摘要:
An integrated instrument processes fluid test samples using disposable test devices. The test devices are carried in a carrier. The instrument includes a vacuum station receiving the carrier for batch loading of the test devices with fluid samples to be tested. The user removes the carrier from the vacuum station and inserts it into a loading station of a separate carrier and test device processing subsystem. This subsystem includes a transport system moving the carrier through the instrument where various modules perform operations on the test devices, including sealing the test devices, loading the test devices into an incubation station, incubation of the test devices, test device reading, and test device disposal.
摘要:
A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.
摘要:
A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.
摘要:
A transport system is provided for a sample testing machine. The transport system includes a carrier holding a set of test sample devices and a drive subsystem for moving the carrier through the sample testing machine. The drive subsystem includes a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging the carrier and moving the carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in the sample testing machine. The processing stations are accessed as the carrier is moved along the path. The carrier includes features in the form of slots that are detected by strategically placed optical interrupt sensors. As the carrier moves, the slots are detected by the sensors to thereby continuously track the position of the carrier and the test devices as they are moved through the instrument.
摘要:
A reaction vessel for a nucleic acid amplification reaction has a first chamber containing an amplification reagent mix, a second chamber containing an amplification enzyme, and a fluid channel or chamber connecting the first and second chambers together. A fluid sample is introduced into the first chamber. After a denaturation and primer annealing process has occurred in the first chamber, the fluid channel is opened to allow the solution of the reagent and fluid sample to flow into the second chamber. The second chamber is maintained at an optimal temperature for the amplification reaction. A station is described for processing test strips incorporating the reaction vessels. The station includes temperature and vacuum control subsystems to maintain proper temperatures in the reaction vessel and effectuate the transfer of the fluid from one chamber to the other in an automated fashion without human intervention.