Abstract: A method of deriving correction for instrument-to-instrument variations in the illumination band centroid wavelengths and wavelength band shapes of the optical systems of clinical chemistry instruments includes the steps of determining the centroid wavelength and wavelength band shape of a light source used in the optical system of a clinical chemistry instrument to provide a determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength, comparing the determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength with a known reflection density or absorbance wavelength spectrum of a specific type of chemical reagent test to provide a correction value, and calculating the correction value, which is to be used to modify a reflection density or absorbance measurement taken by the instrument of a reagent test of the a specific type of chemical reagent test.

Abstract: A method of normalizing an analyzer response value of a fluorescence analyzer is provided. The method includes measuring an excitation spectrum of the analyzer and measuring an emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer. Next, a normalization factor based at least in part upon the excitation spectrum of the analyzer and the emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer is determined. The sample is then analyzed to obtain an uncorrected analyzer response value. A normalized analyzer response value is calculated based at least in part upon the uncorrected analyzer response value and the normalization factor.

Abstract: An optical system includes a laser diode, a collimating lens and first and second housing parts. The first housing part retains the collimating lens therein. The second housing part engages the first housing part to retain the laser diode therebetween. The position of the laser diode is adjustable with respect to the collimating lens in X, Y and Z directions. One or more biasing members are interdisposed between the housing parts in the X direction, the Y direction, and/or the Z direction for biasing the laser diode relative to the collimating lens in the X direction, the Y direction and/or the Z direction. One or more securing members fixedly engage the first and second housing to one another and provide a compression force on the housing parts to maintain the relative position of the laser diode with respect to the collimating lens in the X, Y and Z directions.

Abstract: A method of normalizing an analyzer response value of a fluorescence analyzer is provided. The method includes measuring an excitation spectrum of the analyzer and measuring an emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer. Next, a normalization factor based at least in part upon the excitation spectrum of the analyzer and the emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer is determined. The sample is then analyzed to obtain an uncorrected analyzer response value. A normalized analyzer response value is calculated based at least in part upon the uncorrected analyzer response value and the normalization factor.

Abstract: An optical system includes a laser diode, a collimating lens and first and second housing parts. The first housing part retains the collimating lens therein. The second housing part engages the first housing part to retain the laser diode therebetween. The position of the laser diode is adjustable with respect to the collimating lens in X, Y and Z directions. One or more biasing members are interdisposed between the housing parts in the X direction, the Y direction, and/or the Z direction for biasing the laser diode relative to the collimating lens in the X direction, the Y direction and/or the Z direction. One or more securing members fixedly engage the first and second housing to one another and provide a compression force on the housing parts to maintain the relative position of the laser diode with respect to the collimating lens in the X, Y and Z directions.

Abstract: A method of deriving correction for instrument-to-instrument variations in the illumination band centroid wavelengths and wavelength band shapes of the optical systems of clinical chemistry instruments includes the steps of determining the centroid wavelength and wavelength band shape of a light source used in the optical system of a clinical chemistry instrument to provide a determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength, comparing the determined wavelength band shape and centroid wavelength with a known reflection density or absorbance wavelength spectrum of a specific type of chemical reagent test to provide a correction value, and calculating the correction value, which is to be used to modify a reflection density or absorbance measurement taken by the instrument of a reagent test of the a specific type of chemical reagent test.

Abstract: A chemical analyzer includes a slide transport mechanism having a slide track adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator formed as a part of the slide transport mechanism to precisely maintain the temperature of the reagent test slides, a slide ejector mechanism to remove the slides from the slide transport mechanism, a sample preparation station, which includes a centrifuge, and associated electronics and software. The slide transport mechanism holds a plurality of trapezoidally-shaped reagent test slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the transport mechanism by the slide inserter mechanism. The slide transport mechanism positions the reagent test slides under the sample metering device, which device deposits a predetermined volume of sample onto each slide. The slide transport mechanism also carries the slides above a reflectometer.

Abstract: A light source for a reflectometer which is used in a chemical analyzer includes a plurality of light emitting devices. Some of the light emitting devices emit light of different wavelengths. The light emitting devices are arcuately arranged about a circle having a predetermined radius. Adjacent light emitting devices are spaced from each other a predetermined distance. The light emitting devices are positioned to direct light emitted therefrom to an illumination plane. At least two, but preferably three or four, of the light emitting devices emit light of substantially the same wavelength and are illuminated simultaneously to provide a volume of substantially homogenous irradiance at the illumination plane.