Patent ID: 9488555
Filing Date: 2016-11-08
CPC Classification: B01F,G01N,Y10T

Claim Text:
1. A method for adjusting a position of a mixing element in an in vitro diagnostic apparatus, comprising: a) positioning the mixing element at a first vertical position in a first vessel having a first calibration sample; b) performing a first mixing test on the first calibration sample to determine a first value corresponding to a completeness of mixing at the first vertical position; c) positioning the mixing element at a second vertical position, above the first vertical position, in one of the first vessel or a second vessel; d) performing a second mixing test on a second calibration sample to determine a second value corresponding to a completeness of mixing at the second vertical position; e) comparing the first and second values to determine if a bottom of the first vessel is generally one of: at the first vertical position, below the first vertical position, above the second vertical position, and between the first and second vertical positions, wherein a vertical position is considered below the bottom of the first vessel if the bottom interferes with a tip of the mixing element when the mixing element is so positioned; f) mixing a plurality of patient samples with the mixing element at a third vertical position relative to the bottom if the bottom of the first vessel is between the first and second vertical positions; g) adjusting at least one of the first or second vertical positions; and h) repeating at least one additional mixing test until the comparing step indicates that the bottom of the first vessel is between the first and second vertical positions.