Patent ID: 8333938
Filing Date: 2012-12-18
Classification: B01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A cartridge holder for facilitating filling at least one cartridge cell of a test cartridge with a blood sample dispensed from a blood sample dispenser through an upper end opening of a reaction chamber of the cartridge cell for conducting a blood coagulation test, the cartridge cell employing a plunger that is lifted during mixture of the blood sample with a reagent by engagement of a lift mechanism with a plunger upper end that extends from the cartridge cell, the cartridge holder comprising: a cartridge holder frame comprising a lower base and a rear frame configured to provide a test cartridge receptacle that receives and supports the cartridge cell in an upright position, the lower base forming a floor of a fixed lower cartridge cell supporting and receiving structure that defines a lower portion of the upright position of the cartridge cell; and a plunger upper end deflector that defines an upper portion of the upright position of the cartridge cell and comprises a deflecting arm that extends at an angle from the rear frame over the lower cartridge cell supporting and receiving structure of the base to engage and deflect the plunger upper end to a side of the cartridge cell when positioned in the upright position of the test cartridge receptacle, wherein a distance between the plunger upper end deflector and the lower base is configured to accommodate a total height of the cartridge cell.