Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to provide mixing of a liquid reagent in an automated clinical analyzer. The methods include aspirating an air separator (e.g., an air slug) into the interior of a probe. A relatively small volume of reagent liquid is also aspirated into the probe adjacent to the air separator; the volume of liquid reagent being entirely contained within the probe. The volume of liquid reagent may be repeatedly aspirated and dispensed at a relatively high frequency to accomplish reagent mixing in the reagent container. Improved sample and reagent mixing may be promoted using a similar method. Systems carrying out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems adapted to provide mixing of a liquid reagent in an automated clinical analyzer. The methods include aspirating an air separator (e.g., an air slug) into the interior of a probe. A relatively small volume of reagent liquid is also aspirated into the probe adjacent to the air separator; the volume of liquid reagent being entirely contained within the probe. The volume of liquid reagent may be repeatedly aspirated and dispensed at a relatively high frequency to accomplish reagent mixing in the reagent container. Improved sample and reagent mixing may be promoted using a similar method. Systems carrying out the methods are provided, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.

Abstract: A microbiological test array with a plurality of microwells connected by a microchannel to a solution reservoir. Subsequent to filling the microwells, the microchannels are sealed to protect the integrity of the solution in the test microwells.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: A circular shaped rotor to facilitate automated identification testing of microorganisms in a microbiology analyzer having two circular arrays of microwells downwardly projecting from the top of the rotor connected to a recessed central region by a plurality of microchannels formed in the upper surface and connecting the recessed central portion to the second plurality of microwells; the rotor is further adapted to be rotated by a source of rotational energy and moved throughout the analyzer using troughs formed near its outer diameter.

Abstract: Performing antibiotic testing on samples contained in test arrays by orienting the arrays relative to the direction of gravity so that test solution within the microwells is drawn downwards and air within the microwells is forced to the uppermost portion of the test array. Antibiotic testing is conducted using an interrogating beam of radiation passing horizontally through the microwells at locations devoid of air bubbles.

Abstract: Extracting a quantity of liquid from a closed container by driving a cannula having a passage the length of the cannula and a groove a partial length of the cannula through the closure of the container until the groove establishes communication between a pressurized chamber and the container, thereby forcing liquid from the tube through the passage.

Abstract: A method for measuring or controlling the volume of a liquid segment confined within a tube and having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The tube is exposed to radiation at an angle and radiation refracted from the inner surface of the tube is measured at the leading and trailing edges of the segment while the liquid segment is moving through the tube.