Clinical testing apparatus

Abstract

The testing apparatus is preferably for the measurement of ionized calcium and other ions in biologic fluids. The apparatus comprises a selectively operated turntable defined by a plurality of radially extending leaves fixed in position at one end along a circular locus, a cover overlying the turntable, and a plurality of sample cups carried by the turntable and each received by and positioned at the free end of one of the leaves. The leaves flex sufficiently to provide a bias on the cup urging the top edge of the cup into intimate contact with the bottom surface of the cover. The cover is at least partially hollow forming a plenum chamber for a saturated gas such as carbon dioxide and having a number of outlet jets spaced along a circumference of the cover with each jet for directing a flow of the gas into the cup at a suitable velocity to produce a good mixing and swirling action in the cup. In addition to the plenum mixing holes there is also an independent mixing hole at the probe station where a probe assembly comprising one or more probes is selectively and sequentially registered with the cups. The cover may also be provided with one or more sensor holes disposed outside of the mixing hole at the probe station. One sensor hole may have means associated therewith to permit introduction of an alternative gas to the cup at the probe station when this hole is blocked by a cup of special shape having a larger outside diameter. The other sensor hole may have means associated therewith to identify the cup at the probe station as containing a particular type of sample. By selection of the proper configuration of cup one can effectively program operation of the apparatus.