Patent ID: 6438498
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A method of using a sample analyzing device having a sample retaining area for holding a sample and at least one sensor located at least partially within said sample retaining area, said at least one sensor having at least one edge which defines a sample detection location, said at least one sensor further being capable of detecting a presence or an absence of the sample in said sample detection location, said method comprising the steps of:(a) introducing the sample into said sample retaining area; (b) mixing a reagent with the sample to commence formation of a reagent product; (c) upon detecting the absence of the sample from the sample detection location by said at least one sensor, moving an edge of the sample past an edge of the at least one sensor into said sample detection location so that at least a given portion of the sample is located therein; (d) upon detecting the presence of the sample in the sample detection location by said at least one sensor, moving the edge of the sample past the edge of the at least one sensor and out of said sample detection location so that less than the given portion of the sample is located therein; and (e) preventing an accumulation of material on or about said at least one sensor by repeating steps (c)-(d) until passage of a predetermined period.