CARTRIDGE FOR PROPERLY RECEIVING TEST ELEMENTS

摘要

Test elements used in chemical analyzers need to be loaded into a cartridge so that they can be dispensed as required by the analyzer. Problems are often encountered when the cartridge is incorrectly loaded with test elements. Described herein is a cartridge (40A) for receiving test elements (10A) which is sensitive to improper orientation of the test elements as they are being loaded. The cartridge (40A) has a side wall (52A) which is shaped to receive a key (70A) formed on the test element (10A). The arrangement of the side wall (52A) and the key (70A) is assymmetrically located with respect to the center line (16A) of the cartridge (40A) so that test elements (10A) can be inserted only with a proper orientation.