Abstract:
A biochemical analyzer adapted to automatically perform calibration and quality control protocols using shuttles adapted to remove calibration and quality control solution vials from a loading tray and to inventory said solution vials on board the biochemical analyzer in a calibration and quality control solution server. In addition, the analyzer is adapted to automatically penetrate the closure covering the opening of the calibration and quality control solution vials, aspirate an amount of solution therefrom and dispense said solution into a test cuvette, thereby eliminating the previous need for operator intervention.
Abstract:
A method to additionally test a patient's specimen using an analyzer some period of time after initial tests on an aliquot of the patient's specimen are completed by retaining the aliquot of the patient's specimen within the analyzer or by retaining another aliquot of the patient's speciment within the analyzer for a period of time.
Abstract:
A dual analyzer system comprising at least two analyzers where samples to be tested are partitioned into three groups in accord with the frequency the test assays are requested. One analyzer performs a portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a first subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The second analyzer performs a similar portion of the most frequently menu assays and all of a second subgroup of less frequently requested assays. The first of the analyzers is not equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays and the second analyzer is not be equipped to perform any of the second subgroup of assays.
Abstract:
A method to additionally test a patient's specimen using an analyzer some period of time after initial tests on an aliquot of the patient's specimen are completed by retaining an aliquot of the patient's specimen within the analyzer for a period of time.
Abstract:
A multi-analyzer system where at least two automatic clinical analyzers (10, 11) are linked together by a bi-directional sample rack shuttle (68), both analyzers initially capable of performing a slightly different menu of assay s. The bi-directional incoming and outgoing sample rack transport system (73) o f a first one of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way incoming sample rack transport system and the incoming sample tube transport system (76) of a second of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way outgoing transport system adapted to dispose of all sample racks having sample tubes with sample finally tested by either analyzer. In the event that one of the two analyzers experiences an operating failure, the analyzer system may automatically revert to a single analyzer system employi ng only the operational analyzer.
Abstract:
An automatic clinical analyzer in which the number of cuvette ports available for reaction vessels on a reaction carousel are 50% in a configuration using a single reagent storage areas; in a second configuration an additional reagent storage areas is employed and additional ones of the cuvette ports on reaction carousel are utilized, thereby significantly increasing throughput.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a flag or lock-out member that can be dislodged or relocated by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.
Abstract:
An automated clinical analyzer (10) comprises: a plurality of cuvettes (24) each adapted to contain a reaction mixture including a sample and at least one reagent; a first detector (17C) adapted to measure luminescence of a reaction mixture in at least one of the cuvettes; a second detector (17A) adapted to measure photometric absorption of a reaction mixture in at least one of the cuvettes in order to diversify the menu of assays performed by the analyzer; a third detector (17B) adapted to measure photometric scattering of a reaction mixture in at least one of the cuvettes in order to further diversify the menu of assays performed by the analyzer; a cuvette transport mechanism adapted to move the cuvettes to any one of the first, second and third detectors; and a control mechanism adapted to control the analyzer.
Abstract:
A multi-analyzer system where at least two automatic clinical analyzers are linked together by a bi-directional sample rack shuttle, both analyzers initially capable of performing a slightly different menu of assays. The bi-directional incoming and outgoing sample rack transport system of a first one of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way incoming sample rack transport system adapted and the incoming sample tube transport system of a second of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way outgoing transport system adapted to dispose of all sample racks having sample tubes with samples finally tested by either analyzer. In the event that one of the two analyzers experiences an operating failure, the analyzer system may automatically revert to a single analyzer system employing only the operational analyzer.
Abstract:
A multi-analyzer system where at least two automatic clinical analyzers are linked together by a bi-directional sample rack shuttle, both analyzers initially capable of performing a slightly different menu of assays. The bi-directional incoming and outgoing sample rack transport system of a first one of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way incoming sample rack transport system adapted and the incoming sample tube transport system of a second of the two analyzers is automatically converted into a one-way outgoing transport system adapted to dispose of all sample racks having sample tubes with samples finally tested by either analyzer. In the event that one of the two analyzers experiences an operating failure, the analyzer system may automatically revert to a single analyzer system employing only the operational analyzer.