| 摘要 |
In some analyzers, delays may occur in sequential dispensing of patient sample. These delays may be due to rate assays being carried out in the analyzer. This means that stations upstream from a rate assay point cannot offload any other test elements until the rate assay has been completed. As a result, delays are also caused at the dispensing station which causes exposed patient sample retained in the dispensing tip of the pipette to dry up plugging the tip. In addition, analyte concentration of the sample to be analyzed can be changed unacceptably due to evaporation at the tip. Described herein is an arrangement in which capping means (92, 94, 98, 101) are provided which cover the dispensing aperture of the pipette (82) when a test element (E) is not in position to receive a sample. The capping means (92, 94, 98, 101) comprise a cap portion (92, 101) which is mounted in a support (98) and is moved between a first covering position (shown in phantom) and a second uncovering position by an advancing test element (E). <IMAGE> |
