Abstract: The invention is a method for detecting failures in an analyzer for conducting clinical assays. Potential errors that can result in assay failures in an analyzer are identified, as are their potential sources. The probability that an error source so identified will result in a clinically significant error is also determined. Available potential detection measures corresponding to the source of potential errors are identified with a combination of such measures selected and implemented based on their probability of detecting such errors within an acceptable limit with a concomitant low probability of the false detection of an assay failure. Each of the measures selected are functionally independent of others chosen to address the source of the error and are not subject to the same inherent means of failed detection. Applications of the method in a clinical analyzer are also presented.

Abstract: a scanner repeatability error determining apparatus for use with a line scanning apparatus which includes a galvanometer responsive to a complex signal having ramp signal and compensation signal components for driving a line scan mirror. The compensation signal is a function of variations in velocity of the line scan mirror from a desired velocity. The apparatus includes circuitry for defining a predetermined range for the compensation signal and when such compensation signal is outside of this range produces an indication that there is a repeatability error.