JPH01500217A - Improved clinical analysis methods and systems - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Improved clinical analysis methods and systems Genuine skin 2! amount ■1 Field of the present invention TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to mixing of substances and to analysis of the results of such mixing. . In particular, the present invention provides improved methods, apparatus and systems for mixing substances. , the present invention relates to analysis of the results of such improved mixing. Presence and level of one or more selected components in a physical liquid sample It is particularly useful in automated chemical analyzers for determining chemical properties.

■ Description of prior art A large number of automated analyzers are known and widely used in hospital clinical laboratories. So An example of such an analyzer is a multi-channel analyzer.

Multi-channel analyzer allows different series of tests to be performed simultaneously by the analyzer , and devices implemented in parallel with each other. Such a device requires that each channel as a series of batch analyzers operating in parallel to perform a single analytical test. I can imagine it best. Multichannel analyzer is a sample a liquid reagent that reacts with a particular component to be tested in the sample; An optical system is commonly used to read the optical absorption of the sample corresponding to the level of use

Although this type of automated analyzer has been widely satisfied in clinical laboratories, For example, a multichannel analyzer may have certain drawbacks associated with its use. It is reliable due to its simplicity, cost-effectiveness for large numbers of samples, and Although it has a relatively high test workload rate, it requires a relatively large number of samples. Can be effectively used to carry out analysis of a single component at a time about! To the taste limited. In addition, such analyzers are relatively long and A book that economically analyzes complex preparation times and their single test samples. Due to the unavailability of the The efficiency of Ipu's system is not the best.

A further notable drawback is that testing for multiple components on the same sample is difficult. Generally all of these tests are desired, although they can be performed simultaneously. must be performed on all samples whether desired or not. That's true. This is due to the waste of both sample material and reagents used in unnecessary tests. produce waste.

Additionally, a large number of separate and dedicated channels are used for such equipment. Due to the fact that there is a significant overlap of the large number of samples, which increases the overall device complexity and Add costs.

Automatic single-track clinical analyzer that avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks, filed on July 20, 1981 284 U.S. patent applications owned by the same person entitled “Automated Analyzer System” , No. 840. The application was filed on July 20, 1981, and No. 284,841, owned by the same person, entitled ``Nel Spectrophotometric Needle.'' By using a unique optical system, each analytical stage is greater flexibility of analysis in various applications. This is the optical system uses fiber optics to transmit tunable wavelength light from a single light source to each analysis station. -bundles or similar light guides.

A single-orbit analyzer is made of a thin plastic film that moves in a single line through the instrument. forming a row of separated reaction compartments (kuvents) that are transported forward Use a disposable kubeft belt.

Such a Naribetbelt was filed on July 20, 1981, and was filed under the title ``Automatic Chemistry Separation''. U.S. Patent Applications Owned by the Same Applicant Entitled ``Kubesoto System for Analytical Devices'' No. 284.842. This belt provides handling flexibility , and avoid cross-contamination associated with through-flow cubefts and also provide reusable cubefts. Avoid cleaning required for cleaning.

The previous clinical analyzers discussed above were designed to handle liquid reagents and For example, mixing the reagent with a diluent was used. To achieve such a mixture One method is to direct the flow of liquid into the kubeft so as to create a vortex-shaped mixing process. It was to fire.

One of the preferred features of the analyzer described in U.S. Patent Application No. 284,840 is , by making use of a dry granular reagent, preferably in tablet form. The tablets are dispensed into the cubento from a rotating table that can hold a large number of doses. A preferred embodiment of the 0 tablet dispenser is disclosed in the application filed on July 20, 1981, " No. 285,022, commonly owned U.S. Patent Application No. 285,022 entitled "Tablet Dispensing Apparatus" has been done.

To dissolve dry granular reagents in diluent prior to biological sample addition, reagent and diluent The solution is mixed by ultrasonic means.

Improving the reliability and controllability of the analysis of liquid samples, especially liquid biological samples. Direct the air jet at an acute angle to the liquid level in the cube after sample addition. This is achieved by mixing the contents of the kubeft. air jet Particularly good mixing is obtained when the liquid is directed to the liquid surface near the point of merging with the walls of the kubeft. Ru. The optimal point of contact of the air jet with the liquid surface is at the junction of the liquid surface and the cuvette wall. It is a meniscus formed at the body point.

directing the air jet against the liquid surface near the point of merging with the Qubesotho wall; and The combination of orienting it at an acute angle to the surface and generating a horizontal component This has the beneficial effect of forming a vortex which results in thorough mixing of the contents of the container. For this reason, within A spiral or circular motion is induced in the container, creating a vacuum cavity in the center and a vacuum at the edges. attempts to draw a substance towards the center and thus provide an effective mixing effect. There is a tendency to Specifically, the air jet impinges on the contents of the kubeft within the meniscus area. If the contents are It tends to be lifted up to the wall, producing very good mixing of sample, diluent, and reagents. generates a particularly effective vortex. Therefore, the particulate reagent is completely absorbed into the diluent and sample. suspend and optimize the reaction of the sample with it. This improved mixed technique The application was filed on February 1, 1984, and is entitled "Clinical Analysis System and Method." No. 575.924, owned by the same person. Full disclosure Incorporate the body here as a reference.

Raw Kinyu Melon 1 In some of the earlier clinical analyzers described in , F., the reagents and diluents were For liquid reagents, add the reagent into the diluent to create a vortex before adding the target sample. Mixed by firing or, in the case of dry granular reagents, by ultrasonic mixing. Ru. The present invention seeks to improve upon these techniques.

With the present invention, improved reliability and controllability of sample analysis is achieved by vortexing during mixing. This is achieved by providing free passage and at the same time minimizing sample splash. It was discovered that.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to substantially obviate many of the drawbacks of the prior art and to The ability to mix substances and the results of such mixing represents a substantial improvement over technology. It is an object of the present invention to provide improved methods, devices and systems for analysis.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved swirl path during mixing.

Still another object of the invention is to minimize liquid splashing while providing an improved swirl path. The idea is to make it smaller. This leads to contamination between the kubefts (contents outside the kvefts). You can avoid splashing.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide excellent mixing without causing any problems associated with splashing. Mixing of substances that allows the mixing pressure to be kept at very high levels to achieve The goal is to provide a system for meeting the needs of the public.

These and other objects, according to the present invention, are provided when the substance is placed in the kubesoto and the emptied A substance used to stir substances in order to mix them thoroughly. quality, especially for mixing biological fluid samples and analyzing mixed substances. zero emissions achieved by providing improved methods, devices and systems According to Ming, during the air jet mixing process, the top (opening) of the cuvette makes it It is important that the stencil be deformed and squeezed to reduce the dimensions of the aperture. .

In automatic systems, quvets are partially filled to a predetermined level. The fixed nozzle then aims at the point where the liquid surface meets the cuvette wall. the solid nozzle, at which point the cuben The top (opening) of the opening is narrowed or reduced in size. air jet nozzle corner The angle should ideally be as vertical as possible to present the largest horizontal component of the air jet onto the liquid. This angle must be the diameter of the khbeft, itself the outside of the khbeft. The liquid level in the container is controlled by the requirement to avoid splashing of the contents, and Determined by the position of the nozzle above the beft's mouth.

Especially in automated processes, air jet nozzles are used to Although it is preferable to direct the air jet into the kubeft from the outside, It is also an advantage of the present invention to aim at the liquid surface from a position above the liquid surface. God and within range.

Inserting and removing the nozzle into and out of Kubesoto (lowering and removing the nozzle) either by raising or by raising and lowering the cuvent) , which requires tilting the nozzle closer to the horizontal without spilling the contents. It has the advantage of being able to Therefore, the nozzle is placed at an angle of about 0 degrees to about 9 degrees to the horizontal. It can be tilted to any angle between, the preferred angle being between about 8 and 15 degrees. of Depending on the height of the slurry above the liquid level, it may become contaminated by the liquid during stirring. , in which case the nozzle must be cleaned with diluent between mixing operations. In this embodiment and the previously described embodiments, the nozzle must be above the liquid level. It will be appreciated that the liquid is placed on top of the pipe and therefore no liquid can enter.

The present invention provides reagents, dilutions, and Allows thorough mixing of liquid and sample. Mixing process within a very fast time frame Occurs in Inter-cubent contamination reduces the dimensions of the aperture at the top of the kubeft, and By controlling the mixing action so that splashing of material out of the kvet is prevented Avoided.

There is no physical contact between the nozzle and the contents of the kubeft, and the nozzle By placing it outside, contamination of the kubeft is avoided and mixing is carried out. Therefore, there is no need to move any of the ingredients into the kvet, which makes it easy to automate the process. Maximize your workload.

The unique jet mixing system of the present invention is suitable for clinical analyzers such as those described above. Although it has special use in mixing biological samples, it also It also has common use in mixtures with species or two or more liquids or solids.

Type plate ■ De-Yuu Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which takes in the accompanying drawings. There will be.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an automated clinical analyzer that may incorporate features of the present invention. It is.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the automatic clinical analyzer shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a cuvette belt using the clinical analyzer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view of the mixing device.

FIG. 5 shows the mixing apparatus and the opening of the top of the cubeft during mixing according to the features of the invention. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view showing the relationship of the device for reducing the mouth. FIG. 9 is a top view of the cuvent before being squeezed in the joint process 9;

FIG. 7 shows the top opening shown in FIG. 6 when it has been constricted by the device shown in FIG. FIG.

Figure 8 is a top view of the kubeft shown in Figure 7 after passing through the apparatus of Figure 5; .

FIG. 9 illustrates the mixing effect that occurs when the device according to the invention is used. It is a schematic side view.

FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment for use in the clinical analyzer of FIG. It is a front view.

Humble Figures 1 and 2 show - by way of example, 1 The same patent application filed on February 1, 984, entitled ``Clinical Analytical Systems and Methods'' Automated analysis as generally described in co-owned U.S. Patent Application No. 575,924 A device 10 is illustrated. For further details, please refer to this analyzer. With the Varamax Analytical System manufactured by , Supply, Corporation be.

Analyzer 10 is particularly amenable to testing components in biological fluids such as blood.

This analyzer passes through which a strip of disposable reaction cuvette is aligned. or contains a series of advanced processing stations. Kubesotho 24 is It is supplied from the supply reel 20 as a continuous Kubeft belt 22, and the Kubeft belt is Positioning is carried through the analyzer by a tractor conveyor 30 that engages a row of alignment holes. Aligned. The cuvette is aligned through the following stations. belt belt cutter 28 for dividing into sections; tableted reagent distributor 40; dilution liquid and liquid reagent distributor 50; ultrasonic mixing horn 14, transfer carousel 64; sample distributor 80 for dispensing the biological sample delivered; Mix the reagents and diluent with the sample in the futon, and avoid any splashing of the sample. In accordance with the present invention (as shown and described below) to substantially prevent air jets from The hollow containing the device for tightening the top (opening) of the cuvette during the mixing process. Air jet mixer 15i8f [I photometric reading station 90; additional reagents Distribution station 54; additional air jets for mixing sample and additional reagents a mixing device 15a; a cube sealer 16; a cube collection stage 18. . During their passage through the analyzer, the cuvettes are supported in a water bath 12 maintained at constant temperature. be done.

The cuvette belt 22 is preferably as described in the aforementioned U.S. patent application Ser. constructed and manufactured in the manner fully described. As shown in Figure 3, the belt 22 includes two pieces 111, 112 of transparent flexible plastic material, which are separated, side-by-side parallel compartments separated by webs 115. (kubesoto) are formed and sealed together to form rows. Kuvent is Its top (opening) is partially closed during the mixing process, and then the throttling action Squeeze the tops so that they return to their normal top (open) position when stopped. Made of plastic material that is sufficiently flexible to allow the compartment The ment is closed at one end and is designed to contain and retain fluid within it. It has a top or opening or open mouth 117 at the other end. For example, Kubesoto can be sized on the order of 500 ml of fluid. Wear. A flat web of material 115 between containers 24 has a transport strip extending along its closed end. It includes a trip portion in which an alignment hole 26 is formed. These pores are analyzed Transporting the cuvette through the apparatus 10 and optical analysis at the analysis station 90 In order to maintain accurate alignment of the light path through the cuvette with the optical inspection system, - engaged by the vehicle 30;

The transport device 30 engages the alignment hole in the cuit belt 22 and loads the cuvette. has a main tractor belt 32 that advances at a predetermined forward speed through the , a single continuous guide and a support track extending through the analyzer. short A loading belt 34 engages the Kubesoto belt 22 with the main tractor belt 32. Tighten it up. The transport device 30 transports the kubeft through the analyzer 10 and between the kubefts. Move forward or align in steps corresponding to the interval (belt pinch), and The motor is stopped and remains stationary for a dwell period between each advance. Each step is preferred can correspond to a time of 5 seconds, and 4 seconds between each alignment advance of the kubeft. There is a residence time of

Reagent tablet dispensing carousel 42 includes a circular row of tableted reagent dispensers 400, and Correctly place one reagent tablet 44 into the solid reagent distribution point SRD where it falls into the cubeft 24. Rotate to bring up the solid reagent dispenser. As shown in the figure, the turntable 42 has three Accommodates two reagent tablet dispensers 40. It is the correct pill dispenser for each cube It is rotated under microprosensor control to bring it to the distribution point.

Distributor 40 is removable and can be installed randomly. automatic police A notification system indicates when the dispenser is low on tablets.

Diluent and/or liquid reagent dispenser 50 dispenses reagent tablets at point LDD. Add enough diluent 52 for dissolving 44 and/or reacting liquid reagents. For dispensing into a container (cube 7) 24, it is arranged adjacent to a carousel 42.

The ultrasonic horn 14 is operated for a sufficient period of time, e.g. 45 minutes, to completely dissolve the reagent tablet. Acts on the contents of kubeft for seconds.

A sample loading and transfer carousel assembly 60 is located below the reagent and diluent dispenser. arranged in a flow. The carousel assembly is into which the patient sample 70 is run. A loading carousel 62 loads the dam, and a patient sample is received from the loading carousel 62. , a barcode reader that reads the barcode label 72 pasted on the patient sample container. The patient sample is identified by the reader 66 and the patient sample is linked into the system. a transfer carousel 64 for continuously supplying, and finally receiving the patient sample after testing. , organized in case they have to be located and searched later. and an unloading carousel 68 for storing the same in a different manner.

The loading carousel 62 allows continuous random loading of up to 96 patient samples.

Transfer carousel 64 continuously supplies patient samples to the system for maximum workload. Ru. Can accommodate standard collection tubes or micro sample tubes , so the same container in which the sample is taken, e.g. in the case of a blood sample , the use of VACLITAINER tubes commonly used to draw serum specimens. use is allowed.

Sample distributor 80 for distributing the sample into the cubeft 24 at point SD is arranged adjacent to the transfer rotary table 64. This sample distributor is a transfer carousel. Aspirate approximately 2 to 20 microliters of patient sample 70 from the container inside. , and then it was subjected to a 4 second dwell time while the cuvette was aligned with the sample distributor. It is designed for distribution into an intermediate cube/vessel 24.

The air jet mixer 15 (and 15a) controls the liquid level in the cubeft. Direct the air jet, preferably at an acute angle, near its junction with the Kubeft wall to form a vortex. Ru. The vortex is a teaching of the system described in the aforementioned U.S. Patent Application No. 575,924. Produce thorough mixing of sample with reagents and diluent as instructed. preferred In a preferred embodiment, the device has a fixed angled nozzle 150 and a tilted nozzle 150. The foot 24 is aligned directly below the nozzle, and the air jet 7) is stationary. It is switched on only during the dwell period. Make sure the air jet hits the liquid surface correctly. Liquid levels are precisely controlled to ensure that

Eight photometric analysis stations 90 are located along the Khveft orbit 30 at points SAI. It is located at Ishi SA8. Station SAI ensures proper reagent distribution and lysis. For verification purposes, it is placed after the ultrasonic horn 14.

A second reagent distributor 54 provides for obtaining another reaction of the sample following the first test. and is shown positioned between analysis stations SA4 and SA5. Ru. It can be placed between any of the analysis stations SA2 to SA8. Wear. The ability of this arbitrary reagent addition or induced reaction to occur in a multi-reagent test provides increased analysis flexibility for target situations.

Additional air jet mixing device 15a adds additional reagents at station 54. After adding the cubesoto to provide complete mixing of the contents.

Quvet 7) Sealer 16 is a convenient way to store finished samples at the Quvet disposal site. For clean disposal, the tops of the tested samples were sealed and they were lined with water. They are collected in an orderly manner into a container.

Suitably, the microprosensor system of the clinical analyzer has 280 processing units. The control system accepts samples entered on the appropriate operator interface keyboard. Control all its working units according to pull and test information. desired text Depending on the test result, the amount of a single sample can be added separately or with any one or more solids combined with liquid reagents and diluents and dispensed into one or more cubes and analyzed. Any one or more of the stations can be tested. test result The results are displayed on the screen and can be printed out.

Turning in detail to the features of the present invention, the mixing station of the above-mentioned automatic clinical analyzer 10 Mixing device and mixing pump according to the invention for use in version 15 Specific examples of the device for reducing the top (opening) of the vent during the process are Nos. 4 to 8. As shown in the figure.

Figure 4 shows that the nozzle is preferably at an acute angle between the surface of the liquid in the cube and the wall of the cube. of Quvent 24 with which Qubet 7 is aligned so that it is directed towards the point of union of Illustrated is an embodiment of a mixing device 15 including a nozzle 150 located above the passageway. do. The nozzle is fixed in place. The jet J created by this Correctly coordinates with the liquid level in the beft so that it is at its point of union with the Kuvesotho wall. The volumes of reagents, diluent, and sample are , the liquid in all cubesothos reaches a preset constant level. strictly controlled. (The only exception to this is for sample blanks. This is the case when only the sample is dispensed into the cuvette and no mixing is required. ) Noz 150 is designed so that its orifice is sufficiently Attach it to the frame 151 so that it is directly above the top of the cubeft with a sufficient distance between the It will be done.

It may for example be approximately 0.71 m above the top of the cuve 7). nozzle is fixed in position during use, but the frame 151 is may include means for manually or automatically adjusting the angle of the nozzle during can. the nozzle from an air source 153 to which the nozzle is connected by an air line 154; A valve 152 is provided to control the supply of air to 150. Actuation of valve 152 is controlled by a controller 155 connected to the analyzer's microprocessor. .

As explained above, the Qubet is positioned step by step through the analyzer along the trajectory 30. are aligned and each jet is connected to the nozzle 150 during the dwell period between whole-body steps. is positioned stationary in alignment directly below the orifice of the Air jet J operation The formation is limited during this residence period so that the cubeft remains stationary during the mixing period.

Important features of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 5-8. As shown in Figure 5, Air jet mixing devices, such as air jet mixing device 15, Means for squeezing so as to deform the top (opening) of the cuvette during the application of the process Contains. This allows one edge of the cubeft to be guided by a fixed rail 170. and the cuvette enters and passes through the air jet mixing station. The bracket 171 acts as an obstacle to the passage of the cube when This is achieved by squeezing one edge of the tip towards the other edge. This equipment For the flavor effect, the cuvette is placed in an air jet mixer for mixing of the substances in it part of the top (opening) of the kubeft when in the rest position for mixing. be closed and kept in place during the mixing process.

Any constriction or deformation of the top (opening) or mouth of the cuvette may occur during the mixing process. Minimize openings to create a good swirl path and also prevent splashing of liquid contents. Minimize. The present invention allows the cuvent top (opening) to be approximately the same as the original top (opening) dimension. It has been found that the best results are obtained when throttled (closed) to 70%.

Total effect (before, during and after) on the top (opening) of a single Kubeft 24A are best illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. Kubeft 2 illustrated in Figure 6 4A is the top (opening) of the kubeft just before entering the air jet mixing station. Illustrated. In Figure 7, Kubesoto has fixed rail 170 and bracket 171 (No. 5) and the nozzle 150 of the air jet mixer is in the mixing position. The top (opening) of the wall 7A is shown when it is opened. Figure 8 shows the fixed rate Diagram showing the top (opening) of Kuvent 24A after passing through the filter and bracket restrictor. do.

The air jet J is connected to the liquid level in a cube soto with a partially closed top (opening) at an acute angle. The air jet is preferably directed towards the point of merging with the Besotho wall, and the air jet is directed towards the meniscus of this merging point. This creates a vortex that thoroughly mixes the contents of the kube7. do. This mixing means that even reagents that are particularly immiscible with the diluent are suspended within the diluent and that such that a reaction between the reagent and the sample is obtained more completely and rapidly. be.

Figure 9 shows a typical pattern of such mixing in a cubeft due to air jet J. Illustrated. However, the actual mixing pattern of the materials may be arbitrary.

to ensure that the air jet impinges on the liquid surface in the meniscus area. As a result, very good mixing within the substance is achieved. During such mixing, the substances are mixed with air Chef) is seen climbing the wall of the cuvette opposite the point where the liquid hits the surface. This is the first Figure 9 depicts the spiral action behind the air jet on the right side of Kubeft. It is.

As shown in the figure, by narrowing (closing) the top (opening) of the kubesoto, the present invention You can get all the benefits of Air to mix the contents of the kuvette in the manner described. The use of shared means that a relatively small amount of fluid is mixed and the mixing must be carried out. It works surprisingly well considering the relatively small space inside the kubesoto. found.

How does the air jet relate to Qube Soto or any other Quvet mentioned here? Can be placed at various angles of jet inclination, shot pressure, and actuation Specific details such as , the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

In operation, the cubeft 24 is tightly controlled by the tractor belt 32. the nozzle 150 and the top of each wall 7. The opening is closed as shown in Figures 5 and 7 when in the mixing position. I get teased. The amount of substance dispensed into the cuvette to a preset liquid level The MicroProsensor, which has already tightly controlled In order to generate a vortex that causes Direct the air jet. At the end of the residence period the air jet is switched off , and the kvet belt has a kvet top (aperture) aperture step and a mixing pro Proceed so that Seth brings the repeated poet's quest to a resting position directly below the nozzle. I can't stand it.

In the embodiment described above, the air jet nozzle 150 penetrates into the cubeft. , thereby maximizing throughput. However, in the modification shown in Figure 10, In this case, the nozzle is inserted into the tube 7) during the squeezing and mixing process described above. . This has the effect of limiting throughput and can cause nozzle contamination, but this can be treated by washing with diluent between mixing operations.

However, this means that the nozzle inclination angle is not limited by the cubento structure; Therefore, the nozzle is partially tilted near horizontally, which reduces the horizontal component of the air jet. Create a system that can be maximized in a desirable manner.

In this embodiment, nozzle 150 has a tongue leg bend therein and It is shown in the lowered operating position as a solid line and as a dotted line for positioning. shown schematically at 160, which can be raised and lowered between the raised and inoperative position shown. attached to the elevator mechanism. This structure allows the air jet angle to be adjusted to the liquid level ( can be reduced as small as 8 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane). Approximately 8 degrees to the horizontal plane As in the previous embodiment, the air jet is preferably at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. Directed to the point of union with the Quvet wall.

It will be understood that the above specific examples of the present invention are illustrative only, and modifications thereof may be made by those skilled in the art. should be understood. Therefore, the present invention should be considered limited to the specific examples described herein. and shall be limited by the scope of the claims.

FIG, 6 FIG, 7 FIG, 8 FIG.9 international search report PCT/1ls8770041!6

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Air jets are used to agitate the substances so that they are well mixed. A method of mixing substances, at least one of which is a liquid, in a cuvette The improvement consists in reducing the cuvette opening during the air jet mixing process. . 2. The aperture of the kvet is made by squeezing the top of the kvet opening to transform it. Therefore, the method of the first term is reduced. 3. The opening of the cuvette is reduced to approximately 75% of the original opening size. Method. 4. The air jet is directed against the liquid level in the cuvette and its contact with the cuvette wall. The method of the first term, which is oriented at an acute angle adjacent to the coalescence point. 5. The air jet is connected to a meniscus formed at the merging point between the liquid surface and the cuvette wall. 4. The method of paragraph 4, including directing the object toward the object. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said cuvette is kept stationary during said mixing. directing the air jet from a nozzle located outside the cuvette. Method of Section 1. 8. Insert a nozzle into the cuvette to a position above the liquid level and direct the air 2. The method of claim 1, including the step of directing a jet from said nozzle toward a liquid surface. 9. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the material includes a liquid and a particulate material. 10. The air jet is directed outside the cuvette while keeping the cuvette stationary. A meniscus is formed at the point where the liquid surface and the cube wall meet from the fixed nozzle on the side. 9. The method of paragraph 9, including directing the device against the object. 11. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substance includes a biological sample and a reagent. 12. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the substance includes a biological sample, a reagent, and a diluent. 13. further comprising the step of analyzing the contents of the cuvette after the mixing step. The method of paragraph 1, including: 14. The sample and liquid are dispensed into the cuvette, and the contents of the cuvette after mixing are Air pumps are used to achieve thorough mixing of all substances to facilitate analysis of the container. methods for the analysis of biological samples and materials containing liquids in which jets are used. The improvement consists in reducing the cuvette opening during the air jet process. 15. The aperture of the cuvette is reduced to about 75% of the original aperture size. Section method. 16. The materials include diluents, reagents and liquid biological samples, which are 15. The method of paragraph 14, wherein the method is mixed in a kuvet. 17. 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the reagent is a dry granular reagent. 18. 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the mixed contents are analyzed several times at intervals. 19. The air jet is directed against the liquid level in the cuvette and against the cuvette wall. The method of clause 14, oriented at an acute angle adjacent to the point of merging. 20. 15. The method of clause 14, wherein the analysis is side light analysis. 21. The cuvette is advanced under a fixed nozzle and the air jet while pointing the cuvette from outside the cuvette toward the liquid level. The method of paragraph 14, which includes maintaining. 22. advancing the cuvette in alignment under the nozzle and lowering the nozzle to the liquid level; lowering the air jet upwardly from the nozzle and directing the air jet from the nozzle to the 15. The method of paragraph 14, comprising remaining stationary while pointing against the liquid surface. 23. At least one of the substances is a liquid, and the substances are mixed in such a way that the substances are thoroughly mixed. To direct the air jet against the liquid level formed in the cuvette for stirring. means for dispensing said substance into the kvet through the nozzle means opening of the agate; , a means for reducing the dimensions of the cuvette opening during the air jet mixing process and , and said cuvette for aligning said cuvette with said nozzle means. Apparatus for mixing substances, including means for advancing them from the dispensing means. 24. Clause 23, wherein said reducing means narrows to deform the top of said cuvette opening; equipment. 25. The reduction means reduces the cuvette opening to about 75% of its original opening size. 23. Apparatus according to paragraph 23 which is adapted to 26. Said nozzle means directs said air jet against said liquid surface into said cuvette. 24. The device of claim 23, adapted to be directed adjacent to the point of union with a wall. 27. said cubet is divided into portions to predetermined levels by said dispensing means; and the cuvette is filled so that the air jet meets the liquid level and the cuvette wall. aligned with said nozzle so as to be directed against the meniscus formed at the body point; The apparatus of paragraph 26. 28. The reduction means includes two parts through which a part of the cuvette having the opening passes. 24. The device of clause 23, comprising a surface of 29. At least one liquid and at least one liquid are passed through the umbilical opening into the kvet Distributing particulate matter and placing the cuvette at predetermined levels within the cuvette distribution means for forming a liquid level in the cuvette adhering to the wall of the cuvette; directing an air jet against the liquid surface to achieve complete mixing of the substances; With a fixed air jet nozzle, the opening of the cuvette during the air jet mixing process a means for reducing the size; the air jet nozzle aligned with the nozzle from the dispensing means; mixing the liquid and particulate material in a cuvette with means for advancing the liquid and particulate material to a rest position directly below device for matching. 30. At least one liquid and at least one liquid are passed through the umbilical opening into the kvet Particulate matter was distributed, partially filling the cuvette and adhering to the walls of the cuvette. a dispensing means for forming a liquid level and an air jet nozzle; advancing the cuvette from said dispensing means to a rest position below said air jet nozzle; and means for The air jet nozzle is placed at a predetermined height above the liquid level in the cuvette. At the same time, the nozzle is placed against the liquid level in the cuvette to achieve thorough mixing of the substance. lowering the air jet nozzle to position it to direct the air jet; and means for raising said air jet out of said cuvette after said mixing. and, Means for reducing the opening of the cuvette during the air jet mixing process A device for mixing liquid and particulate matter in a cuvette, comprising: 31(a) Dispense the reagent and diluent into the cuvette through the opening, and means for mixing the reagent and the diluent so as to dispense into the diluent; (b) adding a liquid biological sample to said cuvette and dispensing said reagent; The volumes of diluent and sample should be adjusted so that they partially fill the cuvette and (c) sample addition means controlled to form a liquid surface adhering to the wall of the chamber; Add the liquid to cause mixing of the contents of the cuvette to facilitate reaction of the sample. nozzle means for directing the air jet against the surface; (d) means for reducing the opening of the cuvette during the air jet mixing process; (e) comprising means for analyzing the reaction of the reagent with the sample after mixing; and A liquid comprising means for advancing a cuvette between said means in the stated order. A system for analyzing biological samples.