Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing precise quantities of reagents is disclosed including a positive displacement syringe pump in series with a dispenser, such as an aerosol dispenser or solenoid valve dispenser. The pump is controlled by a stepper motor or the like to provide an incremental quantity or continuous flow of reagent to the dispenser. The pump and dispenser are operated in cooperation with one another such that the quantity and/or flow rate of liquid dispensed by the dispenser can be precisely metered substantially independently of the particular operating parameters of said dispenser to attain a desired flow rate, droplet size or mist quality, droplet frequency and/or droplet velocity.

Abstract: A system for handling a body specimen is described for particular use in the handling of fecal specimen which are to be treated with a stain for enhancing its visibility. The system includes dual optical viewing chambers mounted alongside of each other on a frame with appropriate tubing connecting ports of the viewing chambers to a liquid specimen supply and the satin supply. The stain supply is connected to one of the tubings leading to a viewing chamber so that the drawing action from a pump connected to ports on the other side of the viewing chambers can force an automatic mixing of the staining solution with one of the liquid specimen being drawn into one of the viewing chambers. Controls and techniques for operating the system are described.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating cytological or histological specimens has numerous treatment stations in the form of containers, and a transport device by which the specimens to be treated are transported and deposited in the treatment stations. The transport device has a pivotable unit that can be brought under the specimens while the specimens are being transported. This pivotable unit is provided with a suction underlay on which the specimens or specimen holders are deposited during transport, and by which treatment fluids that run out of the specimens or the specimen holders are received. Carry-over of liquid residues from one treatment container to the next is thereby greatly reduced. The specimens or specimen slides are thereby fixed in the specimen holders so that noise during transportation is reduced. The individual treatment containers are provided with covers, and the pivotable unit is designed to remove covers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a reflectance-reading device to determine an initiation time point for measuring the chemical reaction of an analyte from a biological liquid sample on a test surface. The initiation time point is determined by using a device to read a reflectance of a test surface at a plurality of time points, and calculating the K/S ratio of the test surface at each time point according to the Kubelka-Munk equation. As the device continues to calculate a K/S ratio for each time point, the device monitors the rate of change of the K/S ratio with respect to time. The device then determines the initiation time point to be when the rate of change of the K/S ratio is maximal. The present invention also provides a method of measuring the concentration of an analyte on a test surface. The concentration is measured by determining an initiation time point according to the method described above and then measuring the concentration of the analyte at a variable end point.

Abstract: A system for processing biomolecules comprising, a plurality of manifolds, each manifold having a holder portion and a number of peg members extending therefrom, a plurality of plate or strip means, each supporting a number of wells adapted to receive the manifold peg members, a processing device which comprises several processing units in the form of at least one heating plate unit adapted to receive the well plate or strip means for heating the wells thereof, at least one wash unit having a plurality of wash wells, each wash well being adapted to receive one or more manifold peg members and having at least one inlet and at least one outlet for wash liquid, and a holder device for holding a plurality of manifolds during processing in and transfer between different units of the processing device.

Abstract: A method of continuously spotting a liquid onto a predetermined number of members to be spotted with the liquid includes the steps of mounting a disposable spotting tip on a suction nozzle, sucking the liquid in the spotting tip in a predetermined amount larger than the predetermined number times the amount for one spotting and discharging the liquid onto the members in sequence by the amount for one spotting by introducing a predetermined discharge pressure into the spotting tip. A signal related to the vapor pressure in atmosphere is obtained and the discharge pressure is corrected according to the change in the vapor pressure inside the spotting tip after the liquid is sucked in the spotting tip so that the same amount of the liquid is discharged onto all the members.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus, a dry-type frameless chemical analysis film having a base and a reagent layer formed thereon is taken out from a cartridge in which a plurality of such frameless chemical analysis films are stacked. Then the film is spotted with a sample liquid and is transferred to a cell in an incubator to be incubated at a constant temperature, whereby coloring reaction between the reagent layer and a particular biochemical component in the sample liquid is caused and the optical density of the coloring matter formed is measured. A horseshoe-like film transfer member receives the film taken out from the cartridge and inserts it into the cell while holding it, and a suction member enters the cell from below the cell and holds the film inserted by the film transfer member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected. and analysed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a sensor for determination of analyte concentration. The meter includes a sensor for receiving a user sample to be measured and a processor for performing a predefined test sequence for measuring a predefined parameter value. A memory can be coupled to the processor for storing predefined parameter data values. A calibration code is associated with the sensor and read by the processor before the user sample to be measured is received. The calibration code is used in measuring the predefined parameter data value to compensate for different sensor characteristics.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: An automatic device prepares blood films or smears on microscope slides. The device has essentially one moving part, namely a carriage which holds the slide, and which is movable back and forth along a frame. The slide is dispensed from a magazine, onto the carriage, and the carriage moves to a position where a drop of blood is conveniently placed onto the slide. The carriage then moves to a position permitting contact between the blood and a spreading blade mounted on a flexible member. The carriage is moved in a forward direction, causing the blade to move relative to the slide, creating the blood smear. The slide is then lifted from the carriage and moved onto a storage platform. Meanwhile, the blade is cleaned as it passes over a cleaning pad on the carriage. Movement of the carriage in both directions insures that both sides and the end of the blade are cleaned.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting patient sample quality, and/or analytes, in the tip used to aspirate the patient sample liquid and then dispense it onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis is done on the liquid while still in the tip, by scanning the tip for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure, using NIR and adjacent visible radiation, and detecting the absorbence spectra of the liquid. Much smaller liquid volumes, and no through-the-label detection, are required, compared to doing the scanning of the liquid in a primary patient collection container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated supplying system for supplying liquid samples and test strips to an analyzer having a receiving section which receives test strips dipped in liquid samples one by one, a section at which optical characteristics of test pads provided on the received test strips are measured and a section for calculating analytical results of the respective components based on the respective optical characteristics obtained by the measurement.

Abstract: A method of continuously spotting a liquid onto a predetermined number of members to be spotted with the liquid includes the steps of mounting a disposable spotting tip on a suction nozzle, sucking the liquid in the spotting tip in a predetermined amount larger than the predetermined number times the amount for one spotting and discharging the liquid onto the members in sequence by the amount for one spotting by introducing a predetermined discharge pressure into the spotting tip. A signal related to the vapor pressure in atmosphere is obtained and the discharge pressure is corrected according to the change in the vapor pressure inside the spotting tip after the liquid is sucked in the spotting tip so that the same amount of the liquid is discharged onto all the members.

Abstract: A reagent strip slide treating apparatus includes a reagent strip comprised of a plurality of chambers. A reagent passageway on the strip connects to each of the chambers and connects to a common passageway. The chambers are arranged at variable predetermined distances along the strip. A double slide is provided which is comprised of a first and a second slide spaced apart by a predetermined distance and adapted to have therebetween biological material to be treated sequentially by a plurality of reagents. A tube connects the common passageway of the reagent strip to the space between the space slides. The capsules containing reagents are provided within the chambers on the strip. The capsules are provided with thin walls which are adapted to burst upon the application of pressure. A press moving at a constant speed is provided to press the reagent strip and capsules in the chambers causing the capsules to burst. The spacing between the chambers determines the timing of the application of the reagents.

Abstract: The concentration of an analyte in a sample liquid is determined on the basis of the optical density of a chemical analysis element spotted with the sample liquid according to a standard curve representing the relation between the concentration and the optical density of the analysis element which is obtained when the concentration is measured using an analysis element of a first lot. A plurality of first standard liquids containing the analyte in known levels are spotted onto analysis elements of a second lot, the concentrations of the analyte in the first standard liquids are determined according to the standard curve and a first calibration curve for correcting the concentrations of the analyte is prepared.

Abstract: A physiological tissue sample on a glass slide is treated by a reagent. A reagent bath is formed so that its horizontal depth becomes progressively larger from the lower part to the upper part. In a first treatment mode, a small amount of reagent is introduced in the reagent bath, and a sample plate is introduced into the bath up to a first treatment position. In a second treatment mode, a large amount of reagent is introduced in the reagent bath, and a sample plate is introduced into the bath up to a second treatment position.

Abstract: A test sample card has a fluid passage network provided on both sides of the card to provide for maximum separation distance between adjacent growth wells. The card also has cored sections along its periphery adjacent the wells, which improve the flow of plastic during the molding of the cards. The cored sections control the formation of knit lines in the surface of the card and eliminate knit lines from forming that could potentially bridge adjacent wells. These features, singly and together, combine to produce a card that is essentially immune to cross-talk between adjacent wells, yet permit a greater number of wells in a card of given dimensions. Improved bubble trap features are also provided for the card, including a bubble trap passage having a restriction formed therein. The restriction prevents air bubbles in the bubble trap from migrating back to the growth wells.

Abstract: A system for analyzing sample liquids using dry reagents is configured for the determination of clinical parameters. The system including an analysis instrument containing the test elements to carry out the test. Form and design of the test elements are adjusted for use in the analysis system. The system is utilized for analyses where available test elements which are in contact with their environment exhibit a low storage stability.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus, a dry-type frameless chemical analysis film having a base and a reagent layer formed thereon is taken out from a cartridge in which a plurality of such frameless chemical analysis films are stacked. Then the film is spotted with a sample liquid and is transferred to a cell in an incubator to be incubated at a constant temperature, whereby coloring reaction between the reagent layer and a particular biochemical component in the sample liquid is caused and the optical density of the coloring matter formed is measured. A horseshoe-like film transfer member receives the film taken out from the cartridge and inserts it into the cell while holding it, and a suction member enters the cell from below the cell and holds the film inserted by the film transfer member.

Abstract: Over the counter assay cassette for clinical or home use for testing human conditions such as, HIV and Hepatitis B, having a blood well for receiving blood and viewing aperture for viewing an indication of the assay results and a membrane strip disposed within the cassette for receiving the blood and providing an indication of the human condition, is improved with an integrally disposed needle and an outer covering which, in a first position exposes the needle for drawing of the blood and exposes the blood well but covers the viewing aperture, and in a second position, covers the needle and exposes to the viewing aperture, so that, the human can view the results of the assay while the covered needle reduces the risk of secondary inadvertent puncturing by the used needle to reduce the risk of transmission of infectious disease.

Abstract: A method of analyzing clinically relevant sample liquids and suspensions is such that where infrared spectra of dried samples are generated and evaluated using a multivariate evaluation procedure. In the evaluation procedure, the samples to be analyzed are assigned to classes. The evaluation procedure is trained with samples of known classes to adjust the parameters of the evaluation procedures such that samples of unknown classification can be assigned to known classes. In an advantageous manner, the infrared spectra can be generated by a transmittance measurement on a dried film of the sample.

Abstract: A frameless chemical analysis film includes a reagent layer formed on a support sheet. When the frameless chemical analysis film which has been held on a resilient suction pad under a suction force supplied to the suction pad is transferred to a predetermined member, the suction force supplied to the suction pad is gradually released taking at least a time which the suction pad, which has been deformed under the suction force, takes to be restored to the original shape.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable electronic diagnostic instrument designed for use in an Over-the-Counter (OTC) cholesterol test kit for measuring cholesterol levels of blood. The instrument is designed and calibrated specifically for use with diagnostic test strips supplied with the OTC cholesterol test kit.

Abstract: A hematology blood dispensing and smearing device including a smearing member. A cannula portion is secured within the smearing member for puncturing a closed collection tube to obtain a drop of blood to be smeared onto a slide for examination under a microscope.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of analyzing sample liquids with the aid of test strips and addresses an evaluation instrument for test strips where test strips are transported by a grabber. The grabber is attached to a guide arm that is moved in one spatial direction. A redirecting mechanism serves to apply the movement of the guide arm to the grabber such that a movement in at least two spatial directions is carried out.

Abstract: A storage container for analytical test elements includes a guide mechanism thereupon. The storage container holds a plurality of test elements attached to a tape, with each of the test elements including a test zone thereupon. The storage container is configured to expel individual test elements by passing the tape over the guide mechanism, thereby changing a direction of movement of the tape by the guide mechanism. This action detaches a test element from the tape.

Abstract: Removed cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. The cell concentrator is shaped to rest stably on a planar surface in a tilted manner so that a fluid specimen contained therein is prevented from contacting the slide prior to centrifugation. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having at least one fluid receiving aperture and at least one fluid expulsion aperture. The chamber is secured to a backing plate by a fastening mechanism, with the slide sandwiched therebetween. In one embodiment, the chamber is hinged to the backing plate. Also described is a bibulous pad interposed between the chamber and the slide in order to absorb excess sample fluid.

Abstract: A method is described for performing an affinity assay comprising contacting a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte with a dry reagent containing the analyte (hapten, antigen, antibody, receptor, or complementary polynucleotide) bound to a reaction cascade initiator, an antibody or other binding pair partner reactive with said analyte, and magnetic particles, to form an assay mixture in a reaction chamber, incubating the assay mixture, applying an oscillating or moving static magnetic field to the assay mixture, activating the reaction cascade initiator to initiate a reaction cascade, monitoring the response of the magnetic particles to the oscillating or moving static magnetic field to provide a time varying signal, and determining the analyte concentration of the sample by analysis of the time varying signal, as well as a kit for performing the assay and a diagnostic system for performing the assay.

Abstract: A disposal system for stacking card-like objects neatly in a magazine. The cards enter the disposal system via a card entrance slot. A push plate located adjacent the slot pushes the cards past a pair of resilient snap elements in the sides of the magazine. A pressure plate is located behind the snap elements and biases the cards that have been pushed over the snap elements forward towards the rear of the snap elements. The cards are maintained in a stacked condition between the snap elements and the pressure plate. When a card is inserted into the card slot, the push plate is operated to an extended position, in which it pushes the card past the snap elements against the cards stacked between the snap elements and the pressure plate. The push plate then retracts, so as to enable another card to enter into the card slot. The user of the machine removes the magazine from the machine when the need arises or when the magazine is fully loaded with cards.

Abstract: A chain incubator or conveyor, and method of use in an analyzer, wherein an endless chain is formed of repeating members and each comprising a link, element support, a cover, and means for biasing the cover onto the support with an article such as a test element between them. The members are linked together by a pair of pivot pins, and the chain is engaged by a drive sprocket and an idler sprocket.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of analyzing sample liquids with the aid of test strips. A test strip to be analyzed is located between a test element support and a spacer. A measuring head for evaluating the test strip rests on the spacer thus ensuring a defined distance between the test field surface and the measuring head.

Abstract: A blood analyzer system is provided with improved slide making capability by coupling a blood analyzer apparatus to an automatic slidemaking apparatus by means of a clinically effective blood specimen transport assembly, which includes a blood conduit forming a curvilinear flow path that imparts a substantial angular velocity component to blood moving therein. The system enables a blood analyzer portion and a smear slide portion of a given sample to be aspirated with physical and temporal proximity.

Abstract: A biochemical analysis system includes a depositing mechanism which deposits a sample liquid on a chemical analysis slide having a reagent layer, an incubator which incubates the chemical analysis slide with the sample liquid at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, a transfer mechanism which loads the slide in the incubator and removes it therefrom, and an optical density measuring system which measures the optical density of the chemical analysis slide after incubation and determines the concentration of a specific biochemical component in the sample liquid through the optical density of the chemical analysis slide. The incubator has a rotary body in which a slide discarding hole is formed at the center thereof and a plurality of slide holding portions are formed to extend from the outer peripheral surface of the rotary body toward the center of the rotary body and communicate with the slide discarding hole.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a sensor dispensing instrument so that fluids can be tested when the sensor is ejected from within a sensor cavity of a sensor pack sealed by a foil. The sensor has a generally flat, rectangular shape, is formed by a base and a lid, and has perpendicularly extending longitudinal and transverse axes. A notch in a rear end of the sensor is engaged by a knife blade within the sensor dispensing instrument as the sensor is being ejected through the foil. A front testing edge of the lid overhangs a front testing edge of the base of the sensor. One side edge of the sensor adjacent the front edges of the base and lid is beveled at about a 25.degree. angle. The front base edge extends from the beveled side portion across the entire remaining width of the sensor at an angle of approximately 10.degree. with respect to the transverse axis. A portion of the front lid edge extends from the beveled side portion across a significant portion of the width of the sensor at an angle of about 15.degree.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support (24) supporting a plurality of slide supports (26) thereon, and drive means (48) engaging the carousel slide support (24) for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports (26) in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support (10) having a plurality of reagent container supports (11) thereon, and drive means (14) engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support (11) in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means (18) positioned for engaging a reagent container (12) positioned on a container support (11) in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container (12) to a slide supported on a slide support (26) in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A chemical analysis slide cartridge includes a box-like cartridge body in which a plurality of chemical analysis slides are stacked. A slide take-out port is formed in one end of the cartridge body and the chemical analysis slides in the cartridge body are taken out one by one through the take-out port. A pressing member is slidably received in the cartridge body and is adapted to be brought into contact with the stack of the slides on the side remote from the take-out port to push the stack of the slides toward the take-out port. Ratchet teeth are formed on the inner wall of the cartridge body and a claw adapted to be engaged with the ratchet teeth is formed on the pressing member. The ratchet teeth are not formed in a predetermined area near the end of the cartridge body remote from the take-out port so that the claw cannot be engaged with the ratchet teeth when the pressing member is near the end of the cartridge body remote from the take-out port.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive device engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive device engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator device positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support (24) supporting a plurality of slide supports (26) thereon, and drive means (48) engaging the carousel slide support (24) for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports (26) in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support (10) having a plurality of reagent container supports (11) thereon, and drive means (14) engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support (11) in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means (18) positioned for engaging a reagent container (12) positioned on a container support (11) in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container (12) to a slide supported on a slide support (26) in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A system for analyzing sample liquids using dry reagents which is particularly suitable for the determination of clinical parameters. The system includes an analysis instrument containing the individually sealed test elements to carry out an analytical test. Shape and nature of the test elements were designed to match the analysis system. The system is particularly suitable for analyses where the available test elements exhibit a low storage stability when brought into contact with the environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically identifying, handling, tracking, and processing dried blood samples in HIV-1 testing are disclosed. Dried blood samples are punched from test cards into incubation receptacles for incubation and further testing. Optionally, the location on the test card to be punched may be manually, semi-automatically or automatically selected, ranked, and punched in order of preference. Test results corresponding to a particular test subject are automatically tracked and reported while maintaining the anonymity of the subject.

Abstract: An improved medical slide holder for use in medical procedures including automated microscopy. The slide holder comprises a rectangular frame adapted for receiving slides of differing thicknesses. Compensation for differing thicknesses is achieved through the disposition of two fastening caps, one for each end of the slides, the caps having resilient extending fingers which contact upper surfaces of the slides near their ends. Precision positioning of the slides within the holder is facilitated through provision of slide-supporting ledges having partitions to define positions of the slides; and precision positioning of the holder frame is facilitated through the provision of angled corners and notches each having a right angle and an obtuse angle. The slide holder has a recessed indentation in both the upper and lower locking caps to facilitate their removal once engaged to the frame, thus allowing slide specimens to be removed from the slide carrier for archiving purposes.

Abstract: When spotting a sample liquid onto a plurality of frameless chemical analysis films, a predetermined amount of the sample liquid is sucked into a spotting tip, the lower end of the spotting tip is brought into contact with the surface of each chemical analysis film and the pressure in the spotting tip is increased to discharge the sample liquid therein onto the surface of the chemical analysis film while lifting the spotting tip away from the surface of the film.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: A dry chemical analysis film deposited with a sample liquid is inserted into an incubator to be incubated at a predetermined temperature, a coloring reaction of the chemical analysis film is measured after the incubation and then the chemical analysis film is discharged from the incubator. A plurality of chemical analysis films are subjected to these steps one by one after the preceding chemical analysis film is discharged from the incubator.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus a frameless dry chemical analysis film having a reagent layer formed on a support sheet is taken out from a cartridge storing therein a plurality of the frameless chemical analysis films, applied with a sample liquid, inserted into an incubator and taken out from the incubator and at least a part of these steps and film transferring steps between these steps is effected with the film held by a suction pad. A change of pressure in the suction pad when it attracts the film under a suction force is measured and the attracting state of the suction pad is judged on the basis of the result of the measurement. The part of the steps which is effected with the film held by the suction pad is controlled on the basis of the judgment.

Abstract: A holder of slide test elements for use in an analyzer at a sample-dispensing station, the holder comprising two opposing holding surfaces for holding generally horizontally a slide test element at opposite side edges of the test element, and a tower extending above the holding surfaces for generally centering a dispensing tip above a held slide test element. The holder is improved in that one of the holding surfaces of the holder extends at least sufficiently for underneath a slide test element held by the holding surfaces to be disposed under an approximate center of the held test element, and includes a raised reference surface located under, and disposed for abutting against, an under-surface of the held slide test element, so that a held slide test element is prevented by the raised reference surface from warping downwardly away from a dispensing tip in the tower.

Abstract: An improved sample card is provided. The improved card, typically used in biochemical analysis, achieves high sample well capacity and improved fluid flow, including by means of a plurality of through-channels which route the fluid flow of samples along both the front and back surfaces of the card. Elevated bubble traps are provided, as are integral interrupt slots for sensing card position and alignment. A bezeled leading edge facilitates insertion.

Abstract: System for the analysis of sample liquids with test elements. The system comprises an instrument with a storage container for test elements and a measuring device. Test elements are located inside the storage container which have a test zone on the front side of a transparent pin.

Abstract: A predetermined amount of a liquid sample is accommodated in a sample spotting tip, which is fitted to a bottom end of a suction nozzle for sucking the liquid sample. Thereafter, the sample spotting tip is moved down, and the bottom end of the sample spotting tip is thereby brought into contact with a dry-type frameless chemical analysis film piece. The sample spotting tip is then moved up. The pressure inside the sample spotting tip is increased, while the sample spotting tip is thus being moved up. The liquid sample is thereby discharged from the sample spotting tip onto the dry-type frameless chemical analysis film piece.