Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus in an open-topped cartridge in which each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. The number of individual test elements provided in a cartridge can be varied, depending on the test(s) to be performed.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus in an open-topped cartridge in which each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring error causing physical parameters in a fluid handling system, includes: measuring the pressure of air between a piston of a pump and a liquid being handled; detecting a pressure abnormality; determining the time at which the pressure abnormality begins to occur; and based on the time of the pressure abnormality determining the magnitude of the physical parameter causing the pressure abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the error causing physical parameter is a bubble and the fluid handling is an aspirate operation in a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: A plurality of individual single column test elements are provided for use in a clinical testing apparatus. Each test element is defined by a single test column that includes a quantity of a test material, such as gel material or a bead matrix, including a cover strip used to access the contents of the test column. Individual test elements can be stored, retained and dispensed for testing patient samples.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid includes: estimating a fluidic property of the fluid being metered; and adjusting one or more control parameters based on the estimated property to improve the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid. Preferably, the estimating the property of the fluid being metered includes: monitoring a physical event during the metering operation to collect sensed data; extracting features from the sensed data; and using the features to estimate fluid properties. In another preferred embodiment, the estimated fluidic property is viscosity and the sensed data is a pressure profile during a fluid aspiration. In another preferred embodiment, the method includes a diagnostic analyzer which includes a metering probe having a hard probe or a probe having a disposable tip and wherein the fluid is a body fluid sample.

Abstract: An immunodiagnostic testing apparatus includes a centrifuge and an imager disposed in relation to the centrifuge wherein at least one image is captured of at least one test element in advance of a complete centrifugation period in order to provide predictive data concerning the presence of an agglutination reaction or failure mode of the apparatus or test element.

Abstract: High-throughput centrifugation of batches of samples is achieved by dividing a single centrifugation run of a batch of samples into two or more staggered, discrete spins with fewer samples and in which the availability of centrifuge slots for loading or unloading of samples and the subsequent delivery of experimental results can be enhanced. The methodology is particularly useful in situations where multiple samples need to be processed rapidly, for example, as part of a STAT blood typing program in urgent care facilities prior to blood transfusion.