System for conducting the identification of bacteria in biological samples

A system for conducting the identification of and quantification of micro-organisms in biological samples, comprising:

• a plurality of disposable cartridges for holding at least an optical cup or cuvette;
• a sample processor including a magazine for receiving the plurality of disposable cartridges, the sample processor configured to prepare the sample and to transfer the sample into the respective optical cup or cuvette of each of the disposable cartridges;
• and
• an optical analyzer for receiving the plurality of the disposable cartridges and for analyzing the type and quantity of micro-organisms contained in the samples,
• wherein the optical cup or cuvette comprises a rectangular-shaped container for containing the biological sample, said container including two spaced-apart sidewalls, a first end wall, a second end wall, and a floor, wherein said container has a rectangular opening for receiving the biological sample and a lower tapered area extending from said first end wall and inwardly and downwardly relative to the rectangular opening and toward said floor, and wherein the first end wall has a depth that is less than a depth of said sidewalls and said second end wall, and wherein the lower tapered area has a surface that is configured to receive an illumination beam fed through the opening and to reflect the beam through the biological sample.