ANALYTICAL APPARATUS

摘要

ANALYTICAL APPARATUS The present invention is directed to apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein one or more test reagents are introduced into the samples and the reacted samples are tested for a change in optical characteristics. The apparatus comprises memory means for storing a plurality of different test protocols and means for selecting one of said plurality of test protocols from the memory. A sample cell means for receiving the individual distinct sample of biological fluid to be tested is provided. The apparatus has means for receiving an individual sample cell and for sensing the presence of an individual sample cell. Means are provided for heating the individual sample cell to a preselected temperature. The apparatus has means for transporting an individual sample cell to a first location adapted to filter unwanted nonfluid material from the fluid to be tested and to remove excess fluid to be tested from the sample cell to cause a precise, accurate volume of fluid to be tested to remain in the sample cell. Means are provided for transporting the individual sample cell from the first location to a second location adapted to introduce a first reagent into the sample, and means are provided for transporting the individual sample cell from the second location to a test location. The test location has means for introducing a second reagent to the sample and means for optically scanning the sample in a vertical direction relative to the individual sample cell, and includes means for optically detecting a change in an optical characteristic of the sample. The apparatus has means for providing an indication that a change in the optical characteristic of the sample has been detected.