Abstract: An automated analyzer is described. The analyzer includes a housing, a consumable insert, a consumable support device, a reader and a control system. The housing has a sample port. The consumable insert has a consumable insert type and an identification component and receives a consumable. The consumable support device is disposed within the sample port, supports the consumable insert, and is moveable to a testing position within the internal cavity. The consumable support device has an identifier component configured to identify the consumable insert type based in part on the identification component and configured to output a first data signal indicative of the consumable insert type. The reader outputs a second data signal indicative of a reading from the consumable. The control system receives the first and second data signals, and interprets the second data signal based on the first data signal.

Abstract: A method of receiving an image of a test device through a transparent shield not associated with an imaging system, wherein the transparent shield is positioned within a housing of a reagent analyzer: comparing pixel data of the received image of the test device through the transparent shield to determine a degree of occlusion of the transparent shield: determining whether the degree of occlusion exceeds a baseline value indicative of potential occlusion: and responsive to the degree of occlusion exceeding the baseline value, causing an action selected from a group consisting of: initiating an alert in a form perceivable by a human: storing data indicative of the degree of occlusion detected within the image exceeding the baseline value: initiating a cleaning process configured to clean the transparent shield: and replacing the transparent shield with a replacement transparent shield having a degree of occlusion less than the baseline value.

Abstract: A reagent strip is described. The reagent strip includes a substrate and at least one reagent pad positioned on the substrate. The substrate has a storage unit storing control information, such as an authentication code, encoded as a part of a non-visible code. The authentication code may be used to determine if the reagent strip is authentic before testing is done or results are produced.

Abstract: An automated analyzer is described. The analyzer includes a housing, a consumable insert, a consumable support device, a reader and a control system. The housing has a sample port. The consumable insert has a consumable insert type and an identification component and receives a consumable. The consumable support device is disposed within the sample port, supports the consumable insert, and is moveable to a testing position within the internal cavity. The consumable support device has an identifier component configured to identify the consumable insert type based in part on the identification component and configured to output a first data signal indicative of the consumable insert type. The reader outputs a second data signal indicative of a reading from the consumable. The control system receives the first and second data signals, and interprets the second data signal based on the first data signal.