Patent ID: 9599546
Date: 2017-03-21
CPC Classifications: G01N

Claim:
1. A method of mixing a sample by an analyzer comprising the steps of: (a) aspirating a first portion of a sample to be mixed from a first level within a vessel containing the sample; (b) dispensing the first portion of the sample at a second level within the vessel; (c) measuring a first set of one or more pressure values using a sensor coupled to a pipette during at least one of the steps of aspirating or dispensing the first portion of the sample; (d) aspirating a second portion of the sample to be mixed from approximately the second level within the vessel; (e) dispensing the second portion of the sample at approximately the first level within the vessel; (f) measuring a second set of one or more pressure values using the sensor during at least one of the steps of aspirating or dispensing the second portion of the sample; (g) comparing the first and second set of values to determine a difference of the one or more pressure values of the first and second samples, wherein the difference indicates a level of relative homogeneity between the first and second portions of the sample; (h) determining by the analyzer whether the level of relative homogeneity between the first and second portions meets predetermined criteria; and (i) transferring at least a third portion of the sample to perform an assay if the determining step indicates that the sample is sufficiently mixed.