Patent ID: 6069011
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for determining a start of reaction timing for measurement of a reaction between a sample fluid and a reagent, comprising the steps of:a) measuring light reflected from the reagent at intervals prior to application of the sample fluid to the reagent;b) applying the sample fluid to the reagent, thereby creating a reagent/sample fluid combination;c) measuring light reflected from the reagent/sample fluid combination at intervals after performing step (b);d) calculating a first derivative of measurement data taken at steps (a) and (c);e) determining a location of a local minimum in the first derivative;f) beginning a predetermined time period at a time corresponding to the local minimum, wherein the predetermined time period corresponds to a time for reaction between the sample fluid and reagent; andg) measuring light reflected from the reagent/sample fluid combination after expiration of the predetermined time period.