Abstract: Methods of fluid handling are disclosed. In one method, a nozzle is moved adjacent a container for a fluid. A pump fluidly associated with the nozzle is energized to move fluid with respect to the nozzle. A pressure transducer fluidly associated with the nozzle is energized to monitor transient pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle. The transient pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle is substantially continuously monitored with the pressure transducer at least during operation of the pump. It is determined whether movement of fluid with respect to the nozzle is intended or unintended based on the substantially continuously monitored pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carrier and methods of its use are disclosed. In one method, a carrier is used with a container having a positioning device to be used with a medical diagnostic analyzer having a container loading device. This method comprises releasably mating a container retaining member disposed on the carrier with the positioning device on the container. The container retaining member on the carrier is substantially aligned with the container loading device on the medical diagnostic analyzer. The container is moved from the container retaining member on the carrier to the container loading device on the medical diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: Embodiments of a carrier and methods of its use are disclosed. In one embodiment, the carrier is for a container having a positioning device to be used with a medical diagnostic analyzer. The carrier comprises a planar member and a container retaining member disposed on the planar member. The container retaining member has a configuration matable with a positioning device on the container such that the container is releasably retained with the carrier.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventionl hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cyometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: Embodiments of a fluid system and of methods of operation of a fluid system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fluid system comprises at least one source of fluid, a nozzle and at least one first valve fluidly connecting the nozzle with the at least one source of fluid. The at least one first valve is movable between a first position where fluid flows between the at least one source of fluid and the nozzle, and a second position where fluid does not flow between the at least one source of fluid and the nozzle. A waste receptacle and at least one second valve fluidly connecting the waste receptacle with the at least one source of fluid are included. The at least one second valve is fluidly connected between the at least one source of fluid and the at least one first valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of a container for holding an item are disclosed. In one embodiment, the container comprises an open end, a closed end and a shank connecting the open end with the closed end. A flange extends from the open end. The flange has a configuration which supports the container in an intended relationship with respect to a relatively large tube, a relatively small tube or a carrier.

Abstract: Methods of fluid handling are disclosed. In one method, a pump fluidly associated with a nozzle is energized to move a first fluid with respect to the nozzle. Pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle is substantially continuously monitored with a pressure transducer fluidly associated with the nozzle during movement of the first fluid. An average of the pressure substantially continuously monitored is calculated. The calculated average is used to determine a threshold. The pump fluidly associated with the nozzle is energized to move a second fluid with respect to the nozzle. Pressure fluidly associated with the nozzle is substantially continuously monitored with a pressure transducer fluidly associated with the nozzle during movement of the second fluid. The substantially continuously monitored pressure is integrated. The threshold is compared with the integrated pressure to determine whether movement of the second fluid was intended or unintended.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for distinguishing and differentiating cells in a whole blood sample. In one of the methods, a whole blood sample is provided. One or more tests to be performed on the whole blood sample is selected. The tests to be performed on the whole blood sample are correlated. A volume of the whole blood sample is aspirated into an automated instrument system which automatically performs conventional hematology analysis and fluorescent cytometry analysis on the whole blood sample. A first aliquot of the whole blood sample is dispensed into at least one sample receiving vessel. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample is mixed with a fluorescent reagent. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample mixed with fluorescent reagent is diluted and transported through a flow transducer system.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. In one embodiment, the optical system includes a detector for detecting a light signal. A light signal gatherer and guider is optically connected with the detector for gathering the light signal and guiding the light signal to the detector. The light signal gatherer and guider has a check signal entrance location disposed along an outer surface of the light signal gatherer and guider. A check signal source is optically connected with the light signal gatherer and guider so that a check signal generated by the check signal source randomly illuminates the check signal entrance location on the outer surface of the light signal gatherer and guider.

Abstract: Hematology reference control cells and method of manufacture. The invention relates to the methods of preparing stable white blood cell ("WBC") and nucleated red blood cell ("NRBC") fractions and the hematology control reagents containing such stablized cells for primary use on a multi-angle light scatter based hematology instrument.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. In one method, a process path comprising a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided is provided. A container holding the sample is moved along the process path. The sample is introduced to the container. A reagent is introduced to the container. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the container. The container is selectively positioned in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane. The item of interest in the sample is determined based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed involve methods and constructions for metering, and in some instances combining, fluids. One such method includes fluidly connecting a source of first fluid to be metered with a pressure source capable of moving the first fluid with a first valve and a conduit. The first valve is operated such that first fluid moves in the conduit. The conduit is fluidly connected with a source of second fluid that has a fluid flow rate greater than the first fluid with a second valve. The second valve is operated such that the second fluid moves into the conduit. One construction for metering a fluid comprises a source of first fluid to be metered, a pressure source for moving the first fluid to be metered, and a first valve. A conduit fluidly connects the source of first fluid, the pressure source for moving the first fluid and the first valve such that operation of the first valve causes movement of the first fluid responsive to the pressure source.

Abstract: A number of embodiments of a support for a portion of a limb of a user are described. In one embodiment, the support comprises a frame, and a platform movably connected with the frame such that the platform is variably positionable with respect to the frame. A supporting member is constructed to simultaneously support a wrist and a portion of an arm of the user. A supporting member bearing structure connects the platform with the supporting member such that the supporting member is multi-directionally movable with respect to the frame and the platform.

Abstract: A method of performing a first analysis and a second analysis on a single blood sample obtained with a single blood draw from a patient with an automated analyzer includes the steps of supplying the single blood sample obtained with the single blood draw from the patient to the automated analyzer. A memory on the automated analyzer containing a software routine is automatically accessed. The software routine is useful to adapt an optical system on the automated analyzer to correspond to the first analysis and the second analysis. The optical system on the automated analyzer is automatically adapted with the software routine in real time to correspond to the first analysis. The first analysis is automatically performed with the automated analyzer. The optical system on the automated analyzer is automatically adapted with the software routine in real time to correspond to the second analysis. The second analysis is automatically performed with the automated analyzer.