy of genetic testing based on the amount of chemiluminescence emitted from a light-emitting portion formed at a specific site of a gene in the third liquid (e.g., third T liquid or third G liquid) and / or the third positive control liquid, for example.

[0205] From another perspective, in this step S4, for example, by the steps S2 and S3 described above, the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21 in the first support state, inserting one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 from above into each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2, and by further moving downward, the first protrusion 2121 is inserted from below to above into the first through hole 11t1, and the second protrusion 2122 is inserted from below to above into the second through hole 11t2 (second insertion state).

[0206] As a result, the heating block 21 has a first protrusion 2121 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 of the transfer arm 11 and a second protrusion 2122 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the transfer arm 11. Therefore, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that is not surrounded by the heating block 21 between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the block main body 211 of the heating block 21 can be reduced. In other words, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be reduced. As a result, condensation occurring on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquids are respectively stored, can be reduced. This can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in tube 51. More specifically, variations in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 and second tube 512 can be reduced.

[0207] In other words, the genetic testing apparatus 91 according to the first embodiment may have a configuration in which, for example, the transport arm 11 moves downward from above the heating block 21 in the first support state described above, thereby inserting one of the N tubes 51 from above into each of the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2, and the transport arm 11 further moves downward to enter the second insertion state described above.

[0208] This can reduce condensation on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquids are stored, thereby reducing variations in the concentration of the sample in tube 51. More specifically, variations in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 and second tube 512 can be reduced.

[0209] In step S4, for example, the control unit 4 may cause the heater 33 of the pressing unit 3 to heat the lid 31 to a temperature slightly higher than that of the heating block 21. This reduces condensation that may occur in the portion of the lid 31 that blocks the tube opening 51o of the tube 51 in which liquid is stored. This reduces variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51. More specifically, variation in the concentration of the sample in the first tube 511 and variation in the concentration of the sample in the second tube 512 can be reduced.

[0210] Here, for example, in the vertical direction, the length (second length) L2 of the first protrusion 2121 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length) L1 of the first through hole 11t1, and the length (second length) L2 of the second protrusion 2122 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length) L1 of the second through hole 11t2.

[0211] This further reduces the portions of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through-hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through-hole 11t2 that protrude upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u. As a result, condensation on the inner surfaces of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512, in which liquid is stored, can be further reduced. This further reduces the variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51 serving as a sample tube. More specifically, the variation in the concentration of the sample in the first tube 511 and the variation in the concentration of the sample in the second tube 512 can be further reduced.

[0212] In this step S4, for example, as described above for the steps S2 and S3, the transport arm 11 may move downward from above the heating block 21, so that the first protrusion 2121 penetrates the first through-hole 11t1 from below to above and the second protrusion 2122 penetrates the second through-hole 11t2 from below to above.

[0213] This further reduces the portions of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through-hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through-hole 11t2 that protrude upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u. As a result, condensation that occurs on the inner surfaces of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512, in which liquid is stored, can be further reduced. This further reduces the variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51. More specifically, the variation in the concentration of the sample in the first tube 511 and the variation in the concentration of the sample in the second tube 512 can be further reduced.

[0214] In other words, the genetic testing apparatus 91 according to the first embodiment may have a configuration in which, when the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21, the first protrusion 2121 penetrates the first through-hole 11t1 from below to above, and the second protrusion 2122 penetrates the second through-hole 11t2 from below to above.

[0215] This can further reduce condensation on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquid is stored, thereby further reducing variation in the concentration of the sample in tube 51. More specifically, variation in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 and variation in the concentration of the sample in second tube 512 can further be reduced.

[0216] In the process of step S4, for example, if the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the first tube 511 is in contact with the upper surface of the first protruding portion 2121, the portion of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through-hole 11t1 that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be further reduced. For example, if the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512 is in contact with the upper surface of the second protruding portion 2122, the portion of the second tube 512 inserted into the second through-hole 11t2 that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be further reduced.

[0217] In the process of step S4, for example, the shorter the distance between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the first tube 511 and the upper surface of the first protruding portion 2121, the smaller the portion of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through-hole 11t1 that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u. For example, the shorter the distance between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512 and the upper surface of the second protruding portion 2122, the smaller the portion of the second tube 512 inserted into the second through-hole 11t2 that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u.

[0218] <1-4. Summary of the First Embodiment> In the genetic testing apparatus 91 of the first embodiment, when the transport arm 11 moves from above the heating block 21 downward, the first protrusion 2121 is inserted from below to above the first through hole 11t1 and the second protrusion 2122 is inserted from below to above the second through hole 11t2 (second insertion state).

[0219] As a result, the heating block 21 has a first protrusion 2121 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 of the transfer arm 11 and a second protrusion 2122 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the transfer arm 11. Therefore, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that is not surrounded by the heating block 21 between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the block main body 211 of the heating block 21 can be reduced. In other words, in each of the first tube 511 inserted into the first through hole 11t1 and the second tube 512 inserted into the second through hole 11t2 of the multiple tube 5, the portion that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be reduced. As a result, condensation occurring on the inner surfaces of first tube 511 and second tube 512, in which liquids are respectively stored, can be reduced. This can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in tube 51 serving as a sample tube. More specifically, variations in the concentration of the sample in first tube 511 serving as the first sample tube and in second tube 512 serving as the second sample tube can be reduced.

[0220] <2. Other embodiments> The present disclosure is not limited to the first embodiment described above, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0221] <2-1. Second embodiment> In the first embodiment, the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 is a surface along a horizontal plane, but this is not limited thereto. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 25, the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 may include a first region A1 and a second region A2. The first region A1 has a surface (also referred to as a slope) that slopes downward as it progresses in the +X direction, which is the first horizontal direction. The second region A2 is located closer to the +X direction, which is the first horizontal direction, than the first region A1. Here, the first region A1 has an end E1 (also referred to as a first end) in the -X direction, which is the second horizontal direction, and an end E2 (also referred to as a second end) in the +X direction, which is the first horizontal direction. The second region A2 is located lower than the first end E1 and higher than the second end E2.

[0222] Fig. 25 is a side view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the lid 31 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 25, the lid 31 has, for example, a lid main body 311, an elastic portion 312, and an inclined member 313.

[0223] The tilting member 313 is located along the first region A1 of the lower surface 31b. The tilting member 313 may, for example, constitute the entirety or substantially the entirety of the first region A1, or may constitute a part of the first region A1. The tilting member 313 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the lid main body 311 by, for example, bonding or the like and / or screwing. The tilting member 313 may, for example, be heat-resistant and chemical-resistant. The tilting member 313 may be made of, for example, a fluororesin or the like that is heat-resistant and chemical-resistant.

[0224] The first region A1 may be, for example, a surface along the −Y direction as the third horizontal direction. The slope of the first region A1 may be a flat slope, or may be curved or slightly uneven in the direction proceeding along the slope toward the +X direction as the first horizontal direction.

[0225] The elastic portion 312 is located along the second region A2 of the lower surface 31b. The elastic portion 312 may, for example, constitute the entirety or substantially the entirety of the second region A2, or may constitute a part of the second region A2. The elastic portion 312 may be fixed to the bottom surface of the lid main body 311 by, for example, bonding or the like and / or screwing. The elastic portion 312 may be made of an elastic body. For example, a silicone sheet (silicone rubber sheet) or the like may be applied to the elastic portion 312.

[0226] The second region A2 may be, for example, a surface along a horizontal plane. The second region A2 may be, for example, a flat surface along a horizontal plane, or a surface having a slight curve and / or a slight unevenness.

[0227] In the second embodiment, the temperature control device 100 may also operate according to the flow chart illustrated in Fig. 16. Here, the process of step S1 in the second embodiment may be, for example, the same as or substantially the same as step S1 in the first embodiment described above. The process of step S2 in the second embodiment may be, for example, the same as or substantially the same as step S2 in the first embodiment described above. The process of step S4 in the second embodiment may be, for example, the same as or substantially the same as step S4 in the first embodiment described above.

[0228] Each of Figures 26 to 29 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state during operation of the temperature adjustment device 100 according to the second embodiment. In other words, each of Figures 26 to 29 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state during operation of the genetic testing device 91 according to the second embodiment. Each of Figures 26 to 29 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S3.

[0229] In step S3, the control unit 4 causes the second drive unit 32 to move the lid body 31 in the −X direction, which is the second horizontal direction, and then move it downward. As a result, the lid body 31 presses down on the multiple tube 5 from above, thereby forcing one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 into each of the plurality of holes 2h. Then, the lid body 31 is pressed against the multiple tube 5 from above, with one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 fitted into each of the plurality of holes 2h in the heating block 21 from above.

[0230] FIG. 26 shows an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state before the lid 31 moves in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction. FIG. 27 shows an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state while the lid 31 is moving in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction. FIG. 28 shows an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state after the lid 31 has moved in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction but before it moves downward. FIG. 29 shows an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state after the lid 31 has moved downward. Each of FIGS. 26 to 29 shows an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, a portion of the transfer arm 11, the multiple tube 5, and the lid 31 of the temperature adjustment device 100. In Fig. 27, the movement of the lid body 31 in the -X direction as the second horizontal direction is schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow. In Fig. 28, the movement of the lid body 31 in the -X direction as the second horizontal direction and the downward movement of the tube 51 are respectively schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow. In Fig. 29, the downward movement of the lid body 31 is schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow.

[0231] In the process of step S3, as a first stage of operation, for example, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28, the lid body 31 moves in the −X direction, which is the second horizontal direction, in the third insertion state described above. As a result, the lid body 31 presses down each of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 with the first region A1 of the underside 31b of the lid body 31. At this time, the first region A1 of the underside 31b of the lid body 31 presses the first tube 511 to a certain extent into the first hole 2h1, and presses the second tube 512 to a certain extent into the second hole 2h2. The third insertion state is a state in which the first tube 511 is inserted from above into the first hole 2h1 of the heating block 21, and the second tube 512 is inserted from above into the second hole 2h2 of the heating block 21, as described above. 28, in the first stage of operation of the process of step S3, lid body 31 moves in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction, and second area A2 of lower surface 31b of lid body 31 moves to directly above multiple tube 5. In this first stage of operation, for example, control unit 4 causes second drive unit 32 to move lid body 31 in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction.

[0232] In step S3, as a second stage of operation following the first stage of operation, for example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , the lid body 31 moves downward. As a result, the second region A2 of the underside 31b of the lid body 31 presses down on the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 from above, thereby forcing the first tube 511 into the first hole 2h1 and forcing the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2. Then, with the first tube 511 fitted in the first hole 2h1 and the second tube 512 fitted in the second hole 2h2, the lid body 31 closes the tube openings 51o of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512. In this second stage of operation, for example, the control unit 4 causes the second drive unit 32 to move the lid body 31 downward in the −Z direction.

[0233] In step S3, for example, as shown in FIG. 26 , before the lid 31 starts moving in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction, the second region A2 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 may be positioned lower than the annular portions 51u, which are the upper portions of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. Even in this case, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the lid 31 can move in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction while the first region A1 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 presses down on each of the first tubes 511 and the second tube 512. Then, the second region A2 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 can move to directly above the multiple tube 5. Therefore, in the genetic testing device 91 according to the second embodiment, the distance over which the lid 31 is raised and lowered can be reduced. This allows for the miniaturization of the configuration for raising and lowering the lid 31. For example, the miniaturization of the second drive unit 32 for raising and lowering the lid 31 can be achieved. Therefore, the genetic testing device 91 can be made smaller.

[0234] Here, the angle of inclination of the first region A1 of the underside 31b of the lid body 31 with respect to the horizontal plane may be, for example, an angle at which the lid body 31 can move in the -X direction as the second horizontal direction while pressing down each of the first tube 511 and the second tube 512 with the first region A1 of the underside 31b.

[0235] <2-2. Third embodiment> In each of the first and second embodiments, an example has been described in which the heating block 21 has two holes 2h (specifically, the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2) as the multiple holes 2h, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the heating block 21 may have three or more and N or less holes 2h as the multiple holes 2h. For example, the heating block 21 may have N holes 2h as the number of N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 as the multiple holes 2h.

[0236] Fig. 30 is a plan view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the heating block 21 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 31 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of a virtual cross section of the heating block 21 as seen in the +X direction at position XXXI-XXXI in Fig. 30.

[0237] 30 and 31, the plurality of holes 2h in the heating block 21 may include N holes 2h. In this case, portions of the multiple tube 5 can be fitted from above into the N holes 2h. The heating block 21 can heat the multiple tube 5 in a state in which portions of the multiple tube 5 are fitted from above into the N holes 2h. In this case, the holding block 7 does not need to be present.

[0238] Here, some of the multiple tube 5 fitted into the N holes 2h from above may be N tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5. Each of the N holes 2h has an inner surface (first inner surface) 2i having a shape that allows the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51 to come into close contact with the tube 51 when the tube 51, with its tube opening 51o located above, is inserted from above. In other words, the first inner surface 2i of each of the multiple holes 2h has a shape that corresponds to the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. For example, the first inner surface 2i of each of the N holes 2h may have the same shape or approximately the same shape as the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. From another perspective, when the tube 51 is fitted into each of the N holes 2h from above, the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the hole 2h in each of the N holes 2h.

[0239] 30 and 31, the N holes 2h are eight holes 2h. The eight holes 2h may be a first hole 2h1, a second hole 2h2, a third hole 2h3, a fourth hole 2h4, a fifth hole 2h5, a sixth hole 2h6, a seventh hole 2h7, and an eighth hole 2h8.

[0240] N holes 2h are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1. In the examples of Figures 30 and 31, eight holes 2h are arranged in a row at a first pitch D1 in the -Y direction, which is the third horizontal direction. The first pitch D1, as the pitch at which the N holes 2h are arranged, may be the distance between the centers of two adjacent holes 2h in the -Y direction, which is the third horizontal direction. The distance between the centers of two adjacent holes 2h may be the distance between the center of one hole 2h and the center of the other hole 2h when the heating block 21 is viewed from above in the downward direction. The first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N holes 2h are arranged, may be the same as or substantially the same as the first pitch D1, which is the pitch at which the N tubes 51 in the multi-tube 5 are arranged.

[0241] In the heating block 21, each of the N holes 2h has a second opening 2o at the top. In other words, each of the N holes 2h has a second opening 2o that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21.

[0242] In the examples of FIGS. 30 and 31 , eight holes 2h as the N holes 2h have second openings 2o on their upper sides. In other words, each of the eight holes 2h has a second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The first hole 2h1 has a second A opening 2o1 as the second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The second hole 2h2 has a second B opening 2o2 as the second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The third hole 2h3 has a second C opening 2o3 as the second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The fourth hole 2h4 has a second D opening 2o4 as the second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The fifth hole 2h5 has a second E opening 2o5 as the second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The sixth hole 2h6 has a second F opening 2o6 as the second opening 2o that opens to the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The seventh hole 2h7 has a second G opening 2o7 as the second opening 2o that opens to the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The eighth hole 2h8 has a second H opening 2o8 as the second opening 2o that opens to the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21.

[0243] The second opening 2o may have a shape corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51. For example, if the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51 is a cylindrical portion, the second opening 2o may be a circular opening having an inner diameter d3. In this case, the inner diameter d3 of the second opening 2o may be the same as or approximately the same as the outer diameter d1 of the tubular portion 51p of the tube 51.

[0244] The heating block 21 may include a block main body 211 and N protrusions 212 as a plurality of protrusions (ribs) 212.

[0245] The block main body 211 may have, for example, a flat upper surface along a horizontal plane. In the examples of Figures 30 and 31, the block main body 211 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. In Figure 31, an example of a portion of the base 8 to which the block main body 211 is fixed is schematically shown by a thin two-dot chain line.

[0246] The N protrusions 212 may include one protrusion 212 for each of the N holes 2h, surrounding the second opening 2o and protruding upward from the block main body 211. In the example of FIGS. 30 and 31 , the N protrusions 212 include a first protrusion 2121, a second protrusion 2122, a third protrusion 2123, a fourth protrusion 2124, a fifth protrusion 2125, a sixth protrusion 2126, a seventh protrusion 2127, and an eighth protrusion 2128. The first protrusion 2121 surrounds the second-A opening 2o1 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The second protrusion 2122 surrounds the second-B opening 2o2 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The third protrusion 2123 surrounds the second C opening 2o3 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The fourth protrusion 2124 surrounds the second D opening 2o4 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The fifth protrusion 2125 surrounds the second E opening 2o5 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The sixth protrusion 2126 surrounds the second F opening 2o6 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The seventh protrusion 2127 surrounds the second G opening 2o7 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211. The eighth protrusion 2128 surrounds the second H opening 2o8 and protrudes upward from the block main body 211.

[0247] In other words, the first protrusion 2121 has a second A opening 2o1 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The second protrusion 2122 has a second B opening 2o2 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The third protrusion 2123 has a second C opening 2o3 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The fourth protrusion 2124 has a second D opening 2o4 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The fifth protrusion 2125 has a second E opening 2o5 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The sixth protrusion 2126 has a second F opening 2o6 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The seventh protrusion 2127 has a second G opening 2o7 that opens at the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. The eighth protrusion 2128 has a second H opening 2o8 that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21.

[0248] Each of the N protrusions 212 may protrude upward from the upper surface of the block main body 211. Each of the N protrusions 212 may have, for example, a cylindrical shape surrounding the second opening 2o. In the example of FIGS. 30 and 31 , the first protrusion 2121 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2A opening 2o1. The second protrusion 2122 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2B opening 2o2. The third protrusion 2123 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2C opening 2o3. The fourth protrusion 2124 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2D opening 2o4. The fifth protrusion 2125 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2E opening 2o5. The sixth protrusion 2126 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the 2F opening 2o6. The seventh protrusion 2127 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the second G opening 2o7. The eighth protrusion 2128 may have a cylindrical shape surrounding the second H opening 2o8. Here, the inner circumferential surface of the first protrusion 2121 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the first hole 2h1 on the second A opening 2o1 side. The inner circumferential surface of the second protrusion 2122 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the second hole 2h2 on the second B opening 2o2 side. The inner circumferential surface of the third protrusion 2123 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the third hole 2h3 on the second C opening 2o3 side. The inner circumferential surface of the fourth protrusion 2124 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the fourth hole 2h4 on the second D opening 2o4 side. The inner circumferential surface of the fifth protrusion 2125 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the fifth hole 2h5 on the second E opening 2o5 side. The inner circumferential surface of the sixth protrusion 2126 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the sixth hole 2h6 on the second F opening 2o6 side. The inner circumferential surface of the seventh protrusion 2127 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the seventh hole 2h7 on the second G opening 2o7 side. The inner circumferential surface of the eighth protrusion 2128 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the eighth hole 2h8 on the second H opening 2o8 side.

[0249] In the examples of FIGS. 30 and 31 , each of the N protrusions 212 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the second opening 2o. In this case, each of the N protrusions 212 may be a cylindrical portion having an outer diameter d4. The outer diameter d4 of the N protrusions 212 may be constant, approximately constant, or may not be constant. The outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 is set to be smaller than the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t. From another perspective, the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t is set to be larger than the outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 and smaller than the first pitch D1 of the N through holes 11t. If the first pitch D1 of the N through holes 11t is 9 mm and the outer diameter d4 of the protrusions 212 is 7 mm, the inner diameter d2 of the through hole 11t is set to be smaller than 9 mm and larger than 7 mm.

[0250] Each of the N protrusions 212 may have a length (second length) L2 in the vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 13, for example. The second length L2 in the vertical direction of the multiple protrusions 212 may be constant or approximately constant, or may not be constant. Here, for each of the N protrusions 212, the second length L2 of the protrusion 212 may be, for example, equal to or greater than the first length L1 of the through hole 11t.

[0251] In the examples of FIGS. 30 and 31 , the length (second length L2) of the first protrusion 2121 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the first through hole 11t1 in the vertical direction. The length (second length L2) of the second protrusion 2122 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the second through hole 11t2 in the vertical direction. The length (second length L2) of the third protrusion 2123 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the third through hole 11t3 in the vertical direction. The length (second length L2) of the fourth protrusion 2124 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the fourth through hole 11t4 in the vertical direction. The length (second length L2) of the fifth protrusion 2125 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the fifth through hole 11t5 in the vertical direction. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the sixth protrusion 2126 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the sixth through hole 11t6. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the seventh protrusion 2127 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the seventh through hole 11t7. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the eighth protrusion 2128 may be equal to or greater than the length (first length L1) of the eighth through hole 11t8.

[0252] The second length L2 of the protrusion 212 may be shorter than the first length L1 of the through hole 11t. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the first protrusion 2121 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the first through hole 11t1. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the second protrusion 2122 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the second through hole 11t2. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the third protrusion 2123 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the third through hole 11t3. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the fourth protrusion 2124 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the fourth through hole 11t4. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the fifth protrusion 2125 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the fifth through hole 11t5. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the sixth protrusion 2126 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the sixth through hole 11t6. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the seventh protrusion 2127 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the seventh through hole 11t7. In the vertical direction, the length (second length L2) of the eighth protrusion 2128 may be shorter than the length (first length L1) of the eighth through hole 11t8.

[0253] The block body portion 211 and the N protrusions 212 may be made of, for example, a single component. The heating block 21 may be formed, for example, by applying various processes to a block of a single material, or by joining each of the N protrusions 212 to the block body portion 211.

[0254] In the third embodiment, the temperature control device 100 may also operate according to the flow chart illustrated in Fig. 16. Here, the flow of operation illustrated in Fig. 16 may be an example of the flow of operation of the temperature control device 100 when one tube 51 of the multiple tube 5 is fitted into each of the N holes 2h in the heating block 21 and the N tubes 51 fitted into the N holes 2h in the heating block 21 are heated. The flow of operation illustrated in Fig. 16 may be an example of the flow of operation of the temperature control device 100 after a desired liquid has been dispensed into each of a plurality of tubes 51 among the N tubes 51 fitted into the N holes 2h in the heating block 21. The desired liquid may be, for example, a liquid that has been stored in any one of the liquid-storing multiple tubes described above, or a liquid that has been stored in any one of the tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5.

[0255] Each of Fig. 32 to Fig. 35 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state during operation of the temperature adjustment device 100 according to the third embodiment. In other words, each of Fig. 32 to Fig. 35 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state during operation of the genetic testing device 91 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 32 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S1. Fig. 33 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S2. Each of Fig. 34 and Fig. 35 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a state of the genetic testing device 91 in the process of step S3.

[0256] <<Step S1 Process>> In the process of step S1, similarly to the process of step S1 according to the first embodiment, the transfer arm 11 is in a state (first support state) in which it supports the multiple tube 5 from below. In this first support state, as described above, the transfer arm 11 is in a state in which one tube 51 out of the N tubes 51 is inserted from above into each of the N through holes 11t, and the (N-1) connection portions 52 of the multiple tube 5 are supported from below by the (N-1) support portions 11s.

[0257] Figure 32 shows an example of the state of genetic testing apparatus 91 in step S1, in which transfer arm 11 supports multiple tube 5 from below. Figure 32 shows a diagram based on the example of Figure 18, in which the configuration of heating block 21 has been changed and holding block 7 has been deleted. Figure 32 shows an example of a cross section of heating block 21, part of transfer arm 11, and multiple tube 5 in temperature adjustment device 100.

[0258] <<Step S2 Process>> In step S2, similar to step S2 in the first embodiment, the control unit 4 causes the first drive unit 12 to move the transfer arm 11, which is in the first support state, from above toward below the heating block 21. As a result, one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 is inserted from above into each of the N holes 2h in the heating block 21. Furthermore, the control unit 4 causes the first drive unit 12 to move the transfer arm 11, which is in the first support state, from above toward below the heating block 21. As a result, a state is reached in which one protrusion 212 of the N protrusions 212 in the heating block 21 is inserted from below toward above into each of the N through-holes 11t in the transfer arm 11 (also referred to as a 2A insertion state).

[0259] Figure 33 schematically shows an example of the gene testing device 91 in step S2, where the transport arm 11 moves downward, inserting one of the N tubes 51 of the multi-tube 5 into each of the N holes 2h of the heating block 21 from above, and further inserting one of the N protrusions 212 of the heating block 21 into each of the N through holes 11t of the transport arm 11 from below upward. Figure 33 shows a diagram based on the example in Figure 20, with the configuration of the heating block 21 changed and the holding block 7 removed. Figure 33 schematically shows an example of a cross-section of the heating block 21, part of the transport arm 11, and the multi-tube 5 of the temperature control device 100. As in Figure 20, Figure 33 schematically shows the downward movement of the transport arm 11 and the multi-tube 5 with arrows drawn with thin dotted lines.

[0260] In one example of step S2, as shown in Fig. 33, the transfer arm 11, in the first support state, moves from above to below the heating block 21, thereby inserting one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 into each of the N holes 2h from above. In the example of Fig. 33, the transfer arm 11, in the first support state, moves from above to below the heating block 21, thereby inserting the first tube 511 into the first hole 2h1 from above, the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2 from above, the third tube 513 into the third hole 2h3 from above, and the fourth tube 514 into the fourth hole 2h4 from above. 33, the transfer arm 11, in the first support state, moves downward from above the heating block 21, thereby inserting the fifth tube 515 into the fifth hole 2h5 from above, the sixth tube 516 into the sixth hole 2h6 from above, the seventh tube 517 into the seventh hole 2h7 from above, and the eighth tube 518 into the eighth hole 2h8 from above. Here, in step S2, for example, a lower portion of the tube 51 is inserted into each of the N holes 2h. Here, each of the N holes 2h has a first inner surface 2i having a shape corresponding to the first outer surface 51e of the tube 51. Therefore, for example, simply lowering the multiple tube 5 does not result in the tube 51 being completely fitted into each of the N holes 2h from above.

[0261] 33, in one example of the process of step S2, the transfer arm 11 further moves downward, thereby causing one of the N protrusions 212 in the heating block 21 to be inserted from below toward the top into each of the N through-holes 11t (a second A insertion state). In other words, in the genetic testing apparatus 91 according to the first embodiment, the transfer arm 11 moves downward from above the heating block 21, causing one of the N protrusions 212 to be inserted from below toward the top into each of the N through-holes 11t (a second A insertion state). Here, for example, the transfer arm 11 may or may not be lowered until it contacts the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. More specifically, for example, the transport arm 11 may descend until it touches the upper surface of the block body portion 211 of the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21, or it may not descend until it touches the upper surface of the block body portion 211 of the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21.

[0262] Here, for example, it is assumed that the length (second length) L2 of the protrusion 212 in the vertical direction is equal to or greater than the length (first length) L1 of the through-hole 11t. In this case, by moving the transfer arm 11 downward from above the heating block 21, one of the N protrusions 212 may penetrate each of the N through-holes 11t from below to above.

[0263] <<Step S3 Process>> In step S3, similarly to step S3 in the first embodiment, the control unit 4 moves the lid body 31 downward using the second drive unit 32. As a result, the lid body 31 presses down on the multiple tube 5 from above, forcing one tube 51 out of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 into each of the N holes 2h. Then, the lid body 31 is pressed against the multiple tube 5 from above, with one tube 51 out of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 fitted into each of the N holes 2h in the heating block 21 from above.

[0264] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram of an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state before the lid 31 moves downward. FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram of an example of the state of the genetic testing device 91 in step S3, showing an example of the state after the lid 31 moves downward. FIG. 34 is a diagram based on the example of FIG. 22, in which the configuration of the heating block 21 has been modified and the holding block 7 has been removed. FIG. 35 is a diagram based on the example of FIG. 24, in which the configuration of the heating block 21 has been modified and the holding block 7 has been removed. Each of FIGS. 34 and 35 is a schematic diagram of an example of a cross section of the heating block 21, a portion of the transfer arm 11, the multiple tube 5, and the lid 31 of the temperature control device 100. In FIG. 35, the state of the lid 31 being lowered is schematically shown by a thin, two-dot chain arrow.

[0265] In the process of step S3, for example, the control unit 4 may move the lid body 31 downward after moving it along an imaginary horizontal plane using the second drive unit 32. As a result, for example, as shown in Fig. 34, the lid body 31 may move to directly above the multiple tube 5, and then, as shown in Fig. 35, the lid body 31 may move downward, thereby pressing down the multiple tube 5 from above.

[0266] Here, the lid body 31 moves downward in a state where one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 is inserted from above into each of the N holes 2h in the heating block 21 (also referred to as a 3A insertion state). As a result, the lid body 31 presses down each of the N tubes 51 with the lower surface 31b, thereby forcing one tube 51 of the N tubes 51 into each of the N holes 2h.

[0267] In the examples shown in Figures 34 and 35, the first tube 511 is inserted into the first hole 2h1, the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2, the third tube 513 into the third hole 2h3, the fourth tube 514 into the fourth hole 2h4, the fifth tube 515 into the fifth hole 2h5, the sixth tube 516 into the sixth hole 2h6, the seventh tube 517 into the seventh hole 2h7, and the eighth tube 518 into the eighth hole 2h8 (the third insertion state). In this third insertion state, the lid 31 moves downward. As a result, the lid 31, with its lower surface 31b, pushes down on the first tube 511, the second tube 512, the third tube 513, the fourth tube 514, the fifth tube 515, the sixth tube 516, the seventh tube 517, and the eighth tube 518, respectively. Consequently, the lid 31, with its lower surface 31b, pushes the first tube 511 into the first hole 2h1, the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2, the third tube 513 into the third hole 2h3, the fourth tube 514 into the fourth hole 2h4, the fifth tube 515 into the fifth hole 2h5, the sixth tube 516 into the sixth hole 2h6, the seventh tube 517 into the seventh hole 2h7, and the eighth tube 518 into the eighth hole 2h8.

[0268] Then, the lid body 31 is in a state where one of the N tubes 51 is fitted into each of the N holes 2h, and the lid body 31 closes the tube openings 51o of the N tubes 51. In the example shown in Figure 35, the lid 31 is in a state where the first tube 511 is fitted into the first hole 2h1, the second tube 512 into the second hole 2h2, the third tube 513 into the third hole 2h3, the fourth tube 514 into the fourth hole 2h4, the fifth tube 515 into the fifth hole 2h5, the sixth tube 516 into the sixth hole 2h6, the seventh tube 517 into the seventh hole 2h7, and the eighth tube 518 into the eighth hole 2h8, and the lid 31 is in a state where the tube openings 510 of the first tube 511, second tube 512, third tube 513, fourth tube 514, fifth tube 515, sixth tube 516, seventh tube 517, seventh tube 517, and eighth tube 518 are fitted into the eighth hole 2h8.

[0269] In this state, the first outer surface 51e of one of the N tubes 51 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of each of the N holes 2h. In the example of FIG. 35, the first outer surface 51e of the first tube 511 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the first hole 2h1. The first outer surface 51e of the second tube 512 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the second hole 2h2. The first outer surface 51e of the third tube 513 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the third hole 2h3. The first outer surface 51e of the fourth tube 514 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the fourth hole 2h4. The first outer surface 51e of the fifth tube 515 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the fifth hole 2h5. The first outer surface 51e of the sixth tube 516 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the sixth hole 2h6. The first outer surface 51e of the seventh tube 517 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the seventh hole 2h7. The first outer surface 51e of the eighth tube 518 is in surface contact with the first inner surface 2i of the eighth hole 2h8.

[0270] Here, if the tube openings 51o of the N tubes 51 are blocked by the elastic portion 312 along the lower surface 31b of the lid 31, the tube openings 51o of the N tubes 51 can be sealed. Also, for example, in each of the N tubes 51, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the protruding portion 212 may or may not be in contact with each other. In the example of FIG. 35 , the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the first tube 511 and the upper surface of the first protruding portion 2121 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the second tube 512 and the upper surface of the second protruding portion 2122 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the third tube 513 and the upper surface of the third protruding portion 2123 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the fourth tube 514 and the upper surface of the fourth protrusion 2124 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the fifth tube 515 and the upper surface of the fifth protrusion 2125 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the sixth tube 516 and the upper surface of the sixth protrusion 2126 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the seventh tube 517 and the upper surface of the seventh protrusion 2127 may or may not be in contact with each other. For example, the flange portion serving as the annular portion 51u of the eighth tube 518 and the upper surface of the eighth protrusion 2128 may or may not be in contact with each other.

[0271] <<Step S4 Process>> In the process of step S4, similar to the process of step S4 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 4 causes the heating unit 2 to heat the multiple tube 5 using the heating block 21. Here, the heating block 21 heats the N tubes 51 in a state in which one tube 51 out of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 is fitted from above into each of the N holes 2h. In the process of step S4, the lid 31 may be in a state in which one tube 51 out of the N tubes 51 is fitted into each of the N holes 2h of the heating block 21 and the lid 31 closes the tube openings 51o of each of the N tubes 51.

[0272] Here, for example, by performing the above-mentioned steps S2 and S3, the transport arm 11 moves downward from above the heating block 21, so that one of the N protrusions 212 is inserted upward from below into each of the N through holes 11t (2A insertion state).

[0273] As a result, the heating block 21 has N protrusions 212. The N protrusions 212 include protrusions 212 inserted one by one into each of the N through-holes 11t of the transfer arm 11. Therefore, in the tubes 51 inserted into each of the N through-holes 11t of the multiple tube 5, the portion not surrounded by the heating block 21 between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the block main body portion 211 of the heating block 21 can be reduced. In other words, in each of the N tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5, the portion protruding upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21 that may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u can be reduced. As a result, condensation occurring on the inner surface of a plurality of tubes 51 among the N tubes 51, each of which stores liquid, can be reduced. Therefore, variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51 can be reduced. For example, variation in the concentration of the sample in each of the N tubes 51 can be reduced. Therefore, for example, the accuracy of genetic testing can be improved based on the amount of chemiluminescence generated in the luminescent portion formed at a specific site of the gene in the above-mentioned third liquid (e.g., the third T liquid or the third G liquid) and / or the above-mentioned third positive control liquid.

[0274] In other words, the genetic testing apparatus 91 of the third embodiment has a configuration in which, when the transport arm 11 moves from above the heating block 21 downward, one of the N protrusions 212 is inserted from below to above into each of the N through holes 11t (2A insertion state).

[0275] This can reduce condensation on the inner surface of a plurality of tubes 51 each storing a liquid among the N tubes 51. This can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in the tubes 51. For example, this can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in each of the N tubes 51. This can improve the accuracy of genetic testing based on the amount of chemiluminescence emitted from a light-emitting portion formed at a specific site of a gene in the third liquid (e.g., the third T liquid or the third G liquid) and / or the third positive control liquid.

[0276] From another perspective, in this step S4, for example, by the steps S2 and S3 described above, the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21 in the first support state, inserting one of the N tubes 51 from above into each of the N holes 2h, and by further moving downward, the transport arm 11 reaches a state in which one of the N protrusions 212 is inserted from below to above into each of the N through holes 11t (2A insertion state).

[0277] As a result, the heating block 21 has N protrusions 212. The N protrusions 212 include protrusions 212 inserted one by one into each of the N through-holes 11t of the transfer arm 11. Therefore, in the tubes 51 inserted into each of the N through-holes 11t of the multiple tube 5, the portion not surrounded by the heating block 21 between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u and the upper surface of the block main body portion 211 of the heating block 21 can be reduced. In other words, in each of the N tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5, the portion protruding upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21 that may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u can be reduced. As a result, condensation occurring on the inner surface of a plurality of tubes 51 among the N tubes 51, each of which stores liquid, can be reduced. Therefore, variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51 can be reduced. For example, variation in the concentration of the sample in each of the N tubes 51 can be reduced.

[0278] In other words, the genetic testing apparatus 91 of the third embodiment may have a configuration in which, for example, the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21 in the above-mentioned first support state, thereby inserting one of the N tubes 51 from above into each of the N holes 2h, and the transport arm 11 further moves downward to enter the above-mentioned second A insertion state.

[0279] This can reduce condensation on the inner surfaces of a plurality of tubes 51 that each store a liquid among the N tubes 51. This can reduce variations in the concentration of the sample in the tubes 51. For example, variations in the concentration of the sample in each of the N tubes 51 can be reduced.

[0280] In step S4, for example, similar to the process of step S4 according to the first embodiment, the control unit 4 may heat the lid 31 to a temperature slightly higher than that of the heating block 21 using the heater 33 of the pressing unit 3. This can reduce condensation that may occur in the portion of the lid 31 that blocks the tube opening 51o of the tube 51 containing the liquid. This can reduce variation in the concentration of the sample in the tube 51.

[0281] Here, for example, for each of the N protrusions 212, the length (second length) L2 of the protrusion 212 in the up-down direction may be equal to or greater than the length (first length) L1 of the through-hole 11t.

[0282] This further reduces the portions of the tubes 51 inserted into the N through-holes 11t that protrude upward from the holes 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portions 51u. As a result, condensation on the inner surfaces of the plurality of tubes 51 that each store a liquid among the N tubes 51 can be further reduced. This further reduces the variation in the concentration of the sample in the tubes 51 serving as sample tubes.

[0283] In this step S4, for example, as described above for the steps S2 and S3, the transport arm 11 may move downward from above the heating block 21, so that one of the N protrusions 212 penetrates each of the N through holes 11t from below to above.

[0284] This further reduces the portions of the tubes 51 inserted into the N through-holes 11t that protrude upward from the holes 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portions 51u. As a result, condensation on the inner surfaces of the plurality of tubes 51 that each store a liquid among the N tubes 51 can be further reduced. This further reduces the variation in the concentration of the sample in the tubes 51.

[0285] In other words, the gene testing apparatus 91 according to the third embodiment may have a configuration in which, as the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21, one of the N protrusions 212 penetrates each of the N through holes 11t from below to above.

[0286] This further reduces the portions of the tubes 51 inserted into the N through-holes 11t that protrude upward from the holes 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portions 51u. As a result, condensation on the inner surfaces of the plurality of tubes 51 that each store a liquid among the N tubes 51 can be further reduced. This further reduces the variation in the concentration of the sample in the tubes 51.

[0287] Here, for example, if the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of each of the N tubes 51 is in contact with the upper surface of the protrusion 212, the portion of the tube 51 inserted into the through-hole 11t that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21, which may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u, can be further reduced.

[0288] Here, for example, for each of N tubes 51, the shorter the distance between the flange serving as the annular portion 51u of the tube 51 and the upper surface of the protrusion 212, the less the portion of the tube 51 inserted into the through-hole 11t that protrudes upward from the hole 2h of the heating block 21 that may be present below the flange serving as the annular portion 51u can be reduced.

[0289] In the genetic testing device 91 according to the third embodiment, the lid 31 according to the second embodiment may be employed, as shown in FIG. 25 . In this case, in step S3, as a first stage of operation, for example, as shown in FIGS. 26 to 28 , the lid 31 moves in the −X direction, which is the second horizontal direction, in the 3A insertion state described above. This causes the first region A1 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 to press down each of the N tubes 51. At this time, the first region A1 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 presses one of the N tubes 51 into each of the N holes 2h to some extent. The 3A insertion state is a state in which one of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5 is inserted from above into each of the N holes 2h of the heating block 21, as described above. 28, in the first stage of operation of the process of step S3, lid body 31 moves in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction, and second area A2 of lower surface 31b of lid body 31 moves to directly above multiple tube 5. In this first stage of operation, for example, control unit 4 causes second drive unit 32 to move lid body 31 in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction.

[0290] In step S3, as a second stage of operation following the first stage of operation, for example, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, the lid body 31 moves downward. As a result, the lid body 31 presses down on each of the N tubes 51 using the second region A2 of the underside 31b of the lid body 31, thereby forcing one of the N tubes 51 into each of the N holes 2h. Then, the lid body 31 closes the tube openings 51o of each of the N tubes 51, with one of the N tubes 51 fitted into each of the N holes 2h in the heating block 21. In this second stage of operation, for example, the control unit 4 causes the second drive unit 32 to move the lid body 31 in the −Z direction, which is the downward direction.

[0291] In step S3, for example, as shown in FIG. 26 , before the lid 31 starts moving in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction, the second region A2 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 may be positioned lower than the annular portions 51u, which are the upper portions of each of the N tubes 51 in the multiple tube 5. Even in this case, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the lid 31 can move in the −X direction as the second horizontal direction while pressing down each of the N tubes 51 with the first region A1 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31. Then, the second region A2 of the lower surface 31b of the lid 31 can move to directly above the multiple tube 5. Therefore, in the genetic testing device 91 according to the third embodiment, the distance over which the lid 31 is raised and lowered can be reduced. This allows for the miniaturization of the configuration for raising and lowering the lid 31. For example, the configuration of the second drive unit 32 for raising and lowering the lid 31 can be miniaturized. This allows for the miniaturization of the genetic testing device 91.

[0292] <3.Other> In each of the above embodiments, for example, the protrusion 212 may have different shapes on the inner and outer circumferential sides in a cross section perpendicular to the up-down direction, as long as it is in a form that can be inserted into the through-hole 11t of the transport arm 11.

[0293] In each of the above embodiments, for example, the protruding portion 212 has a cylindrical shape surrounding the second opening 2o, but is not limited to this. For example, the protruding portion 212 may have a shape in which at least a portion of the cylindrical configuration is missing, as long as it has a shape surrounding the second opening 2o and protruding upward from the block main body portion 211.

[0294] In each of the first and second embodiments, for example, in the holding block 7, each of the one or more gaps 7h is a hole having a bottom in the downward direction (also called a bottomed hole), but this is not limited thereto. In the holding block 7, the one or more gaps 7h may be, for example, a through-hole that passes through the holding block 7 in the vertical direction.

[0295] In the first and second embodiments described above, for example, each of the one or more gaps 7h in the retaining block 7 was a hole, but is not limited to this. In the retaining block 7, the one or more gaps 7h may have various forms. For example, the retaining block 7 may have one hole as one or more gaps 7h. Here, one hole as one or more gaps 7h may have an elongated third opening 7o that extends in the -Y direction as a third horizontal direction when viewed from above. For example, one hole as one or more gaps 7h may be a single hole formed by connecting (N-2) holes as one or more gaps 7h in the retaining block 7 according to the first and second embodiments described above. Also, for example, the retaining block 7 may have one or more slit-shaped gaps as one or more gaps 7h.

[0296] In each of the first and second embodiments described above, the first through-hole 11t1 and the second through-hole 11t2 of the conveying arm 11 may be any two of the N through-holes 11t of the conveying arm 11. In this case, the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2 of the heating block 21 may be located at positions corresponding to the first through-hole 11t1 and the second through-hole 11t2 of the N through-holes 11t of the conveying arm 11. When one of the N tubes 51 of the multi-tube 5 is inserted from above into each of the N through-holes 11t of the conveying arm 11, the tube 51 inserted from above into the first through-hole 11t1 may be designated as the first tube 511, and the tube 51 inserted from above into the second through-hole 11t2 may be designated as the second tube 512. That is, the first tube 511 inserted from above into the first through hole 11t1 and the first hole 2h1, and the second tube 512 inserted from above into the second through hole 11t2 and the second hole 2h2 may be any two of the N tubes 51 of the multiple tube 5.

[0297] Here, for example, the heating block 21 may have three or more but less than N holes 2h as the multiple holes 2h instead of two holes 2h (specifically, the first hole 2h1 and the second hole 2h2). In this case, the multiple protrusions 212 may include a protrusion 212 surrounding the second opening 2o and protruding upward from the block main body 211 for each of the multiple holes 2h. In other words, each of the multiple protrusions 212 may have a second opening 2o that opens on the upper surface 21u of the heating block 21. In each of the multiple holes 2h, the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion 212 may form a part of the first inner surface 2i of the hole 2h on the second opening 2o side. Furthermore, for example, the genetic testing device 91 may have a configuration in which, when the transport arm 11 moves from above to below the heating block 21, one of the multiple protrusions 212 is inserted from below to above into each of the multiple through holes 11t of the transport arm 11.

[0298] In each of the second and third embodiments, for example, the underside 31b of the lid body 31 may have one or more gaps such as recesses, holes and / or slits, as long as it is possible to press down the multi-tube 5 and close the tube opening 51o of the tube 51.

[0299] In each of the above embodiments, for example, the multiple tube 5 has eight tubes 51 as the N tubes 51, but this is not limited to this. The multiple tube 5 may have a number of tubes 51 other than eight as the N tubes 51.

[0300] In the above embodiments, the first horizontal direction is the +X direction and the second horizontal direction is the -X direction, but this is not limiting. For example, the first horizontal direction may be the -X direction and the second horizontal direction may be the +X direction.

[0301] In each of the above embodiments, for example, in the liquid generating unit 95, the chromosomes 990 containing DNA are extracted from the white blood cells contained in the first liquid by mixing the cell membrane dissolving solution with the first liquid, but this is not limiting. For example, the chromosomes 990 containing DNA may be extracted from the white blood cells contained in the first liquid by various known methods other than the method of mixing the cell membrane dissolving solution with the first liquid.

[0302] In each of the above embodiments, for example, an acridinium ester (AE) or an acridine derivative or other non-radioactive labeling substance may be used as the labeling substance. Examples of other non-radioactive labeling substances that may be used include luminol, isoluminol, pyrogallol, protohemin, aminobutylethyl-n-isoluminol, and aminohexylethyl-n-ethyl-isoluminol.

[0303] As described above, the genetic testing device 91 has been described in detail, but the above description is merely an example in all respects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be combined and applied as long as they are not mutually contradictory. It is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0304] This disclosure includes the following:

[0305] (1) In one embodiment, a genetic testing device includes a first arm that transports a multiple tube, a first block that includes a plurality of holes into which portions of the multiple tube are fitted from above and that heats the multiple tube with portions of the multiple tube fitted from above into the plurality of holes, and a lid that is pressed against the multiple tube from above with portions of the multiple tube fitted from above into the plurality of holes, the multiple tube including N sample tubes (N is a natural number of 2 or more) lined up in a row at a first pitch and (N-1) connecting portions that connect the N sample tubes, each of the N sample tubes including a first opening and a ring-shaped portion surrounding the first opening, each of the (N-1) connecting portions connecting the ring-shaped portions of two adjacent sample tubes among the N sample tubes, the first arm having N through-holes that are lined up in a row at the first pitch and that each penetrate in a vertical direction, and (N-1) support parts that support the (N-1) connecting parts from below with one sample tube out of the N sample tubes inserted into each of the N through holes from above, the N through holes including a first through hole and a second through hole, the plurality of holes including a first hole and a second hole, the first hole having a second A opening that opens on the top surface of the first block, the second hole having a second B opening that opens on the top surface of the first block, the first block including a block main body part, a first protrusion that surrounds the second A opening and protrudes upward from the block main body part, and a second protrusion that surrounds the second B opening and protrudes upward from the block main body part, and when the first arm moves downward from above the first block, the first protrusion is inserted upward into the first through hole and the second protrusion is inserted upward into the second through hole.

[0306] (2) In the genetic testing device of (1) above, the first arm may move from above to below the first block while one of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above and the (N-1) connecting parts are supported from below by the (N-1) support parts, thereby inserting one of the N sample tubes into each of the first hole and the second hole from above, and the first arm may move further downward so that the first protrusion is inserted from below to above into the first through hole and the second protrusion is inserted from below to above into the second through hole.

[0307] (3) In the genetic testing device of (1) or (2) above, the length of the first protrusion in the vertical direction may be equal to or greater than the length of the first through hole, and the length of the second protrusion may be equal to or greater than the length of the second through hole.

[0308] (4) In the genetic testing device of (3) above, the first arm may move downward from above the first block, so that the first protrusion penetrates the first through-hole from below to above, and the second protrusion penetrates the second through-hole from below to above.

[0309] (5) In any one of the genetic testing devices (1) to (4) above, the lid has a lower surface, and the lower surface includes a first region having a slope that slopes downward as it goes in a first horizontal direction, and a second region located on the first horizontal direction side of the first region, and the second region is located at a position lower than a first end of the first region in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, and is located at a position higher than a second end of the first region in the first horizontal direction, and the lid is configured such that a first sample tube of the N sample tubes is inserted from above into the first hole and a second sample tube of the N sample tubes is inserted into the second hole. When a sample tube is inserted from above, the first and second sample tubes may be pushed down by the first region by moving in the second horizontal direction, and then the first and second sample tubes may be pushed down by the second region by moving downward, thereby forcing the first sample tube into the first hole and the second sample tube into the second hole, so that with the first sample tube fitted in the first hole and the second sample tube fitted in the second hole, the first openings of the first and second sample tubes are blocked.

[0310] (6) In any one of the genetic testing devices (1) to (4) above, the plurality of holes may include N holes arranged in a row at the first pitch, each of the N holes having a second opening that opens on the top surface of the first block, the first block may include N protrusions, each of the N protrusions including one protrusion that surrounds the second opening and protrudes upward from the block main body, and when the first arm moves downward from above the first block, one of the N protrusions may be inserted from below upward into each of the N through holes.

[0311] (7) In the genetic testing device of (6) above, the first arm may move from above to below the first block while one of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above and the (N-1) connecting parts are supported from below by the (N-1) support parts, thereby inserting one of the N sample tubes into each of the N holes from above, and the first arm may move further downward so that one of the N protrusions is inserted from below to above into each of the N through holes.

[0312] (8) In the genetic testing device of (6) or (7) above, the lid has a lower surface, and the lower surface includes a first region having a slope that slopes downward as it goes in a first horizontal direction, and a second region located on the first horizontal direction side of the first region, and the second region is located at a position lower than a first end of the first region in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, and is located at a position higher than a second end of the first region in the first horizontal direction, and the lid is configured to insert one sample of the N sample tubes into each of the N holes. When a sample tube is inserted from above, the movement in the second horizontal direction causes the first region to press down on each of the N sample tubes, and then the movement in the downward direction causes the second region to press down on each of the N sample tubes, thereby forcing one of the N sample tubes into each of the N holes, and with one of the N sample tubes fitted in each of the N holes, the first openings of each of the N sample tubes may be blocked. [Explanation of symbols]

[0313] 11 Transfer arm (first arm) 11s support part 11t through hole 11t1 1st through hole 11t2 2nd through hole 21 Heating block (first block) 211 Block body 212 Protrusion 2121 1st protrusion 2122 Second protrusion 2h hole 2h1 1st hole 2h2 2nd hole 2o 2nd opening 2o1 2nd A opening 2o2 2nd B opening 31 Lid 31b Bottom surface 5 Multi-tube 51 tubes 511 1st tube (1st sample tube) 512 Second Tube (Second Sample Tube) 51o Tube opening (first opening) 51u Annular section 52 Connecting part 91 Genetic testing equipment

Claims

1. a first arm for transporting the multiple tubes; a first block including a plurality of holes into which portions of the multiple tube are fitted from above, the first block heating the multiple tube in a state in which portions of the multiple tube are fitted from above into the plurality of holes; a lid body that is pressed against the multiple tube from above in a state in which portions of the multiple tube are fitted into the plurality of holes from above, the multiple tube includes N sample tubes (N is a natural number of 2 or more) arranged in a row at a first pitch, and (N-1) connection portions connecting the N sample tubes; Each of the N sample tubes includes a first opening and an annular portion surrounding the first opening; each of the (N-1) connecting portions connects the annular portions of two adjacent sample tubes among the N sample tubes; the first arm has N through holes that are aligned in a row at the first pitch and that penetrate each in the vertical direction, and includes (N-1) support parts that support the (N-1) connecting parts from below in a state in which one sample tube out of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above, the N through holes include a first through hole and a second through hole, the plurality of holes includes a first hole and a second hole; the first hole has a second A opening that opens at the top surface of the first block; the second hole has a second B opening that opens at the top surface of the first block, the first block includes a block main body portion, a first protrusion portion surrounding the second A opening and protruding upward from the block main body portion, and a second protrusion portion surrounding the second B opening and protruding upward from the block main body portion, A genetic testing device in which the first arm moves from above to below the first block, so that the first protrusion is inserted from below to above into the first through hole and the second protrusion is inserted from below to above into the second through hole.

2. The genetic testing device according to claim 1, A genetic testing device in which the first arm moves from above to below the first block while one sample tube out of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above and the (N-1) connecting parts are supported from below by the (N-1) support parts, thereby inserting one sample tube out of the N sample tubes into each of the first hole and the second hole from above, and by further moving downward the first arm inserts the first protrusion into the first through hole from below to above and the second protrusion into the second through hole from below to above.

3. The genetic testing device according to claim 1 or 2, A genetic testing device, wherein the length of the first protrusion is equal to or greater than the length of the first through-hole in the vertical direction, and the length of the second protrusion is equal to or greater than the length of the second through-hole.

4. The genetic testing device according to claim 3, A genetic testing device in which, when the first arm moves from above to below the first block, the first protrusion penetrates the first through hole from below to above, and the second protrusion penetrates the second through hole from below to above.

5. The genetic testing device according to claim 1 or 2, The lid has a lower surface, the lower surface includes a first region having a slope that slopes downward in a first horizontal direction, and a second region located closer to the first horizontal direction than the first region; the second region is located at a position lower than a first end of the first region in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, and is located at a position higher than a second end of the first region in the first horizontal direction, The lid body, when a first sample tube of the N sample tubes is inserted into the first hole from above and a second sample tube of the N sample tubes is inserted into the second hole from above, moves in the second horizontal direction to press down each of the first sample tube and the second sample tube with the first area, and then moves downward to press down each of the first sample tube and the second sample tube with the second area, thereby pushing the first sample tube into the first hole and the second sample tube into the second hole, thereby closing the first openings of each of the first sample tube and the second sample tube with the first sample tube fitted in the first hole and the second sample tube fitted in the second hole.

6. The genetic testing device according to claim 1 or 2, the plurality of holes includes N holes aligned in a row at the first pitch, each of the N holes has a second opening that opens at the top surface of the first block; the first block includes N protrusions; the N protrusions include one protrusion surrounding the second opening and protruding upward from the block body portion for each of the N holes, A genetic testing device in which the first arm moves from above to below the first block, so that one of the N protrusions is inserted from below to above into each of the N through holes.

7. The genetic testing device according to claim 6, A genetic testing device in which the first arm moves from above to below the first block while one of the N sample tubes is inserted into each of the N through holes from above and the (N-1) connecting parts are supported from below by the (N-1) support parts, thereby inserting one of the N sample tubes into each of the N holes from above, and the first arm moves further downward so that one of the N protrusions is inserted from below to above into each of the N through holes.

8. The genetic testing device according to claim 6, The lid has a lower surface, the lower surface includes a first region having a slope that slopes downward in a first horizontal direction, and a second region located closer to the first horizontal direction than the first region; the second region is located at a position lower than a first end of the first region in a second horizontal direction opposite to the first horizontal direction, and is located at a position higher than a second end of the first region in the first horizontal direction, The lid body, with one sample tube out of the N sample tubes inserted into each of the N holes from above, moves in the second horizontal direction to press down each of the N sample tubes with the first area, and then moves downward to press down each of the N sample tubes with the second area, thereby pushing one of the N sample tubes into each of the N holes, and thereby blocking the first opening of each of the N sample tubes with one of the N sample tubes fitted in each of the N holes. This is a genetic testing device.

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