Method of detecting test substance, sample analysis cartridge, and sample analyzer

A method of detecting a test substance contained in a sample by use of a cartridge, comprising:

• receiving a sample with the cartridge;
• transferring at least a part of the sample to a first chamber, of the cartridge, which accommodates a liquid-based first reagent filled up to a cover part, so that magnetic particles contained in the first reagent react with a test substance in the sample, the magnetic particles carrying the test substance in response to the magnetic particles reacting with the test substance;
• attracting, in a first liquid phase formed by the first reagent, the magnetic particles close to the cover part with a magnetic source;
• transferring, by moving the magnetic source along the cover part, a complex of the test substance and the magnetic particles from the first liquid phase to a second liquid phase formed by a second liquid-based reagent through a gas phase defined by a passage connecting the first chamber and a second chamber, of the cartridge, which accommodates the second reagent filled up to the cover part, so that the complex reacts with a labeled substance contained in the second reagent, wherein the passage is provided adjacent to an upper surface of the cartridge and wherein openings are formed in upper parts of the first and second chambers, and the first and second chambers are connected through the respective openings by the passage, and wherein the passage is provided above the first and second chambers and covered with the cover part so that the first reagent and the second reagent filled up to the cover part are separated with the gas-phase in the passage;
• and
• detecting the test substance in the complex based on the labeled substance.