Biochemical analysis system and biochemical analysis unit

• US 20030003601A1
• Filed: 07/01/2002
• Published: 01/02/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation (Fujifilm Holdings Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co Limited (Fujifilm Holdings Corporation)
• Inventors: Tsuzuki, Hirohiko, Tsuchiya, Tohru, Shimizu, Hitoshi, Ogura, Nobuhiko, Some, Masato, Muraishi, Katsuaki
• Application Number:
  US10/184,982
• Publication Number:
  US 20030003601A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/518
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54366 Apparatus specially adapted for solid-phase testing

Abstract

A biochemical analysis unit is obtained, which comprises a base plate having spot-shaped regions and has identification information, specific binding substances having been fixed respectively to the spot-shaped regions. A labeled organism-originating substance having identification information is subjected to specific binding to the specific binding substances. A label signal corresponding to a position of the spot-shaped region having thus been labeled selectively is read out to form data for a biochemical analysis. The identification information of the biochemical analysis unit and the identification information of the organism-originating substance are acquired and fed into an analysis apparatus, such that the correspondence relationship between the two pieces of the identification information is clear.

Claims

1. A biochemical analysis system, comprising:

i) specific binding means for;

obtaining a biochemical analysis unit, which comprises a base plate and a plurality of spot-shaped regions located at different positions on or in the base plate, and which is provided with inherent identification information, each of multiple kinds of specific binding substances, which are capable of specifically binding to organism-originating substances and whose structures or characteristics are known, having been fixed to one of the spot-shaped regions, and

subjecting an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least one labeling substance selected from the group consisting of a radioactive labeling substance, a fluorescent labeling substance, and a labeling substance capable of producing chemiluminescence when being brought into contact with a chemiluminescence substrate, and which has inherent identification information, to selective, specific binding to the multiple kinds of the specific binding substances, each of which has been fixed to one of the spot-shaped regions of the biochemical analysis unit, at least one spot-shaped region among the plurality of the spot-shaped regions of the biochemical analysis unit being thereby selectively labeled with the labeling substance,

ii) label signal forming means for receiving the biochemical analysis unit, which has been processed by the specific binding means, and forming a label signal, which corresponds to a position of the spot-shaped region having been selectively labeled with the labeling substance, by use of the biochemical analysis unit,

iii) read-out means for reading out the label signal, which has been formed by the label signal forming means, in order to form data for a biochemical analysis, and

iv) analysis means for executing a biochemical analysis in accordance with the data for a biochemical analysis,

wherein the biochemical analysis system further comprises first correspondence relationship specifying means for acquiring the identification information of the biochemical analysis unit and the identification information of the organism-originating substance, and feeding the two pieces of the identification information into the analysis means such that the correspondence relationship between the two pieces of the identification information is clear.

2. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit is made from a material having radiation attenuating properties and/or light attenuating properties and has a plurality of holes,

an adsorptive region is formed in each of the plurality of the holes of the base plate, and

each of the multiple kinds of the specific binding substances is fixed to one of the adsorptive regions in order to form one of the spot-shaped regions.

3. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the organism-originating substance is labeled with the radioactive labeling substance,

the label signal forming means comprises:

a) exposure means for superposing a stimulable phosphor sheet, which has inherent identification information, and the biochemical analysis unit, which has been processed by the specific binding means, upon each other in order to expose the stimulable phosphor sheet to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, and

b) stimulable phosphor sheet stimulating means for irradiating stimulating rays to the stimulable phosphor sheet, which has been exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, the stimulating rays causing the stimulable phosphor sheet to emit light in proportion to the amount of energy stored on the stimulable phosphor sheet during the exposure of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation, the light emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet acting as the label signal, and

the read-out means photoelectrically detects the light, which is emitted by the stimulable phosphor sheet-, in order to form the data for a biochemical analysis.

4. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 3 wherein the stimulable phosphor sheet comprises a support and a plurality of dot-shaped stimulable phosphor layer regions, which are located at a spacing from one another on the support, and

positions and sizes of the plurality of the dot-shaped stimulable phosphor layer regions correspond respectively to the positions and the sizes of the spot-shaped regions of the biochemical analysis unit.

5. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 3 wherein the biochemical analysis system further comprises second correspondence relationship specifying means for acquiring the identification information of the biochemical analysis unit and the identification information of the stimulable phosphor sheet, and feeding the two pieces of the identification information into the analysis means such that the correspondence relationship between the two pieces of the identification information is clear.

6. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the organism-originating substance is labeled with the fluorescent labeling substance,

the label signal forming means is fluorescent substance exciting means for irradiating excitation light to the biochemical analysis unit, which has been processed by the specific binding means, the excitation light causing the fluorescent labeling substance to produce fluorescence, the fluorescence produced by the fluorescent labeling substance acting as the label signal, and

the read-out means photoelectrically detects the fluorescence, which is produced by the fluorescent labeling substance, in order to form the data for a biochemical analysis.

7. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the organism-originating substance is labeled with the labeling substance capable of producing the chemiluminescence when being brought into contact with a chemiluminescence substrate,

the label signal forming means is chemiluminescence producing means for bringing the chemiluminescence substrate into contact with the biochemical analysis unit, which has been processed by the specific binding means, the chemiluminescence substrate causing the labeling substance to produce chemiluminescence, the chemiluminescence produced by the labeling substance acting as the label signal, and

the read-out means photoelectrically detects the chemiluminescence, which is produced by the labeling substance, in order to form the data for a biochemical analysis.

8. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the biochemical analysis system further comprises spotting means for spotting each of the multiple kinds of the specific binding substances, which are capable of specifically binding to organism-originating substances and whose structures or characteristics are known, to one of different positions on or in the base plate in order to form the plurality of independent spot-shaped regions, and thereby preparing the biochemical analysis unit, and

third correspondence relationship specifying means for feeding spot information, which contains information representing the position of each of the spot-shaped regions, information representing the kind of the specific binding substance which forms each of the spot-shaped regions, and the like, and the identification information of the biochemical analysis unit into the analysis means such that the correspondence relationship between the spot information and the identification information of the biochemical analysis unit is clear.

9. A biochemical analysis system as defined in claim 1 wherein the identification information of the biochemical analysis unit contains identification information of the base plate.

10. A biochemical analysis unit, comprising a base plate and a data recording layer containing a data-rewritable recording medium, which data recording layer is formed on or in the base plate.

11. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 10 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of spot-shaped regions, the spot-shaped regions having been formed by spotting specific binding substances, which are capable of specifically binding to organism-originating substances and whose base sequences, base lengths, compositions, and the like, are known, onto the base plate.

12. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 10 wherein the data recording layer comprises a first data recording region, which is protected from data rewriting conducted by a user, and a second data recording region, on which the data is capable of being rewritten by the user.

13. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 12 wherein data concerning kinds of specific binding substances and positions of spot-shaped regions of the base plate, each of which spot-shaped regions contains one of the specific binding substances, is recorded on the first data recording region of the data recording layer.

14. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 12 wherein data concerning a number of times of use of the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being recorded on the first data recording region of the data recording layer.

15. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 12 wherein data concerning a day of use of the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being recorded on the first data recording region and/or the second data recording region of the data recording layer.

16. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 12 wherein data concerning a number of times of recycling of the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being recorded on the first data recording region of the data recording layer.

17. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 10 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of adsorptive regions, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions.

18. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of holes, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions, and

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes.

19. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 18 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of through-holes, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions, and

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by press-fitting an adsorptive film, which contains an adsorptive material, into one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate.

20. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of through-holes, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions,

the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate containing an adsorptive material,

the base plate is located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate, and

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is constituted of a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate.

21. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of recesses, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions, and

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is constituted of an adsorptive material layer, which is formed on an inner wall surface of one of the plurality of the recesses of the base plate.

22. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed on a surface of the base plate.

23. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate is provided with a plurality of protrusions, which are located at a spacing from one another and in two-dimensional directions, and

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed in the vicinity of a top end of one of the plurality of the protrusions of the base plate.

24. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate has radiation attenuating properties.

25. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 17 wherein the base plate has light attenuating properties.

26. A biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 12 wherein data concerning a plurality of adsorptive regions of the base plate is capable of being recorded on the first data recording region of the data recording layer.

28. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein, when an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with a radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by a hybridization apparatus to selective hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, is recorded on the biochemical analysis unit by the hybridization apparatus.

29. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein, in cases where an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with a radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by a hybridization apparatus to selective hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and an exposure operation is thereafter executed with an exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and a stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective hybridization,

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, is recorded on the biochemical analysis unit by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

30. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, contains data concerning a date and hour of formation of the radioactive labeling substance.

31. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, contains data concerning a day of formation of the radioactive labeling substance.

32. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes, which are located at a spacing from one another,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate, and

the management data is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

33. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is constituted of a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate, and

the management data is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

34. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 32 wherein the management data is recorded as visible data on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

35. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 32 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit is provided with a magnetic recording layer, and the management data is magnetically recorded on the magnetic recording layer.

36. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 32 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit has radiation attenuating properties.

37. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate, and

the management data is recorded on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

38. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 37 wherein the management data is recorded as visible data on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

39. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 27 wherein, besides the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, the management data further contains data concerning a nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance.

40. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 39 wherein a scrapping period, at which the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being scrapped, is determined in accordance with the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and in accordance with the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, and

the biochemical analysis unit is sorted and managed in accordance with the scrapping period, at which the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being scrapped.

27. A method of managing a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, the method comprising the step of:

recording management data that contains data concerning time acting as reference time for a calculation of an attenuation period, at which radiation from a radioactive labeling substance attenuates, on the biochemical analysis unit when a biochemical analysis is executed by use of the biochemical analysis unit.

41. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, the system comprising:

a management data recording apparatus for recording management data that contains data concerning time acting as reference time for a calculation of an attenuation period, at which radiation from a radioactive labeling substance attenuates, on the biochemical analysis unit.

42. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the system further comprises a hybridization apparatus for subjecting an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with a radioactive labeling substance, to selective hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the hybridization apparatus is provided with the management data recording apparatus.

43. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the system further comprises an exposure apparatus for:

receiving the biochemical analysis unit comprising the plurality of the adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to selective hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing an exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and a stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective hybridization, and

the exposure apparatus is provided with the management data recording apparatus.

44. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, contains data concerning a date and hour of formation of the radioactive labeling substance.

45. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, contains data concerning a day of formation of the radioactive labeling substance.

46. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes, which are located at a spacing from one another,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate, and

the management data recording apparatus records the management data on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

47. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is constituted of a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate, and

the management data recording apparatus records the management data on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

48. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 46 wherein the management data recording apparatus records the management data as visible data on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

49. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 46 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit is provided with a magnetic recording layer, and the management data recording apparatus magnetically records the management data on the magnetic recording layer.

50. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate, and

the management data recording apparatus records the management data on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

51. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 50 wherein the management data recording apparatus records the management data as visible data on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

52. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 41 wherein, besides the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, the management data further contains data concerning a nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance.

53. A system for managing a biochemical analysis unit as defined in claim 52 wherein the system further comprises a biochemical analysis unit sorting apparatus for:

determining a scrapping period, at which the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being scrapped, in accordance with the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and in accordance with the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, and

sorting and managing the biochemical analysis unit in accordance with the scrapping period, at which the biochemical analysis unit is capable of being scrapped.

54. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium, comprising the steps of:

i) recording management data on a biochemical analysis medium, the management data containing data concerning time acting as reference time for a calculation of an attenuation period, at which radiation from a radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and data concerning a nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance,

ii) executing a biochemical analysis by use of the biochemical analysis medium, on which the management data has been recorded,

iii) reading out the management data, which has been recorded on the biochemical analysis medium, from the biochemical analysis medium after the biochemical analysis has been executed,

iv) calculating a scrapping period, at which a level of radioactivity of the radioactive labeling substance contained in the biochemical analysis medium decreases to a level equal to at most a level that allows the biochemical analysis medium to be scrapped, in accordance with the management data having been read out,

v) sorting the biochemical analysis medium in accordance with the scrapping period,

vi) accommodating the biochemical analysis medium in a storage box in accordance with the scrapping period, and

vii) storing and managing the biochemical analysis medium, which has been accommodated in the storage box.

55. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 54 wherein the scrapping period of the biochemical analysis medium, which has been accommodated in the storage box, is indicated on the storage box.

56. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 54 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known,

an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by a hybridization apparatus to hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the biochemical analysis unit by the hybridization apparatus when the hybridization is executed.

57. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 56 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by the hybridization apparatus to the hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the hybridization apparatus when the hybridization is executed.

58. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 56 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by applying one of the specific binding substances to a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by the hybridization apparatus to the hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the hybridization apparatus when the hybridization is executed.

59. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 56 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected by the hybridization apparatus to the hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the hybridization apparatus when the hybridization is executed.

60. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 54 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known,

an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected to selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

an exposure operation is thereafter executed with an exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and a stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the biochemical analysis unit by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

61. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 60 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

the exposure operation is thereafter executed with the exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

62. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 60 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by applying one of the specific binding substances to a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

the exposure operation is thereafter executed with the exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

63. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 60 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate,

the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, is subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

the exposure operation is thereafter executed with the exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

64. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 57 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit is provided with a data recording layer, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the data recording layer of the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

65. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 57 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit has radiation attenuating properties.

66. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 54 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a stimulable phosphor sheet comprising a support and a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, which stimulable phosphor layer is formed on or in the support,

a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, is obtained, an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit,

an exposure operation is executed with an exposure apparatus by superposing the biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer formed on or in the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet by the exposure apparatus when the exposure operation is executed.

67. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 66 wherein the stimulable phosphor layer comprises a plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, which are located at a spacing from one another.

68. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 66 wherein the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided with a data recording layer, on which data is capable of being recorded, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the data recording layer of the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet by the exposure apparatus.

69. A method of managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 66 wherein the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet has radiation attenuating properties.

70. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium, comprising:

i) a radioactive label imparting apparatus for imparting a radioactive label to a biochemical analysis medium by use of a radioactive labeling substance, and

ii) a biochemical analysis medium sorting apparatus for sorting the biochemical analysis medium, which has been labeled with the radioactive labeling substance and has been used for a biochemical analysis,

wherein the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted to record management data on the biochemical analysis medium, the management data containing data concerning time acting as reference time for a calculation of an attenuation period, at which radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and data concerning a nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, and

the biochemical analysis medium sorting apparatus is constituted to perform the operations for;

reading out the management data, which has been recorded on the biochemical analysis medium, from the biochemical analysis medium,

calculating a scrapping period, at which a level of radioactivity of the radioactive labeling substance contained in the biochemical analysis medium decreases to a level equal to at most a level that allows the biochemical analysis medium to be scrapped, in accordance with the management data having been read out,

sorting the biochemical analysis medium in accordance with the scrapping period, and

accommodating the biochemical analysis medium in a storage box in accordance with the scrapping period.

71. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 70 wherein the scrapping period of the biochemical analysis medium, which has been accommodated in the storage box, is indicated on the storage box.

72. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 70 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of a hybridization apparatus for subjecting an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, to hybridization with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

the hybridization apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the biochemical analysis unit when the hybridization of the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, with the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, is executed.

73. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 72 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate, and

the hybridization apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

74. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 72 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by applying one of the specific binding substances to a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate, and

the hybridization apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

75. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 72 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate, and

the hybridization apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

76. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 70 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions located at a spacing from one another, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of an exposure apparatus for:

receiving the biochemical analysis unit comprising the plurality of the adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing an exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and a stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the biochemical analysis unit when the exposure operation for exposing the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, is executed.

77. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 76 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate provided with a plurality of holes,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by filling an adsorptive material in one of the holes of the base plate, and applying each of the specific binding substances to the adsorptive material, which has been filled in one of the holes of the base plate,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of the exposure apparatus for:

receiving the biochemical analysis unit comprising the plurality of the adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing the exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit when the exposure operation for exposing the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, is executed.

78. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 76 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises a base plate, which has radiation attenuating properties and is provided with a plurality of through-holes, and an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material, the base plate being located on at least either one of two surfaces of the adsorptive plate such that the base plate is in close contact with the one surface of the adsorptive plate,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed by applying one of the specific binding substances to a region of the adsorptive plate, which region is exposed within one of the plurality of the through-holes of the base plate,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of the exposure apparatus for:

receiving the biochemical analysis unit comprising the plurality of the adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing the exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit when the exposure operation for exposing the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, is executed.

79. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 76 wherein the biochemical analysis unit further comprises an adsorptive plate made from an adsorptive material,

each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions is formed with a process for spotting a liquid containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, onto the adsorptive plate,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of the exposure apparatus for:

receiving the biochemical analysis unit comprising the plurality of the adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of the specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, the organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to the selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing the exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet, which comprises the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor, one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the adsorptive plate of the biochemical analysis unit when the exposure operation for exposing the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, is executed.

80. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 73 wherein the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit is provided with a data recording layer, and

the management data that contains the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded on the data recording layer of the base plate of the biochemical analysis unit.

81. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 70 wherein the biochemical analysis medium is constituted of a stimulable phosphor sheet comprising a support and a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor, which stimulable phosphor layer is formed on or in the support,

the radioactive label imparting apparatus is constituted of an exposure apparatus for:

receiving a biochemical analysis unit comprising a plurality of adsorptive regions, each of the plurality of the adsorptive regions containing one of specific binding substances, whose structures or characteristics are known, an organism-originating substance, which has been labeled with at least the radioactive labeling substance, having been subjected to selective, specific binding to the specific binding substances, each of which is contained in one of the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit, and

executing an exposure operation by superposing the received biochemical analysis unit and the stimulable phosphor sheet one upon the other, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer formed on or in the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet being thereby exposed to radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet when the exposure operation for exposing the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer formed on or in the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet to the radiation radiated out from the radioactive labeling substance, which is now contained selectively in at least one adsorptive region among the plurality of the adsorptive regions of the biochemical analysis unit as a result of the selective, specific binding, is executed.

82. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 81 wherein the stimulable phosphor layer comprises a plurality of stimulable phosphor layer regions, which are located at a spacing from one another.

83. A system for managing a biochemical analysis medium as defined in claim 82 wherein the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet is provided with a data recording layer, on which data is capable of being recorded, and

the exposure apparatus records the management data, the management data containing the data concerning the time acting as the reference time for the calculation of the attenuation period, at which the radiation from the radioactive labeling substance attenuates, and the data concerning the nuclide of the radioactive labeling substance, on the data recording layer of the support of the stimulable phosphor sheet.