System for conducting the identification of bacteria in biological samples

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

• a plurality of disposable cartridges for holding at least an optical sample cup or cuvette:
• a sample processor including a magazine for receiving the plurality of disposable cartridges and configured to prepare the sample and to transfer the sample into the respective optical sample cup or cuvette of each of the disposable cartridges;
• an optical analyzer for receiving the plurality of the disposable cartridges and for analyzing the type and quantity of micro-organisms contained in the fluid samples, the optical analyzer including an excitation unit and an optical collection unit positioned above the optical cup or cuvette;
• and
• an arrangement for cooling and controlling the temperature of the sample, wherein the magazine includes a carousel having a plurality of inlet openings and outlet openings, each associated with one of the disposable cartridges;
• a turntable having a plurality of inlet openings and outlet openings, each associated with one of the inlet openings and outlet openings in the carousel;
• and
• an insulation plate located below the turntable, said insulation plate including at least one thermal electrical cooler for cooling the air circulated through the inlet openings and outlet openings from the carousel through the turntable for controlling the temperature of the samples,
• wherein the optical cup or cuvette comprises a container into which a light travels from the excitation unit for performing an optical analysis of the sample and a reflective surface for enhancing the optical analysis and wherein the container further includes at least one tapered sidewall such that during optical analysis, the light is directed downwardly through an open portion of the container and into the sample, wherein the at least one tapered sidewall is configured to assist with the optical analysis of the sample and the reflective surface of the container reflects fluorescent emissions back in an upwardly direction out of the sample and through the open portion of the container to the optical collection unit for optical analysis.

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

• a plurality of disposable cartridges for holding at least an optical sample cup or cuvette;
• a sample processor including a magazine for receiving the plurality of disposable cartridges and configured to prepare the sample and to transfer the sample into the respective optical sample cup or cuvette of each of the disposable cartridges;
• an optical analyzer for receiving the plurality of the disposable cartridges and for analyzing the type and quantity of micro-organisms contained in the fluid samples, the optical analyzer including an excitation unit and an optical collection unit positioned above the optical cup or cuvette;
• and
• an alignment system for aligning samples within the magazine, said alignment system comprising at least one notch extending inwardly with respect to an outer edge surface of the magazine, a quality control cartridge located adjacent the at least one notch and a sensor for detecting the location of the notch and the quality control cartridge,
• wherein the optical cup or cuvette comprises a container into which a light travels from the excitation unit for performing an optical analysis of the sample and a reflective surface for enhancing the optical analysis and wherein the container further includes at least one tapered sidewall such that during optical analysis, the light is directed downwardly through an open portion of the container and into the sample, wherein the at least one tapered sidewall is configured to assist with the optical analysis of the sample and the reflective surface of the container reflects fluorescent emissions back in an upwardly direction out of the sample and through the open portion of the container to the optical collection unit for optical analysis.

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

• a plurality of disposable cartridges for holding at least an optical sample cup or cuvette;
• a sample processor including a magazine for receiving the plurality of disposable cartridges and configured to prepare the sample and to transfer the sample into the respective optical sample cup or cuvette of each of the disposable cartridges;
• an optical analyzer for receiving the plurality of the disposable cartridges and for analyzing the type and quantity of micro-organisms contained in the fluid samples, the optical analyzer including an excitation unit and an optical collection unit positioned above the optical cup or cuvette;
• and
• at least one balance tube located within the centrifuge to balance and distribute the weight of the centrifuge to reduce vibration thereof during rotation,
• wherein the optical cup or cuvette comprises a container into which a light travels from the excitation unit for performing an optical analysis of the sample and a reflective surface for enhancing the optical analysis and wherein the container further includes at least one tapered sidewall such that during optical analysis, the light is directed downwardly through an open portion of the container and into the sample, wherein the at least one tapered sidewall is configured to assist with the optical analysis of the sample and the reflective surface of the container reflects fluorescent emissions back in an upwardly direction out of the sample and through the open portion of the container to the optical collection unit for optical analysis.