Methods and systems providing reagent mixing

摘要

Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to provide mixing of a liquid reagent in an automated clinical analyzer. The methods include aspirating an air separator (e.g., an air slug) into the interior of a probe. A relatively small volume of reagent liquid is also aspirated into the probe adjacent to the air separator; the volume of liquid reagent being entirely contained within the probe. The volume of liquid reagent may be repeatedly aspirated and dispensed at a relatively high frequency to accomplish reagent mixing in the reagent container. Improved sample and reagent mixing may be promoted using a similar method. Systems carrying out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

主权项

1. A method of providing a liquid reagent in an automated clinical analyzer, the method, comprising:
aspirating a gas slug into a probe; aspirating a reagent slug into the probe from a reagent container, the reagent slug being contained entirely within an interior of the probe; and dispensing the reagent slug back into the reagent container wherein a length (R) of the reagent slug is less than a length (L) of the gas slug, wherein a volume of the reagent slug is greater than about 10 μL but less than an interior volume of the probe.