Patent ID: 7264971

Claim:
A readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument, said readhead comprising: a housing adapted for incorporation within the photometric diagnostic instrument; an elongated sample table operatively engaged with said housing; said sample table configured to support elongated reagent sample media thereon, 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 a constituent or property in the sample; a light source configured to illuminate the sample table; an imager coupled to said housing; said imager having an elongated field of view; said elongated field of view including at least a portion of said sample table; and a scanning mechanism configured to move the field of view relative to the sample table; wherein said scanning mechanism comprises: a mirror disposed optically between the sample table and the imager; the mirror being supported by a pivotable mount; and an actuator coupled to the mirror; said actuator disposed to selectively pivot the mirror, wherein the field of view is moved relative to said elongated sample table.