Sample and stat feeding system and sample tray

Abstract

A sample and stat feeding system for sequentially supplying a renewable supply of cuvettes with aliquots of sample liquids in a continuous processing mode. The sample liquids are contained in a annular sample tray having a plurality of sample vessels molded into the tray. The sample containers form two or more annular rows on the outer edge of the tray in which routine samples are maintained in an ordered sequence. Emergency samples (stats) and controls (standards) are maintained in separate auxiliary locations or arrays of locations which may be molded or separate cups placed in tray cavities. A sample pick up mechanism has a pick up probe which is rotated to define an arc across at least a substantial portion of the tray and at least one stat location. The tray is rotated to align the sample, stat and control cavities with the arc of the probe. Sample aliquots are picked up and dispensed into the cuvettes in a programed operation sequence, with each sample fluid being related to a particular patient and programed for one or more analytical tests such as measuring the chemical reaction resulting from the addition of one or more reagents from a reagent supply. The program sequencing includes inserting a control aliquot in some of the cuvettes at a predetermined frequency to monitor the accuracy of the machine. When a stat test occurs, the stat is inserted in the tray and the programed sequence is interrupted to load the stat into the reaction vessel. The order of sample locations is not disturbed since the stats and controls are maintained in separate locations. The sample tray preferably will be molded of inexpensive material so it may be thrown away after all sample aliquots have been loaded into respective cuvettes for testing.