Abstract: Packaged fluid receptacles include: a plurality of fluid receptacles arranged one next to the other to form a composite structure having a top surface, bottom surface and end walls at a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis which extends through the end walls; and a removable support which contacts at least the top surface, bottom surface and end walls, the removable support including an attachment for applying a force to remove the support, preferably in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the support is one-piece and has a single attachment. Preferably, the packaged fluid receptacles are cuvettes usable in a clinical analyzer.

Abstract: A method for measuring the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by spectrophotometry: providing an open top cuvette having a sample with an analyte to be measured; providing a light source and a detector for detecting emitted light; taking at least two measurements that includes: (i) directing at least two beams of light from the light source to different locations on the cuvette; (ii) passing the at least two beams through the cuvette at their respective locations and through the sample to be measured; and (iii) measuring at least two respective emitted light beams with the detector; and comparing the at least two emitted light beams to determine if: all the emitted light beams should be disregarded; one or more of the emitted light beams should be disregarded; or the sample absorbances should be averaged. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes taking at least three measurements.

Abstract: A method of transporting a desired fluid in a channel includes: providing a working fluid to transport the desired fluid, such as a sample; providing a first segment of a first buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing a first segment of the desired fluid; providing a second segment of a second buffer fluid which is immiscible with the working fluid and the desired fluid; providing the desired fluid to be transported and further manipulated; and transporting the desired fluid in the channel by applying a motive force to the working fluid which in turn exerts force against the desired fluid through the first and second buffer fluid. The method prevents dilution of a sample in an apparatus such as a diagnostic analyzer or an apparatus for immunohematological testing of blood. A microfluidics handling system includes a microsystem platform that has: a substrate having: a first flat, planar surface; and a second flat planar surface opposite to the first surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the volume of liquid in a probe tip of an aspirating or dispensing probe, such as those used in a diagnostic analyzer, includes: two electrodes on opposite sides of the probe tip and the electrodes and liquid form a variable capacitor; a resistor; a voltage source and the electrodes and resistor are in electrical communication in at least one of series, parallel or series and parallel to form an RC circuit; and a microprocessor in electrical communication with the RC circuit for converting an electrical signal to a volume of liquid in the probe tip. In a preferred embodiment, the probe tip is separate from the probe and is adapted to be fitted on the end of a probe for aspirating and dispensing a liquid.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a clinical analyzer having a dispenser, and for automatically aligning the dispenser of the clinical analyzer includes loading a calibration element at a portion of the clinical analyzer; moving a dispenser of the clinical analyzer in a pre-determined direction (Y) to a position over the calibration element; measuring the height (Z) from the dispenser to the calibration element and determining a position coordinate (Yi, Zi); storing the position coordinate (Yi, Zi); determining a maximum height (Zmax) for the dispenser positioned over the calibration element defined as position coordinate (Yopt, Zmax); and storing the position coordinate including the maximum height (Zmax) for the dispenser positioned over the calibration element.