초록 ▼

System and program for measuring progressively the absorbance changes of a large number of aliquots from a plurality of different samples in a continuous processing mode. A plurality of routine samples are maintained in an ordered sequence in a sample tray which may be moved to a first sample pick u

System and program for measuring progressively the absorbance changes of a large number of aliquots from a plurality of different samples in a continuous processing mode. A plurality of routine samples are maintained in an ordered sequence in a sample tray which may be moved to a first sample pick up position. Emergency samples (stats) and controls (standards) are positioned in a second plurality of auxiliary positions which may be moved to a second sample position. A first and second plurality of reagents are maintained, moved to respective reagent pick up positions, picked up, moved and dispensed in respective dispensing positions by respective single reagent dispensing arms in a similar manner to the sample operation. The chemical reaction is then monitored by photometer means preferably having a plurality of photometric detectors such that radiation passes through each of the cuvettes and the fluids therein during each cycle of the system. Just prior to the sample dispensing position the cuvette is cleaned and tested to ensure that all the previously added fluids have been removed prior to receiving a new sample. Any one sample may be tested with different reagents or reagent mixtures in different aliquots placed in separate cuvettes at each wavelength as desired. Each sample aliquot and reagent mixture may be measured to determine the rate of the chemical reaction and the equilibrium or end point of the reaction or both, if desired. The array of cuvettes is continuous, because it is replenished at the end of each sequence prior to the addition of the new sample.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of testing samples comprising: A. arranging a first plurality of samples into a sequence of sample positions for sequential testing; B. moving a predetermined one of said sequenced sample positions to a first sample pick up location; C. picking up at least a first sample aliquot in the firs

A method of testing samples comprising: A. arranging a first plurality of samples into a sequence of sample positions for sequential testing; B. moving a predetermined one of said sequenced sample positions to a first sample pick up location; C. picking up at least a first sample aliquot in the first sample pick up location and dispensing the aliquot into a reaction vessel; D. moving at least one predetermined reagent position from one of a plurality of first reagent positions containing a reagent to a first reagent pick up location; E. picking up a predetermined aliquot of said reagent in the first reagent pick up location and dispensing said reagent aliquot into said reaction vessel; F. testing at least the resulting combination of sample and reagent aliquots in said reaction vessel; and G. interrupting said sequential testing by picking up an aliquot of an auxiliary sample from a second pick up location separated from said sequenced sample positions and dispensing said auxiliary aliquot into a reaction vessel.