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 vacuum truck system (10) includes a truck portion (12) and a removable hopper (14). The truck portion includes thereon a vacuum source (20) as well as filter units (22, 24) and separator units (26, 28). The interior of the hopper is in connection with the vacuum source, and material is enabled to be drawn into the interior of the hopper for collection therein. The hopper is mounted on a tilt bed portion (74) of the truck. Extending a pair of arms (82) enables the tilt bed portion and the hopper thereon to be tilted so that the contents of the hopper may be discharged through an opening which is selectively opened by a door (54). Alternatively, the hopper (14) may be rolled off the tilt bed portion, and a new hopper installed thereon. The tilting of the tilt bed portion automatically connects and disconnects the hopper from the vacuum source.