Methods and apparatus for performing sample measurements using visible light on samples manipulated with acoustic waves
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorsRyan Irving, Peter Paulicka
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An acoustic analyzer system is provided that includes an acoustic analyzer having a reusable glass flow cell positioned within the acoustic analyzer. A disposable card body may be inserted into the acoustic analyzer and deliver sample fluid to the glass flow cell so that acoustic-wave assisted measurements may be performed on the sample fluid. The disposable card body may also deliver wash fluid to the glass flow cell, and receive waste sample fluid and waste wash fluid from the glass flow cell to prepare the glass flow cell for subsequent sample fluids. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
Claims20
A diagnostic card assembly for use in an acoustic analyzer, comprising:
- a card body configured for insertion into an acoustic analyzer, the card body including:
- a sample inlet port positioned to receive sample fluid;
- a waste inlet port;
- an outlet port;
- a first fluid conduit extending between the sample inlet port and the outlet port;
- a wash fluid chamber configured to hold a wash fluid;
- a second fluid conduit extending between the wash fluid chamber and the outlet port;
- a valve connecting the wash fluid chamber to the second fluid conduit and configured to control flow of wash fluid from the wash fluid chamber when the card body is inserted into the acoustic analyzer;
- a waste fluid region configured to store waste sample fluid and waste wash fluid;
- and
- a third fluid conduit extending between the waste input port and the waste fluid region;
- wherein the card body is configured to be inserted into an acoustic analyzer and to sealingly couple to a glass flow cell within the acoustic analyzer, deliver sample fluid and wash fluid through the outlet port of the card body to a channel of the glass flow cell, and receive waste sample fluid and waste wash fluid from the glass flow cell.
An acoustic analyzer system comprising:
- an acoustic analyzer configured to receive a disposable card body;
- and
- a replaceable, multi-use glass flow cell positioned within the acoustic analyzer and configured to sealingly couple to the disposable card body when the disposable card body is inserted into the acoustic analyzer, the glass flow cell including:
- an inlet, an outlet and a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- wherein the inlet of the glass flow cell is configured to receive sample fluid and wash fluid from an outlet port of the disposable card body, direct flow of sample fluid and wash fluid through the channel and to the outlet of the glass flow cell;
- and
- wherein the outlet of the glass flow cell is configured to provide sample fluid and wash fluid to a waste inlet port of the disposable card body.
A method of using an acoustic analyzer comprising:
- receiving a card body within the acoustic analyzer, the card body including:
- a sample inlet port positioned to receive sample fluid;
- a waste inlet port;
- an outlet port;
- a first fluid conduit extending between the sample inlet port and the outlet port;
- a wash fluid chamber configured to hold a wash fluid;
- a second fluid conduit extending between the wash fluid chamber and the outlet port;
- a valve connecting the wash fluid chamber to the second fluid conduit and configured to control flow of wash fluid from the wash fluid chamber when the card body is inserted into the acoustic analyzer;
- a waste fluid region configured to store waste sample fluid and waste wash fluid;
- and
- a third fluid conduit extending between the waste inlet port and the waste fluid region;
- sealing the card body against a glass flow cell positioned with the acoustic analyzer, the glass flow cell including:
- an inlet, an outlet and a channel extending between the inlet and the outlet;
- wherein the inlet of the glass flow cell is configured to receive sample fluid and wash fluid from the outlet port of the card body, direct flow of sample fluid and wash fluid through the channel and to the outlet of the glass flow cell;
- and
- wherein the outlet of the glass flow cell is configured to provide sample fluid and wash fluid to the waste inlet port of the card body;
- receiving a sample fluid at the sample inlet port of the card body;
- directing the sample fluid through the first fluid conduit, through the outlet port of the card body and through the inlet of the glass flow cell into the channel of the glass flow cell;
- analyzing the sample fluid using the acoustic analyzer;
- and
- directing the sample fluid from the channel of the glass flow cell through the outlet of the glass flow cell, through the waste inlet port of the card body, and through the third fluid conduit to the waste fluid region of the card body.
The method of claim 16 wherein directing wash fluid comprises employing the acoustic analyzer to compress the wash fluid chamber.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.