METHOD FOR HOLDING MULTIPLE TYPES OF DIAGNOSTIC TEST CONSUMABLES IN A RANDOM ACCESS SINGLE CONTAINER
First Claim
1. A method of enabling the determination of an inventory of test elements of multiple types stored in a clinical analyzer comprising:
- for each container in a clinical analyzer, sensing test elements within a group of test elements in a container containing multiple groups of test elements, wherein a gap capable of being sensed and detected is provided between each group of test elements;
using a processor, generating data from said sensing; and
using said data generated by the processor to provide an inventory of the multiple test elements in the clinical analyzer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An immunodiagnostic test method includes holding a selection of immunological test elements or consumables in one or more containers attached to or positioned in the analyzer and providing random access to any test element therein. The container can hold multiple types of test elements in compartments or slots. Through sensing of a test element position in its slot, the detection mechanism of the invention provides for random access to multiple types of test elements in any sleeve and within a single sleeve, and provides efficient inventory control. The method increases the number of test element types that may be loaded onto an analyzer and maintains fast determination of inventory.
5 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A method of enabling the determination of an inventory of test elements of multiple types stored in a clinical analyzer comprising:
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for each container in a clinical analyzer, sensing test elements within a group of test elements in a container containing multiple groups of test elements, wherein a gap capable of being sensed and detected is provided between each group of test elements; using a processor, generating data from said sensing; and using said data generated by the processor to provide an inventory of the multiple test elements in the clinical analyzer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A method for enabling random access to multiple types of consumables in a container for each container in a clinical analyzer, comprising:
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providing for arranging each type of test elements in a group within slots within the container; spacing each group of test elements apart from another group of test elements by a detectable gap; and using a processor, detecting the groups of test elements from the other groups of test elements in the container. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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- 28. A container enabling multiple types of test elements each being arranged together in the container according to its type and a detectable gap between each type of test element.
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34. A method of enabling automated ordering of replacement immunohematologic test elements from a manufacturer following determining a change in the number of test elements in a group in a clinical analyzer as determined during inventorying test elements in the clinical analyzer, using a processor, through connection to a laboratory information system or database.
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35. A method of enabling automated requisitioning of replacement immunohematologic test elements from a remote location within a hospital or laboratory following determining a change in the number of test elements in a group in a clinical analyzer as determined during inventorying test elements in the clinical analyzer, using a processor, through connection to a laboratory information system or database.
Specification