Device and method for transferring reaction vessels

A method and an automated system for testing liquid samples comprising a reaction vessel transferring device are presented. A first analytical unit for running a first diagnostic test comprises a rotatable first vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. A second analytical unit for running a second diagnostic test comprises a stationary linear second vessel holder detachably holding reaction vessels. The transferring device comprises a gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transfers reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or vice versa. The device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder and the gripper moves along a curved path between a picking position and a reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of EP 12198235.9, filed Dec. 19, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to the field of analytical sample processing and, in particular, to a device, system and process for transferring reaction vessels for analytical sample processing.

In recent years, clinical analyzers offering a broad variety of analytical methods have become commercially available. Depending on the specific analyzer used, samples can be tested by various diagnostic methods in an automated manner.

As a matter of fact, depending on the number of analytical units, analyzers can have a comparably large footprint. Furthermore, since the analytical methods may differ in cycle times as given by the time required for processing one sample, the processing of samples can be blocked until an on-going run of analytical method is completed. Therefore, the processing of samples can be rather time-consuming.

In light of the foregoing, there is a need to improve conventional clinical analyzers provided with a number of analytical units offering various analytical methods by having an analyzer with a comparably small footprint available which also allows for time- and cost-efficient sample processing.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure, an automated system and method for testing liquid samples is presented. The automated system can comprise a first analytical unit for carrying out at least one first diagnostic test comprising a rotatable first vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels; a second analytical unit for carrying out at least one second diagnostic test comprising a stationary linear second vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels; and a reaction vessel transferring device. The reaction vessel transferring device can comprise at least one gripper for gripping a reaction vessel and transferring reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder, wherein the reaction vessel transferring device is translatable parallel to the second vessel holder; a first part comprising a linearly translatable socket; and a second build-up part, rotatably attached to the linearly translatable socket and having a guiding element which is brought in engagement with a guiding path to control rotation of the second build-up part with respect to the linearly translatable socket. The gripper can be attached to the second build-up part and can move at least in part along a curved path between a picking position and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder by linear translation of the linearly translatable socket.

Accordingly, it is a feature of the embodiments of the present disclosure to improve conventional clinical analyzers provided with a number of analytical units offering various analytical methods by having an analyzer with a comparably small footprint available which also allows for time- and cost-efficient sample processing. Other features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent in light of the description of the disclosure embodied herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A new reaction vessel transferring device for an automated system for testing liquid samples is presented. The device can be configured in various ways in accordance with specific demands of the user and, for example, can be particularly useful in connection with automated analyzers for analyzing samples by various analytical methods such as, but not limited to, clinical-chemical and coagulation tests.

The term “sample”, as used herein, can refer to a material suspected of containing one or more analytes of interest. The sample can be derived from any biological source, such as a physiological fluid, including, blood, saliva, ocular lens fluid, cerebral spinal fluid, sweat, urine, milk, ascites fluid, mucous, synovial fluid, peritoneal fluid, amniotic fluid, tissue, cells or the like. The sample can be pre-treated prior to use, such as preparing plasma from blood, diluting viscous fluids, lysis or the like. Methods of treatment can involve filtration, distillation, concentration, inactivation of interfering components, and the addition of reagents. A sample may be used directly as obtained from the source or following a pre-treatment to modify the character of the sample, for example, after being diluted with another solution or after having been mixed with reagents, for example, to carry out one or more diagnostic assays like clinical chemistry assays, immunoassays, coagulation assays, nucleic acid testing, etc. The term “sample” as used herein is therefore not only used for the original sample but can also relate to a sample which has already been processed (pipetted, diluted, mixed with reagents, enriched, having been purified, having been amplified and the like).

The term “reagent” as used herein can indicate a composition required for treatment of a sample. Reagents may be any liquid, for example, a solvent or chemical solution, which needs to be mixed with a sample and/or other reagent in order for example, for a reaction to occur, or to enable detection. A reagent may be for example a diluting liquid, including water, it may comprise an organic solvent, it may comprise a detergent, and it may be a buffer. Reagents may also be dry reagents adapted, for example, to be dissolved by a sample, another reagent or a diluting liquid. A reagent in the more strict sense of the term may be a liquid solution containing a reactant, typically a compound or agent capable for example, of binding to or chemically transforming one or more analytes present in a sample. Examples of reactants are enzymes, enzyme substrates, conjugated dyes, protein-binding molecules, nucleic acid binding molecules, antibodies, chelating agents, promoters, inhibitors, epitopes, antigens, and the like. According to one embodiment, reagents can form homogeneous mixtures with samples and can carry out homogeneous assays. According to another embodiment, reagents can be heterogeneously mixed with samples and can therefore carry out heterogeneous assays. An example of heterogeneous assay can be a heterogeneous immunoassay. Some of the reactants, for example, capturing antibodies, can be immobilized on a solid support. Examples of solid supports can be streptavidin coated beads, for example, magnetic beads, or latex beads suspended in solution, used, for example, in latex agglutination and turbidimetric assays.

According to one embodiment, the system for use with the reaction vessel transferring device can comprise a first analytical unit for carrying out at least one first diagnostic test. The first analytical unit can comprise a rotatable first vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels. In one embodiment, the system can comprise a second analytical unit for carrying out at least one second diagnostic test. The second analytical unit can comprise a substantially stationary linear second vessel holder having a plurality of reaction vessel seats for detachably holding reaction vessels.

As used herein, the term “analytical unit” can relate to a functional (and optionally structural) entity that carries out one or more diagnostic tests. In one embodiment, each of the first and second analytical units can be a modular unit.

As used herein, the term “vessel holder” can relate to any device capable of holding one or more sample vessels in dedicated vessel positions, wherein each sample vessel can be held in one vessel position as given by a region of the vessel holder adapted for removably holding one sample vessel. The first vessel holder can be a rotor which can be rotated so as to bring reaction vessels loaded thereon at different angular positions. Contrary thereto, the second vessel holder can be kept stationary with respect to the first vessel holder so that the first vessel holder can be rotated with respect to the second vessel holder. In one embodiment, the second vessel holder can have a substantially linear arrangement of holding seats, each of which can hold one reaction vessel.

As used herein, the term “reaction vessel” can relate to any device capable of containing liquids such as samples and reagents. In one embodiment, the reaction vessel can be a cuvette. The term “cuvette” as used herein can indicate a vessel comprising a body at least in part optically transparent to receive liquids in an inner space and to allow the photometric measurement of a liquid sample contained therein, i.e., the measurement of changes in optical transmission, such as absorbance and scattering, used in the optical analysis of analytes present in a sample. The cuvette may be used in the performance of scattering assays to detect the result of a chemical or biological reaction or to monitor the progress of a chemical or biological reaction, for example, in a coagulation assay, agglutination assay, turbidimetric assay. According to one embodiment, the cuvette body can comprise side walls, a closed bottom and an upper opening for allowing liquids to be introduced in the inner space formed by the side walls and the closed bottom. According to one embodiment, the cuvette can comprise at least one lip projecting outwards of the cuvette body in proximity of the upper opening. This lip may be convenient when handling the cuvette and/or for holding the cuvette in a cuvette holding position. According to one embodiment, the cuvette can be manufactured in one piece by injection moulding polymeric material. According to one embodiment, the volume can be below about 1 mL and can receive a volume of liquid below about 0.5 mL. According to one embodiment, the body can comprise side walls and two openings to allow liquid to flow through. The cuvette may thus be embodied as a channel, tube, capillary flow-through vessel and the like. The cuvette may have an inner volume in the milliliter or microliter range.

In one embodiment, a cycle time (i.e., time for processing one sample) of the second diagnostic test can be longer than a cycle time of the first diagnostic test. Specifically, in one embodiment, the second diagnostic test can be a coagulation test and the first diagnostic test can be related to determining clinical-chemical parameters of the samples.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device can comprise at least one gripper for gripping one reaction vessel and can transfer reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder.

In one embodiment, the gripper can move along the stationary second vessel holder. Accordingly, individual reaction vessels can readily be transferred from the first vessel holder (rotor) to any reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder and/or from one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder to the rotor.

In one embodiment, the gripper can move at least in part along a curved path (along an at least partially curved path) for transferring reaction vessels between the first and second vessel holders. In one embodiment, the gripper can be moved between a picking position for picking one reaction vessel supported by one reaction vessel seat of the first vessel holder and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder. Accordingly, the second vessel holder can be positioned non-tangentially with respect to the rotatable first vessel holder so as to reduce the footprint of the system.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device can comprise a first part comprising a substantially linearly translatable socket, and a second part herein referred to as “build-up”, rotatably attached to the socket and having a guiding element which can be brought in engagement with a guiding path so as to control rotation of the build-up with respect to the socket. The gripper can be attached to the build-up. Accordingly, the build-up can be translated together with the socket and the gripper can readily be rotated with respect to the socket by substantially linear translation of the socket.

In one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device can comprise a resilient device for pre-tensioning the build-up in rotation against the socket. Accordingly, control of the rotational movement of the gripper can be facilitated. Generally, the reaction vessel transferring device can be made compact in shape and can be manufactured in an easy and cost-effective manner since the socket needs to be only linearly translatable, with the build-up automatically rotated with respect to the socket while substantially linearly translating the socket.

In one embodiment, the gripper can be coupled to a mixing/shaking mechanism for mixing and/or shaking liquids contained in a gripped reaction vessel. Accordingly, liquids can be mixed and/or shaken when being gripped by the gripper so as to save cost and time when processing samples.

A method can be configured in various ways in accordance with specific demands of the user and, for example, can be used in connection with automated analyzers having various analytical methods. Specifically, the method can be used in a system or instrument using a reaction vessel transferring device as above-described.

In one embodiment, the method can comprise transferring reaction vessels from the first vessel holder to the second vessel holder and/or transferring reaction vessels from the second vessel holder to the first vessel holder. In one embodiment, the transfer of reaction vessels can comprise translating the reaction vessels substantially parallel to the second vessel holder and moving the reaction vessels at least in part along a curved path (along an at least partially curved path) between a picking position for gripping one reaction vessel in a reaction vessel seat of the first vessel holder and at least one reaction vessel seat of the second vessel holder.

In one embodiment, the method can further comprise transferring one reaction vessel from one incubation seat of the second vessel holder for incubating one sample and one or more reagents to one test seat of the second vessel holder for carrying out the second diagnostic test.

In one embodiment, the method can further comprise gripping the reaction vessel. One sample and/or one or more reagents can be pipetted into the gripped reaction. Liquids can be mixed in the gripped reaction vessel.

In one embodiment, one sample and one or more reagents contained in one reaction vessel can be mixed during transfer of the reaction vessel from one incubation seat to one test seat.

Referring initially toFIGS. 1-5,FIGS. 1-5depict various views of an integrated system for testing liquid samples generally referred to as reference numeral1. In one embodiment, the system1can be an automated stand-alone instrument which can be placed on a workbench.

Specifically, the system1can comprise a first analytical unit2and a second analytical unit3for testing liquid samples. The first analytical unit2can carry out first diagnostic tests related to clinical-chemistry. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the first analytical unit2can comprise a motor-driven rotor4rotatably fixed to a base5so as to be rotated with respect to the base5. On the outer periphery, the rotor4can have a ring-like arrangement of reaction vessel seats6, each of which can detachably hold one reaction vessel38such as, but not limited to, a cuvette, to receive liquid sample and/or one or more reagents. Accordingly, reaction vessels38can be put into the vessel seats6or removed therefrom according to the specific demands of the user. The reaction vessel seats6of the rotor4can be brought to a pre-determined temperature according to the specific demands of the user so as to improve reaction rates between samples and reagents contained in the reaction vessels38.

The first analytical unit2can further comprise a plurality of first workstations7, to carry out one or more processing steps related to clinical-chemistry and can, for example, mix and pipette fluids and can detect body substances which can be used to examine bodily fluids. Clinical-chemical sample processing is well-known to those of skill in the art so that it is not necessary to elucidate it further herein. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the first workstations7can be arranged along the outer circumference of the rotor4so that reaction vessels38loaded on the rotor4can be readily accessed.

Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the first analytical unit2can comprise a plurality of first workstations7configured, inter alia, as mixing stations for mixing liquids contained in reaction vessels38and one clinical-chemistry test photometer52for optically measuring various clinical-chemical test parameters of the samples. Stated more particularly, in one embodiment, each first workstation7can comprise a movable gripper29, for gripping one reaction vessel38, lifting the reaction vessel38from the reaction vessel seat6, agitating the reaction vessel38for mixing liquids contained therein, and placing the reaction vessel38on a reaction vessel seat6of the rotor4. For being gripped by the gripper29, each reaction vessel38can, for example, comprise an upper collar. For mixing of reaction vessels38, the gripper29can be coupled to a mixing mechanism42driven by a motor51. Accordingly, the gripper29can have a double functionality of gripping reaction vessel38and mixing liquids contained therein.

The clinical-chemistry test photometer52can comprise a light-generating device, to generate light of one or more wavelengths and a light-detecting device arranged in a manner to detect photometrically clinical-chemical test parameters of samples contained in the reaction vessels38. The light-generating device can, for example, comprise one or more diodes and one or more lamps. The light-detecting device can, for example, comprise a charge coupled device (CCD), photo-diode array, photomultiplier tube array, charge injection device (CID), CMOS detector, avalanche photo diode and the like. The clinical-chemistry test photometer52can further include light guiding elements such as, but not limited to, optical fibres, lenses and mirrors and/or light separating elements such as, but not limited to, transmission gratings, reflective gratings and prisms. The clinical-chemistry test photometer52can be arranged in such a manner that light having passed through a reaction vessel38can be detected by the photometer52. Detection can be done by bringing one cuvette at a time to the photometer52while rotating the rotor. According to one embodiment, this detection can be done on-the-fly, i.e., while the rotor4is rotated. Accordingly, in the system1, by rotating the rotor4, individual reaction vessels38can be moved to the first workstations7for pipetting and mixing of samples and reagents contained therein to then be moved to the clinical-chemistry test photometer52for optical sample testing. Corresponding to the number of first workstations7, different reaction vessels38can simultaneously be processed. While inFIG. 1a number of three first workstations7and one clinical-chemistry test photometer52are shown for the purpose of illustration only, those of skill in the art will appreciate that any other number of first workstations7and clinical-chemistry test photometers52can be envisaged according to the specific demands of the user.

The second analytical unit3can carrying at least one second diagnostic test different from the first diagnostic tests which, in one embodiment, can relate to a coagulation test involving optical measurements of the samples. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the second analytical unit3can comprise a substantially linear incubation block8fixedly secured to the base5so that the rotor4can be rotated with respect to the incubation block8kept stationary. As illustrated, the incubation block8can have a substantially linear arrangement of reaction vessel seats6, each of which can receive one reaction vessel38. Accordingly, reaction vessels38can be put on the reaction vessel seats6or removed therefrom according to the specific demands of the user. The linear incubation block8can advantageously allow parallel sample pipetting and parallel sample detection in a facilitated and optimized optical setup wherein only one linear movement may be required for translating reaction vessels38to the various reaction vessel seats6. Since reaction vessels38do not undergo a movement while seated in the incubation block8(which would be the case when placed on the rotor4), reliability of coagulation tests of samples can be improved. The incubation block8can have a compact shape and can be manufactured in a time- and cost-effective manner.

The reaction vessel seats6of the incubation block8can be brought to a pre-determined temperature so as to incubate (i.e., heating with a specific temperature for a specific time interval) samples and reagents contained in the reaction vessels38. Heating of the samples can, for example, be performed by electric heating such as a heating foil comprising heating wires. Except from an upper side, the incubation block8can be encased by thermally isolating material.

As illustrated, in one embodiment, the linear arrangement of reaction vessel seats6can comprise plural (for example, three) test seats10, one reference seat41and a plurality (for example, seven) of incubation seats11wherein each test seat10can be coupled to a coagulation test photometer53for optically testing samples. Specifically, in one embodiment, the coagulation test photometer53can comprise a light-generating device to generate light to perform an optical measurement of the samples and a light-detecting device for detecting light transmitted through the samples. In one embodiment, light fibres54can be used to direct the light to the reaction vessels38placed on the test seats10. Due to the linear arrangement of reaction vessel seats6, light generated by the coagulation test photometer53can readily be directed to the test seats10via the light fibres54. Accordingly, a plurality (for example, three) of samples can simultaneously be tested and a plurality (for example, seven) of sample/reagent mixtures can be incubated prior to testing. The cycle time, i.e., the time required for processing one sample, by a coagulation test usually is longer than the cycle time of testing clinical-chemical parameters. Accordingly, samples usually stay longer in the second analytical unit3than in the first analytical unit2. Furthermore, due to the fact that samples can be kept stationary during incubation, a detrimental influence on coagulation tests can be avoided by seating reaction vessels38for incubation of samples in the stationary incubation block8. The substantially linear arrangement of reaction vessels seats6, in particular test seats10, can allow for an easy and quick transport of reaction vessels38between reaction vessel seats6. Furthermore, optical properties of samples can readily be determined, for example, in parallel due to an easy adjustment of the optical components.

The second analytical unit3can further comprise a reaction vessel transferring device16, for transferring reaction vessels38from the rotor4to the incubation block8and from the incubation block8to the rotor4. Specifically, in one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device16can comprise a movable gripper29, for gripping one reaction vessel38and transferring the reaction vessel38between a first picking position17at the rotor4(i.e., reaction vessel seat6of the rotor4) and the linear incubation block8. As used herein, the term “first picking position” can be related to a specific position of the gripper29in which the gripper29can have an appropriate (radial) position with respect to a rotational axis of the rotor4(i.e., gripper29can be in substantially orthogonal arrangement with respect to the outer circumference of the rotor4). Accordingly, reaction vessels38can readily be removed or placed on the rotor4. By rotating the rotor4, reaction vessels38loaded on the rotor4can be moved to the first picking position17for gripping by the reaction vessel transferring device16. The reaction vessel transferring device16is further detailed below with respect toFIGS. 2 to 5.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the system1can further comprise a loading/unloading unit27for loading/unloading reaction vessels38to/from the rotor4. Specifically, in one embodiment, the loading/unloading unit27can comprise a reaction vessel feeder12, to receive a plurality of reaction vessels38which can be loaded to the reaction vessel feeder12via a reaction vessel loading area13. The reaction vessel feeder12can thus serve as a reservoir for storing reaction vessels38in bulk. In one embodiment, the reaction vessel feeder12can be configured for individualizing reaction vessels38and transporting individualized reaction vessels38to a handover position14via a transport rail63.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the loading/unloading unit27can further comprise an input/output workstation15for transporting reaction vessels38from the handover position14to a second picking position69(i.e., reaction vessel seat6of the rotor4) and from the second picking position69to a waste position47. In one embodiment, the input/output workstation15can have a movable gripper29capable of gripping one reaction vessel38in handover position14and transporting the reaction vessel38to the second picking position69on the rotor4. As used herein, the term “second picking position” can be related to a specific position of the gripper29of the input/output workstation15in which the gripper29can have an appropriate position for gripping one reaction vessel38loaded on the rotor4. Furthermore, the gripper29can grip one reaction vessel38in second picking position69on the rotor4and transport the reaction vessel38to the waste position47. In waste position, used reaction vessels38can fall into a vessel waste. Accordingly, in the system1, reaction vessels38can be transported from the handover position14to the rotor4and from the rotor4to the waste position47by operating the gripper29of the input/output workstation15.

The system1can further comprise a sampling unit26for receiving samples to be tested by the first and/or second analytical units2,3. As illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the sampling unit26can comprise a sample storage area36provided with plural rack seats31, each of which can receive one sample rack32for holding a plurality of sample vessels33such as, but not limited to, sample tubes. In one embodiment, each sample rack32can comprise a linear arrangement of, for example, five, sample vessel seats34, with each sample vessel seat34holding one sample vessel33.

Specifically, as illustrated, in one embodiment, the samples can be manually or automatically loaded/unloaded to/from a front-sided sample loading area39coupled to a rack transport mechanism48for transporting individual sample racks32between the sample loading area39and the sample storage area36. Furthermore, the sampling unit26can have a reader50(for example, barcode scanner or RFID reader) to identify sample racks32and/or sample vessels33by reading information stored in machine-readable information tags attached to the sample racks32and/or sample vessels33.

The system1can further comprise a reagent compartment25for storing reagents related to the first and second diagnostic tests. Specifically, as illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, the reagent compartment25can comprise a reagent storage area37provided with reagent containers containing reagent. Stated more particularly, in one embodiment, the reagent storage area37can comprise a plurality of reagent container seats for receiving reagent containers which can be arranged in shelf-like storages (“warehouse”), wherein a reagent container handler can be arranged between the shelf-like storages for transporting individual reagent containers.

Specifically,FIG. 1depicts a top cover56of the reagent storage area37made of isolating material with a plurality of pipetting holes57for pipetting of reagents contained in reagent containers placed below the top cover56(i.e., placed on a highest level of two shelf-like storages). Accordingly, reagent containers can be stored in different levels of the shelf-like storages and can be positioned at the highest level when needed. In one embodiment, the reagent compartment25can be actively cooled so that reagents can be stored therein for an extended period of time. In order to keep the reagents at a pre-determined (low) temperature, the reagent compartment25can be encased by thermally isolating material.

As further illustrated inFIG. 1, in one embodiment, reagent containers can be manually or automatically loaded/unloaded to/from a front-sided reagent loading area35. Specifically, in one embodiment, the reagent compartment25can comprise a drawer58with a handle59so that the drawer58can readily be pulled out of a frame60or pushed in, respectively. When pulling the drawer58out of the frame60, the reagent loading area35can be accessible from outside so as to load reagent containers thereon and to remove used reagent containers, respectively. Furthermore, the reagent compartment25can have a reader50(such as, for example, a barcode scanner or RFID reader) which can be used to identify reagent containers by reading information stored in a machine-readable information tag attached to the reagent containers. Accordingly, information related to the reagents such as, but not limited to, the sort of reagents, expiration dates and the like can be read to assist the automatic handling of the reagent containers. In one embodiment, the reader50can read information from information tags while transporting reagent containers in the reagent storage compartment25. In one embodiment, the reader50can read information from information tags attached to reagent containers positioned in the reagent loading area35and/or reagent storage area37.

With continued reference toFIG. 1, the system1can also comprise a pipetting unit22for pipetting liquids which, in one embodiment, can comprise a first pipettor23and a second pipettor24coupled to a first transfer mechanism18and a second transfer mechanism20, respectively, for being transported relative to the base5. Stated more particularly, in one embodiment, each of the transfer mechanisms18,20can comprise one (jointly used) stationary beam45and one movable beam46substantially orthogonally arranged with and movable along the stationary beam45. Specifically, in one embodiment, a first transfer head19carrying the first pipettor23can be fixed to the one movable beam46and a second transfer head21carrying the second pipettor24can be fixed to the other movable beam46, with each transfer head19,21movable along the respective movable beam46. Accordingly, the transfer heads19,21can respectively be moved along the stationary beam45by moving the movable beam46along the stationary beam45and can also be moved along the movable beam46so as to have components of movement in two directions of travel in a horizontal plane over the base5. Furthermore, the transfer heads19,21can respectively move in a third direction of travel towards and away from the base5. Accordingly, the first pipettor23and the second pipettor24can respectively be moved in a horizontal plane over the base5and in vertical direction relative to the base5.

Each of the first and second pipettors23,24can comprise one or more pipetting channels30for pipetting liquids, with each pipetting channel30comprising one pipette40coupled to a pump for generating a positive or negative pressure therein for discharging and sucking-in liquids, respectively. In one embodiment, the first pipettor23can have two pipetting channels30, one of which can be used for pipetting samples for clinical-chemistry and coagulation tests and the other one can be used for pipetting reagents related to clinical-chemistry. In one embodiment, the second pipettor24can have four pipetting channels30with four pipettes40, for example, substantially serially arranged with respect to each other, for pipetting reagents related to the coagulation tests. In one embodiment, at least one of the pipettes40of the second pipettor24can be heated so as to heat liquids (reagents) contained therein. Accordingly, reagents can be pre-heated before reacting with samples in order to increase reaction rates. The pipettes40of the first and second pipettors23,24can, for example, have re-usable metallic needles which can be washed in wash stations62.

In order to control the various workflows of the system1, the system1can further include a controller28which may, for example, be embodied as programmable logic device (microprocessor) running a computer-readable program provided with instructions to perform operations in accordance with predetermined process routines (workflows) for testing liquid samples. For this purpose, the controller28can be electrically connected to the various components which can require control and/or provide information including the first and second analytical units2,3, the pipetting unit22, the loading/unloading unit27and the reaction vessel transferring device16.

Referring toFIGS. 2-5, the second analytical unit3comprising the reaction vessel transferring device16is further described.

Accordingly, in one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device16arranged adjacent the linear incubation block8can comprise a socket64and a build-up65(seeFIG. 5) attached to the socket64and can have a movable gripper29for gripping one reaction vessel38. As illustrated inFIGS. 4 and 5, a linear guiding rail66can be attached to the base5in substantially parallel alignment with respect to the linear arrangement of reaction vessels seats6of the incubation block8for guiding the socket64. Correspondingly, on the lower side, the socket64can have a generally U-shaped recess67engaged with the guiding rail66so that the socket64can be moved along the guiding rail66. In one embodiment, the socket64can slide along the guiding rail66. In one embodiment, the socket64can roll-off the guiding rail66.

In one embodiment, the build-up65can be rotatably fixed to the socket64so that the build-up65can be rotated around a substantially vertical rotational axis68with respect to the socket64. Specifically, in one embodiment, a resilient member such as, for example, a spring61having one end fixed to the socket64and the other end fixed to the build-up65can be used to pre-tension the build-up65in rotation relative to the socket64. Stated more particularly, by action of the spring61, the build-up65can be pre-tensioned in such a manner that the gripper29attached to the build-up65can be rotated towards the incubation block8. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the build-up65can have a guiding element43which can be brought in engagement with a substantially S-curved guiding groove44, with the guiding element43moving along and guided by the curved guiding groove44so as to control the rotational movement of the build-up65when translating the socket64with respect to the guiding rail66. In one embodiment, the guiding element43can slide along the guiding groove44. In one embodiment, the guiding element43can roll-off the guiding groove44. Accordingly, when moving the socket64along the guiding rail66, the build-up65can be rotated around the rotational axis68as controlled by the shape of the guiding groove44.

As a result, the gripper29can be brought in a suitable position both with respect to the reaction vessel seats6of the incubation block8and with respect to the first picking position17for gripping reaction vessels38. Stated more particularly, controlled by the substantially S-curved path of the guiding groove44, when translating the socket64towards the rotor4, the gripper29can be rotated away from the incubation block8, then towards the rotor4, to finally reach a position in which the gripper29can be radially aligned with respect to the rotational axis68of the rotor4(substantially orthogonal to the outer circumference of the rotor4and the first picking position17). Furthermore, when translating the socket64away from the rotor4, the gripper29can be rotated towards the incubation block8to then return to a position in which the gripper29can be substantially orthogonal with respect to the rotor4and incubation block8. Accordingly, with a single translational movement of the socket64and rotation of the build-up65, a time and cost-effective transport of reaction vessels38can be reached. Furthermore, a comparably low footprint of the system1can be reached.

The gripper29can also move in a substantially vertical direction so as to be moved towards and away from reaction vessels38. For operating the gripper29, the reaction vessel transferring device16can comprise a gripper moving mechanism. A cable chain49can protect electric lines for providing electric energy and transmitting control signals.

As illustrated, in one embodiment, the reaction vessel transferring device16can have a mixing mechanism42operatively coupled to the gripper29to agitate one reaction vessel38gripped by the gripper29similar to the first workstations7.

In the following, various workflows for testing liquid samples under control of controller28are described.

Specifically, in one embodiment, the controller28can be set up to control a “coagulation workflow” relating to testing samples with respect to coagulation test parameter and a “clinical-chemistry workflow” relating to testing samples with respect to clinical-chemical test parameters.

With particular reference toFIG. 6, both workflows can start with manually or automatically loading samples, reagents and consumables to the system1(step A). Stated more particularly, samples to be tested can be loaded to the sample loading area39, reagent container related to the first and second diagnostic tests can be loaded to the reagent loading area35, and reaction vessels38such as cuvettes can be loaded to the reaction vessel feeder12.

Then, in a further step of both workflows, each sample rack32can be transported from the sample loading area39to the sample storage area36by the rack transport mechanism48and each reagent container can be transported from the reagent loading area35to the reagent storage area37by the reagent container handler (step B).

In a further step of both workflows, each sample rack32and/or each samples vessel33as well as each reagent container can be identified (for example, during transport into the sample storage area36and reagent storage area37, respectively) (step C).

Then, in a further step of both workflows, the sample racks32and reagent containers can be positioned in the sample storage area36and reagent storage area37, respectively (step D).

In a further step of both workflows, the reaction vessel feeder12can place reaction vessels38in the handover position14(step E).

Irrespective of using the first or second diagnostic tests, in a further step of both workflows, the reaction vessels38can be transferred from the handover position14to reaction vessel seats6of the rotor4by operating the gripper29of the input/output workstation15and placing reaction vessels38on a respective one of the reaction vessel seats6brought into the second picking position69by rotating the rotor4(step F).

In normal use, a plurality of empty reaction vessels38can be loaded onto the rotor4for testing samples by repeating step E and step F. Furthermore, steps B, C, D, E and F may run at least in part simultaneously.

In case sample testing with respect to coagulation is ordered, for continuing the “coagulation workflow”, the rotor4can be rotated to bring one empty reaction vessel38loaded thereon to the first picking position17(step G).

Then, continuing the “coagulation workflow”, the reaction vessel38in first picking position17can be transferred to the incubation block8by operating the gripper29of the reaction vessel transferring device16(step H). Specifically, the gripper29can be moved to the first picking position17, can grip the reaction vessel38and can transfer it to an incubation seat11of the incubation block8.

Then, a coagulation test routine embedded in the “coagulation workflow” can start (step I). Specifically, for performing the coagulation test routine, the sample to be tested can be sucked-in from the corresponding sample vessel33in the sample storage area36and can be discharged into the reaction vessel38transferred to the incubation seat11by operating the first pipettor23. Furthermore, one or more reagents related to the coagulation test can be sucked-in from the corresponding reagent containers in the reagent storage area37and can be discharged into the reaction vessel38by operating the second pipettor24. According to one embodiment, at least one reagent can be pipetted using a heatable pipette of the second pipettor24so as to have an optimal reagent temperature for reacting with the sample. The reagents can be pipetted into the reaction vessel38prior to or after pipetting of the sample. Furthermore, pipetting may occur while gripped or while seated in a reaction vessel seat6. In the incubation seat11, sample and reagents contained in the reaction vessel38can be incubated (i.e., kept at a predefined temperature of, for example, approximately 37° C. for a pre-determined time interval) for the reaction to occur. Prior to or after incubation, the reaction vessel38can be lifted from the incubation seat11by the gripper29of the reaction vessel transferring device16and can be mixed by operating the mixing mechanism42and/or another reagent can be pipetted. The reaction vessel38can then be transported to one test seat10by the gripper29, followed by an optical measurement of the turbidity of the sample using the coagulation test photometer53.

Then, for continuing the “coagulation workflow”, the reaction vessel38can be transported from the incubation block8to one reaction vessel seat6of the rotor4brought in the first picking position17by rotating the rotor4by operating the gripper29of the reaction vessel transferring device16(step J), followed by rotating the rotor4so as to bring the reaction vessel38into the second picking position69and removing the reaction vessel38from the rotor4by operating the gripper29of the input/output workstation15(step L). Specifically, in the second picking position69, the reaction vessel38can be gripped by the gripper29of the input/output workstation15and can be transferred to the waste position47. Then the “coagulation workflow” can end.

When sample testing with respect to clinical chemistry is ordered, for continuing the “clinical-chemistry workflow,” a clinical-chemistry test routine embedded in the “clinical-chemistry workflow” can start (step K).

For performing the clinical-chemistry test routine, the sample to be tested by the various clinical-chemical tests can be sucked-in from the corresponding sample vessel33in the sample storage area36and can be discharged into one reaction vessel38on the rotor4. Furthermore, one or more reagents related to the clinical-chemical tests can be sucked-in from the corresponding reagent containers in the reagent storage area37and can be discharged into the reaction vessel38on the rotor4. The reagents can be pipetted into the reaction vessel38prior to or after pipetting of the sample. The reaction vessel38can then be transported to one first workstation7by rotating the rotor4for pipetting the sample and reagents. The reaction vessel38can then be gripped by the gripper29of the first workstation7and the mixing mechanism42can be operated. Then, the reaction vessel38can again be placed on a reaction vessel seat6of the rotor4, followed by moving the reaction vessel38to the clinical-chemistry test photometer52for measuring the various clinical-chemical test parameters.

Then, continuing the “clinical-chemistry workflow”, the reaction vessel38containing sample and reagents can be removed from the rotor4by rotating the rotor4to the second picking position69and operating the gripper29of the input/output workstation15(step L). Specifically, in the second picking position69, the reaction vessel38can be gripped by the gripper29and can be transferred to the waste position47. Then the “clinical-chemistry workflow” can end.

In one embodiment of the above-described workflows, the controller28can operate the first and second analytical units2,3for at least temporarily simultaneously carrying out clinical-chemical tests on a plurality of samples contained in reaction vessels38of the rotor4and/or for at least temporarily simultaneously carrying out coagulation tests on a plurality of samples contained in reaction vessels38of the incubation block8.

In one embodiment of the above-described workflows, sample tests can be ordered by user-interaction, for example, by typing-in corresponding instructions in a control panel. In one alternative embodiment, sample tests can be ordered by reading instructions stored in machine-readable information tags of sample racks32and/or samples vessels33.

In a further workflow, the controller28can be setup to control a blank test for receiving an optical signal of an empty reaction vessel38for use with the first and/or second diagnostic tests in the rotor4. Specifically, optical properties of empty reaction vessels38can readily be determined by operating the clinical-chemistry test photometer52so as to obtain a calibration signal to be used in coagulation tests and/or clinical-chemical tests of the samples.

In the above-described workflows, samples can be tested with respect to coagulation and clinical-chemical test parameters. Specifically, for performing the coagulation tests, reaction vessels38can be transported from the reaction vessel feeder12to the incubation block8via the rotor4wherein reaction vessels can be loaded onto the rotor4by the input/output workstation15and can be transported from the rotor4to the incubation block8by the reaction vessel transferring device16. Furthermore, reaction vessels38can be transported from the incubation block8to the waste position47via the rotor4wherein reaction vessels can be loaded onto the rotor4by the reaction vessel transferring device16and transported from the rotor4to the waste position47by the input/output workstation15. Furthermore, the rotor4can also be used for testing samples with respect to clinical-chemistry. Specifically, the rotational movement of the rotor4for moving empty reaction vessels38to the first picking position17and used reaction vessels38to the second picking position69can be synchronized with testing of samples with respect to clinical-chemistry.

A major advantage with respect to time and costs for processing samples can be given by the fact that the system1can have a variety of shared resources. Specifically, the sampling unit26, the pipetting unit22and the reagent compartment25can be used for both coagulation and clinical-chemistry tests. Furthermore, the rotor4and the reaction vessel feeder12can be used for both testing samples with respect to clinical-chemical test parameters and transporting samples to/from the incubation station8. Furthermore, by sharing components of the system1for both coagulation and clinical-chemical tests, the footprint of the system1can be greatly reduced compared to the case of providing individual system components. Moreover, reaction vessels38can be transported to the incubation block8in a highly time-efficient manner without a need to specify in advance for which tests individual reaction vessel38can be used.