Patent ID: 6797518
Filing Date: 2004-09-28
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of performing measurements on at least a portion of a liquid sample in a clinical analyzer, comprising the steps of:(a) providing a clinical analyzer with sample handling apparatus having one or more sample containers holding an amount of sample liquid; with sample metering apparatus having a proboscis, one or more metering tips having a tubular shape with a metering aperture at one end, a metering pump coupled with the proboscis; and sample processing apparatus having one or more test elements; (b) attaching a tip to the proboscis to crease a metering assembly; (c) moving the metering assembly to an initial aspiration position, in which the metering aperture of the tip is immersed in sample liquid; (d) creating a partial vacuum with the metering pump, causing a selected volume of sample liquid to be aspirated from a sample container into the tip; (e) moving the metering assembly to a dispensing position; (f) creating a partial pressure with the metering pump, causing a portion of the sample liquid to be dispensed from the metering tip onto a test element; (g) the sample processing apparatus then performing at least one clinical chemistry test and analysis; (h) the metering assembly moving to a tip ejection position; (i) sealing the metering aperture of the metering tip; (j) removing the metering tip from the proboscis; (k) performing a sample quality measurement on the sample liquid in the ejected tip; wherein said steps (b)-(g) are repeated in a primary analyzer cycle; wherein said step (k) is repeated in a secondary sample quality cycle; such that at least portions of the primary and secondary cycles occur simultaneously.