To analyze the amount of a component of a sample, automatic analyzing devices are widely used. In such automatic analyzing devices: a sample or a reaction solution prepared by mixing a sample and a reagent is irradiated with light emitted from a light source; the amount of light of a single wavelength or each of plural wavelengths transmitted through the sample or reaction solution is measured using a light receiving element; the absorbance of the sample or reaction solution is calculated; and the amount of the component of the sample is determined based on the relationship between absorbance and concentration (see the patent literature 1, for example). In the automatic analyzing devices: many cells each containing a reaction solution are circumferentially arranged on a cell disk which repeats rotating and stopping; and, while the cell disk is rotating, the amount of light transmitted through the reaction solution contained in each cell crossing a measuring position is measured. In this way, each cell crosses the measuring position, typically, once every 15 seconds to be subjected to the photometry. As a result, the amount of light transmitted through the reaction solution contained in each cell is photometrically measured about 40 times in a total time period of 10 minutes per reaction. Based on the variation with time in the amount of light transmitted through the reaction solution and the Lambert-Beer law, the absorbance of the reagent solution is calculated and the amount of the component of the sample is determined.
The patent literature 2 discloses a technique applicable to a highly active sample which completes reaction during a rotation of a disk. In the technique, during the time used by a reaction cell to pass a measuring system, the measuring system is controlled at high speed to measure the absorbance of the reaction cell plural times.
The patent literature 3 discloses a technique in which plural detectors are arranged around a rotating body with reaction cells arranged thereon. In the technique, when the rotating body controlled to rotate and stop is stopped for a predetermined amount of time, reaction cells are measured sequentially by the detectors disposed where they are stopped.
In the field of such automatic analyzing devices, demand has recently been rising for speedy inspection so as to improve operational efficiency in inspection rooms and services for patients and, hence, measurement time reduction and secured reproducibility have been requested.