Abstract: It is provided a measuring cartridge (1) for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, and for performing quality control, the cartridge comprising: a casing (3) insertable into a reception opening (51) of a measuring instrument (50), the casing (3) at least partly surrounding an inner space (5); wherein the inner space contains: a measurement cell (7) comprising a reception space (9) for the sample and at least one sensor area (11) with which the sample is in contact when loaded into the reception space (9); plural quality control containers (13a,13b,13c) for respectively holding different quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c); a solution routing system (17) adapted to selectively route one of the quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c) from the respective quality control container (13a,13b,13c) into the reception space (9) of the measurement cell (7).

Abstract: It is provided an arrangement and a method for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular comprising serum, plasma and/or urine, the arrangement comprising: a first portion adapted to partly delimit a reception space for the sample at a first side and comprising at least one measurement area; a second portion comprising: a reception space wall section, the second portion being coupled to the first portion such that the reception space wall section partly delimits the reception space at a second side; and a sample input cup delimiting a sample input region into which the sample is fillable, wherein the sample input region is in fluid communication with the reception space, wherein the reception space wall section and at least a portion of the sample input cup are integrally formed.

Abstract: It is provided a measuring cartridge (1) for measuring at least one constituent of a liquid sample, in particular blood, and for performing quality control, the cartridge comprising: a casing (3) insertable into a reception opening (51) of a measuring instrument (50), the casing (3) at least partly surrounding an inner space (5); wherein the inner space contains: a measurement cell (7) comprising a reception space (9) for the sample and at least one sensor area (11) with which the sample is in contact when loaded into the reception space (9); plural quality control containers (13a,13b,13c) for respectively holding different quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c); a solution routing system (17) adapted to selectively route one of the quality control solutions (15a,15b,15c) from the respective quality control container (13a,13b,13c) into the reception space (9) of the measurement cell (7).

Abstract: A method for monitoring the use of a consumable in a disposable design in multiple analyzers is disclosed. The method provides a disposable consumable; uses the consumable as intended during operation of the first analyzer; and collects usage-relevant information for the consumable concerning the intended use of the consumable during operation of the first analyzer. Usage-relevant data derived from the usage-relevant information is stored in a memory unit assigned to the consumable. The consumable may be removed and again provided in the first or second analyzer. The first or second analyzer partially reads the usage-relevant data from the memory unit, evaluates the usage-relevant data, and derives control signals concerning the permissibility and/or type of a further intended use of the consumable during operation of the analyzer as a reaction to the evaluation of the read usage-relevant data.

Abstract: A reagent cartridge which can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer and having a plurality of reagent bags furnished with connecting lines, each of which may optionally be connected to an input device of the analyzer, and method for operating the analyzer are disclosed. Each reagent bag has an analyzer-controlled multi-way valve with at least two valve positions at the point where the respective connecting line departs, such that the first valve position opens a fluid path between the connecting line and the reagent bag, while the second valve position closes off the reagent bag and opens a fluid path between a ventilation source, e.g. ambient air, and the connecting line. The connecting lines of the reagent bags departing from the multi-way valve open directly into a common rail or a collector valve.

Abstract: A method for checking the quality of thermal coupling between a measuring cell and a thermostatted element of an analyzer, where the measuring cell can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer to measure at least one parameter of a sample, and is provided with at least one sensor element in a measuring channel.

Abstract: A method for checking the quality of thermal coupling between a measuring cell and a thermostatted element of an analyzer, where the measuring cell can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer to measure at least one parameter of a sample, and is provided with at least one sensor element in a measuring channel.

Abstract: A reagent cartridge which can be exchangeably inserted into an analyzer and having a plurality of reagent bags furnished with connecting lines, each of which may optionally be connected to an input device of the analyzer, and method for operating the analyzer are disclosed. Each reagent bag has an analyzer-controlled multi-way valve with at least two valve positions at the point where the respective connecting line departs, such that the first valve position opens a fluid path between the connecting line and the reagent bag, while the second valve position closes off the reagent bag and opens a fluid path between a ventilation source, e.g. ambient air, and the connecting line. The connecting lines of the reagent bags departing from the multi-way valve open directly into a common rail or a collector valve.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the use of a consumable in a disposable design in one or more analyzers which are each configured to analyze one or more liquids, in particular body fluids, is provided where the method comprises the following steps: providing a disposable consumable in a first analyzer; using the disposable consumable as intended during operation of the first analyzer; collecting usage relevant information for the disposable consumable which concern the intended use of the disposable consumable during operation of the first analyzer; storing usage-relevant data which are derived from the usage-relevant information in a memory unit assigned to the disposable consumable; removing the disposable consumable from the first analyzer; again providing the disposable consumable in the first analyzer or in a second analyzer, at least partially reading the usage-relevant data from the memory unit in the first or the second analyzer; evaluating the usage-relevant data that have been read out by a control device;

Abstract: In a method for calibrating a biosensor for the amperometric determination of creatinine in biological liquids, consisting of one electrode system each for measuring the concentrations of creatinine and creatine, with at least two calibration solutions being used, the electrode system for measuring the creatinine concentration is calibrated with a creatinine solution which, prior to the calibration measurement, was mixed in the form of an acidic solution with an alkaline buffer solution, and the electrode system for measuring the creatine concentration is calibrated with a solution in which creatinine and creatine are at a thermodynamic equilibrium.

Abstract: A method of detecting a gas bubble in a measuring chamber filled with a liquid. The electrical conductivity of the liquid or a variable derived therefrom is measured in the measuring chamber at a first pressure value p1, and a first measured value S1 is detected. The pressure in the measuring chamber is changed, the electrical conductivity of the liquid or a variable depending thereon is measured in the measuring chamber at at least a second pressure value p2, and a second measured value S2 is detected. The presence or lack of presence of at least one gas bubble in the liquid is detected by comparing the first measured value S1 to the second measured value S2.

Abstract: A method of detecting a gas bubble in a measuring chamber is provided comprising filling the measuring chamber with a liquid; measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid or a variable derived therefrom in the measuring chamber at a first pressure value p1, wherein a first measured value S1 is detected; changing the pressure in the measuring chamber; measuring the electrical conductivity of the liquid or a variable depending thereon in the measuring chamber at at least a second pressure value p2, wherein a second measured value S2 is detected; and detecting the presence or lack of presence of at least one gas bubble in the liquid by comparing the first measured value S1 to the second measured value S2.

Abstract: An electrochemical measuring device comprises an essentially planar sensor substrate with at least one electrochemical sensor, and a cover part in which a tunnel-shaped measuring channel is formed. At least one guiding groove is provided in parallel with the measuring channel. A sealing element which is positioned between the sensor substrate and the cover part to seal the measuring channel is provided with guiding bodies along its length, at least one of which guiding bodies projects into the guiding groove of the cover part. The sealing element is provided with narrow sealing lips bounding the measuring channel. Each short side of the sealing element has a guiding body projecting into recesses in the sensor substrate. The guiding bodies are disposed on that side of a sealing plane defined by the sealing lips, which faces away from the cover part.