JP2022116228A - Point-of-care diagnostic systems and containers for the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve point-of-care (POC) medical diagnostic systems, and reagent and fluid packages for the POC medical diagnostic systems.

SOLUTION: In various embodiments, the system includes: a housing 110; a first receptacle 120 in the housing for receiving a reagent container 122; a second receptacle 130 in the housing for receiving a working fluid and waste container, where the second receptacle is larger than the first receptacle; two reagent access needles positioned and fixed within the first receptacle, and each positioned to access the reagent container; and a working fluid access needle and a waste access needle that are positioned and fixed within the second receptacle and positioned to access the working fluid and waste container.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/941,596, filed March 30, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. incorporated into.

TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to medical diagnostics and, more particularly, to point-of-care medical diagnostic systems.

Medical guidance for many medical diagnostic systems, such as hematology analyzers, recommends that samples be analyzed as soon as possible after their collection. This recommendation can be difficult if the sample is obtained in a medical setting but the test is performed in an outside laboratory. As such, many physicians and veterinarians wish to implement point-of-care (POC) systems to analyze fresh samples.

POC medical diagnostic systems use various types of reagents and fluids to perform analyses. Various types of packages exist for reagents and fluids and such packages must be delivered and installed at the POC office. Installations requiring multiple steps can confuse and frustrate operators. In some cases, the POC diagnostic system may work with improperly installed packages, but incorrect results may occur. Accordingly, there is continuing interest in improving POC medical diagnostic systems and packaging of reagents and fluids for POC medical diagnostic systems.

The present disclosure relates to point-of-care medical diagnostic systems and containers for such systems.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a medical diagnostic system includes a housing, a first containment within the housing for receiving a reagent container, and a second containment within the housing for receiving a working fluid and waste container. a storage portion, the second storage portion being larger than the first storage portion; and a second storage portion disposed and attached within the first storage portion, each positioned to access the reagent container. and a working fluid access needle and a waste access needle positioned and mounted within the second containment and positioned to access the working fluid and waste containers.

In various embodiments, the first enclosure comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls and a rear wall. One of the two reagent access needles is positioned on the back wall adjacent the bottom wall. The other of the two reagent access needles is positioned on the rear wall above it adjacent to the centerline between the upper and lower walls. In various embodiments, the reagent container and the first reservoir are shaped such that the reagent container must be inserted into the first reservoir in a specific orientation for the two reagent access needles to access the reagent container. set.

In various embodiments, the second enclosure comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls and a rear wall. A waste access needle is disposed on the back wall adjacent to the top wall. A working fluid access needle is disposed on the rear wall adjacent the lower wall. In various embodiments, the working fluid and waste container and the second containment are configured such that the working fluid and waste container is in the second containment for the working fluid access needle and the waste access needle to access the working fluid and waste container. Shaped so that it must be inserted in a specific orientation. In various embodiments, the top of the second containment is narrower than the bottom of the second containment and the top of the working fluid/waste container is narrower than the bottom of the working fluid/waste container.

In various embodiments, a medical diagnostic system includes a camera positioned to view the first storage for imaging the encoded Data Matrix code onto the reagent container. In various embodiments, the medical diagnostic system uses the same camera positioned to also view the second containment for imaging the encoded Data Matrix code onto the working fluid and waste container.

In various embodiments, a reagent container of a medical diagnostic system comprises upper and lower compartments that are fluidly separated. A partition between the upper and lower compartments statically connects the upper and lower compartments to each other. The upper compartment is defined by a housing having an upper wall, a lower wall, sidewalls and an access opening positioned adjacent the lower wall of the upper compartment. The lower compartment is defined by a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, sidewalls, and an access opening positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the bottom compartment. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the lower wall of the upper compartment slopes downward toward the access opening of the upper compartment. In various embodiments, the upper wall of the lower compartment is substantially parallel to the lower wall of the upper compartment. In various embodiments, a portion of the upper wall of the lower compartment is higher than a portion of the lower wall of the upper compartment.

In various embodiments, a working fluid and waste container of a medical diagnostic system is a working fluid compartment having an access opening and a waste compartment having an access opening, wherein the waste compartment is fluidly separated from the working fluid compartment. and a partition connecting between the working fluid compartment and the waste compartment such that the working fluid compartment and the waste compartment are stationary relative to each other. In various embodiments, the second containment portion of the housing comprises a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls and a rear wall. The access opening of the waste compartment is positioned adjacent the top wall of the second containment and the access opening of the working fluid compartment is positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the second containment. In various embodiments, the waste compartment has an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner and outer walls have a substantially trapezoidal shaped vertical cross-section with open corners. The working fluid compartment has a first portion inside the inner wall of the waste compartment and a second portion extending through the open corner and terminating at the access opening of the working fluid compartment.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a container for a medical diagnostic system is a housing having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, and an access opening positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the upper compartment. a lower compartment defined by a housing having an upper compartment defined by, a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, and an access opening positioned adjacent the bottom wall of the lower compartment; and a lower compartment fluidly separating the lower compartment, and a partition wall connecting between the upper and lower compartments such that the upper and lower compartments are stationary with respect to each other.

In various embodiments, at least a portion of the lower wall of the upper compartment slopes downward toward the access opening of the upper compartment. In various embodiments, the upper wall of the lower compartment is substantially parallel to the lower wall of the upper compartment.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a container for a medical diagnostic system has an access opening, an inner wall, and an outer wall, the inner and outer walls being substantially trapezoidal in shape with open corners. A working fluid compartment having a vertical cross-section, a first portion inside the inner wall of the waste compartment, and a second portion extending through the open corner and terminating at the access opening of the working fluid compartment. a working fluid compartment in which the working fluid compartment is fluidly separated from a waste compartment; and a partition connecting between the working fluid compartment and the waste compartment such that the working fluid compartment and the waste compartment are stationary with respect to each other; Prepare.

In various embodiments, the container is configured to fit into a containment portion having a top wall, a bottom wall, side walls, and a rear wall, wherein the access opening of the waste compartment is positioned adjacent the top wall of the containment portion. and the access opening of the working fluid compartment is located adjacent the bottom wall of the containment.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a medical diagnostic system includes a housing, a containment within the housing having walls for receiving a container having a compartment, and a compartment engagement mechanism for engaging the compartment. and The compartment engagement mechanism includes a hub mounted within the wall of the housing, at least one needle fixed to the hub, a needle cover slidably coupled to the hub and having a cover position over the needle, and fixed to the hub. and at least one engagement arm for gripping the needle cover when the needle cover is in the cover position.

In various embodiments, the at least one needle includes a coated needle and at least one uncoated needle.

In various embodiments, the needle cover includes a cap having at least one hole corresponding to the at least one needle, and a plurality of glide posts slidably coupled with the hub, the plurality of glide posts sliding onto the hub. Sometimes at least one needle protrudes through at least one hole in the cap.

In various embodiments, the at least one engagement arm comprises a base portion fixed to the hub, an elbow portion connected to the base portion, and a gripping portion connected to the elbow portion, wherein the elbow portion is semi-flexible. It is flexible and can move the gripping portion radially toward or away from the needle cover.

In various embodiments, the medical diagnostic system further comprises a container, the container comprising a cap secured to the neck of the compartment, the cap in contact with the gripping portion of the at least one engagement arm and the compartment engagement mechanism. is dimensioned to move the gripping portion radially away from the needle cover when the is engaged with the compartment of the container.

In various embodiments, the compartment comprises a collar having at least one notch corresponding to the at least one engagement arm, the at least one notch in the collar being sufficient for the compartment of the container to engage the compartment engagement mechanism. Sometimes receiving a gripping portion of at least one engagement arm.

In various embodiments, the container comprises a second compartment having a second neck and a second cap secured to the second neck, wherein the medical diagnostic system engages the second compartment of the container. A second compartment engagement mechanism is coupled to the wall of the enclosure for the purpose of.

In various embodiments, the medical diagnostic system further comprises a level detection mechanism coupled to the compartment engagement mechanism and the second compartment engagement mechanism, the level detection mechanism determining whether the container is level within the storage compartment. To detect.

In various embodiments, the compartment engagement feature is a different size than the second compartment engagement feature and the cap is a different size than the second cap. In various embodiments, the compartment engagement feature and the second compartment engagement feature extend different distances from the containment wall, and the cap and the second cap extend different distances from the body of the container.

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a medical diagnostic system, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram of one embodiment of a reagent container, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; 3 is a cross-sectional view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, according to some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a reagent container, according to some aspects of the present disclosure; 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of a working fluid and waste container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a working fluid and waste container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a view of yet another embodiment of a working fluid and waste container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment of a working fluid and waste container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of a working fluid and waste container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; 3 is a perspective view of the reagent container of FIG. 2 with outlines more clearly indicating the shape of the container, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, according to some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a top view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, according to some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a right side elevational view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the reagent container of FIG. 2, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 with outlines more clearly indicating the shape of the container in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a top view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a left side elevational view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a right side elevational view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a reagent container having contour lines to more clearly indicate the shape of the container, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a working fluid and waste container having contour lines to more clearly indicate the shape of the container, in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 10 is an illustration of one embodiment of a container engagement mechanism having two compartment engagement mechanisms in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; 28 is a perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 28 is another perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 28 is a view of certain components of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 28 is a view of certain other components of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 28 is a view of the container engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 prior to engaging a container in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 28 is a view of the container engagement mechanism of FIG. 27 after engaging a container in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a compartment engagement mechanism, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; 35 is another perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 34 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 35 is a view of certain components of the compartment engagement mechanism of FIG. 34 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG. 37 is another perspective view of the components of FIG. 36 in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure; FIG.

The present disclosure relates to point-of-care medical diagnostic systems and containers for medical diagnostic systems. As used herein, a point of care refers to a location where care is provided to a human or animal patient, where a medical diagnostic system analyzes samples obtained from the patient to determine the patient's medical condition. Refers to a system that can be diagnosed. Accordingly, medical diagnostic systems include, but are not limited to, patient sample analyzers such as flow cytometers.

The following description uses a flow cytometry-based system as an example of a medical diagnostic system. An example of a flow cytometry-based analytical device is shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,324,194, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. would be However, the present disclosure is intended and should be understood to apply to other types of medical diagnostic systems as well.

A flow cytometry system includes subsystems such as a fluidic subsystem, an optical subsystem, and an electronic subsystem. A fluidic subsystem arranges the sample into a stream of particles, such as a stream of cells. An optical subsystem interrogates each cell by directing a laser beam to each cell and detecting scattered light using a photodetector. Light scatters according to cell size, complexity, granularity, and diameter, thus forming a "fingerprint" for each cell type. The electronic subsystem can process the fingerprints to sort, count, and/or otherwise analyze the cells/particles in the sample stream.

Fluid subsystems have many roles. For example, the fluidics subsystem transports the diluent (blood or quality control material) to the laser for cell counting and morphology and/or to the hemoglobin module for hemoglobin measurement, passing the blood cells sequentially through the laser. The working fluid is used in a variety of ways, including acting as a sheath to convey fluid, cleaning and/or priming the diagnostic system, and/or conveying waste fluid to a waste container. Working fluid materials are typically water-based and contain salts, surfactants, buffers, and antimicrobial agents. The fluid system is generally filled with this fluid at all times except when the blood sample is being processed and moved through the system.

The fluidics subsystem also accesses reagents and applies them to patient samples to produce desired reactions. For example, reagents can be used to stain and differentiate specific cells, lyse red blood cells, prepare cells for specific types of assays, among others, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. In various embodiments, red reagents are used to prepare whole blood samples primarily for red blood cell and platelet evaluation. The material is water-based and contains salts, surfactants, antimicrobials, and stains (for reticulocytes). The red reagent is mixed with whole blood at the proper dilution concentration to round the red blood cells and stain the reticulocytes. Diluted samples are then transported to the flow cell for evaluation (counting and sorting). In various embodiments, a white reagent is used to prepare whole blood samples for evaluation of white blood cells. The material is water-based and contains salts, surfactants, and antimicrobial agents. A white reagent is mixed with whole blood at a proper dilution concentration to lyse red blood cells. Remaining white blood cells and platelets remain in the diluent and are transported to the flow cell for evaluation (counting and sorting).

Therefore, working fluids and reagents need to be installed and provided in medical diagnostic systems. Then, once the analysis is complete, the effluent generated by the system should be collected and safely disposed of. Medical diagnostic systems and containers that address these concerns are described below.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exemplary medical diagnostic system 100 is shown. The illustrated medical diagnostic system 100 is configured and dimensioned to reside within a point of care (POC) office. The illustrated system includes a housing 110 that forms the overall structure of the medical diagnostic system. Housing 110 comprises a small containment portion 120 intended to receive reagent containers 122 and a large containment portion 130 intended to receive working fluid and waste containers 132 . Reagent container 122 stores reagents to be used by diagnostic system 100 , and working fluid/waste container 132 operates to provide working fluid to diagnostic system 100 and to receive waste fluid from diagnostic system 100 . On the right side of housing 110, another reservoir 140 can receive various fluids and materials, including patient samples, system cleaning fluids, and quality control substances, among others.

As will be described in more detail below, the storage compartments 120, 130 and containers 122, 132 are configured to allow an operator to slide the containers 122, 132 into the storage compartments. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, fluid access needles (not shown) are provided within the containment portions 120,130. As containers 122, 132 slide into storage compartments 120, 130, the needles engage access openings in the containers. In various embodiments, one or both of the storage compartments 120, 130 are horizontal or substantially horizontal so that an operator can slide the containers 122, 132 horizontally into the storage compartments, and the fluid access needles. (not shown) can also be horizontally oriented or have a substantially horizontal orientation. The term "horizontal" as used herein refers to an orientation parallel to the surface or plane on which diagnostic system 100 rests. In various embodiments, the containment and access needle are substantially horizontal in that they are intended to be horizontal, but are subject to, for example, minor manufacturing defects or limitations, or the presence of the needle within the containment. It may not be perfectly level due to slight loosening over time due to wear, or other material, manufacturing, or environmental imperfections. In various embodiments, one or both of the storage compartments 120, 130 are angled so that the operator can slide the containers 122, 132 into the storage compartments at a non-horizontal position, such as at an angle downward. and the fluid access needle (not shown) can also be oriented at an angle. In various embodiments, one or more fluid access needles can be oriented parallel to the direction in which containers 122 , 132 slide into storage compartments 120 , 130 . In various embodiments, one or more fluid access needles (not shown) can be oriented at an angle relative to the direction in which the container 122, 132 slides into the storage portion 120, 130. Combinations of the disclosed embodiments are contemplated such that each reservoir, container, or access needle can be implemented with different disclosed embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view of an exemplary reagent container 200 is shown. The reagent container comprises an upper compartment 210 and a lower compartment 220 . The two compartments 210, 220 are fluidly separated. A partition 230 between the upper and lower compartments 210, 220 connects the two compartments and keeps them stationary with respect to each other. In various embodiments, the reagent container is a single molded container and the two compartments and the partition between the two compartments are formed in the same molding process. Both the upper compartment 210 and the lower compartment 220 terminate in access openings 212,222. The access openings 212, 222 are positioned such that reagent access needles 124, 126 present in the diagnostic system subcontainer 120 can access them. In various embodiments, the access opening can be covered with a fluid seal that prevents reagent spillage. Reagent access needles 124, 126 can pierce the fluid seal to access reagents. Reagent access needles 124, 126 are illustrated for clarity and are not part of the reagent container.

FIG. 3 shows a vertical section through the reagent container 200 of FIG. Upper compartment 210 includes upper wall 214 and lower wall 216 , and lower compartment 220 includes upper wall 224 and lower wall 226 . The side walls of upper compartment 210 and lower compartment 220 are illustrated in FIG. Depending on the position of the vertical cross-section, the area 302 between the upper compartment 210 and the lower compartment 220 may be a partition 230 or an empty space. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, septum 230 is narrower than the width of upper and lower compartments 210 and 220 . If a vertical cross-section is taken on the septum 230, the septum 230 is in the region 302 between the upper and lower compartments. If a vertical cross-section is taken outside the partition 230, the area 302 between the upper and lower compartments 210, 220 is air. In various embodiments, septum 230 can be wider, narrower, or of another width than illustrated in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the access openings 212, 222 of the upper and lower compartments 210, 220 are adjacent to the lower walls 216, 226. As shown in FIG. Reagent access needles 124, 126 are positioned to be inserted into the bottom of access openings 212, 222 to reach as much reagent as possible. A portion of the lower wall 216 of the upper compartment 210 slopes downward toward the access opening 212 of the upper compartment. Thus, essentially all reagents within upper compartment 210 reach access opening 212 and can be accessed by fluid access needle 124 . In contrast, in the illustrated embodiment, the lower compartment 220 has no slope on its lower wall 226 . Accordingly, some of the reagent within lower compartment 220 will not be able to access fluid access needle 126 . In various embodiments, the bottom wall 226 of the bottom compartment 220 can have a downward slope.

The specific shapes and relative dimensions of the compartments are exemplary, and other variations and configurations are possible. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 2 and 3 the upper compartment 210 is smaller than the lower compartment 220 . For example, upper compartment 210 may hold about 60 mL to about 130 mL, about 70 mL to about 120 mL, about 80 mL to about 110 mL, about 90 mL to about 100 mL, or most preferably about 95 mL of reagent, and lower compartment 220 About 175 mL to about 100 mL, about 165 mL to about 110 mL, about 155 mL to about 120 mL, about 145 mL to about 130 mL, or most preferably about 139 mL of reagent may be held. In various other embodiments, other volumes are contemplated, and other ratios of volumes of the upper and lower compartments 210, 220 are contemplated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom wall 216 of the upper compartment 210 and the top wall 224 of the lower compartment 220 are parallel or substantially parallel. They may be approximately parallel even when they are intended to be perfectly parallel, for example due to manufacturing imperfections. In various other embodiments, the bottom wall 216 of the upper compartment 210 and the top wall 224 of the lower compartment 220 can be intentionally non-parallel. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, a portion of upper wall 224 of lower compartment 220 is higher than a portion of lower wall 216 of upper compartment 210 due to the downward slope of those walls. In various other embodiments, these walls may not have a downward slope, as in the example of FIG.

In the illustrated embodiment, the septum 230 adjacent the access openings 212 , 222 is approximately midway between the upper wall 214 of the upper compartment 210 and the lower wall 226 of the lower compartment 220 . Thus, the access opening 212 of the upper compartment 210 lies adjacent to and above this centerline. Reagent access needles 124, 126 are in corresponding positions. The diagnostic system compartment 120 includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a back wall, and side walls (not shown). One reagent access needle 126 is positioned on the rear wall adjacent the bottom wall of the sub-compartment 120 and the other reagent access needle 124 is located between the top and bottom walls of the sub-compartment 120 (not shown). located on the rear wall above it adjacent to the centerline between. Thus, reagent access needles 124, 126 can access compartments 210, 220 only when reagent container 200 is inserted into substorage compartment 120 in a particular orientation. In various other embodiments, the location of access openings 212, 222 and reagent access needles 124, 126 can be other locations, for example, as shown in FIG.

Described herein above are aspects of medical diagnostic systems and reagent containers. Embodiments of the working fluid/waste liquid container will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the working fluid/waste container 132 is larger than the reagent container 122 . Other dimensional ratios of the reagent container 122 and the working fluid and waste container 132 are contemplated in various embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of a working fluid and waste container 500 comprising a working fluid compartment 510 and a waste compartment 520 is shown. Working fluid compartment 510 and waste compartment 520 are fluidly separated. A partition 530 is positioned between the working fluid compartment 510 and the waste compartment 520 to statically connect them together. In various embodiments, the working fluid and waste container is a single molded container and the two compartments and the partition between the two compartments are formed in the same molding process. Referring also to FIG. 6, a vertical cross-section of the working fluid/waste container 500 of FIG. 5 is shown. Depending on the position of the vertical cross-section, the area 602 between the waste compartment 520 and the working fluid compartment 510 may be a partition 530 or an empty space. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, septum 530 is narrower than the width of working fluid compartment 510 and waste liquid compartment 520 . If a vertical cross-section is taken on partition 530 , partition 530 is in region 602 between working fluid compartment 510 and waste liquid compartment 520 . If the vertical cross-section is taken outside the partition 530, the area 602 between the working fluid compartment 510 and the waste liquid compartment 520 is air. In various embodiments, septum 530 can be wider, narrower, or of another width than illustrated in FIG.

With continued reference to FIG. 6 , waste compartment 520 has an outer wall 522 , an inner wall 524 , and an end wall 526 connecting outer wall 522 and inner wall 524 . Outer wall 522 and inner wall 524 have vertical cross-sections of substantially square or rectangular shape with open corners. In various embodiments, the vertical cross-section may have another shape, such as trapezoidal or substantially another shape. The cross-section may have a substantially specific shape, but is not exactly a specific shape, for example due to rounded corners or manufacturing defects or material stresses over time. In various embodiments, the cross-sectional shape can be oriented in various directions. For example, when the cross-sectional shape is trapezoidal, the base of the trapezoid can be oriented toward any side of the waste compartment 520 . The working fluid compartment 510 comprises a portion within the inner wall 524 of the waste compartment 520 and another portion 512 extending through an open corner of the waste compartment 520 and terminating in an access opening 512 .

Referring to the medical diagnostic system of FIG. 1, working fluid and waste container 132 slides into large containment area 130 . The large storage section 130 includes a top wall, a bottom wall, a rear wall, and side walls (not shown). Referring to large containment 130 , access opening 528 of waste compartment 520 is located adjacent the top wall of large containment 130 , and access opening 514 of working fluid compartment 510 is located in second containment 130 . Located adjacent to the lower wall. A working fluid access needle 134 and a waste access needle 136 are present at corresponding locations. A waste access needle 134 is located on the rear wall of the large storage section 130 adjacent the upper wall of the large storage section 130 and a working fluid access needle 136 is located on the rear wall of the large storage section 130 adjacent the lower wall of the large storage section 130 . Placed on the back wall. In various embodiments, working fluid access needle 136 is positioned toward the bottom of access opening 514 for working fluid compartment 510 . This allows substantially all of the working fluid to be accessible to working fluid access needle 136 . In various embodiments, the waste access needle 134 is positioned toward the top of the access opening 528 for the waste compartment 520 . This allows old waste in the waste compartment 520 to fill the waste compartment 520 without contacting the waste access needle 134 , thus risking contaminating the waste access needle 134 or flowing back through the waste access needle 134 . Reduce. In various embodiments, the access openings 514, 528 can be covered with fluid seals that prevent fluid from spilling. The working fluid access needle 134 and the waste access needle 136 can pierce the fluid seals to access the interior of the compartments 510,520.

Referring again to FIG. 1 , according to some aspects of the present disclosure, working fluid and waste container 132 and large containment 130 are configured such that working fluid access needle 136 and waste access needle 134 access working fluid and waste container 132 . To do this, the working fluid and waste container 132 is shaped so that it must be inserted into the large containment portion 130 in a particular orientation. In various embodiments, the top portion of the large containment portion 130 is narrower than the bottom portion of the large containment portion 130 and the top portion 132 of the working fluid/waste container is also narrower than the bottom portion 132 of the working fluid/waste container. Therefore, in order for the working fluid access needle 136 and the waste access needle 134 to access the access openings of the working fluid/waste container 130, the working fluid/waste container 132 must be inserted in the correct orientation.

The working fluid and waste containers of FIGS. 5 and 6 are exemplary and other shapes and configurations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. For example, other embodiments of working fluid and waste containers are shown in FIGS. 7-10.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the working fluid compartment 710 has a substantially U-shape. The waste compartment 720 interlocks with the working fluid compartment and has a portion above the working fluid compartment, a portion within the U-shape of the working fluid compartment, and an adjacent portion outside the working fluid compartment. Working fluid compartment 710 and waste compartment 720 are fluidly separated and a partition connects between the compartments such that working fluid compartment 710 and waste compartment 720 are stationary with respect to each other. The access opening 722 of the waste compartment 720 is adjacent to the top of the container and the access opening 712 of the working fluid compartment 710 is adjacent to the bottom of the container.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, the working fluid and waste container includes a handle 802 at the top of the container. Handle 802 allows the operator to more easily carry the container when it is outside the medical diagnostic system. The handle 802 shown in FIG. 8 can be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein or any embodiment considered within the scope of this disclosure. With continued reference to FIG. 8, the working fluid compartment 810 is substantially trapezoidal in shape and the waste compartment 820 is square or rectangular in overall working fluid and waste container shape when the shape of the handle 802 is not taken into account. have complementary shapes. Working fluid compartment 810 and waste compartment 820 are fluidly separated and a partition connects between the compartments such that working fluid compartment 810 and waste compartment 820 are stationary with respect to each other. The access opening 822 of the waste compartment 820 is adjacent to the top of the container and the access opening 812 of the working fluid compartment 810 is adjacent to the bottom of the container.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the working fluid/waste container includes a grip enhancement 902 . Grip enhancements 902 allow an operator to more easily handle the container when inserting or removing the container from a medical diagnostic system. The grip enhancement 902 shown in FIG. 9 can be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein or any embodiment considered within the scope of this disclosure. With continued reference to FIG. 9, the working fluid compartment 910 is substantially square in shape and the waste compartment 920 has complementary shapes such that the overall shape of the working fluid and waste container is square or rectangular. Working fluid compartment 910 and waste compartment 920 are fluidly separated and a partition connects between the compartments such that working fluid compartment 910 and waste compartment 920 are stationary with respect to each other. The access opening 922 of the waste compartment 920 is adjacent to the top of the container and the access opening 912 of the working fluid compartment 910 is adjacent to the bottom of the container.

In the embodiment of Figure 10, the working fluid and waste container includes a handle 1002 at the corner of the container. The handle 1002 shown in FIG. 10 can be applied to any other embodiment disclosed herein or any embodiment considered within the scope of this disclosure. With continued reference to FIG. 10, the working fluid compartment 1010 has a substantially L-shaped shape and the waste fluid compartment 1020 has a substantially rectangular shape when the shape of the handle 1002 is disregarded. Working fluid compartment 1010 and waste compartment 1020 are fluidly separated, and a partition connects the compartments such that working fluid compartment 1010 and waste compartment 1020 are stationary with respect to each other. The access opening 1022 of the waste compartment 1020 is adjacent to the top of the container and the access opening 1012 of the working fluid compartment 1010 is adjacent to the bottom of the container.

Thus, what has been described above are medical diagnostic systems and containers for medical diagnostic systems. FIGS. 11-17 show further views of the reagent container of FIG. 2 with outlines more clearly illustrating the shape of the reagent container. In particular, FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a reagent container, FIG. 12 is its bottom view, FIG. 13 is its top view, FIG. 14 is its left side elevation view, and FIG. 16 is its front side elevation and FIG. 17 is its rear side elevation. As shown in FIGS. 11-17, the perimeter of the illustrated reagent container is wider than other portions of the reagent container to allow the operator to more easily grasp the reagent container along any portion of the perimeter. . 18-24 show further views of the working fluid and waste container of FIG. 5 with outlines more clearly illustrating the shape of the working fluid and waste container. In particular, FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a working fluid/waste container, FIG. 19 is its bottom view, FIG. 20 is its top view, and FIG. 22 is its right side elevation, FIG. 23 is its front side elevation, and FIG. 24 is its rear side elevation. As shown in FIGS. 18-24, the perimeter of the illustrated working fluid/waste container is wider than the rest of the container, making it easier for the operator to maneuver the working fluid/waste container along any portion of the perimeter. so that it can be grasped. The embodiments disclosed herein are exemplary only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

The features of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIG. According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a medical diagnostic system includes one or more cameras (not shown) for imaging encoded Data Matrix codes onto reagent containers 122 and working fluid and waste containers 132. Prepare. The Data Matrix code on containers 122, 132 can encode information such as expiration date, lot number, manufacturer ID, and authenticity, among others. The camera can scan the Data Matrix code to read this information, and the medical diagnostic system 100 can process the information and respond to it in various ways.

In various embodiments, the large storage unit 130 uses a camera (not shown) to image the Data Matrix code onto the working fluid and waste container 132, and the small storage unit 120 stores the Data Matrix code onto the reagent container. The same camera (not shown) is used to image onto 122 . In various embodiments, the Data Matrix code is placed on the container 122, 132 such that the Data Matrix code is read by the camera only when the container 122, 132 is inserted into the medical diagnostic system 100 in a particular orientation. .

Accordingly, various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described above. Other aspects and embodiments of the disclosure are described below.

Referring to FIG. 25, one embodiment of a reagent container is shown. Similar to the reagent container described in connection with FIGS. 2 and 3, the reagent container of FIG. 25 comprises two fluidly separated compartments 2510 terminating in access openings 2512 . Two compartments 2510 contain reagents for use in the medical diagnostic system of FIG. Each access opening 2512 is at the end of a neck 2514 having threads for receiving a cap (not shown). Neck 2514 resides within collar 2516 of the reagent container. In various embodiments, neck 2514 and collar 2516 are integrally formed in the same manufacturing process. In various embodiments, the neck 2514 and collar 2516 are separately formed in separate molding processes and then secured together.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, each collar 2516 includes one or more notches for receiving container engagement features described in connection with FIGS. 27-33. In the illustrated embodiment, one notch 2518 is seen for each collar 2516 . In various embodiments, there may or may not be another or other notch on the other side of collar 2516 . In various embodiments, each collar 2516 can include multiple notches, such as two or more notches that can be configured or positioned in different regions of collar 2516 . In various embodiments, different colors can have the same number of notches or different numbers of notches. In various embodiments, one or more notches may have different shapes or dimensions than shown.

FIG. 26 illustrates one embodiment of a working fluid and waste container. Similar to the working fluid/waste container described in connection with FIGS. 5 and 6, the working fluid/waste container of FIG. 26 includes a working fluid compartment that is fluidly separated from a waste compartment. Each compartment 2610 terminates in an access opening 2612 at the end of a neck 2614 having threads for receiving a cap (not shown). A neck 2614 is secured to a collar 2616 that can have one or more notches 2618 for receiving container engaging features. The notch embodiments and variations described in connection with FIG. 25 also apply to the collar of FIG.

Referring now to FIG. 27, a diagram of one embodiment of a container engagement mechanism 2700 is shown. The illustrated container engagement mechanism 2700 comprises two compartment engagement mechanisms 2720 . Referring also to FIG. 1, the container engaging mechanism 2700 may be located within the enclosures 120, 130 of the medical diagnostic system 100 described with respect to FIG. can be done.

In the illustrated embodiment, each compartment engagement mechanism 2720 comprises a hub 2722 , a needle 2724 , two or more engagement arms 2726 , a spring 2727 and a needle cover 2728 . Hub 2722 is secured to and through a housing wall 2702, such as the rear wall of the housing. Hub 2722 holds and secures needle 2724 , engagement arm 2726 and needle cover 2728 . In various embodiments, the needle 2724 can be held perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the containment wall 2702 . In various embodiments, the needle 2724 can be securely held by the hub 2722 such that the needle 2724 does not come off the hub 2722 when accessing the compartment of the container.

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, hub 2722 holds needle cover 2728 and acts as a guide so that needle cover 2728 can slide through or along hub 2722 . The construction of hub 2722 and needle cover 2728 is described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 28-30. 27, needle cover 2728 can slide through or along hub 2722 in a direction parallel to the direction of needle 2724 and/or in a direction perpendicular to wall 2702 of the housing. A spring 2727 is disposed between needle cover 2728 and hub 2722 in a manner that biases needle cover 2728 to a cover position over needle 2724 .

Hub 2722 also retains engagement arms 2726 such that engagement arms 2726 secure needle cover 2728 when needle cover 2728 is in the cover position. Engagement arm 2726 is secured to hub 2722 in such a manner that engagement arm 2726 does not move through hub 2722 . However, at least a portion of each engagement arm 2726 is semi-flexible such that each engagement arm can flex radially away from needle 2724 and needle cover 2728 . In various embodiments, compartment engagement mechanism 2720 can comprise one engagement arm 2726 . In various embodiments, compartment engagement mechanism 2720 can comprise more than one engagement arm 2726 . In various embodiments, the engagement arms 2726 can be configured or arranged in various manners different than the configuration illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 28 shows a perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism 2720 of FIG. Although the illustrated embodiment includes three needles 2724, other numbers of needles, such as less than three needles or more than three needles can be used in various embodiments. Additionally, the needles 2724 are arranged in a row in FIG. In various embodiments, the multiple needles can be arranged in other manners, such as triangular or other shapes or configurations. As shown in FIG. 28, hub 2722 includes guide slots 2802 that receive a portion of needle cover 2728 and allow a portion of needle cover 2728 to slide through or along hub 2722 .

FIG. 29 shows another perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism 2720 with the container-facing end of the mechanism. As shown in FIG. 29, the container-facing end of the needle cover 2728 is provided with an aperture 2902 . Hole 2902 is aligned with needle 2724 such that needle 2724 extends through hole 2902 when needle cover 2728 slides through or along hub 2722 . Hub 2722 also includes slots 2904 that receive and secure engagement arms 2726 . In various embodiments, when engagement arm 2726 is secured to hub 2722 , engagement arm 2726 no longer slides through hub 2722 . Figures 28 and 29 are exemplary and variations or other embodiments of the compartment engagement mechanism are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a view of certain components 2700 of the container engaging mechanism of FIGS. In the illustrated embodiment, hub 2722 is formed from a pair of identical pieces that combine to form hub 2722 illustrated in FIGS. 27-29. In various embodiments, hub 2722 may be formed as a single piece. In various embodiments, hub 2722 can be made from a plastic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, needle cover 2728 comprises cap 3002 and glide post 3004 attached to cap 3002 . In various embodiments, the cap 3002 and glide post 3004 can have various shapes, including shapes different from those illustrated in FIG. In various embodiments, the number of glide posts 3004 can vary, such as less than four glide posts or more than four glide posts. Hub 2722 may include a corresponding number of guide slots 3012 to receive glide posts 3004 of needle cover 2728 . In various embodiments, needle cover 2728 can be made from a plastic material.

Engagement arm 2726 includes base portion 3022 , elbow portion 3024 and gripping portion 3026 . Base portion 3022 is configured to sit within hub 2722 and remain secured to hub 2722 by a ledge positioned to abut hub 2722 . Hub 2722 includes slots 3014 that receive base portions 3022 of engagement arms 2726 . An elbow portion 3024 of engagement arm 2726 is connected to base portion 3022 and a gripping portion 3026 of engagement arm 2726 is connected to elbow portion 3024 . Elbow portion 3024 is semi-flexible to flex to allow gripping portion 3026 to move radially closer or further away from the needle cover of the compartment engagement assembly. The end of the gripping portion 3026 has a wedge shape that bites into the needle cover of the compartment engagement assembly. In various embodiments, engagement arm 2726 can be made from a plastic material.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of certain other components of compartment engagement mechanism 2720 , including level detection mechanism 3102 , covered needle 3104 , uncovered needle 3106 , and spring 2727 . A spring 2727 can be arranged to bias the needle cover 2728 to the cover position over the needle as previously described. In various embodiments, coated needle 3104 can be coated with a lower friction material to allow needle 3104 to access the compartments more smoothly. In various embodiments, one or more uncoated needles 3106 may accompany the coated needles for greater flow to or from the container. In various embodiments, the needle is sharp and strong enough to puncture the cap of the container.

Horizontal detection mechanism 3102 includes a cable having a detection end and a container end. At the container end, the cable branches into a number of leads 3108 corresponding to the number of access openings in the container. The containers described herein above are provided with two access openings. Thus, the illustrated horizontal detection mechanism 3102 splits into two leads 3108 at the container end. Each lead 3108 is connected to a needle cover. When both needle covers move at the same speed, tension remains on both leads 3108 and the sensing end of the cable remains horizontal. When one needle cover moves faster than the other, one lead loses tension and the sensing end of the cable is no longer horizontal. Accordingly, if the container is tilted upon insertion into the container engagement mechanism, the tilt can be detected by the horizontal detection mechanism 3102 and the medical diagnostic system can notify the user accordingly. The horizontal detection mechanism described above is exemplary and other horizontal detection mechanisms are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 32 is a view of container engagement mechanism 2700 prior to engagement with container cap 3202 . The container can be a reagent container or a working fluid/waste container. For working fluid and waste containers, the two compartment engagement features 2720 may be separated by more than illustrated. Cap 3202 and compartment engagement feature 2720 are sized to a diameter that allows them to be mated together. For example, cap 3202 is sized to contact the wedge-shaped end of engagement arm 2726 and bend engagement arm 2726 away from needle cover 2728 to release needle cover 2728 . When needle cover 2728 is no longer grasped by engagement arms 2726 , cap 3202 can push needle cover 2728 to slide into or along hub 2722 to expose needle 2724 . Needle 2724 punctures cap 3202 to access the container compartment. When the container is fully engaged with the container engaging mechanism 2720, the engaging arm 2726 is received by a notch in the collar of the container as described above in connection with FIGS. 27 and 28 and shown in FIG. In various embodiments, the gripping portion of the engagement arm 2726 can grip the cap 3202 to secure the container within the housing as shown in FIG.

Referring again to FIG. 32, according to some aspects of the present disclosure, one compartment engagement mechanism may be smaller than the other compartment engagement mechanism, thus allowing the two compartment engagement mechanisms to face the container. The ends need not be the same distance from the wall 3210 of the enclosure. Additionally, the cap 3202 of the container may also be of different sizes and may extend different distances from the body of the container. Variations in the size and configuration of the compartment engagement mechanism 2720 and container cap 3202 are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a compartment engagement mechanism including a hub 3410, a needle cover 3420, two engagement arms 3412, and two needles 3430. FIG. Although the illustrated embodiment includes two needles 3430, other numbers of needles, such as less than two needles or more than two needles, can be used in various embodiments. In various embodiments, the multiple needles can be arranged differently than illustrated. As shown in FIG. 34, hub 3410 includes a guide area 3414 that receives a portion of needle cover 3422 and allows a portion of needle cover 3422 to slide through or along hub 3410 . In the illustrated embodiment, engagement arm 3412 is integral with a portion of hub 3410 and is not removable from hub 3410 .

FIG. 35 shows another perspective view of the compartment engagement mechanism with the container-facing end of the mechanism. As shown in FIG. 35, the container facing end of the needle cover 3420 is provided with an aperture 3424 . Hole 3424 is aligned with needle 3430 such that needle 3430 extends through hole 3424 when needle cover 3420 slides through or along hub 3410 . Needle cover 3420 also includes slots 3426 that receive engagement arms 3412 of hub 3410 . Figures 34 and 35 are exemplary and variations or other embodiments of the compartment engagement mechanism are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a view of certain components of the container engagement mechanism of FIGS. The needle and spring can operate in the same manner as described with respect to Figures 27-33.

In the illustrated embodiment, the hub is formed from two components 3610, 3620 that combine to form the hub illustrated in FIGS. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement arm 3612 is integral with the main hub component 3610 and is not removable from the hub. Main hub component 3610 also includes hole 3614 for needle 3430 . The other hub component 3620 acts as a needle clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, needle 3430 is first inserted into hole 3614 of main hub component 3610 and then the other hub component 3620 is fitted over the needle/hub assembly. In the illustrated embodiment, the other hub component 3620 is configured to clip onto the main hub component 3610, thereby clamping the needle 3630 to the hub. The clip arm 3622 of the other hub component 3620 is oriented perpendicular to the orientation of the engagement arm 3612 of the main hub component 3610 . In various embodiments, the two hub components 3610, 3620 may engage each other in other ways such as, for example, a friction fit. In various embodiments, the hub may be formed as a single piece. In various embodiments, the hub can be made from a plastic material.

Referring again to main hub component 3610 , engagement arm 3612 includes elbow portion 3616 and gripping portion 3618 . Grab portion 3618 of engagement arm 3612 is connected to elbow portion 3616 . The elbow portion 3616 is semi-flexible to flex to allow the gripping portion 3618 to move radially closer or further away from the needle cover 3640 of the compartment engagement assembly. The end of the gripping portion 3618 has a wedge shape that bites into the needle cover 3640 of the compartment engagement assembly. In various embodiments, engagement arm 3612 can be made from a plastic material.

In the illustrated embodiment, the needle cover 3640 includes a cap 3642, a glide post 3644 attached to the cap 3642, and a slot 3646 that receives the engagement arm 3612 of the hub. In various embodiments, the cap 3642, slot 3646, and glide post 3644 can have various shapes, including shapes different from those illustrated in FIG. In various embodiments, the number of glide posts 3644 can vary, such as less than four glide posts or more than four glide posts. A glide post 3644 slides through or along the hub. As shown in FIGS. 34 and 35, each glide post 3644 contacts both of the two hub components 3610, 3620 such that the two hub components 3610, 3620 cooperatively move the needle cover 3640. Provides a guide area for the glide post 3644. In various embodiments, the number of slots 3646 in needle cover 3640 can correspond to the number of engagement arms 3612 . In various embodiments, needle cover 3640 can be made from a plastic material.

FIG. 37 shows another perspective view of various components shown in FIG. In various embodiments, hub 3610 can include spring alignment structure 3702 that operates to align spring 3704 and also acts as a stop for retracting needle cover 3640 . The illustrated shape of the structure 3702 is exemplary and other variations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, needle cover 3640 also includes spring alignment structures (not shown) that can act as dead stops for spring alignment structures 3702 of hub 3610 . In various embodiments, the spring alignment structure of the needle cover 3640, if any, can be the same shape as the spring alignment structure 3702 of the hub 3610, or it can be a different shape. The illustrated and described embodiments are exemplary and variations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

The embodiments disclosed herein are examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. For example, although certain embodiments are described herein as separate embodiments, each of the embodiments herein can be combined with one or more of the other embodiments herein. may be Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but rather the disclosure as a basis for the claims and in virtually any suitable detailed structure. It should be construed as a representative basis to teach those skilled in the art to use. Like reference numbers may refer to similar or identical elements throughout the description of the drawings.

"In one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in various embodiments," or "in other embodiments" Each term may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments of the disclosure. A phrase of the form "A or B" means "(A), (B), or (A and B)." A phrase of the form "at least one of A, B, or C" is defined as "(A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C) , or (A, B, and C)”.

It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary of the disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that differ substantially from those described above and/or in the appended claims are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

The systems described herein can also receive various information and use one or more controllers to transform the received information and generate output. The controller may include any type of computing device, computational circuitry, or any type of processor or processing circuitry capable of executing sequences of instructions stored in memory. The controller can include multiple processors and/or multi-core central processing units (CPUs), such as microprocessors, digital signal processors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). ), or any type of processor. The controller may be located in a device or system at the end user's location, located in a device or system at the manufacturer's or service provider's location, or located at a cloud computing provider. It can be a processor. The controller may also include memory for storing data and/or instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to perform one or more methods and/or algorithms.

It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary of the disclosure. Various alternatives and modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations. The embodiments described with reference to the accompanying figures are presented only to demonstrate certain examples of the disclosure. Other elements, steps, methods, and techniques that differ substantially from those described above and/or in the appended claims are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims (10)

A medical diagnostic system comprising:
a housing;
a storage portion within the housing for receiving a container having compartments, the storage portion having a wall;
A compartment engagement mechanism for engaging the compartment, the compartment engagement mechanism comprising:
a hub mounted within the wall of the enclosure;
at least one needle fixed to the hub;
a needle cover slidably coupled with the hub and having a cover position over the needle;
at least one engagement arm secured to the hub for gripping the needle cover when the needle cover is in the cover position;
a compartment engagement mechanism comprising
A medical diagnostic system comprising: 3. The medical diagnostic system of Claim 1, wherein the at least one needle comprises a coated needle and at least one uncoated needle. The needle cover comprises a cap having at least one hole corresponding to the at least one needle, and a plurality of glide posts slidably coupled with the hub, when the plurality of glide posts slide onto the hub. 2. The medical diagnostic system of claim 1, wherein said at least one needle protrudes through at least one aperture in said cap. The at least one engagement arm comprises a base portion fixed to the hub, an elbow portion connected to the base portion, and a grip portion connected to the elbow portion, the elbow portion being semi-flexible. , and the gripping portion can be radially moved toward or away from the needle cover. The container further comprises a cap secured to the neck of the compartment, the cap contacting a gripping portion of the at least one engagement arm, the compartment engagement mechanism 5. The medical diagnostic system of claim 4, dimensioned to move the gripping portion radially away from the needle cover when engaged with. The compartment includes a collar having at least one notch corresponding to the at least one engagement arm, the at least one notch in the collar being fully engaged when the container compartment is fully engaged with the compartment engagement mechanism. 6. The medical diagnostic system of claim 5, wherein a grip portion of said at least one engagement arm is received in a. The container comprises a second compartment having a second neck and a second cap secured to the second neck, the medical diagnostic system for engaging the second compartment of the container. 6. The medical diagnostic system of claim 5, further comprising a second compartment engagement mechanism coupled to a wall of said enclosure. 8. Further comprising a level detection mechanism coupled to said compartment engagement mechanism and said second compartment engagement mechanism, said level detection mechanism detecting whether said container is level within said enclosure. The medical diagnostic system described in . 8. The medical diagnostic system of claim 7, wherein the compartment engagement feature is a different size than the second compartment engagement feature and the cap is a different size than the second cap. 8. The compartment-engaging feature and the second compartment-engaging feature extend different distances from a wall of the containment portion, and wherein the cap and the second cap extend different distances from the body of the container. The medical diagnostic system described in .

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