Method for assembling an automated analyzer, waste ramp, and waste receptacle for reagent cards

A method, comprising:

• attaching a ramp member having a sloped surface to an automated analyzer comprising a travel surface assembly and a mover assembly, the mover assembly configured to advance a reagent card having a leading end and a trailing end past an edge of the travel surface assembly, the ramp member being movable between an extended position wherein at least a portion of the ramp member is positioned below and laterally beyond the edge of the travel surface assembly and a retracted position;
• and
• positioning a waste receptacle adjacent the automated analyzer so at least a portion of the sloped surface of the ramp member is positioned in the waste receptacle when the ramp member is in the extended position and so a wall of the waste receptacle is spaced from the edge of the travel surface assembly such that when the reagent card is advanced past the edge of the travel surface assembly by the mover assembly, the reagent card falls onto the sloped surface of the ramp member and the leading end of the reagent card contacts the wall of the waste receptacle as the reagent card is on the sloped surface.