Probe wash station for analytical instrumentation

#The present invention relates generally to a wash station in an in vitro diagnostics environment and, more particularly, to a wash station for a probe for analytical instrumentation in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics environment.

#Clinical analyzers typically utilize hypodermic needle-like probes to aspirate and dispense fluids, such as patient samples and reagents, transferring the fluids between vessels and containers. For example, probes are used in a clinical analyzer to transfer fluid between a reagent container and a reaction vessel and between a primary patient sample container and a dilution vessel. The probes need to be cleaned between transfers to avoid “carrying over” fluids from one reaction to another. Carryover can lead to incorrect results of a patient test through either unintended introduction of trace amounts of a previously used reagent, or by introduction of analytes that were present in a previously-handled patient sample. Thus, it is important to thoroughly clean the transfer probes between deliveries.

#Cleaning of the probes typically requires water, although for some non-water-soluble reagents or for an absolutely thorough removal of patient sample, chemical cleaners may be introduced. The inside of the probe is often rinsed by flowing water at high velocity through the probe, while the outside is rinsed by immersing the probe in flowing water. The water is then removed via a drain to a waste vessel, either by gravity or with a vacuum assist.

#The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention are best understood from the following detailed description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings embodiments that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific instrumentalities disclosed. Included in the drawings are the following Figures:

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wash station, according to an embodiment;

#FIG. 2 is a side view of a wash station, according to an embodiment;

#Embodiments are directed to a wash station comprising a wash nozzle for providing a fluid (e.g., water) source to clean an exterior portion of a probe, and a basin allowing for waste fluid and fluid ejected from within the probe to be collected and drained. Advantageously, the wash station provides for the probe to be rinsed without requiring any vertical movement of the probe, although the wash station can also accommodate for a vertical motion to be able to rinse a higher portion on the probe (for example, for an occasional deep clean such as during a routine maintenance or as part of an error recovery process).

#According to embodiments, the wash station provided herein can be used in a clinical analyzer in an in vitro diagnostics environment (IVD), for example, although it is not limited to such an environment.

#According to an embodiment, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a wash station 100; FIG. 2 a side view; FIG. 3 a cross-sectional side view; and FIG. 4 a top view. The wash station 100 includes a wash nozzle 200 and a basin 300. A probe 150 is inserted into the nozzle 200 for cleaning. The basin 300 is sized to receive and secure the wash nozzle 200 therein to capture waste fluid dispensed by the probe 150 and the wash nozzle 200.