Roche Diagnostics Operations, Inc.

Roche Diagnostics Gmbh

F. Hoffmann-la Roche Ag

Bernhard Kern

Jochen Schulat

Gertrud Albrecht

Bernd Stenkamp

Wilfried Schmid

Michael Schabbach

Stefan Kalveram

Wolfgang Schwoebel

Dieter Meinecke

Andreas Menke

Ute Hübner

Guenter Schmelzeisen-Redeker

Kai Dickopf

Günther Schmelzeisen-Redeker

The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.

Handheld analyzer for testing a sample

The invention relates an analysis system having a positioning device for positioning a test element and a method for positioning the test element in the analysis system. The positioning device has a support surface for supporting the test element. A first switch component sits on the support element. A second switch component is positioned parallel to the first switch component. A connection is established when the second switch component is positioned in recess on the test element due to the displacement of the second switch component relative to the first switch component.

Positioning device for a test element

The invention relates to embodiments of a method and a system for monitoring the correct positioning of a test element in a test element receptacle of an analysis unit, the test element carrying a sample to be analyzed by the analysis unit. Using a delimiting element, responsive signals resulting from irradiating an analysis region on the test element are effectively prevented from impinging upon a signal detector when the analysis region is in an incorrect position relative to the analysis unit. The delimiting element is provided with a light-opaque region and a light-transmissive region, and the light-opaque region is positioned such that responsive signals impinge upon it rather than the light-transmissive region when the analysis region is in an incorrect position. The embodiments of the invention further relate to methods and systems configured to further analyze the sample, to determine whether the sample has been underdosed, and additional position monitoring steps comprising irradiating different partial regions of the analysis region and comparing the detection signals responsive to each to a predetermined limit value.

Method for analyzing a sample on a test element and analysis system for same

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Heidelberg, Germany

Bernhard Kern