Analysis system

Abstract

A system for analyzing a biological fluid specimen or the like includes an analysis chamber and an electrochemical electrode measuring system connected in sensing relation to the analysis chamber. A flow network connects a sample inlet port and an auxiliary fluid reservoir to the analysis chamber. The flow network includes a sample line connected between the sample inlet port and the analysis chamber and an auxiliary manifold connected to the auxiliary fluid reservoir. A positive displacement pump is connected in the sample line between the analysis chamber and a waste outlet port. A valved T-connection is provided between the sample line and the manifold; an inlet isolation valve is in the sample flow path between the sample inlet and the valved T-connection; an analysis chamber isolation valve is in the sample flow path between the valved T-connection and the analysis chamber; and both the sample line and the manifold have a vent valve, the sample line vent valve being connected between the inlet and chamber isolation valves and the manifold vent valve being connected upstream of the auxiliary fluid reservoir. Coordinated operation of the several valves permits the pump to selectively flow fluid from the auxiliary reservoir or a sample through the analysis chamber, together with imposition of nonlaminar flow conditions by concurrent operation of the vent valves to provide effective cleaning of flow surfaces and analysis chambers.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.