CA1199258A - Automated analysis instrument system - Google Patents
Automated analysis instrument systemInfo
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- CA1199258A CA1199258A CA000432802A CA432802A CA1199258A CA 1199258 A CA1199258 A CA 1199258A CA 000432802 A CA000432802 A CA 000432802A CA 432802 A CA432802 A CA 432802A CA 1199258 A CA1199258 A CA 1199258A
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Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An automated instrument system (10) for analyzing the constituents of a specimen sample (70) by reacting a reagent (44) corresponding to the selected constituent with the sample. The analysis system comprises a cuvette means (22) for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment (24) and means (40, 80) for dispensing said reagent and sample into said cuvette compartment (24). The analysis system further comprises a plurality of analysis stations (90) separated by predetermined spatial intervals and a means (30) for transporting said cuvette compartment (24) at a predetermined rate of advance to said analysis stations (90) whereby the time interval between said stations coresponds to desired analysis periods during the reaction time of said reagent and sample.
An automated instrument system (10) for analyzing the constituents of a specimen sample (70) by reacting a reagent (44) corresponding to the selected constituent with the sample. The analysis system comprises a cuvette means (22) for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment (24) and means (40, 80) for dispensing said reagent and sample into said cuvette compartment (24). The analysis system further comprises a plurality of analysis stations (90) separated by predetermined spatial intervals and a means (30) for transporting said cuvette compartment (24) at a predetermined rate of advance to said analysis stations (90) whereby the time interval between said stations coresponds to desired analysis periods during the reaction time of said reagent and sample.
Description
~. L~ 8 f\UI01~AATED ANALYSIS INSrlaUNlENT SYSlEM
Max D. Lis~on INTRODUCl-ION
The present invention relates generally to an automated analysis instrurnent system and, more particularly, to an automated ins~rument for the analysis of a selected constituent of a specimen sample by reacting a reagent corresponding to the constituent with the sampleO The present invention is particularly useful as an automated clinical chemistry analyzer for determining the presence and levels of one or more selected constituents in biological fluid samples.
E~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
- Numerous automated clinical analyzers are known and widely used inhospital clinical laboratories. The majority of such analyzers can be categorized into two distinct groups of either single-channel "batch" type analyzers or multi-channel "profile" type analyzers. Batch type analyzers are adapted to test for a single constituent in each of multiple samples loaded into the instrument. An example of such an instrument is illustrated in U.S.
Patent No. 3,7489044 issued to the same inventor herein. By contrast, profile type analyzers simul~aneously test for a fixed number of predetermined different constituen~s in each of multiple samples loaded into the instrument.
Such testing for multiple constituents is generally accomplished by dividing the sample and passing these portions through separate and discrete analysis stations or channels lhence the designation "multichannel"). Each of these analysis stations is generally dedicated to testing the sample for a particular 3~ constituent.
Both the batch and profile type analyzers generally utilize a liquid reagent to react with the par~icular constituent being tested in the sample and a photo-optical sys~em ~o read ~he optical absorbance of the sample which corresponds t~ the level of the constituent in the sample. -.... ..
~.
Altho~l~h each of ~hese types of automa~ed analy7ers have received wide acceptance in the clinical laboratory, certain drawbacl<s are associated with their use. For example, although the ba~ch type analyzer is reliable due to its simplicity, cost effec$ive for large number of samples and has a relatively high test throughput rate, it is limited in the sense that it can only be effectively utilized to perform a single constituent analysis at a time on a rela~ively large number of samplesO In addition, such analyzers are not capable of performing emergency "stat" tests due ~o their rela~ively long and ~ complex set~up time and their inherent inability to economically analyze a single tes~ sample.
Profile type analyzers are similarly limited in their ability to perform emergency "stat" tests. A further significant disadvantage found with profile type analyæers is that although they can simul~aneously perform tests for multiple constituents on the same sample, generally all of these tests must be performed for every sample whether desired or not. This results in a waste of both sample material and the reagents used in the unnecessary tests.
Fur~hermore, due to the fact ~hat multiple discrete and dedicated channels are utilized in such an instrument, there is significant duplication of numerous components which adds to the complexity and expense of the overall instrumen~.
BRIE~ DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The automated analysis ins~rument system of the present invention overcornes the above-described drawbacks ound with known analyzers by providing a simple and accurate instrument that can perform ane or multiple selected tests on a single specimen and which does not require any appreciable test set-up time so ~hat it is available at any hour of the day for either sta~ testing of emergency sarnples or for routine chemistries. The unique design of the present invention incorporates extreme flexibility, availability and simpli~ity oE operation with a high test throughput rate, low per test cost and positive sample identification.
51~
Briefly stated, -the present invention is an automat~d instrument system for analyzin~ the consti-tuents o:E a specimen sample by reacting a reagent corre-sponding to the selected constituent with the sample, the analysis system comprising cuvette means for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment;
means for dispensing the reagent into ~e cuvette compartment;
means for dispensing the sample into ~he cuvette compar-tment;
a plurality of analysis stations separated by predetermined spatial intervals; and means for transporting the cuvette compartment at a predetermined rate of advance to the analysis stations whereby the time interval between the stations corresponds to desired analysis period during the reaction time of - the reagent.
The present syst~m preferrably utilizes a dis-posable cuvette belt which is formed from a thin plastic film. A series of parallel discrete reaction chambers may~e formed in this 1exible belt which transports the reaction mixtures throught the instrument. Such a cuvette beit provides a simple and highly flexible means for trans-porting the reaction mixtures through the instrument in such a manner that multiple photometer readings may be m~de on each reaction mixture at selected time intervals without the necessity of passing the mixture back through an analysis station a second time. The disposable cuvette belt also avoids the requixement for washing the reaction vtd/ ~.?
5~
chambers which requlres adclitional harclware. Furthermore, it provides compl.etely discrete handli.ng of the reaction mixtures thereby avoiding the possibility of cross-con-tamination which is associated with flow-thr~ugh cuvettes and the possibility of incomplete washing of reusable discrete reaction chambers whlch may lead to inaccurate test results.
In conjunction with the cuvette belt~ the analyzer of the present inve.ntion preferrably utilizes a unLque photo-optical system employing fiber optical bundles or similar light guides to transmit various wavelengths of light to each analysis station from a single light source.
It ls to be noted that the t~rm "light" as used herein should be considered in its broadest sense ~o inclu~e both visible wavelengths and non~visible spectral ana~ysis wavelengths.
In addition to sharing a single light source, the photo-optical system may share common wavelengths selecti~e filters at both the output and input sides of the system. In this manner r a further reduction in the cost and sc)mplexity of the system is achieved and ~he reliability of the instrument is not degraded to the samP extent when utili~ing a large numbex o~ photometers as compared to uæing a separate light source ~n~ filter combination for each photometer. Fur-thermore, in lar~e part due to the fact 3a -v~/ t~
5~
that a single wavelength determining- light source/Eilter element for each wavelength is used regardless of the analysis station where the reading is physically being made, it is possible to obtain ex~remely preclse "~racking" or correspondence between the spectral responses of the photometric readings from each of the statis)ns. In this connection~ it has been found that a one percent coefficient of variation can be achieved between the analysis station photometer responses when read in milliabsorbance units carried to the fifth decimal placeO Such precision is necessary7 for example, for comparing kinetlc deltas (rates of change in spectral absorption) for high denslty "down"
rat~ reactions where very small changes must be measured in the presence of strong absorbances.
In the preferred embodiment, eight analysis stations are located frorn 0 to 10 minutes of reaction incubation time along the cuvette track and tests may be read at any or all of these s~ations. lEach fiber optic bundle can transmit up to 150 pulses at each of seven separate wavelengtlls of` light to all ei~ht read stations during each five second period in which a particular cuvette is positioned in a progressive stepped manner at each o~ the read
Max D. Lis~on INTRODUCl-ION
The present invention relates generally to an automated analysis instrurnent system and, more particularly, to an automated ins~rument for the analysis of a selected constituent of a specimen sample by reacting a reagent corresponding to the constituent with the sampleO The present invention is particularly useful as an automated clinical chemistry analyzer for determining the presence and levels of one or more selected constituents in biological fluid samples.
E~ACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
- Numerous automated clinical analyzers are known and widely used inhospital clinical laboratories. The majority of such analyzers can be categorized into two distinct groups of either single-channel "batch" type analyzers or multi-channel "profile" type analyzers. Batch type analyzers are adapted to test for a single constituent in each of multiple samples loaded into the instrument. An example of such an instrument is illustrated in U.S.
Patent No. 3,7489044 issued to the same inventor herein. By contrast, profile type analyzers simul~aneously test for a fixed number of predetermined different constituen~s in each of multiple samples loaded into the instrument.
Such testing for multiple constituents is generally accomplished by dividing the sample and passing these portions through separate and discrete analysis stations or channels lhence the designation "multichannel"). Each of these analysis stations is generally dedicated to testing the sample for a particular 3~ constituent.
Both the batch and profile type analyzers generally utilize a liquid reagent to react with the par~icular constituent being tested in the sample and a photo-optical sys~em ~o read ~he optical absorbance of the sample which corresponds t~ the level of the constituent in the sample. -.... ..
~.
Altho~l~h each of ~hese types of automa~ed analy7ers have received wide acceptance in the clinical laboratory, certain drawbacl<s are associated with their use. For example, although the ba~ch type analyzer is reliable due to its simplicity, cost effec$ive for large number of samples and has a relatively high test throughput rate, it is limited in the sense that it can only be effectively utilized to perform a single constituent analysis at a time on a rela~ively large number of samplesO In addition, such analyzers are not capable of performing emergency "stat" tests due ~o their rela~ively long and ~ complex set~up time and their inherent inability to economically analyze a single tes~ sample.
Profile type analyzers are similarly limited in their ability to perform emergency "stat" tests. A further significant disadvantage found with profile type analyæers is that although they can simul~aneously perform tests for multiple constituents on the same sample, generally all of these tests must be performed for every sample whether desired or not. This results in a waste of both sample material and the reagents used in the unnecessary tests.
Fur~hermore, due to the fact ~hat multiple discrete and dedicated channels are utilized in such an instrument, there is significant duplication of numerous components which adds to the complexity and expense of the overall instrumen~.
BRIE~ DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The automated analysis ins~rument system of the present invention overcornes the above-described drawbacks ound with known analyzers by providing a simple and accurate instrument that can perform ane or multiple selected tests on a single specimen and which does not require any appreciable test set-up time so ~hat it is available at any hour of the day for either sta~ testing of emergency sarnples or for routine chemistries. The unique design of the present invention incorporates extreme flexibility, availability and simpli~ity oE operation with a high test throughput rate, low per test cost and positive sample identification.
51~
Briefly stated, -the present invention is an automat~d instrument system for analyzin~ the consti-tuents o:E a specimen sample by reacting a reagent corre-sponding to the selected constituent with the sample, the analysis system comprising cuvette means for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment;
means for dispensing the reagent into ~e cuvette compartment;
means for dispensing the sample into ~he cuvette compar-tment;
a plurality of analysis stations separated by predetermined spatial intervals; and means for transporting the cuvette compartment at a predetermined rate of advance to the analysis stations whereby the time interval between the stations corresponds to desired analysis period during the reaction time of - the reagent.
The present syst~m preferrably utilizes a dis-posable cuvette belt which is formed from a thin plastic film. A series of parallel discrete reaction chambers may~e formed in this 1exible belt which transports the reaction mixtures throught the instrument. Such a cuvette beit provides a simple and highly flexible means for trans-porting the reaction mixtures through the instrument in such a manner that multiple photometer readings may be m~de on each reaction mixture at selected time intervals without the necessity of passing the mixture back through an analysis station a second time. The disposable cuvette belt also avoids the requixement for washing the reaction vtd/ ~.?
5~
chambers which requlres adclitional harclware. Furthermore, it provides compl.etely discrete handli.ng of the reaction mixtures thereby avoiding the possibility of cross-con-tamination which is associated with flow-thr~ugh cuvettes and the possibility of incomplete washing of reusable discrete reaction chambers whlch may lead to inaccurate test results.
In conjunction with the cuvette belt~ the analyzer of the present inve.ntion preferrably utilizes a unLque photo-optical system employing fiber optical bundles or similar light guides to transmit various wavelengths of light to each analysis station from a single light source.
It ls to be noted that the t~rm "light" as used herein should be considered in its broadest sense ~o inclu~e both visible wavelengths and non~visible spectral ana~ysis wavelengths.
In addition to sharing a single light source, the photo-optical system may share common wavelengths selecti~e filters at both the output and input sides of the system. In this manner r a further reduction in the cost and sc)mplexity of the system is achieved and ~he reliability of the instrument is not degraded to the samP extent when utili~ing a large numbex o~ photometers as compared to uæing a separate light source ~n~ filter combination for each photometer. Fur-thermore, in lar~e part due to the fact 3a -v~/ t~
5~
that a single wavelength determining- light source/Eilter element for each wavelength is used regardless of the analysis station where the reading is physically being made, it is possible to obtain ex~remely preclse "~racking" or correspondence between the spectral responses of the photometric readings from each of the statis)ns. In this connection~ it has been found that a one percent coefficient of variation can be achieved between the analysis station photometer responses when read in milliabsorbance units carried to the fifth decimal placeO Such precision is necessary7 for example, for comparing kinetlc deltas (rates of change in spectral absorption) for high denslty "down"
rat~ reactions where very small changes must be measured in the presence of strong absorbances.
In the preferred embodiment, eight analysis stations are located frorn 0 to 10 minutes of reaction incubation time along the cuvette track and tests may be read at any or all of these s~ations. lEach fiber optic bundle can transmit up to 150 pulses at each of seven separate wavelengtlls of` light to all ei~ht read stations during each five second period in which a particular cuvette is positioned in a progressive stepped manner at each o~ the read
2~ stations. However, due to the position-to-position transit time of theadvancing cuvettes, each cuvette is stationary for only about four seconds at each read station. Hence, only approximately l 00 pulses are usable for analysis purposes. ~ microprocessor selects two appropriate wavelengths for conducting bichromatic analysis of the selected sample constituent at each of the eight read stations. Absorbance measurements are then made at the appropriate endpoint or op~imal zero order kinetic time periods. During calculations, the microprocessor may determine that the sample should be further dilutf d or flag the test result due to inherent sample absorhance (eOg~, interferrin~ icterus, lipemia or hemolysis) tha~ could result in an inaccurate test result with certain constituent analysesO
One of the principle features and advantages of the present invention is that the multiple analysis sta~ions perrnit their positioning at read times thatare closely related to ~heoretical optimal kinetic and endpoint reaction read times. Furthermore, each of the analysis stations is capable of utllizin~ any combination of the seven wavelengths to analy~e the sample, thereby avoiding the inherent disadvantages foulld with prior art dedicated analysis tracks. For example, the multiple analysls stations allow read-time 5~
El.ex:ibil.lt~ for up to -ten m:inutes at any selected wave-lenc3th wi.th kinetlc reactions which permit the m:icro-processor to moni-tor th~se react:ions and select appropri-ate zero order del-ta readings from a series of readings obtained from the different analysis stations. Thi.s capa-bility and flexibilit.y is also useful for sera blar~ing determinations which may be utili~ed to correot substrate depletion flag points in kinetic reactions so as -to proi~de a larger useful range for the chemistry methodology used and to sub-tract out chromogens naturally occuring in the sample ln order to set zero levels for endpoint reac-~ions.
It has been found wi-th th~ five second cuvette advance rate menti.oned above that adequat~ time is ~ro-vided for sample, reagent and diluent dispensin~0 mixing of the reaction mixture and photometry operations~ This zuvette ~elt advance rate results in the capability of pro-viding 720 test per hour. Since the same optical analysis may be performed on a particular sample up to ei~ht times as the sample cuvette moves through the instrument, it is ~0 not necessary to hold work up at any one sta-tion until a particular test is completed Hence, although the tes-ting is performed methodically, i-t is accomplished a-t optimum speed to provide high ~ou~hpu~ ~ithout compromising test accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, since th~ micro-processor will print Ollt a test result as soon as it is completed resardless of the status of other tests being performed by the instrument which may require more ~ime~
stat results are obtained as soon as possible.
Another important feature of the presen~ in~ent-ion is that it may ~e adapted to eficlently utili~.e dry reagents, preferably in tablet form Such t~blet~ ~re v-td/ Q ~
s~
dropped into the cuvette by the operati.on oE a tablet dispenser mounted on a ro-tating carousel which hvlds a large number of tablets in a recldy state.
Such tabletted reagen-ts are always ready for use so that there is no warm-up or set-up time necessary for stat testing. Since tablet dispensers for ~umerous chemistries can be held in a simple, mechanîcal carous~l which, under micropr~cessor control, will rotate the approp.ria-te dispenser in-to - 5a -~td/ ~
position over the cuve-t-te ~nd clrop a tab:Le-t, i-t is not necessary :Eor the operator to select, measure or miY~ reagents ancl the valving, tuhing and o-ther plumhing needs of the system are yreatly recluce~. Furthermore, since the reagen~
tablet is only reconstituted when needed for a particular analysis and then in only a precise amount for that par-ticular test, there is no waste of reagent. Hence~ unlike profile analyzers, only the particular tests desired and selected are conducted by the instrument, thereby eliminating .10 reagen-t and sample waste~
Furthermore, dry reagents inherently have a sig-nificantly longer stabili.ty life over reconstituted liquid reagents and, hence, do not require removal from th~
instrumen-t for storage and refrlgeration ~hen not in use An added benefit i.s that the analyzer is not lsckecl into a fixed test foremat with inflexible analyzer hardware.
Tablet dispensers for new chemistries can simply be in-serted into reagent carousel and, after the microprocéssor . so-ftware is electronically updated with the new test data, they are ready to be conducted by the instrumen~.
Another significant advantage of the automatea analysis system of the present invention is -that it per-mits the çffective use of a micropæ~cessor-controlled loading and transfer assembly ~or presenting to the anal~
yzer containers having the samples to be tested~
Such a loading and transfer assembly can be adapted to identify the sample as it is presentea to the analyzer and feed this infor~ati.on to -the microprocessor controlling the dispensing of the rea~en-ts so tllat the desired tests are performed on the sample. In additionr ~td/ ~
since such an assembly perm:i.ts u-tilizat:ion of the sarne containe.r in which the sample was collected (i.e., in the case of bloocl samples, the "Vacutainex"
tube which is commonly used to draw the sera specimen) t the identification of the sample is positive without the possibility of intervening human error in the transfer or loading of the sample into the analyzer.
.
vtd/ ~` ;\. `1 Other features and advantages of the present irlvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when viewing ~he attached drawings taken in conjunction with the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
DE~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a ~op schema~ic view of an automa~ed analysis instrument system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present nventlon;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the analysis system of Figure 1 showing many of the important operational features thereof;
Figure 3 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred photo-optical system utilized with the analysis system of Figures I and 2; and Fi~ure 4 is a diagram of a typical kinetic analysis reaction showing a preferred utiiization of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
E;!eferring to Figures 1 and 2, an automated analysis instrument system 10 is shown in which is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment~ the systern is configured as clinical analy7er for the testing of constituents in biological fluids, such as blood samples.
The system generally comprises the following elements:
A. A disposable reaction cuvette supply 20 consisting of a continuous cuvette belt 22 having a series of parallel discrete reaction compartments 24 formed in a spaced relationship therein. 5 2S/~
B. A single continuous cuvette track 30 having a main transport belt 32 disposed therein which engages indexing holes 26 formed in cuvet~e belt 22 and advances the reaction compartment 24 at a predetermined rate of advance through the instrument.
C. A series o~ tabletted reagent dispensers 40 located in a rotatabledispenser carousel 42 which is adapted to bring the correct reagent dispenser 40 to solid reagent dispensing poin~ "SRD" where a single reagent tablet 44 is dropped into a reaction compartment.
D. A diluent and/or liquid reagent dispenser 50 is located adjacent to carousel 42 for adding sufficient diluent 52 for reagent tablet 44 dissolution and/or or dispensin~ a liquid reagent into the reaction compartment 24 at point "LDD".
E. A sample loading and transfer carousel assembly 60 is located downstream of the reagent and diluent dispensers. This carousel assembly comprises a loading carousel 62 into which patient samples 70 are randomly loaded; a transfer carousel 64 which acce~ats the patient samples 70 from loadin~ carousel 62, identifies the patient sample by means of a bar code reader 66 which reads a bar code label 72 placed on the patient sample container and continuously feeds the patient samples into the system; and finally, an unloading carousel 6~ receives the patient samples 70 after testing ancl stores them in an organi7ed manner in the event that the~ must later be located and retrieved.
F:. Sampler 8û Ior dispensing sample into the reaction compartments 24 at point "Sl)" is loca~ed adjacent to transier carousel 64. This sampler is designed to aspirate 2 to 20 ,ul of patient sample 70 from its container in the ~ransfer carousel and dispense it into a reaction compartment 24 every five seconds.
G. Ei~ht photometric analysis stations 90 are located at points "SAll' through "5A8" along the cuvette track 30. These analysis stations are connected by individual optical guides 92 and 94 to photo-optical system lO0. This sys~em is illustrated in FiglJre 3 and is described in detail below.
~.~t~2S~3 Turnin~ now to the detailed opera1ion of the instIurnellt system, a phlehotomist draws a patient blood sample 70 which is positively iden~ified by a bar code label 72 placed on the container in which ~he sample is drawn.
After centrifu~ing the sample to separate the sera, the sample along with as many others as desired is placed in loading carousel 62 which is then placed into the instrumen~ loading and transfer carousel assernbly 60. For emergency stat tes~ing, the patient sample 70 may be loaded directly into one of the empty san7ple receiving slo~s 65 of transfer carousel 647 or may be exchanged with a sample container already loaded in -transfer carousel 64 prior to bar cocle rèader 66.
The loading carousel is ~hen automatically indexed to a position where the patient sample 70 is transferred into an empty sample receiving slot 65 of transfer carousel 64. The transfer carousel 64 then indexes around to bar code reader 66 which identifies the patient sample. This sample identity is fed to an instrument control microprocessor ~ns~t shown) which correlates this information with the test requisition for this sample which has already been entered into the instrument computer system by the laborats)ry technician.
~0 The control microprocessor then begins the advance of the cuvette supply reel 20 and belt 22 into cuvette track 30 in response to this sample identification. This cuvette supply advance is accomplished by loading belt 34 which threads the cuvette belt into main transport belt 32. If bar code reader 66 detects that there are no further samples to be tested, the control microprocessor will activate cuv~tte bel1t cutter 28 which divides cuvette belt 22 into sec tions 29 having a number of reaction compar~ments corresponding to the number of analysis reactions to be performed at a given ~ime. This procedure rriinimizes waste for sin~le tests or stat situations. In aLdditiosl, the cuvette belt cutter 28 may also be periodically operated during continuous operation of the instrument in order to prevent the length of the cuvette belt lwhich must be disposed of) from becoming unmanageable.
As it is fed into the instrument, the cuvette belt 22 enters a water bath l 2 which will maintain the reagent and sample reaction m ixture at a prede termined incubation temperature. This reac tion ternperature is generally either 30 degrees C or 37 degrees C.
.~q~3~S~
For the sake of simplicity, it should also be noted th~ in Figure i, each circular cuvette posi~lon point 25 along cuve~te track 3Q represents a five second period. In other words, every five seconds the control rnicroprocessor will step a particular cuvette reac~ion cornpartment 24 to the next circular position along the cuvette track 30.
.
During the time that the ~ransfer carousel 64 is indexing the sample 70 between the bar code reader 66 and its position where sampler 80 aspirates a portion thereof, an appropriate rea~en~ is added at either point "SRD" or "LDD" to the reaction cornpartment that is timed by the control microprocessor to receive the sample. The microprocessor causes the proper reagerl~ to be dispensed from one of the thirty-two different table~ed reagent dispensers 40 that can be accommodated by dispenser carousel 42, or the multiple liquid reagents that can be accommodated by diluent/liquid reagent dispenser S0, in response to the patient sample identification by bar code reader 66.
If a tabletted reagent is dispensed, sufficient diluent for tablet dissolution is added there~o a~ point "LDD" and an ultrasonic horn 14 is utilized to provide 45 seconds of high energy ultra-sound to completely brea up and dissolve the reagent tablet. In the preferred embodiment, this rea~ent mixture has a volume of 200~1.
After this reconstitutiun o:E the reagent in the predetermined amount of diluent, the reaction compar~merrt is passed to a reagent quality control analysis station at point "SAl". Here each reagent mixture is photometrically analyzed to veri:Ey proper reagent dispensing and dlssolution.
Furthermore, the microprocessor can also utilize this reading to adjust ~or any minor variation in reagent amount and resulting coneentration that may exist :~rom tablet to tablet.
Next, the reaction compartment 24 is transpor~ed to point "SD" where sampler 80 will dispense the appropriate patient sample into the reaction cornpartment 24. As noted above, the main transport belt 32 of cuvette track 30 is carefully synchronized with the reagent dispensers and the sarnpler to insure ~hat the proper reac$ion mixture is obtained as ordered by 5~
Pa~e 11 the control microprocessor Since sarnpler 80 is the only non-discrete element of the analysis system, its probe is flushed with additional diluent to prevent contamlnation and carry-over bel ween samples. In the preferred embodirnent, the final reaction volume is 300,ul.
The next analysis station is the sample blanking station located at point "SA2". It has been found desirable to dispense an amount of each patient sample into a reaction compartment without a reagent being added ~o obtain a sample blank. This sample blank value may be obtained at this analysis station or any of the following six analysis stations as required.
A second reagent dispenser 54 may be located Iurther down the cwette track 30 for multiple or triggered reaction capability. For example, such a reagent dispenser would be useful in conducting CKM~ constituent analyses.
At the end of the cuvette track 30, a cu~/ette sealer 16 is located to seal $he tops of the cuvette reaction compartments aEter testing for convenient and sanitary disposal of the samples. After passing through the cuvette sealer 16, the cuvette belt 22 is stripped off of the main transpor~
belt 32 by an unloading belt 3~ wh;ch removes the tested cuvettes from the water bath 12 and automatically discards them into disposal bin 18.
As referred to above, all eight analysis stations are connected via light guides 92~ 94 to photo optical system lO0. The principal elements of this system are shown in Figure 3. The photo-optical system comprises a single light source lOl for generating selected wavelengths of light. The output of light source 101 is focused by fixe~ focusing lens 102 onto the multiple wavelength selective filters disposed about the circumference of rotary source filter wheel 103. The rotation oE source filter wheel l~3 is regulated by the instrument control microprocessor through double shafted motor 104.
The output from source filter wheel 103 is sequentially transn~itted through separate light guides 92 to each of the analysis s~ations.
At the analysis stations, the filtered light energy is passed through the reaction cornpartment 24 containing the mixture to be analyzed, and the output of the analysis stations is then passed back to the photo-optical 2~;~
Page 1~
system I00 via separate ligh~ guides 94. At this point7 a second filter wheel 107, which preferabiy is identical to and synchroni~ed with source fil~er wheel 103, in~ercepts the outputs of light ~uid~s g4 be~ore this output is directed to a separate photodetector ~ube 109 for each analysis station. A
reflector 108 may be utilize~ to focus the output of filter wheel 107 on photodetector tubes 109. In the represen~ation of Figure 37 only one set of light guides ~2, 94 and one photodetector ~ube is shown for simplicity, although it is to be understood that eight oE these elements (one for each analysis station) are required.
The outputs of photodetec~or tubes 109 are monltored by the control microprocessor and appropriate wavelength output values for each analysis reaction at each analysis station is stored by the microprocessor. When the reaction is cornpleted, the microprocessor will utilize this stored information to calculate the concentration of the selected sample constituent and provide this result to the instrument operator.
As can be seen from Figure 3, each filter wheel has seven diEferent wavelength selective filters 105 disposed about its circumference. In addition, an opaque blank 106 is located thereon in order to establish the residual "dark curren~" level of the electronics. Hence, great flexibility is provided by permit~ing any one or combination of ~he seven wavelengths to be read at any analysis station for any sample during the four second analysis period. In that filter wheels 103, 107 are rotated at thirty revolutions per second in the preferred embodiment9 thirty readings at a particular wavelength rn~y be made each second which can then be averaged to provide a highly accurate Einal value by the microprocessor.
Figure 4 illustrates a typical kinetic zero delta reaction which will help ~o illustrate ~he analytical ~bilities of the present invention. The vertical axis of the graph is in increasin~ absorbance units while the hori~ontal axis isin increasing time units, Erom 0 to 10 minutes. The reading times of analysis station point "SA~" through "5A8l' as the sample is transported through the instrument are shown along this horizontal axis. The actual continuous absorption curve for the kinetic reaction ~such as for a CPK test) is labeled .
5i~
Pa~e 13 In such kine~ic analysis, the linear portion of this absorbance curve between points A-B are usable to calculate the level of the constituent being analy~ed. However; these points are not Eixed and will vary from sample to sample and constituent to constituent. Hence~ in order to determine the linear portion of the absorptlon curve, the microprocessor will compare the deltas (rate cf change in absorp~ion or the slope of curve C) of adjacen~
analysis stations for the selected wavelengths used in the analysis (usually two for bichromatic testin~3. When two or more of these deltas between three or more stations become approximately the same ~or the rate of change there between become approximately zero, hence, the term "deita zeroi')9 curve C will be linear at these points and -the resulting absorption values may be used to accurately calculate the cs)nstituent level in question.
From thls example, the grea~ flexlbility and analytical power of the present invention in providing multiple analysis stations that are staggered in read time along with the capability of u tilizing any combination of seven different analysis wavelengths at each station can be appreciated.
2() Although particular configurations and features of th~ present invention have been discussed in connection with the above-described preferred embodiment thereof, it should be that those skilled in the art may make various changes, modifications and substitutions thereto without departing from the spirlt of the inven~ion as defined by the followin~ claims. For example, it should be evident from the above discussion that an instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention could be adapted for analyzing a wide range of different specirnen types where it is required that such specimens be reacted for differing, predetermined periods OI tirne and ~hat analytical readings be ta!cen durin~ ~r at the end of these time periods.
One of the principle features and advantages of the present invention is that the multiple analysis sta~ions perrnit their positioning at read times thatare closely related to ~heoretical optimal kinetic and endpoint reaction read times. Furthermore, each of the analysis stations is capable of utllizin~ any combination of the seven wavelengths to analy~e the sample, thereby avoiding the inherent disadvantages foulld with prior art dedicated analysis tracks. For example, the multiple analysls stations allow read-time 5~
El.ex:ibil.lt~ for up to -ten m:inutes at any selected wave-lenc3th wi.th kinetlc reactions which permit the m:icro-processor to moni-tor th~se react:ions and select appropri-ate zero order del-ta readings from a series of readings obtained from the different analysis stations. Thi.s capa-bility and flexibilit.y is also useful for sera blar~ing determinations which may be utili~ed to correot substrate depletion flag points in kinetic reactions so as -to proi~de a larger useful range for the chemistry methodology used and to sub-tract out chromogens naturally occuring in the sample ln order to set zero levels for endpoint reac-~ions.
It has been found wi-th th~ five second cuvette advance rate menti.oned above that adequat~ time is ~ro-vided for sample, reagent and diluent dispensin~0 mixing of the reaction mixture and photometry operations~ This zuvette ~elt advance rate results in the capability of pro-viding 720 test per hour. Since the same optical analysis may be performed on a particular sample up to ei~ht times as the sample cuvette moves through the instrument, it is ~0 not necessary to hold work up at any one sta-tion until a particular test is completed Hence, although the tes-ting is performed methodically, i-t is accomplished a-t optimum speed to provide high ~ou~hpu~ ~ithout compromising test accuracy and reliability. Furthermore, since th~ micro-processor will print Ollt a test result as soon as it is completed resardless of the status of other tests being performed by the instrument which may require more ~ime~
stat results are obtained as soon as possible.
Another important feature of the presen~ in~ent-ion is that it may ~e adapted to eficlently utili~.e dry reagents, preferably in tablet form Such t~blet~ ~re v-td/ Q ~
s~
dropped into the cuvette by the operati.on oE a tablet dispenser mounted on a ro-tating carousel which hvlds a large number of tablets in a recldy state.
Such tabletted reagen-ts are always ready for use so that there is no warm-up or set-up time necessary for stat testing. Since tablet dispensers for ~umerous chemistries can be held in a simple, mechanîcal carous~l which, under micropr~cessor control, will rotate the approp.ria-te dispenser in-to - 5a -~td/ ~
position over the cuve-t-te ~nd clrop a tab:Le-t, i-t is not necessary :Eor the operator to select, measure or miY~ reagents ancl the valving, tuhing and o-ther plumhing needs of the system are yreatly recluce~. Furthermore, since the reagen~
tablet is only reconstituted when needed for a particular analysis and then in only a precise amount for that par-ticular test, there is no waste of reagent. Hence~ unlike profile analyzers, only the particular tests desired and selected are conducted by the instrument, thereby eliminating .10 reagen-t and sample waste~
Furthermore, dry reagents inherently have a sig-nificantly longer stabili.ty life over reconstituted liquid reagents and, hence, do not require removal from th~
instrumen-t for storage and refrlgeration ~hen not in use An added benefit i.s that the analyzer is not lsckecl into a fixed test foremat with inflexible analyzer hardware.
Tablet dispensers for new chemistries can simply be in-serted into reagent carousel and, after the microprocéssor . so-ftware is electronically updated with the new test data, they are ready to be conducted by the instrumen~.
Another significant advantage of the automatea analysis system of the present invention is -that it per-mits the çffective use of a micropæ~cessor-controlled loading and transfer assembly ~or presenting to the anal~
yzer containers having the samples to be tested~
Such a loading and transfer assembly can be adapted to identify the sample as it is presentea to the analyzer and feed this infor~ati.on to -the microprocessor controlling the dispensing of the rea~en-ts so tllat the desired tests are performed on the sample. In additionr ~td/ ~
since such an assembly perm:i.ts u-tilizat:ion of the sarne containe.r in which the sample was collected (i.e., in the case of bloocl samples, the "Vacutainex"
tube which is commonly used to draw the sera specimen) t the identification of the sample is positive without the possibility of intervening human error in the transfer or loading of the sample into the analyzer.
.
vtd/ ~` ;\. `1 Other features and advantages of the present irlvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art when viewing ~he attached drawings taken in conjunction with the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
DE~SCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a ~op schema~ic view of an automa~ed analysis instrument system constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present nventlon;
Figure 2 is a partial perspective view of the analysis system of Figure 1 showing many of the important operational features thereof;
Figure 3 is a partial schematic representation of a preferred photo-optical system utilized with the analysis system of Figures I and 2; and Fi~ure 4 is a diagram of a typical kinetic analysis reaction showing a preferred utiiization of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
E;!eferring to Figures 1 and 2, an automated analysis instrument system 10 is shown in which is constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment~ the systern is configured as clinical analy7er for the testing of constituents in biological fluids, such as blood samples.
The system generally comprises the following elements:
A. A disposable reaction cuvette supply 20 consisting of a continuous cuvette belt 22 having a series of parallel discrete reaction compartments 24 formed in a spaced relationship therein. 5 2S/~
B. A single continuous cuvette track 30 having a main transport belt 32 disposed therein which engages indexing holes 26 formed in cuvet~e belt 22 and advances the reaction compartment 24 at a predetermined rate of advance through the instrument.
C. A series o~ tabletted reagent dispensers 40 located in a rotatabledispenser carousel 42 which is adapted to bring the correct reagent dispenser 40 to solid reagent dispensing poin~ "SRD" where a single reagent tablet 44 is dropped into a reaction compartment.
D. A diluent and/or liquid reagent dispenser 50 is located adjacent to carousel 42 for adding sufficient diluent 52 for reagent tablet 44 dissolution and/or or dispensin~ a liquid reagent into the reaction compartment 24 at point "LDD".
E. A sample loading and transfer carousel assembly 60 is located downstream of the reagent and diluent dispensers. This carousel assembly comprises a loading carousel 62 into which patient samples 70 are randomly loaded; a transfer carousel 64 which acce~ats the patient samples 70 from loadin~ carousel 62, identifies the patient sample by means of a bar code reader 66 which reads a bar code label 72 placed on the patient sample container and continuously feeds the patient samples into the system; and finally, an unloading carousel 6~ receives the patient samples 70 after testing ancl stores them in an organi7ed manner in the event that the~ must later be located and retrieved.
F:. Sampler 8û Ior dispensing sample into the reaction compartments 24 at point "Sl)" is loca~ed adjacent to transier carousel 64. This sampler is designed to aspirate 2 to 20 ,ul of patient sample 70 from its container in the ~ransfer carousel and dispense it into a reaction compartment 24 every five seconds.
G. Ei~ht photometric analysis stations 90 are located at points "SAll' through "5A8" along the cuvette track 30. These analysis stations are connected by individual optical guides 92 and 94 to photo-optical system lO0. This sys~em is illustrated in FiglJre 3 and is described in detail below.
~.~t~2S~3 Turnin~ now to the detailed opera1ion of the instIurnellt system, a phlehotomist draws a patient blood sample 70 which is positively iden~ified by a bar code label 72 placed on the container in which ~he sample is drawn.
After centrifu~ing the sample to separate the sera, the sample along with as many others as desired is placed in loading carousel 62 which is then placed into the instrumen~ loading and transfer carousel assernbly 60. For emergency stat tes~ing, the patient sample 70 may be loaded directly into one of the empty san7ple receiving slo~s 65 of transfer carousel 647 or may be exchanged with a sample container already loaded in -transfer carousel 64 prior to bar cocle rèader 66.
The loading carousel is ~hen automatically indexed to a position where the patient sample 70 is transferred into an empty sample receiving slot 65 of transfer carousel 64. The transfer carousel 64 then indexes around to bar code reader 66 which identifies the patient sample. This sample identity is fed to an instrument control microprocessor ~ns~t shown) which correlates this information with the test requisition for this sample which has already been entered into the instrument computer system by the laborats)ry technician.
~0 The control microprocessor then begins the advance of the cuvette supply reel 20 and belt 22 into cuvette track 30 in response to this sample identification. This cuvette supply advance is accomplished by loading belt 34 which threads the cuvette belt into main transport belt 32. If bar code reader 66 detects that there are no further samples to be tested, the control microprocessor will activate cuv~tte bel1t cutter 28 which divides cuvette belt 22 into sec tions 29 having a number of reaction compar~ments corresponding to the number of analysis reactions to be performed at a given ~ime. This procedure rriinimizes waste for sin~le tests or stat situations. In aLdditiosl, the cuvette belt cutter 28 may also be periodically operated during continuous operation of the instrument in order to prevent the length of the cuvette belt lwhich must be disposed of) from becoming unmanageable.
As it is fed into the instrument, the cuvette belt 22 enters a water bath l 2 which will maintain the reagent and sample reaction m ixture at a prede termined incubation temperature. This reac tion ternperature is generally either 30 degrees C or 37 degrees C.
.~q~3~S~
For the sake of simplicity, it should also be noted th~ in Figure i, each circular cuvette posi~lon point 25 along cuve~te track 3Q represents a five second period. In other words, every five seconds the control rnicroprocessor will step a particular cuvette reac~ion cornpartment 24 to the next circular position along the cuvette track 30.
.
During the time that the ~ransfer carousel 64 is indexing the sample 70 between the bar code reader 66 and its position where sampler 80 aspirates a portion thereof, an appropriate rea~en~ is added at either point "SRD" or "LDD" to the reaction cornpartment that is timed by the control microprocessor to receive the sample. The microprocessor causes the proper reagerl~ to be dispensed from one of the thirty-two different table~ed reagent dispensers 40 that can be accommodated by dispenser carousel 42, or the multiple liquid reagents that can be accommodated by diluent/liquid reagent dispenser S0, in response to the patient sample identification by bar code reader 66.
If a tabletted reagent is dispensed, sufficient diluent for tablet dissolution is added there~o a~ point "LDD" and an ultrasonic horn 14 is utilized to provide 45 seconds of high energy ultra-sound to completely brea up and dissolve the reagent tablet. In the preferred embodiment, this rea~ent mixture has a volume of 200~1.
After this reconstitutiun o:E the reagent in the predetermined amount of diluent, the reaction compar~merrt is passed to a reagent quality control analysis station at point "SAl". Here each reagent mixture is photometrically analyzed to veri:Ey proper reagent dispensing and dlssolution.
Furthermore, the microprocessor can also utilize this reading to adjust ~or any minor variation in reagent amount and resulting coneentration that may exist :~rom tablet to tablet.
Next, the reaction compartment 24 is transpor~ed to point "SD" where sampler 80 will dispense the appropriate patient sample into the reaction cornpartment 24. As noted above, the main transport belt 32 of cuvette track 30 is carefully synchronized with the reagent dispensers and the sarnpler to insure ~hat the proper reac$ion mixture is obtained as ordered by 5~
Pa~e 11 the control microprocessor Since sarnpler 80 is the only non-discrete element of the analysis system, its probe is flushed with additional diluent to prevent contamlnation and carry-over bel ween samples. In the preferred embodirnent, the final reaction volume is 300,ul.
The next analysis station is the sample blanking station located at point "SA2". It has been found desirable to dispense an amount of each patient sample into a reaction compartment without a reagent being added ~o obtain a sample blank. This sample blank value may be obtained at this analysis station or any of the following six analysis stations as required.
A second reagent dispenser 54 may be located Iurther down the cwette track 30 for multiple or triggered reaction capability. For example, such a reagent dispenser would be useful in conducting CKM~ constituent analyses.
At the end of the cuvette track 30, a cu~/ette sealer 16 is located to seal $he tops of the cuvette reaction compartments aEter testing for convenient and sanitary disposal of the samples. After passing through the cuvette sealer 16, the cuvette belt 22 is stripped off of the main transpor~
belt 32 by an unloading belt 3~ wh;ch removes the tested cuvettes from the water bath 12 and automatically discards them into disposal bin 18.
As referred to above, all eight analysis stations are connected via light guides 92~ 94 to photo optical system lO0. The principal elements of this system are shown in Figure 3. The photo-optical system comprises a single light source lOl for generating selected wavelengths of light. The output of light source 101 is focused by fixe~ focusing lens 102 onto the multiple wavelength selective filters disposed about the circumference of rotary source filter wheel 103. The rotation oE source filter wheel l~3 is regulated by the instrument control microprocessor through double shafted motor 104.
The output from source filter wheel 103 is sequentially transn~itted through separate light guides 92 to each of the analysis s~ations.
At the analysis stations, the filtered light energy is passed through the reaction cornpartment 24 containing the mixture to be analyzed, and the output of the analysis stations is then passed back to the photo-optical 2~;~
Page 1~
system I00 via separate ligh~ guides 94. At this point7 a second filter wheel 107, which preferabiy is identical to and synchroni~ed with source fil~er wheel 103, in~ercepts the outputs of light ~uid~s g4 be~ore this output is directed to a separate photodetector ~ube 109 for each analysis station. A
reflector 108 may be utilize~ to focus the output of filter wheel 107 on photodetector tubes 109. In the represen~ation of Figure 37 only one set of light guides ~2, 94 and one photodetector ~ube is shown for simplicity, although it is to be understood that eight oE these elements (one for each analysis station) are required.
The outputs of photodetec~or tubes 109 are monltored by the control microprocessor and appropriate wavelength output values for each analysis reaction at each analysis station is stored by the microprocessor. When the reaction is cornpleted, the microprocessor will utilize this stored information to calculate the concentration of the selected sample constituent and provide this result to the instrument operator.
As can be seen from Figure 3, each filter wheel has seven diEferent wavelength selective filters 105 disposed about its circumference. In addition, an opaque blank 106 is located thereon in order to establish the residual "dark curren~" level of the electronics. Hence, great flexibility is provided by permit~ing any one or combination of ~he seven wavelengths to be read at any analysis station for any sample during the four second analysis period. In that filter wheels 103, 107 are rotated at thirty revolutions per second in the preferred embodiment9 thirty readings at a particular wavelength rn~y be made each second which can then be averaged to provide a highly accurate Einal value by the microprocessor.
Figure 4 illustrates a typical kinetic zero delta reaction which will help ~o illustrate ~he analytical ~bilities of the present invention. The vertical axis of the graph is in increasin~ absorbance units while the hori~ontal axis isin increasing time units, Erom 0 to 10 minutes. The reading times of analysis station point "SA~" through "5A8l' as the sample is transported through the instrument are shown along this horizontal axis. The actual continuous absorption curve for the kinetic reaction ~such as for a CPK test) is labeled .
5i~
Pa~e 13 In such kine~ic analysis, the linear portion of this absorbance curve between points A-B are usable to calculate the level of the constituent being analy~ed. However; these points are not Eixed and will vary from sample to sample and constituent to constituent. Hence~ in order to determine the linear portion of the absorptlon curve, the microprocessor will compare the deltas (rate cf change in absorp~ion or the slope of curve C) of adjacen~
analysis stations for the selected wavelengths used in the analysis (usually two for bichromatic testin~3. When two or more of these deltas between three or more stations become approximately the same ~or the rate of change there between become approximately zero, hence, the term "deita zeroi')9 curve C will be linear at these points and -the resulting absorption values may be used to accurately calculate the cs)nstituent level in question.
From thls example, the grea~ flexlbility and analytical power of the present invention in providing multiple analysis stations that are staggered in read time along with the capability of u tilizing any combination of seven different analysis wavelengths at each station can be appreciated.
2() Although particular configurations and features of th~ present invention have been discussed in connection with the above-described preferred embodiment thereof, it should be that those skilled in the art may make various changes, modifications and substitutions thereto without departing from the spirlt of the inven~ion as defined by the followin~ claims. For example, it should be evident from the above discussion that an instrument constructed in accordance with the present invention could be adapted for analyzing a wide range of different specirnen types where it is required that such specimens be reacted for differing, predetermined periods OI tirne and ~hat analytical readings be ta!cen durin~ ~r at the end of these time periods.
Claims (42)
1. An automated instrument system for analyzing the constituents of a specimen sample by reacting a reagent corresponding to the selected constituent with the sample, said analysis system comprising:
cuvette means for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment;
means for dispensing said reagent into said cuvette compartment;
means for dispensing said sample into said cuvette compartment;
a plurality of analysis stations separated by predetermined spatial intervals; and means for transporting said cuvette compartment at a predetermined rate of advance to said analysis stations whereby the time interval between said stations corresponds to desired analysis periods during the reaction time of said reagent.
cuvette means for retaining each sample and reagent to be reacted in a discrete reaction compartment;
means for dispensing said reagent into said cuvette compartment;
means for dispensing said sample into said cuvette compartment;
a plurality of analysis stations separated by predetermined spatial intervals; and means for transporting said cuvette compartment at a predetermined rate of advance to said analysis stations whereby the time interval between said stations corresponds to desired analysis periods during the reaction time of said reagent.
2. The analysis system of Claim 1 wherein said cuvette means comprises a disposable cuvette belt having a series of parallel discrete reaction compartments formed in a spaced relationship therein.
3. The analysis system of Claim 1 wherein said cuvette transport means comprises a track having a means disposed therein for engaging and advancing said cuvette compartment.
4. The analysis system of Claim 3 wherein at least a portion of said cuvette transport track is disposed in a water bath for maintaining said reagent and sample reaction mixture at a predetermined incubation temperature.
5. The analysis system of Claim 2 further comprising a means for dividing said cuvette belt into sections having a number of reaction compartments corresponding to the number of analysis reactions to be performed at a given time.
6. The analysis system of Claim 5 wherein said di-viding means comprises cuvette belt cutter.
7. The analysis system of Claim 5 wherein said cuvette transport means comprises a track having a means disposed therein for engaging and advancing said cuvette compartment and including a means for feeding said cuvette belt sections into said cuvette transport track.
8. The analysis system of Claim 7 wherein said cuvette feeding means comprises a portion of said cuvette track having a separate cuvette belt engaging and advancing means disposed therein.
9. The analysis system of Claim 3 wherein said cuvette compartment engaging and advancing means advances said re-action compartments in a stepped manner whereby said re-action compartments are held stationary at said analysis stations for a fixed period of time before being advanced to their next stepped position.
10. The analysis system of Claim 9 wherein the number of stepped positions of said reaction compartments between said analysis stations corresponds to desired periods during the reagent reaction times for analyzing said se-lected constituents.
11. The analysis system of Claim 1 wherein said analysis stations analyze said reagent and sample re-action through the use of a photo-optical system.
12. The analysis system of Claim 11 wherein said photo-optical system is bichromatic.
13. The analysis system of Claim 11 wherein said photo-optical system comprises a single light source for generating selected wavelengths of light and separate light guides for transmitting said light wavelengths to each of said analysis stations.
14. The analysis system of Claim 13 wherein said light guides are fiber optical bundles.
15. The analysis system of Claim 13 wherein said light guides are fluid filled light pipes.
16. The analysis system of Claim 13 further com-prising common wavelength selective filters for sequentially transmitting said selected wavelengths of light through said light guides to each of said analysis stations.
17. The analysis system of Claim 16 wherein said common wavelength selective filters are segments of a rotary source filter wheel, the selected wavelength of light output of each filter segment being sequentially directed to said separate light guides for transmission to said analysis stations.
18. The analysis system of Claim 13 further comprising a second set of separate light guides for directing the outputs of each said analysis station to photodetector means.
19. The analysis system of Claim 18 further com-prising a second set of common wavelength selective fil-ters sequentially intercepting the outputs of said sep-arate light guides before being directed to said photo-detector means.
20. The analysis system of Claim 19 wherein said second set of common wavelength selective filters are segments of a rotary detector filter wheel.
21. The analysis system of Claims 17 and 20 wherein said source and detector filter wheels are rotated in aligned synchronism with each other.
22. The analysis system of claims 17 and 20 wherein said source and detector filter wheels are rotated in aligned synchronism with each other and wherein said source and detector filter wheels have identical filter segments.
23. The analysis system of Claim 1 wherein said reagent is in a solid form.
24. The analysis system of Claim 23 wherein said solid reagent is formed into a single tablet.
25. The analysis system of Claim 24 wherein said reagent tablet is stored in a dispenser containing a number of identical reagent tablets, said dispenser being adapted to drop said tablets one at a time into said cuvette reaction compartments.
26. The analysis system of Claim 25 further comprising a means for dispensing a diluent into said cuvette compartments.
27. The analysis system of Claim 26 further com-prising a means for mixing said reagent tablet and diluent in said compartment.
28. The analysis system of Claim 27 wherein said mixing means comprises an ultrasonic horn.
29. The analysis system of Claims 4 and 28 wherein said ultrasonic horn is disposed within said water bath.
30. The analysis system of Claim 1 further comprising a means for identifying each of said samples.
31. The analysis system of Claim 30 wherein multiple different reagents are contained in said instrument and said reagent dispensing means further comprises a means for selecting one or more of said reagents for dispensing into said cuvette compartment in response to said sample identifying means.
32. The analysis system of Claims 5 and 30 wherein said cuvette belt dividing means is operated in response to said sample identifying means.
33. The analysis system of Claims 5 and 30 wherein said cuvette belt dividing means is operated in response to said sample identifying means and including a means for feeding said cuvette belt sections into said trans-porting means in response to said sample identifying means.
34. The analysis system of Claims 16 and 30 where-in said different wavelengths of light transmitted to each of said analysis stations are selected in response to said sample identifying means.
35. The analysis system of Claim 19 further com-prising a means for identifying each of said samples and wherein the output of said photodetector means is read in response to said sample identifying means.
36. The analysis system of Claims 1 and 30 wherein said sample is dispensed into said cuvette compartment in response to said sample identifying means.
37. The analysis system of Claims 26 and 30 where-in said diluent is dispensed into said cuvette compartment in response to said sample identifying means.
38. The analysis system of Claim 35 further com-prising a means to store the output readings of said photo-detector means.
39. The analysis system of Claim 35 further com-prising a means to calculate the concentration of said selected sample constituent from the photometer output readings in said storage means.
40. The analysis system of Claim 39 wherein said calculating means selects certain of said photometer out-put readings in said storage means corresponding to three or more adjacent analysis stations to establish absorption deltas for zero order kinetic reactions.
41. The analysis system of Claim 40 wherein said cal-culating and storage means comprise a microprocessor.
42. An automated instrument system for analyzing the constituents of a patient sample while reacting a reagent specific for the selected constituent within said sample, the system comprising:
(a) a continuous flexible cuvette belt comprising a series of parallel, discrete reaction compartments formed in spaced relationship therein, each of said discrete reaction compartments being substantially op-tically transparent, having an open top end and a closed bottom end and adapted for engagement by a cuvette track;
(b) carousel means for dispensing solid tabletted reagents into said discrete reaction compartments of such cuvette belt, said tabletted reagents being stored in a series of tablet dispensers within the carousel;
(c) means for effecting ultrasonic dissolution of said tabletted reagents, said means being positioned along the cuvette track between the carousel means for dispensing solid tabletted reagents and the means for dispensing sample.
(d) means for dispensing sample from a patient sample container into said discrete reaction compartments of said cuvette;
(e) means for transport of the patient sample con-tainer including a carousel assembly located downstream from said reagent dispenser, said carousel assembly com-prising:
i) a loading carousel into which patient sample containers can be randomly loaded, ii) a transfer carousel which accepts patient sample containers from the loading carousel and positions them in cooperative relation with the sample dispensing means, said transfer carousel including means for identifying said patient sample container from coded information contained on said sample container, and (iii) an unloading carousel which receives patient sample containers from the transfer carousel subse-quent to transfer of a portion of the sample to a discrete reaction compartment of the cuvette belt;
f) a plurality of analysis stations arranged in linear relationship to one another along a track for advancement of the cuvette belt; and g) means for transporting, at a pre-determined rate, said cuvette belt along a continuous cuvette tract past a plurality of analysis stations.
(a) a continuous flexible cuvette belt comprising a series of parallel, discrete reaction compartments formed in spaced relationship therein, each of said discrete reaction compartments being substantially op-tically transparent, having an open top end and a closed bottom end and adapted for engagement by a cuvette track;
(b) carousel means for dispensing solid tabletted reagents into said discrete reaction compartments of such cuvette belt, said tabletted reagents being stored in a series of tablet dispensers within the carousel;
(c) means for effecting ultrasonic dissolution of said tabletted reagents, said means being positioned along the cuvette track between the carousel means for dispensing solid tabletted reagents and the means for dispensing sample.
(d) means for dispensing sample from a patient sample container into said discrete reaction compartments of said cuvette;
(e) means for transport of the patient sample con-tainer including a carousel assembly located downstream from said reagent dispenser, said carousel assembly com-prising:
i) a loading carousel into which patient sample containers can be randomly loaded, ii) a transfer carousel which accepts patient sample containers from the loading carousel and positions them in cooperative relation with the sample dispensing means, said transfer carousel including means for identifying said patient sample container from coded information contained on said sample container, and (iii) an unloading carousel which receives patient sample containers from the transfer carousel subse-quent to transfer of a portion of the sample to a discrete reaction compartment of the cuvette belt;
f) a plurality of analysis stations arranged in linear relationship to one another along a track for advancement of the cuvette belt; and g) means for transporting, at a pre-determined rate, said cuvette belt along a continuous cuvette tract past a plurality of analysis stations.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/400,191 US4528159A (en) | 1981-07-20 | 1982-07-20 | Automated analysis instrument system |
| US400,191 | 1982-07-20 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1199258A true CA1199258A (en) | 1986-01-14 |
Family
ID=23582582
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000432802A Expired CA1199258A (en) | 1982-07-20 | 1983-07-20 | Automated analysis instrument system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1199258A (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3153864A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-04-12 | Roche Diagnostics GmbH | Apparatus and method for processing at least one sample |
| CN110487764A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2019-11-22 | 天津陆海石油设备系统工程有限责任公司 | The hand automatic sampling mode switching device of quantitative fluorescence analysis instrument |
| CN112577792A (en) * | 2019-09-27 | 2021-03-30 | 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 | Sample analysis system and method for starting centrifugation operation of centrifugation module |
-
1983
- 1983-07-20 CA CA000432802A patent/CA1199258A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP3153864A1 (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-04-12 | Roche Diagnostics GmbH | Apparatus and method for processing at least one sample |
| CN106970238A (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2017-07-21 | 霍夫曼-拉罗奇有限公司 | Handle the apparatus and method of at least one sample |
| US10191073B2 (en) | 2015-10-06 | 2019-01-29 | Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc. | Apparatus and method for processing at least one sample |
| CN106970238B (en) * | 2015-10-06 | 2021-03-16 | 霍夫曼-拉罗奇有限公司 | Device and method for processing at least one sample |
| CN110487764A (en) * | 2019-08-30 | 2019-11-22 | 天津陆海石油设备系统工程有限责任公司 | The hand automatic sampling mode switching device of quantitative fluorescence analysis instrument |
| CN112577792A (en) * | 2019-09-27 | 2021-03-30 | 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 | Sample analysis system and method for starting centrifugation operation of centrifugation module |
| CN112577792B (en) * | 2019-09-27 | 2024-02-02 | 深圳迈瑞生物医疗电子股份有限公司 | Sample analysis system and method for starting centrifugation operation of a centrifugation module |
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