Patent ID: 7339673
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A miniature readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument for illuminating a target area and detecting color information from the target area, the readhead comprising: a housing having a hand-held form factor including a holder configured for receiving reagent sample media therein, the sample media having a plurality of test areas disposed in spaced relation thereon, each of the test areas configured to react with a sample when disposed in contact with the sample and to change color according to an amount of an analyte in the sample; the holder sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media; an array of light sources coupled to said housing, each of said light sources configured to emit light onto a respective one of the test areas; an array of chambers disposed in said housing; an array of light detectors respectively disposed within said array of chambers; said chambers configured to enable each of said light detectors to receive diffuse, non-specular reflections of the light from a respective one of the test areas when the sample media is indexed within said holder; and said chambers configured to substantially prevent said light detectors from receiving specular reflections of the light.