Patent ID: 6830731
Filing Date: 2004-12-14
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A fluorometer for taking fluorometric readings of a sample, comprising:an assay device for carrying the sample to be tested; an optical energy source for exciting the assay device carrying the sample by irradiating the assay device with optical energy; an optical energy detector for detecting energy emitted from the excited assay device due to the irradiation; an encoded label disposed on the assay device to provide encoded sample information relating to the sample carried in the assay device; an encoder reader for reading the encoded label; drive electronics for positioning the assay device, with respect to the optical energy source and the optical energy detector, so that at least one of a plurality of assay zones within the sample can be tested; a processor for controlling the operation of the test in accordance with test instructions and for processing the emitted energy detected from a given zone or plurality of zones in order to determine test results; a ROM chip socket for accepting at least one of a plurality of ROM chips at least one ROM chip for insertion into the ROM chip socket, that stores information related to at least one of: instrument specific operational software for one or more tests; test specific evaluation curves; control solution; calibrator solution; the accessibility of a user to change fluorometer parameters; and expected values measured by a QC simulator; and a bi-directional communications interface for transferring test information between the fluorometer and an external entity.