Centrifugal analyzer rotor unit and insert elements

A rotor unit for a centrifugal analyzer for analytically determining components of a sample, comprising:

• a rotatably driven circular rotor base, and a rotor head comprising a plurality of disposable insert elements and means for releasably mounting each insert element on the rotor base interchangeably at any one of a plurality of different selectable angular positions to positionally fix each insert element in place during rotation of the base and to enable the removal of each insert element after use,
• wherein the plurality of insert elements include at least one rigid sample analysis insert element for determining at least one sample component and having at least one first means forming a sample chamber for the reception of a liquid sample,
• at least one second means forming a measuring chamber radially outwardly from the associated sample chamber when the sample analysis element is mouted on the base for the measurement of characteristic parameters during the rotation of the rotor head for the detection of components of a sample, wherein the second means forming the measuring chamber is disposed in a first annular region at the periphery of the rotor head when the insert is mounted on the rotor base and includes means forming an optical window in the first annular region for optical measurement,
• at least one third means forming a liquid channel connecting the sample chamber with the measuring chamber and configured for an analysis to be carried out, and
• an analysis reagent in storage stable dry form positioned in the liquid channel radially between the sample chamber and the measurement chamber for being mounted and removed with the analysis insert element and at least partly dissolvable by a sample to effect combination and mixing with a sample in response to the effect of centrifugal force before arriving at the measurement chamber, and
• wherein the means for releasably mounting each insert element on the rotor base comprises cooperating form-locking holding means on the rotor base in close proximity to the first annular region and on each at least one rigid sample analysis insert element in close proximity to the optical window, whereby the entire form-locking holding means when cooperating is disposed in close proximity to the optical window to maintain the position of the optical window to high precision for a normally low tolerance disposable insert element.