Patent ID: 6628395
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: G01F,G01N

Abstract:
A method for preliminary testing of a neat serum sample contained in a sample container, comprising:(a) positioning an optical probe over a sample surface, the probe comprising at least one input to supply and direct a beam of light towards the sample surface and at least one collector to receive reflected light by the sample; (b) collecting the reflected light and measuring its intensity while moving the probe in a plurality of sequential steps towards or away from the sample surface until a maximum intensity position is reached, wherein the maximum intensity position is characterized by a maximum intensity of the reflected light; (c) determining a sample level based on a location of the maximum intensity position; and (d) positioning the probe at a predetermined position above the sample level and monitoring the sample in the sample container to determine the suitability of the neat serum sample for additional testing.