cuvette structure for use in cuvette modules

Abstract

Aspects of this disclosure include cuvettes used in photometric assays. Aspects of this disclosure further include cuvette modules that use the cuvettes for performing photometric assays. Aspects of this disclosure further include systems and methods for performing photometric assays using the cuvettes.

Description

Description of Related Applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 500,506, filed on May 5, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

[0002] Various embodiments of the present disclosure broadly relate to systems and methods related to cuvettes, and more particularly to systems and methods related to cuvette modules.

Background Art

[0003] A cuvette is a small container made of a transparent material such as quartz, glass, or plastic. Cuvettes have conventionally been used for the analysis of liquids by spectrometers, fluorometers, or spectrophotometers. Cuvettes are also found in automated clinical chemistry analyzers and immunoassay devices and are used to analyze biological fluids to determine a patient's health status.

[0004] Conventional cuvettes have only one opening for injecting and aspirating the fluid to be analyzed. The liquid is injected into this opening with a pipette and fills the cuvette under the influence of gravity, displacing the air inside. The drawback of such cuvettes is that when the cuvette is reused, the liquid must be aspirated from the cuvette after the analysis is complete. Furthermore, to prevent carry-over between samples, the cuvette must be thoroughly cleaned. For this, the cuvette must be removed from its installation location and cleaned elsewhere, or a probe that can aspirate waste liquid and inject cleaning liquid must be used. This can be a time-consuming process that requires multiple cleaning steps for the cuvette and the probe. Alternatively, such open cuvettes may be disposable, in which case cleaning is not required. However, with disposable cuvettes, the cost of consumables increases and additional steps for the user to remove and insert are required.

[0005] Flow-through cuvettes, or flow cells, also exist. Flow-through cuvettes have multiple openings, allowing fluid to flow from a liquid inlet to a liquid outlet. Such flow cells are used in instruments including blood analyzers, refractometers, particle counters, and tablet dissolution testers, as well as certain fluorometers and spectrophotometers. Flow cells are intended for in-line use, with their input and output connected to a fluid network, and fluid being pumped into and out of the cell. The advantage of these flow cells is that they can be emptied more easily and cleaned in place. For example, the desired level of cleanliness can be achieved by directly flushing a cleaning solution into the flow cell and discharging it into a waste tank. However, conventional flow cells cannot be filled by gravity. Instead, a pressure gradient must be established (e.g., by using a pump) to push or draw the liquid into the flow cell. Also, mixing two or more fluids together in a flow cell is difficult because direct access to the fluids is generally not possible within the flow cell, and mechanical mixing methods are not available. Furthermore, many flow cells have structures such as expansion and contraction sections that tend to trap air bubbles during flow. In addition, many flow cells are connected to the upstream fluid network via union fittings, which can be a source of leakage. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, taking into account the shortcomings inherent in conventional technology, there is a need to provide a container, flow cell, or cuvette having a measuring area that can be loaded and held under the influence of gravity through an input unit and discharged from a separate output unit. Furthermore, the cuvette must be able to be filled while minimizing the opportunity for air bubbles to be incorporated within the measuring area. Additionally, the cuvette or container must be able to hold the liquid within the measuring area for as long as desired, and then be emptied to remove all or almost all of the liquid, so that any remaining trace amounts of liquid can be washed away with a minimal cleaning solution. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Aspects of this disclosure include cuvettes, cuvette modules, and systems for performing biological and chemical assays on various samples.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is a cuvette for holding a fluid, comprising: an inlet end having an inlet open to an atmosphere, the inlet being configured to receive a fluid distributed from above the cuvette to the inlet; and a body of the cuvette connected to the inlet end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, these walls comprising a measurement region in the inlet chamber, including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measurement region including a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity, and light passing through the first and second walls of the measurement region. A cuvette comprising a cuvette having multiple regions, including a measuring area and a tapered region having a proximal and distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measuring area, the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapering inward from the proximal end to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle being formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surface of the wall of the measuring area, and a cuvette body having multiple regions, including a neck region having an outlet located at the distal end of the tapered region and fluid-connected to the distal end of the tapered region, the neck region being designed to hold fluid within the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, the neck region includes an outlet passage. In some embodiments, the outlet passage includes an outlet opening having an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region further includes a restricting passage.

[0010] In some embodiments, the cuvette further includes a capillary valve between the transition at the distal end of the tapered region and the proximal end of the restricting passage. In some embodiments, the capillary valve is formed by the transition between the inner diameter at the distal end of the tapered region and the inner diameter at the proximal end of the restricting passage. In some embodiments, the restricting passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is constructed to hold a volume ranging from 0.01 microliters to 2 microliters.

[0011] In some embodiments, the volume of the measuring area of ​​the cuvette is more than 50% of the total volume of the fluid filling the cuvette. In some embodiments, the limiting passage has a length ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the limiting passage is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet passage of the neck area. In some embodiments, the first and second walls of the measuring area are substantially flat. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered area and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measuring area ranges from 130 to 179 degrees. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes a connection point between the distal end of the measuring area and the proximal end of the tapered area, and this connection point has an obtuse angle ranging from 130 to 179 degrees.

[0012] In some embodiments, the cuvette further includes a positioning feature designed to position a portion of the cuvette relative to the surface of a housing, manifold, sensor, or fluid valve. In some embodiments, the positioning feature is located at the inlet end. In some embodiments, the positioning feature is located at the proximal end of the measurement area. In some embodiments, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery surrounding the inlet. In some embodiments, the outer periphery extends radially outward from the cuvette, forming a lip that secures the cuvette in place. In some embodiments, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery surrounding the inlet. In some embodiments, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery located between the distal end of the measurement area and the proximal end of the tapered area.

[0013] In some embodiments, the neck region is located at the distal end of the tapered region, and the exit of the neck region is located at the distal end of the exit passage. In some embodiments, the exit of the cuvette has an opening with a diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the measuring region of the cuvette has an internal dimension that defines an optical path length ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cuvette is made from a transparent plastic selected from polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or other transparent plastics. In some embodiments, the cuvette is made from Eastman Tritan copolyester.

[0015] In some embodiments, the cuvette, or a portion thereof, is made of a material having a water / solid contact angle of less than 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the cuvette is connected to a pipe or passage at its distal end at the outlet. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes means for altering the optical properties of light passing through the cuvette.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette module comprising at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to an atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above at least one cuvette to the inlet; a central passage fluid-communicating with the outlet of at least one cuvette; and a fluid valve located between the central passage and a downstream passage, constructed to connect and disconnect the downstream passage from the central passage.

[0017] In some embodiments, the downstream passage is fluidly connected to a fluid valve and is located downstream thereof. In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a fluid seal configured to create an airtight seal between the outlet of at least one cuvette and the central passage. In some embodiments, the fluid seal is a gasket positioned around the outlet end of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the outlet of the cuvette is configured to create a radial seal with the gasket. In some embodiments, the gasket is configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealed seal between the outlet of the cuvette and the manifold of the cuvette module, the manifold constituting the central passage which fluidly connects the outlet of the cuvette and means for connecting to a fluid valve.

[0018] In some embodiments, the manifold comprises a downstream passage, a central passage, or both a downstream and a central passage. In some embodiments, the gasket is located within the manifold. In some embodiments, the gasket is located around the outlet of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the fluid seal is a radial O-ring seal or an axial gasket seal.

[0019] In some embodiments, when the fluid valve is closed, the fluid valve is configured to contain a volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the volume of air between the valve and any liquid in the cuvette inlet chamber ranges from 5 to 60 microliters. In some embodiments, a certain volume of air contained between the fluid valve and the cuvette inlet chamber is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the cuvette's restricting passage, and the compressed air creates a pressure equal to or opposite to the head pressure of the fluid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. In some embodiments, a certain volume of air contained between the fluid valve and the cuvette inlet chamber is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the cuvette's restricting passage, and consequently, the compressed air, combined with the capillary pressure associated with the capillary valve, creates a pressure equal to or opposite to the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes at least one cuvette.

[0020] In some embodiments, at least one cuvette includes a body of the cuvette connected to an inlet end, the body consisting of walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner and outer surface, these walls being an inlet chamber, a measuring region including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measuring region including a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity with fluid distributed to the inlet, and the first and second walls of the measuring region being made to allow light to pass through, the measuring region and a tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end An inlet chamber comprising a tapered region, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measurement region, the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapering inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle being formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region so that the fluid can be discharged once it has been measured; and a neck region comprising a fluid-connected neck region being located at the distal end of the tapered region, the neck region being designed to hold the fluid within the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the fluid valve is closed, it is configured to contain the volume of air between the fluid valve and the neck region of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the open position of the fluid valve creates a fluid connection between the outlet of the cuvette and the downstream passage.

[0022] In some embodiments, the volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber ranges from 5 to 60 microliters. In some embodiments, the module further includes mechanical means for holding the cuvette in a fixed position, and the inlet is maintained in an orientation and position for dripping or distributing fluid into the cuvette inlet, thereby filling the cuvette's inlet chamber by gravity.

[0023] In some embodiments, the cuvette module is a housing having one or more housing walls configured to hold at least one cuvette in a fixed position, and further includes a housing having an opening at a proximal end of the housing wall for inserting the cuvette into the housing. In some embodiments, the module further includes a cap configured to be attached to the housing to cover an inlet of at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the housing is made of a heat-conductive material. In some embodiments, the heat-conductive material is aluminum. In some embodiments, the housing includes at least one slot in at least one housing wall for aligning or positioning at least one cuvette at a selected position within the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes at least one fastener in at least one housing wall for retaining the cuvette within the housing.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least one cuvette includes two or more cuvettes, and each cuvette is disposed within a separate opening or slot of the housing for inserting and positioning each cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes two or more fluid valves. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes two or more downstream channels within a manifold. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes two or more central channels within a manifold. In some embodiments, each fluid valve is configured to be fluidly connected to each central channel, and each central channel is configured to be in fluid communication with an outlet of each cuvette.

[0025] In some embodiments, the module further includes means for guiding and detecting light that has interacted with at least a portion of the fluid contained within at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the module further includes means for guiding the light such that light from a light source is incident on a first wall of the cuvette, passes through, and interacts with at least a portion of the liquid contained therein.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a light source disposed adjacent to the measurement region of the cuvette, which irradiates light rays so as to pass through the measurement region of the cuvette, and a photodetector disposed to communicate optically with the measurement region of the cuvette and receiving at least a part of the light rays across the cuvette.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes two or more light sources and two or more photodetectors. Each light source is positioned adjacent to the measurement region of each cuvette, and each photodetector is positioned adjacent to the measurement region of each cuvette. In some embodiments, the module further includes means for filtering the light passing through the cuvette to change the wavelength component, polarization state, and / or intensity of the light.

[0028] In some embodiments, the module further includes a filter housing configured to hold one or more optical filters, and each optical filter is positioned adjacent to each cuvette. In some embodiments, the module further includes an optical mask.

[0029] In some embodiments, the cuvette module is configured such that light from the light source enters the cuvette through a first substantially flat wall of the cuvette, interacts with at least a part of the fluid contained in at least one cuvette, and exits from a second substantially flat wall of at least one cuvette, and the remaining light is collected by the detector. In some embodiments, the module further includes a heating and / or cooling element configured to control the temperature of the cuvette and the fluid in the cuvette.

[0030] In some embodiments, the photodetector is a silicon photodiode. In some embodiments, the module includes a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of fluid inside at least a portion of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the module includes a pressure sensor. In some embodiments, the module includes a tube or passage directly connected to the input of the cuvette, the tube or passage configured to hold a solution and move it to the input of the cuvette to fill the cuvette's inlet chamber. In some embodiments, the module includes one or more fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves, the one or more fluid passages connected to the distal ends of one or more fluid valves. In some embodiments, the module includes a pump connected to one or more fluid passages downstream of the outlet of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to confine a volume of air or air pocket between the pump and any fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. In some embodiments, the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, at least one cuvette is The information described herein It is at least one cuvette.

[0031] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a module having multiple cuvettes, fluid valves, a central passage, and downstream passages. In some embodiments, the fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves are coupled to a common or adjacent passage.

[0032] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for performing a photometric assay using the module of the present disclosure, the method comprising: (a) mechanically constraining a cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module; (b) closing a fluid valve within the module; (c) dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of the cuvette so that the fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, such that an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the fluid valve and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette; (d) directing light from a light source into the cuvette, the light being configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained within the inlet chamber of the cuvette; (e) collecting the light interacting with the fluid using a photodetector to collect data representing changes occurring in the fluid; and (f) opening the fluid valve of the module and pumping or pushing the fluid in the cuvette out through the outlet of the cuvette into a downstream passage. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after step (c), a step of treating the fluid in the cuvette as necessary by performing one or more steps selected from the steps of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette, mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette, and heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after step (e), a step of analyzing the data. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after step (f), a step of cleaning the cuvette by closing a fluid valve, filling the cuvette with solution, opening the fluid valve, and drawing or pushing the cleaning fluid through the outlet of the cuvette into the downstream passage.

[0033] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette is absorbed, and the photometric assay is an absorbance assay. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette is scattered, and the photometric assay is a scattering assay. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of measuring the change in polarization of the light interacting with the fluid in the cuvette. In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of measuring the fluorescence emission when the light interacts with the fluid in the cuvette.

[0034] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a fluid system comprising a cuvette module and a downstream pump of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the pump is mounted on a pipe or passage connected to a fluid valve, and when the fluid valve is closed, the pump is fluidly isolated from the cuvette, and when the valve is open, the pump is fluidly connected to the cuvette. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a waste liquid tank. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a cleaning fluid tank. In some embodiments, the fluid system further comprises a cleaning pump. In some embodiments, the fluid system further comprises a degasser. In some embodiments, the fluid system further comprises one or more pipettes. In some embodiments, the fluid system comprises at least one cuvette of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fluid system further comprises a mixer.

[0035] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for performing a photometric assay using the cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising: (a) mechanically constraining the cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module; (b) dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of the cuvette so that a fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, such that an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the pump and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette; (c) directing light from a light source into the cuvette, the light being configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained in the inlet chamber of the cuvette; (d) collecting the light interacting with the fluid using a photodetector to collect data representing changes occurring in the fluid; and (e) using a pump to draw the fluid in the cuvette through the outlet of the cuvette into a downstream passage. In some embodiments, the method further includes, after step (b), using a pump to slightly increase the pressure in a certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump. In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of processing the fluid in a cuvette by performing one or more steps selected from the following: a step of slightly increasing the pressure in a certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump; a step of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette; a step of mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette; and a step of heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette.

[0036] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of analyzing data after step (d). In some embodiments, the method includes a step of cleaning the cuvette by filling the cuvette with cleaning fluid and drawing the cleaning fluid through the outlet of the cuvette to a downstream passage after step (e).

[0037] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette module comprising at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to an atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above at least one cuvette to the inlet; a central passage in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one cuvette; and a pump connected between the central passage and a downstream passage, the downstream passage being located downstream of the pump. In some embodiments, the pump is configured to confine an air reservoir or a certain volume of air between the pump and any fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump.

[0038] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cuvette comprising an inlet end having an inlet open to an atmosphere, the inlet being configured to receive fluid distributed from above the cuvette to the inlet; and a body of the cuvette connected to the inlet end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner and outer surface, these walls comprising a measuring region in the inlet chamber, the proximal end being located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measuring region comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity, and the first wall of the measuring region A cuvette comprising a cuvette having multiple regions, including a measuring region and a second wall made to allow light to pass through, a tapered region including a proximal and distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measuring region, the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapering inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to a constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and a neck region including an outlet located at the distal end of the tapered region, which is fluid-connected to the distal end of the tapered region, and the neck region being designed to hold fluid within the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet.

[0039] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette having a measuring area that can be loaded and held under the influence of gravity through an input and discharged from another output; a structure that ensures the cuvette can be filled while minimizing the opportunity for air bubbles to be introduced into the measuring area; and a structure that can hold liquid in the measuring area for as long as desired and then be emptied to remove all or almost all of the liquid therefrom.

[0040] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette shape that maintains a volume of fluid that interacts with light during a photometric assay while minimizing the total fluid volume required to fill it.

[0041] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a unique cuvette module into which at least one cuvette can be detachably inserted, the module enabling easy integration of the cuvette with all the hardware necessary to perform a desired assay.

[0042] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette structure that provides a positioning feature configured to position a portion of a cuvette on the surface of a housing, manifold, sensor, or fluid valve. In some embodiments, the positioning feature allows the cuvette to be removably inserted into a precise position within a module.

[0043] Another aspect of this disclosure includes systems and methods for performing biological and chemical assays on various samples using the cuvettes and cuvette modules.

[0044] One aspect of the present disclosure is a cuvette for holding a fluid, comprising a cuvette having an inlet end with an inlet open to an atmosphere, wherein the inlet is configured to receive a fluid that is drooped or distributed from above the cuvette into the inlet. The cuvette comprises a body of the cuvette connected to the inlet end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner and outer surface, these walls comprising a measuring region in the inlet chamber, comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measuring region comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled with a fluid that is drooped or distributed into the inlet under the influence of gravity, and made so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measuring region, and a tapered region comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measuring region An inlet chamber comprising a tapered region, wherein the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle is formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measuring region, allowing the fluid to be discharged from the cuvette when the fluid is measured; and a cuvette body comprising a plurality of regions, including an outlet end fluid-connected to the body of the cuvette, which includes an outlet configured to hold the fluid in the inlet chamber for as long as desired but to allow it to exit the cuvette when an additional pressure drop is applied across the outlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first and second walls of the measuring area are substantially flat. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered area and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measuring area ranges from 130 to 179 degrees. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes a connection point between the distal end of the measuring area and the proximal end of the tapered area, the connection point having an obtuse angle ranging from 130 to 179 degrees.

[0046] In some embodiments, the cuvette includes a positioning feature, which is configured to position a portion of the cuvette relative to the surface of a housing, manifold, sensor, or fluid valve of the cuvette module of the present disclosure.

[0047] In some embodiments, the entrance end further includes a positioning feature. In some embodiments, the positioning feature is located at the proximal end of the measurement area. In some embodiments, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery surrounding the entrance. In some embodiments, the outer periphery includes a lip extending radially outward from the container to secure the container in place.

[0048] In some embodiments, the positioning feature is connected to first and second walls. In some embodiments, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery surrounding an entrance. In some embodiments, the cuvette further includes a positioning feature, the positioning feature including an outer periphery located between the distal end of the measuring region and the proximal end of the tapered region.

[0049] In some embodiments, the outlet is located at the distal end of the tapered region.

[0050] In some embodiments, the body of the cuvette further includes a neck region located at the distal end of the tapered region, and the distal end of the neck region includes an outlet. In some embodiments, the outlet of the cuvette has an opening with a diameter between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0051] In some embodiments, the neck region includes an outlet passage that fluidly connects the distal end of the tapered region to the outlet.

[0052] In some embodiments, the outlet passage is a restricting passage having an inner diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0053] In some embodiments, the neck region comprises two passages, a restricting passage and an outlet passage, the restricting passage being adjacent to and in fluid communication with the distal end of the tapered region, the distal end of the restricting passage being connected to the proximal end of the outlet passage, and the distal end of the outlet passage being connected to the outlet. In other words, the restricting passage and the outlet passage are in series, fluidly connecting the distal end of the tapered region to the outlet. In some embodiments, the diameter of the restricting passage is between 0.1 mm and 1 mm, and the diameter of the outlet passage is between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

[0054] In some embodiments, the outlet of the cuvette is fluidically restricted using a limiting element inserted into the tapered region of the cuvette, the limiting element having an opening between 0.1 mm and 1 mm in diameter.

[0055] In some embodiments, the cuvette is made from a transparent plastic selected from polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or other transparent plastics.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cuvette is made from Eastman Tritan copolyester.

[0057] In some embodiments, the cuvette is connected to a pipe or passage at the distal end of the outlet.

[0058] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette for holding a fluid, comprising: an inlet end having an inlet open to an atmosphere, the inlet being configured to receive a fluid that is dripped or distributed from above the cuvette to the inlet; a body of the cuvette connected to the inlet end, the body of which comprises walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner and outer surface, these walls comprising an inlet chamber containing a measuring region, the proximal end of which is located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measuring region comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the measuring region being filled with a fluid distributed to the inlet under the influence of gravity, and the first and second walls of the measuring region being made to allow light to pass through; and a cuvette body having a plurality of regions, the body of which comprises an outlet end fluid-connected to the body of the cuvette, the outlet being able to hold liquid in the measuring region for as long as desired, but which also comprises an outlet acting as a passive valve that discharges the fluid from the outlet when additional pressure is applied across the outlet as required.

[0059] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the outlet is small.

[0060] In some embodiments, the cuvette further includes pinching elements for creating a tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measurement region, and the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, forming an obtuse angle between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region, allowing the fluid to be discharged from the cuvette once the fluid is measured.

[0061] In some embodiments, the pinching element is configured to open and close the exit of the cuvette.

[0062] In some embodiments, the pinching element is configured to reversibly create the neck and tapered regions of the cuvette.

[0063] In some embodiments, the cuvette is connected to a pipe or passage at the distal end of the outlet.

[0064] In some embodiments, the cuvette has a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0065] In some embodiments, the cuvette is coated with or made from a material that alters the characteristics of the light passing through the cuvette in a manner that enables or improves the performance of the assay being performed therein.

[0066] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a cuvette module comprising a cuvette structure of the present disclosure and a housing including one or more housing walls shaped to hold and mechanically restrain the cuvette in place.

[0067] In some embodiments, the housing includes an opening at the proximal end of the housing wall for inserting a cuvette into the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a slot in at least one of the housing walls for aligning or positioning the cuvette at a selected position within the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a fastener in at least one of the housing walls for securing the cuvette within the housing.

[0068] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a manifold having a fluid passage located between the cuvette outlet and a fluid valve, and fluidly connecting them.

[0069] In some embodiments, the manifold further includes a gasket positioned around the outlet end of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the outlet end of the cuvette is configured to form a radial seal with the gasket. In some embodiments, the gasket is configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-seal seal between the manifold and the outlet of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the gasket is configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-seal seal between the first fluid passage and the outlet of the cuvette.

[0070] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes an active fluid valve (e.g., a valve controlled by an externally applied signal) fluid-connected to the central passage of the manifold, the active fluid valve can be opened and closed, and when the valve is open, a fluid passage is created from the cuvette outlet to a passage downstream of the valve (e.g., a downstream passage), and when the valve is closed, the cuvette outlet is blocked from the downstream passage. If there is liquid in the cuvette, when the valve is closed, a small volume of air is trapped between the liquid and the valve.

[0071] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a second gasket configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the active fluid valve and the manifold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a light source located adjacent to the measuring area of ​​the container, which irradiates the measuring area of ​​the cuvette with light rays, and a photodetector positioned to optically communicate with the measuring area of ​​the cuvette and receive at least a portion of the light rays that have crossed the cuvette.

[0073] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes an opening through which an optical element such as a filter or lens can be detachably inserted, so that light passes through the optical element before and / or after passing through the measuring area of ​​the cuvette.

[0074] In some embodiments, a cuvette is one of an array of cuvettes, each cuvette located within a housing. In some embodiments, each cuvette in the array of cuvettes is located within a separate opening or slot for inserting and positioning each cuvette.

[0075] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes an array of active fluid valves.

[0076] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a manifold having an array of fluid passages, each fluid passage located between each outlet and each active fluid valve of the cuvette, and fluidly connecting them.

[0077] In some embodiments, each active fluid valve is fluidly connected to a fluid passage in the manifold, and each active fluid valve is designed to open and close. When the valve is open, a fluid passage is created from the cuvette outlet to the passage downstream of the valve, and when the valve is closed, the cuvette outlet is blocked from the downstream passage. If there is liquid in the cuvette, this action traps a small volume of air between the closed valve and the liquid.

[0078] In some embodiments, the volume of air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette and the active fluid valve is small, and therefore the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette is substantially smaller than the increase in air pressure that would result from the compression of air when the fluid is to pass through the limiting element in the neck region of the cuvette.

[0079] In some embodiments, the active fluid valve functions in relation to a restricting region (e.g., a restricting passage) within the neck region of the cuvette to hold the fluid in the cuvette inlet chamber until the active fluid valve is opened.

[0080] In some embodiments, a small volume of air trapped between the cuvette and the closed active fluid valve is pressurized above atmospheric pressure when the liquid enters the restricting passage within the neck region of the cuvette.

[0081] In some embodiments, the arrangement of cuvettes includes two or more cuvettes. In some embodiments, the arrangement of active fluid valves includes two or more active fluid valves.

[0082] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes an array of light sources and an array of photodetectors, where each light source is located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette, and each photodetector is located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes an array of cuvettes. In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a tube or passage connected to the distal end of the cuvettes.

[0083] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a system for performing photometric measurements of a fluid, which includes a cuvette module and a pump according to the present disclosure.

[0084] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a waste tank. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a washing fluid tank. In some embodiments, the microfluidic system further comprises a washing pump. In some embodiments, the microfluidic system further comprises a degasser. In some embodiments, the microfluidic system further comprises one or more pipettes. In some embodiments, the one or more pipettes include one or more automated pipettes. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a heating element.

[0085] Another aspect of this disclosure includes a method for performing processing and photometric measurements.

[0086] In some embodiments, the method includes (a) distributing a fluid from above the cuvette to the inlet of the cuvette structure of the Disclosure under the influence of gravity to deliver the fluid to the cuvette; and (b) processing the fluid while it is held in the inlet chamber. In some embodiments, the method further includes (c) transmitting light from a first light source through a measuring area of ​​the cuvette containing the fluid to a photodetector; (d) collecting data representing the fluid; and (e) determining the presence or absence of one or more analytes in the fluid.

[0087] In some embodiments, the method further includes (f) a step of discharging the fluid from the cuvette through an outlet and cleaning the cuvette to prepare it for further fluid processing.

[0088] In some embodiments, the method further includes a step of analyzing data representing the fluid prior to step (e).

[0089] In some embodiments, the analysis step includes determining the concentration of one or more analytes in the fluid. In some embodiments, the data collection step includes collecting fluorescence analysis measurements of the fluid.

[0090] In some embodiments, the step of collecting data representing a fluid includes the step of measuring the absorbance of the fluid. In some embodiments, the step of collecting data representing a fluid includes the step of measuring the concentration of the fluid.

[0091] In some embodiments, one or more analytes are selected from blood urea nitrogen (BUN), carbon dioxide (CO2), creatinine, glucose, chloride, potassium, sodium, calcium, hemoglobin, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, amylase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lipase, magnesium, phosphorus, direct bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), ammonia, lactate (LAC), fructose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid, bile acid, HbA1c, and creatine kinase.

[0092] In some embodiments, the analysis step includes measuring the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) in the fluid. In some embodiments, the analysis step includes measuring the mean corpuscular hemoglobin amount (MCH) in the fluid. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0093] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] A diagram showing a spectrophotometer and a chemical analyzer and a cuvette for use therein, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2A] An exemplary cuvette structure of the present disclosure, including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette body located between the inlet and the outlet, and a side view of the cuvette body according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2B] An exemplary cuvette structure of the present disclosure, including an inlet, an outlet, and the body of the cuvette located between the inlet and the outlet, is shown in a side view illustrating the outlet passage and the restricting passage of the cuvette according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2C] An exemplary cuvette structure of the present disclosure, including an inlet, an outlet, and the body of the cuvette located between the inlet and the outlet, and a side view showing a restricting passage of the cuvette at the top of the neck region, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2D] An exemplary cuvette structure of the present disclosure, including an inlet, an outlet, and the body of the cuvette located between the inlet and the outlet, a side view showing a gradually and smoothly transitioning tapering region of the cuvette according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2E] An exemplary cuvette structure of the present disclosure, including an inlet, an outlet, and the body of the cuvette located between the inlet and the outlet, a side view showing a tapering region of the cuvette transitioning to a flat section, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3] A cross-sectional view showing an exemplary cuvette structure of the present invention, arranged adjacent to a light emitter and a detector, according to one or more embodiments, along with the light cone from the light emitter. [Figure 4A]Isometric and cross-sectional views of a cuvette structure according to the Disclosure, wherein the cuvette structure is injection moldable according to one or more embodiments, the isometric and cross-sectional views of a cuvette including an outer periphery surrounding the entrance end of the cuvette and a connection point having an obtuse angle between the distal end of the measuring region of the cuvette and the proximal end of the tapered region. [Figure 4B] Isometric and cross-sectional views of cuvette structures according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the cuvette structure is injection moldable, and the cuvette includes an outer peripheral edge located at the proximal end of a tapered region surrounding the cuvette. [Figure 5A] Cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure of the present disclosure fluidly connected to a downstream active valve, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5B] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure of the present disclosure, fluidly connected to a downstream active valve, according to one or more embodiments, showing the force acting on the liquid when the cuvette is filled with liquid up to the opening of the restricting passage in the neck region, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5C] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure of the present disclosure, fluidly connected to a downstream active valve, according to one or more embodiments, showing the force acting on the liquid when the liquid enters a restricting passage in the neck region, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 5D] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure of the present disclosure, fluidly connected to a downstream active valve, according to one or more embodiments, showing the force acting on the liquid when the liquid fills the restricting passage, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a cuvette having a neck region with a relatively large inner diameter into which a limiting element is press-fitted, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 7] Isometric and cross-sectional views of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments, in which the cuvette has a shorter neck compared to the neck region in Figure 4B, and an axial gasket plate. [Figure 8A] Isometric drawings of cuvettes having a body with a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8B] Top view of a cuvette having a body with a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 8C] A diagram of a cuvette having a body with a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments, comprising a cross-sectional view and a top view of the cuvette module according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 9A] Isometric drawings of colored cuvettes according to one or more embodiments, in which the properties of light transmitted through the cuvette can be changed by one or more colors. [Figure 9B] Isometric view of a cuvette with one or more coatings, according to one or more embodiments, in which the properties of light transmitted through the cuvette are altered by one or more coatings. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11A] A diagram showing an example of multiple cuvettes being joined together by assembling individual cuvettes into a whole, according to one or more embodiments, in which multiple cuvettes are arranged in a 1D array, and a schematic diagram of the 1D array of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11B] A diagram showing an example of multiple cuvettes being joined together by the assembly of individual cuvettes into a whole, according to one or more embodiments, in which multiple cuvettes are arranged in a circular configuration, and a diagram showing an arrangement of molded cuvettes assembled in a circular holder, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11C] A figure showing an example of multiple cuvettes joined together by an integral manufacturing process according to one or more embodiments, in which multiple cuvettes are arranged in a 1D array, and the figure shows an isometric view and a cross-sectional view of the integrated 1D array of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11D] A figure showing an example of multiple cuvettes being joined together by assembling individual cuvettes into a whole, according to one or more embodiments, in which multiple cuvettes are in a 2D array configuration, and a figure showing a two-dimensional array of molded cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 12]A diagram showing exemplary components of a cuvette module, including a cuvette, housing, manifold, and fluid valve, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an array of cuvettes and components of an exemplary multiplexed cuvette module, including a single unit cell of a cuvette module, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 14] Exploded view of an exemplary multiplexed cuvette module according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 15A] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, the cuvette module providing a radial O-ring seal configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the cuvette and the manifold, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 15B] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, the cuvette module providing an axial gasket seal configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the cuvette and the manifold, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 15C] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing the state of the module before liquid is dripped into or dispensed into the cuvette, with the cuvette and tubing under atmospheric pressure. [Figure 15D] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing the state of the module when a liquid is dripped or dispensed into the cuvette, thereby trapping a volume V1 of air between the valve and the liquid, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 15E]A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing a state of the module in which some of the liquid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, thereby compressing the confined volume of air to a volume V2. [Figure 15F] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing a state in which the valve is open and fluid is drained from the cuvette by a downstream pump, thereby emptying the cuvette, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 15G] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing the state of the module before liquid is dripped into or distributed into the cuvette, with all upstream of the cuvette, tubing, and pump under atmospheric pressure. [Figure 15H] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing an embodiment in which liquid is dripped or distributed into the cuvette, thereby trapping a volume V1 of air between the pump and the liquid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. [Figure 15I] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing an alternative state in which some of the liquid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, thereby compressing the confined volume of air to volume V2. [Figure 15J]A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing an optional aspect of this embodiment, in which a very small pressure is applied to the air chamber, thereby momentarily increasing the pressure in the confined air volume above the liquid head pressure. [Figure 15K] A cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments, showing the cuvette being emptied by a pump that draws fluid from the cuvette, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 16A] A diagram illustrating an example of a cuvette module of the present disclosure according to one or more embodiments, the diagram showing a cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 16B] A diagram illustrating an example of a cuvette module of the present disclosure according to one or more embodiments, an isometric view of a cuvette module according to one or more embodiments, comprising one or more filter holders in a housing capable of accommodating optical filters. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a cuvette and a soft rubber tube located at the end of the cuvette outlet, serving the purpose of a manifold, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 18] A diagram showing a fluid system structure comprising a cuvette, cuvette module, and fluid base with passages or tubes connecting individual cuvettes to a single waste chamber, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19A] A workflow diagram of a method of the present disclosure, which, according to one or more embodiments, uses a cuvette module to fill and mix a liquid into a cuvette of the present disclosure, to measure and analyze a sample, and to empty the cuvette after the sample has been measured and analyzed, the diagram showing the step of filling and mixing a liquid using a cuvette module, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 19B]A workflow diagram of a method of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments, which involves filling and mixing a liquid into a cuvette of the present disclosure using a cuvette module, measuring and analyzing a sample, and emptying the cuvette after the sample has been measured and analyzed, the diagram showing a step of using a cuvette module in the system according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 20] A diagram showing the fluid architecture of one or more embodiments of the exemplary systems of this disclosure. [Figure 21] A diagram showing a process flow of a method of the disclosure, including clinical chemistry, using the cuvette module of the disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 22] A diagram illustrating an example of a fluid system for a cuvette module, comprising tubes or passages connected to holes in the cuvette for distributing fluid into the cuvette, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 23] A diagram showing a cuvette in which the measurement area is contained within the inlet chamber, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 24A] A diagram showing a cuvette structure in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 24B] Figure 24A shows a cuvette structure in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber. [Figure 24C] Figure 24A shows a cuvette structure in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber. [Figure 25] A diagram showing a cuvette module system, including an integrated module, a washing station, and a pipette system, for use in sample processing, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 26] A diagram showing a cuvette module including a circular arrangement of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0094] Generally, as used herein, terms such as “sample,” “biological sample,” and “chemical sample” refer to samples of fluid materials that are assumed to contain the analyte under consideration. Examples of samples include body fluids (whole blood, serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, lymph, etc.) and other fluids (e.g., cell culture suspensions, cell extracts, cell culture supernatants, etc.). Samples may be suspended or dissolved in, for example, buffers, extractants, solvents, etc. Additional examples of samples are given by fluids intentionally created for the study of biological processes or for the discovery and screening of drug candidates. The latter include aqueous samples containing, but are not limited to, bacteria, viruses, DNA, polypeptides, natural or recombinant proteins, metal ions, or drug candidates, and mixtures thereof.

[0095] Aspects of this disclosure include containers for holding fluids, such as cuvettes or tubes or passages, or other fluid holders. These containers can be used in devices or instruments for performing measurements or tests. In one embodiment, the container or cuvette is used in a cuvette module for performing photometric measurements. While the term “cubette” is used throughout for illustrative purposes, it will be understood that this may refer to any type of sample holder or container, such as a test tube, a well or microwell in a plate, or a centrifuge tube.

[0096] This disclosure provides a cuvette structure that can be used in an instrument capable of performing multiple clinical chemistry, hematology, and / or immunology assays. Preferably, the instrument is a composite instrument capable of performing all of these types of assays.

[0097] The cuvettes of this disclosure are designed for use in photometric and radiometric assays (the terms “optics” and “photometric” are used herein as synonyms). These assays involve the detection of light intensity as a means of quantifying an analyte. This broadly includes assays based on absorption, scattering, polarization, fluorescence, and emission, which are widely employed as tools for determining the concentration of analytes in both human and animal biological samples, such as blood, urine, and saliva, to name a few examples. In vitro diagnostic devices using photometric detection techniques have been developed for a wide variety of clinical biomarkers.

[0098] Aspects of this disclosure include cuvettes for use in photometric measurements.

[0099] Referring to Figure 2A, an example of a cuvette of this disclosure includes a cuvette 200 which includes an inlet 201, an outlet 202, and a body 203. The cuvette 200 may include an inlet 201, an outlet 202, a body 203, an inner wall 204, an outer wall 205, an inlet chamber 206, a measuring area 207, a tapered area 208, a neck area 209, a limiting passage 210, an outer edge 211, a taper angle 212, a proximal end of the measuring area 213, a distal end of the measuring area 214, an outer wall 220, an inner wall 221, and an outlet passage 240. Figure 2B shows the outlet passage and limiting passage of a cuvette according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 200 may include a tapered area 208, a neck area 209, an outlet 202, a limiting passage 210, and an outlet passage 240. The outlet passage 240 may be the same as the limiting passage 210. Figure 2C shows the limiting passage of a cuvette at the top of the neck area according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 200 may include an outlet 202, a limiting passage 210, and an outlet passage 240. The restricting passage 210 may be at the top of the neck region, and the exit passage 240 may be below the restricting passage 210. Figure 2D shows a tapering region of a cuvette that transitions gradually and smoothly according to one or more embodiments. The transition angle from the tapering region to the neck region may be greater than 180 degrees. Figure 2E shows a tapering region of a cuvette that transitions to a flat section according to one or more embodiments. The transition angle from the tapering region to the flat bottom may be less than 180 degrees. The transition angle from the flat bottom to the neck region may be equal to 90 degrees. The structure of this cuvette prevents air bubbles from being trapped inside the cuvette; ensures complete drainage from the cuvette after sample measurement, leaving no residual fluid; eliminates sharp edges and corners where fluid could accumulate; and allows the liquid in the measurement area to be retained for as long as desired, while also allowing drainage when an additional pressure drop is applied to the outlet, ensuring that the optical path length traversed by the ray is sufficient for the desired photometric assay. In addition, the structure and orientation of the cuvette are such that gravity ensures that the fluid supplied through the inlet enters and uniformly fills the inlet chamber 206 and the measurement area 207. The cuvette also includes a restricting passage 210 located within the neck region 209 of the cuvette. This restricting passage helps to retain all of the liquid in the inlet chamber while the liquid is being processed.

[0100] This cuvette structure also allows for sample processing and measurement within a single cuvette structure. For example, as shown in the workflow using a cuvette within the cuvette module in Figure 19, the cuvette of this disclosure makes it possible to pipette and actively mix reagents and samples within a single cuvette before or during sample measurement.

[0101] The cuvette is designed such that when it is placed in the corresponding cuvette module and loaded with a predicted volume of fluid (e.g., sample, reagent, or sample and reagent), the volume of that fluid fills the inlet chamber, which includes the measurement area 207 located close to the positions of the light emitter and detector.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cuvette structure of the present invention, arranged adjacent to a light emitter and a detector, according to one or more embodiments, along with an optical cone from the light emitter. The system 399 may comprise a cuvette 300, the outer surface of a first wall 305, a light emitter 314, a detector 315, the outer surface of a second wall 316, an optical cone 317, a spacer 341 for the light emitter, the upper surface 395 of the tapered region of the cuvette, the upper surface 396 of the liquid volume, the liquid volume 397, and a spacer 398 for the detector. For example, as shown in Figure 3, when the cuvette 300 is filled with a desired volume of fluid, the light emitter and detector are positioned approximately midway between the tip of the cuvette and the upper surface of the liquid volume, so that the light cone from the light emitter is not disturbed by the liquid / air meniscus or the tip of the cuvette. In addition, the cuvette of this disclosure is designed to process and optically measure a sample simultaneously. Alternatively, the sample can be processed in the cuvette first, and then measured.

[0103] A key feature of this cuvette is that, once the fluid is received into the cuvette's inlet, gravity is required to fill the inlet chamber, including the measurement area, thus eliminating the need for a pressure gradient in the measurement area of ​​the cuvette's inlet chamber. In some embodiments, the capillary pressure generated at the liquid / air interface at the outlet of the cuvette's neck region is greater than the gravitational force acting on the fluid, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing out of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes a restricting passage located between the tapered region of the cuvette and the outlet passage of the neck region. In some embodiments, the capillary pressure generated at the liquid / air interface in this restricting fluid passage is greater than the gravitational force acting on the fluid, thereby preventing the fluid from flowing out of the cuvette for as long as desired during processing. The cuvette can be emptied by applying a pressure drop to the fluid (e.g., by pumping).

[0104] As shown in Figure 2A, the body includes an inlet chamber 206 that houses the measuring area. The body also includes a tapered area and a neck area. The neck area includes an outlet passage and a restricting passage adjacent to the inlet chamber. Figures 2B-2C show examples of cuvettes with a neck area having a restricting passage according to one or more embodiments. In Figure 2B, the outlet passage 240 is identical to the restricting passage 210, and these passages extend the entire length of the neck area. In Figure 2C, the restricting passage 210 is adjacent to the tapered area, located at the top of the neck area, and connected in series with the larger diameter outlet passage 240. Figures 2D-2E show examples of cuvettes, where in Figure 2D, the tapered area transitions gradually and smoothly into the restricting passage of the neck area. In Figure 2E, the tapered area transitions into a flat section and then abruptly into the restricting passage of the neck area.

[0105] The entrance to the cuvette As shown in Figures 2A–2D, the cuvette includes an inlet end having an inlet 201 open to the atmosphere. This inlet is designed to receive a sample that is dripped or dispensed from above the cuvette into the inlet, and the fluid enters the inlet chamber under the influence of gravity. The cuvette can be pipetted with fluid into the inlet and the measurement area of ​​the inlet chamber, and can be positioned within the cuvette module so that the measurement area is filled under the influence of gravity. In some embodiments, the fluid can be dripped from above the cuvette into the inlet, for example, by gravity. In some embodiments, the fluid can be dispensed from above the cuvette into the inlet, for example, by a pipette. Once the fluid is dripped or dispensed into the cuvette inlet, the inlet chamber containing the measurement area is filled with fluid under the influence of gravity to a level determined solely by gravity. In other words, once the fluid is dripped or dispensed into the cuvette inlet, the fluid balances out at the same level in the inlet chamber under the influence of gravity.

[0106] For example, the size and orientation of the inlet chamber and measurement area are such that gravity within them is greater than any other forces within them (such as surface tension or capillary forces), and therefore the liquid uniformly fills these volumes without incorporating air bubbles.

[0107] Figures 4A-4B provide isometric and cross-sectional views of cuvette structures according to the present disclosure, which are injection moldable according to one or more embodiments. Figure 4A shows a cuvette according to one or more embodiments, which includes an outer periphery surrounding the inlet end of the cuvette and a connection point having an obtuse angle between the distal end of the measuring region of the cuvette and the proximal end of the tapered region. The cuvette 400 may include a taper angle / connection point 412, a proximal end of the outlet passage 441, an outlet passage 440, a distal end of the outlet passage 442, an outlet 402, a distal end of the tapered region 419, a neck region 409, a tapered region 408, a proximal end of the tapered region 418, a measuring region 407, an outer periphery 411, and a thickened region 451 for providing a gate in the part. Figure 4B shows isometric and cross-sectional views of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments, which may include an outer periphery surrounding the cuvette, located at the proximal end of the tapered region. The cuvette 400 may include an inlet 401, an outlet 402, a body 403, an inner wall 404, an outer wall 405, an inlet chamber 406, a measuring area 407, a tapered area 408, a neck area 409, an outer edge 411, a taper angle 412, a proximal end 413 of the measuring area, a distal end 414 of the measuring area, a proximal end 418 of the tapered area, and a distal end 419 of the tapered area.

[0108] In some embodiments, the entrance end further includes a positioning feature. In certain embodiments, the positioning feature is located at the proximal end of the measurement area (e.g., closest to the entrance). In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 4A, the positioning feature includes an outer periphery 411 surrounding the entrance. In some embodiments, the outer periphery 411 constitutes a lip extending radially outward from the cuvette. In some embodiments, the purpose of the positioning feature is to position the cuvette relative to a rigid stopping point that prevents movement of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the positioning feature is connected to the first and second walls of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the positioning feature, as shown in Figure 4B, is located at the distal end of the measurement area.

[0109] As described herein, the inlet is open directly to the atmosphere and is appropriately sized to allow samples or reagents to flow through the inlet from any other container, such as a pipette or cartridge. The width of the inlet is appropriately sized to allow a pipette to easily access the opening. In some embodiments, the width of the inlet opening is between 3 mm and 10 mm. Furthermore, the inlet opening and the inlet chamber are appropriately sized so that the measuring area of ​​the cuvette is filled with fluid under the influence of gravity without creating bubbles within the measuring area, and so that the fluid can be mixed, for example, by mechanical stirring.

[0110] cuvette body In some embodiments of the present disclosure, as shown in Figure 2, the cuvette 200 includes a body 203 connected to an inlet end. The body consists of walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface 204 and an outer surface 205. In some embodiments, the body portion of the cuvette includes an inlet chamber 206, which includes a measuring area 207 and a tapered area 208. In some embodiments, the body portion includes a neck area 209 having an outlet passage 240. In some embodiments, the neck area has a restricting passage 210, the inner diameter of which the restricting passage is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet passage.

[0111] Entrance Chamber As shown in Figure 2, the inlet chamber includes a measurement region 207, which has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end 213 of the measurement region is located at or near the end of the cuvette inlet 201, while the distal end 214 of the measurement region is located at or near the beginning of the tapered region 208. The walls of the measurement region include a first wall and a second wall opposite this first wall, so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measurement region depending on the position of the light source. In some embodiments, the first and second walls of the measurement region are substantially flat (see, for example, the wall adjacent to the measurement region in Figure 2). As shown in Figure 3, the measurement region is sized to receive light from the light emitter 314 from one side of the cuvette and allow it to pass through the cuvette 300 to the photodetector 315 on the opposite side of the cuvette without interference.

[0112] For example, as shown in Figures 3 and 13, when the light source 314 is closest to the first wall (the leftmost wall 305 in Figure 3), the light will first pass through the first wall 305, then through the center of the cuvette's measurement area, and then through the second wall (the rightmost wall 316 in Figure 3). In this example, the photodetector 315 is located close to the second wall 316. Figure 3 also shows the optical cone 317 that passes through the measurement area. In some embodiments, the optical path length of the measurement area ranges from 1 to 20 mm, such as 1 to 10 mm, 5 to 10 mm, 7 to 10 mm, 10 to 15 mm, 5 to 12 mm, and 8 to 15 mm. In some embodiments, the optical path length of the measurement area is 1 mm or more, 1.5 mm or more, 2 mm or more, 2.5 mm or more, 3 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4 mm or more, 4.5 mm or more, 5 mm or more, 5.5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 6.5 mm or more, 7 mm or more, 7.5 mm or more, 8 mm or more, 8.5 mm or more, 9 mm or more, 9.5 mm or more, 10 mm or more, 10.5 mm or more, 11 mm or more, 11.5 mm or more, 12 mm or more, 12.5 mm or more, 13 mm or more, 13.5 mm or more, 14 mm or more, 14.5 mm or more, 15 mm or more, 15.5 mm or more, 16 mm or more, 16.5 mm or more, 17 mm or more, 17.5 mm or more, 18 mm or more, 18.5 mm or more, 19 mm or more, or 20 mm or more. The optical path length varies depending on the assay being performed. For example, a longer optical path length would be optimal for assays with low sample concentrations. Conversely, a shorter optical path length would be optimal for assays with high sample concentrations. As another non-limiting example, a shorter optical path length would be optimal for assays requiring high absorbance levels.

[0113] tapered area Referring to Figure 4B, the body 403 of the cuvette 400 further includes a tapered region 408. The tapered region 408 includes a proximal end and a distal end, as shown in Figure 4A. The proximal end 418 is located near or closest to the distal end of the measuring region 407, while the distal end 419 of the tapered region is located near or closest to the cuvette's outlet 402 or an optional neck region 409. For example, the tapered region 408 is located at the distal end of the measuring region 407, and the inner surface of the wall in the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region 408 to the constricted section at the distal end 419 of the tapered region. The tapered region 408 is located between the surface of the measuring region 407 and the cuvette's outlet 402. This tapered transition region may include a connection point 412 shaped to facilitate fluid removal when the cuvette is discharged from the outlet 402. In some embodiments, the tapered transition region creates a smooth transition from the measuring region 407 to the neck of the cuvette, thereby eliminating corners and gaps that might otherwise trap the fluid as it is discharged from the cuvette.

[0114] In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 2 and 4A-4B, an obtuse angle (212 and 412) is formed between the inner surfaces of the first and second walls (204 and 221) in the tapered region 208 and the inner surfaces of the first wall 204 and the second wall 221 in the measurement region 207. This obtuse angle ensures that the sample is completely discharged from the cuvette once it has been measured. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle between the inner surfaces of the walls in the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls in the measurement region ranges from 130 to 179 degrees. For example, the obtuse angle between the inner surfaces of the walls in the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls in the measurement region may be at least 130 degrees, at least 135 degrees, at least 140 degrees, at least 145 degrees, at least 150 degrees, at least 155 degrees, at least 160 degrees, at least 165 degrees, at least 170 degrees, or at least 175 degrees. In some embodiments, as shown in Figures 4A-4B, the cuvette includes a connection point 412 between the distal end of the measuring region and the proximal end of the tapered region, the connection point having an obtuse angle ranging from 130 to 179 degrees. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle prevents the liquid from being trapped by the interaction of surface energy with the walls of the cuvette, and thus the fluid can flow down the cuvette.

[0115] In some embodiments, the cuvette further includes fillet sections and / or chambers on all inner surfaces of the cuvette to eliminate sharp edges or corners where liquid could accumulate.

[0116] Neck area Figures 5A to 5D show cross-sectional views of cuvette structures of the present disclosure fluidly connected to a downstream active valve, according to one or more embodiments. Figure 5A shows a cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 500 may comprise a liquid 550 contained in an inlet chamber, a restricting passage 510, a cuvette neck 509, an outlet 502, a central passage 527, a housing 522, an O-ring 524, a neck chamber 526, a manifold 523, and an active valve 528. The central passage 527 may be a passage or tube leading to the valve. The neck chamber 526 may be a neck chamber in which the cuvette neck protrudes.

[0117] Figure 5B shows the force acting on the liquid when the cuvette is filled with liquid up to the opening of the restricting passage in the neck region, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 500 may include a capillary valve 530 and a restricting passage 510 having a proximal end 511 and a distal end 512. The cuvette 500 may include a liquid / air interface pinned at a first transition and a distal end of a tapered region. Head pressure due to fluid height may be directed in a first direction, and upward capillary pressure due to the shape of the air / liquid meniscus and the abrupt transition from large to small diameter may be directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0118] Figure 5C shows the forces acting on the liquid when it enters a restricting passage in the neck region, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 500 may include a restricting passage 510. The cuvette 500 may cause the liquid / air interface to be balanced within the restricting passage. Head pressure due to the fluid height may be directed in a first direction, and upward capillary pressure due to the shape of the air / liquid meniscus and upward pressure of compressed air may be directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0119] Figure 5D shows the forces acting on the liquid when it fills the restricting passage, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 500 may include a restricting passage 510 and a capillary valve 532. Head pressure due to fluid height may be directed in a first direction, and upward capillary pressure and compressed air upward pressure due to the shape of the air / liquid meniscus and the abrupt transition from small to large diameter may be directed in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0120] In some embodiments, the body of the cuvette further includes a neck region 209 located at the distal end of the tapered region 208. In some embodiments, the neck region 509 can be used to seal the manifold 523. For example, as shown in Figure 5A, the neck region may be used to create a radial seal in the manifold 523 using an O-ring 524.

[0121] In some embodiments, the neck region includes a passage with an outlet 202 at the distal end of the neck region. In certain embodiments, the neck region is for example, Figure 2 A~2E and 4 A~4B It includes an elongated outlet passage as shown in Figure 7. In certain embodiments, the neck region includes a short outlet passage as shown in Figure 7. In certain embodiments, the length of the short neck region including the passage ranges from 0 to 2 mm. In certain embodiments, the length of the long neck region ranges from 2 to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region including the passage has a smaller inner diameter at the proximal end of the passage than at the distal end of the passage. In some embodiments, the neck region includes an outlet passage 240 and a restricting passage 210 arranged in series with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the outlet passage has a smaller inner diameter at the proximal end of the outlet passage than at the distal end of the outlet passage. In some embodiments, the outlet passage has a larger inner diameter at the proximal end of the outlet passage than at the distal end of the outlet passage. In some embodiments, the restricting passage has a smaller inner diameter at the proximal end of the restricting passage than at the distal end of the restricting passage. In some embodiments, the restricting passage has a larger inner diameter at the proximal end of the restricting passage than at the distal end of the restricting passage.

[0122] In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage having a length between 0.5 mm and 4 mm and an inner diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0123] In some embodiments, the neck region of the cuvette further includes an outlet passage fluidly connected to a restricting passage having a smaller diameter than the outlet passage. In some embodiments, the fluid passage in the neck region creates a passage between the tapered region of the cuvette and the outlet. In some embodiments, the restricting passage 210 creates a passage between the tapered region 208 of the cuvette and the outlet passage 240.

[0124] In a particular embodiment, the restricting passage 210 of the cuvette is made by inserting a restricting element into the neck region of the cuvette, the restricting element having an opening with a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm and a length between 0.5 mm and 4 mm.

[0125] In some embodiments, the exit passage is the same as the restricting passage and constitutes a single small-diameter passage that connects the tapered region of the cuvette to the exit of the cuvette. for example, (Figure 2B). In some embodiments, the tapering region of the cuvette includes two passages with different inner diameters, namely, an outlet passage having a certain inner diameter and a restricting passage having an inner diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet passage. This is Figure 2A and figure 2C This will be clear In some embodiments, the restricting passage is located within the neck region. In some embodiments, the restricting passage with a smaller inner diameter is located between the tapering region 208 and the exit passage 240 (Figure 2A and figure 2C).

[0126] In some embodiments, the tapered region of the cuvette is For example, as can be seen from Figure 2D, The neck area gradually narrows to a smaller passage with a smaller inner diameter. ru. In other embodiments, For example, as can be seen from Figure 2E, There is a sudden change in the cuvette's shape, from the tapered region to the narrower inner diameter of the neck region. ru.

[0127] In some embodiments, a restricting passage having a smaller first inner diameter located adjacent to the tapering region of the cuvette is For example, as can be seen from Figure 2C,The inner diameter shows a step change towards the larger outlet passage. vinegar. In some embodiments, For example, as can be seen from Figures 2B and 2C, There is a step change at the distal end of the outlet passage 240 in the neck region, which includes the transition area from the inner diameter of the outlet to the atmosphere. ru.

[0128] In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage with a minimum inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage with an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage with an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage with an inner diameter ranging from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the neck region includes a restricting passage with an inner diameter of 0.01 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, or 2 mm.

[0129] Cuvette's exit passage Figure 6 shows an example of a cuvette having a relatively large neck region with an inner diameter into which a limiting element is press-fitted, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 600 may include a limiting element 625, which may be a limiting element or a passive valve press-fitted into the neck of the cuvette.

[0130] Referring to Figures 2, 4A–4B, and 6A–6B, the cuvette of this disclosure comprises an outlet passage including an outlet 202. The outlet of the cuvette is configured to allow the sample to be discharged from the cuvette. In some embodiments, the outlet is located at the distal end of the outlet passage. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the outlet 204 (or the inner diameter of the outlet passage) is small enough to prevent the fluid from passing through the outlet 402 during the measurement and / or processing of the sample. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the outlet 402 is set to allow the fluid to be held in the inlet chamber by surface tension. For example, the size of the outlet 402 is set such that the upward force due to capillary pressure between the fluid / solid and fluid / air interfaces at the outlet 402 is equal to the gravity of the fluid above the outlet (e.g., within the measurement area), and therefore prevents the fluid from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity. In some embodiments, the surface tension of the outlet 202 of the cuvette is set to hold the fluid within the measurement area of ​​the cuvette.

[0131] In some embodiments, the internal diameter of the outlet passage is set to create a capillary force in the outlet passage equal to the gravity of the fluid above the outlet, thus retaining the fluid in the inlet chamber and preventing the fluid from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity. In some embodiments, the surface energy between the liquid / solid and liquid / air interfaces in the outlet passage is set to prevent the fluid from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity. In some embodiments, both the size of the internal diameter of the outlet passage and the surface energy between the liquid / solid and liquid / air interfaces in the outlet passage are set to prevent the fluid from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity.

[0132] In some embodiments, the exit end of the cuvette is made deformable so that it can be opened and closed.

[0133] In some embodiments, the cuvette may be manufactured, for example, by injection molding or machining, such that the outlet passage in the neck region of the cuvette has a relatively large inner diameter (e.g., 1 mm to 2 mm). In this case, the outlet passage can be further constrained by press-fitting or bonding a short limiting element (such as a short elongated tube) into the neck, as shown in Figure 6. This method allows the outlet of each cuvette to be adjusted to any desired inner diameter based on factors that may include the viscosity and surface tension of the liquid contained therein. Furthermore, this method reduces the complexity of the injection molding or machining operations required to manufacture the cuvette. Moreover, it becomes possible to use different materials for the cuvette and limiting element. For example, a short tube of one material can be press-fitted into the outlet passage of a cuvette manufactured from a different material, as shown in Figure 6. On the other hand, this method requires an additional assembly step. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment of the cuvette structure, the neck region of the cuvette includes a monolithic limiting passage, as shown in Figure 2.

[0134] In some embodiments, the outlet (or outlet passage) has an opening with an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an opening with an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an opening with an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an opening with an inner diameter ranging from 0.2 mm to 1 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an opening with an inner diameter of 0.01 mm, 0.05 mm, 0.06 mm, 0.07 mm, 0.08 mm, 0.09 mm, 0.1 mm, 0.15 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.35 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.55 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.65 mm, 0.7 mm, 0.75 mm, 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.3 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.7 mm, 1.8 mm, 1.9 mm, or 2 mm.

[0135] In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter (outer diameter of the neck region) ranging from 0.25 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter ranging from 0.25 mm to 6 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter ranging from 0.25 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter ranging from 0.25 mm to 1.5 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter ranging from 1.5 mm to 2 mm. In some embodiments, the outlet has an outer diameter of 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.4 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, or 6 mm.

[0136] Restricted passage In some embodiments of this disclosure, as shown in Figures 5B-5D, the cuvette 500 includes a restricting passage 510. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is located at / connected to the distal end of the tapered region and the outlet passage of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the combination of the restricting passage and a sharp transition (expansion or contraction) of the passage diameter constitutes a passive capillary valve 530. Thus, in some embodiments, the cuvette constitutes a capillary valve, for example, between the transition between the diameter of the distal end of the tapered region and the diameter of the proximal end of the restricting passage. Figure 5B shows the forces acting on the fluid when the liquid fills the cuvette up to the opening of the restricting passage 510 in the neck region 509. Gravity acts to push the fluid down with a force proportional to the height of the fluid in the cuvette and the cross-sectional area of ​​the outlet passage in the restricting passage 510. Surface tension at the fluid / air interface, an upward force proportional to the radius of the restricting passage 510 and corresponding to the sharp angle at which the transition from large to small diameter occurs, also acts on the fluid. The fluid equilibrium position is at the entrance of the restricting passage, and all the liquid is maintained within the cuvette's entrance chamber. As the surface tension of the fluid / air interface increases, or as the radius of the restricting passage 510 decreases, the surface tension of the fluid / air interface becomes relatively more important than gravity, and the height of fluid that can be maintained within the cuvette increases.

[0137] Figure 5C illustrates a situation where the capillary pressure associated with the passive valve is insufficient to retain the liquid in the inlet chamber. Therefore, the liquid enters the restricting passage in the neck region. As the liquid enters the restricting passage, the air trapped between the liquid and the downstream active valve is compressed. The additional pressure resulting from this air compression adds to the capillary force associated with the liquid / air meniscus in the restricting passage, creating a force that resists further liquid exit from the inlet chamber.

[0138] Figure 5D shows the state in which the liquid continues to flow out of the inlet chamber until it reaches the end of the restricting passage. In this state, there is a second abrupt transition from the smaller diameter passage to the larger diameter passage. This second transition constitutes a second capillary valve 532, generating additional capillary pressure that resists further outflow of the liquid from the cuvette. Furthermore, in this state, the air trapped between the liquid and the active valve is further compressed, generating an additional force that resists further outflow of the liquid from the cuvette. Thus, in some embodiments, the cuvette constitutes a second capillary valve, for example, between the transition between the diameter of the distal end of the restricting passage and the diameter of the proximal end of the outlet passage.

[0139] In some embodiments, the passive valve 530 is created by inserting a limiting element into the neck region of the cuvette. An example of a limiting region is shown as a limiting element 625 in Figure 6. In some embodiments, the limiting element has an opening with a diameter between 0.1 mm and 1 mm.

[0140] In some embodiments, the volume of air between the cuvette inlet chamber and the closed active valve ranges from 5 to 60 microliters. In some embodiments, the volume of air between the cuvette inlet chamber and the closed active valve is 50 microliters or less, 40 microliters or less, 30 microliters or less, 20 microliters or less, 10 microliters or less, 9 microliters or less, 8 microliters or less, 7 microliters or less, 6 microliters or less, or 5 microliters or less.

[0141] In some embodiments, the neck region has a passive valve (e.g., a restricting passage) having a diameter small enough that the liquid dripped or distributed into the cuvette inlet does not fill, or only partially fill, the restricted opening of the restricting passage within the neck region.

[0142] In some embodiments, the force preventing a liquid from moving air within a restricted opening in the neck region is a capillary force. For example, this force arises from the geometric shape of the outlet opening and the surface tension between the liquid / solid interface.

[0143] In some embodiments, the force preventing the liquid from moving the air within the restricted opening in the neck region is the force due to the compression of the air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette and the downstream active valve.

[0144] In some embodiments, the combination of capillary force and compressed air force is configured to prevent air from moving within a limited opening in the neck region.

[0145] In some embodiments, the restricting passage of the cuvette creates a passive capillary valve.

[0146] In some embodiments, the outlet of the cuvette is in fluid communication with a pipe or passage that can be opened and closed by means of an active valve.

[0147] In some embodiments, an active valve located downstream of the cuvette can be opened and closed. When the active valve is opened, a fluid conduit is created from the cuvette outlet to another passage downstream of the valve. When the valve is closed, the cuvette outlet is blocked from the downstream passage, trapping a small volume of air between the closed valve and the liquid in the cuvette.

[0148] In some embodiments, the volume of air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette and the active valve is small, and therefore the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette is substantially smaller than the increase in air pressure that would result from the compression of air if the fluid were to pass through the outlet passage of a cuvette with a small inner diameter.

[0149] In some embodiments, compressed air trapped between the active valve and the liquid in the cuvette holds the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber, preventing it from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity.

[0150] In some embodiments, a certain volume of air or air pocket is confined between the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber and the active valve. In some embodiments, a certain volume of air or air pocket is confined between the liquid in the restricting passage and the active valve. In some embodiments, a certain volume of air or air pocket is confined between the liquid in the outlet passage and the active valve.

[0151] The equilibrium position of the liquid / air meniscus within the restricting passage in the neck region is located at the point where the forces due to gravity, capillary pressure, and pneumatic pressure balance each other. The choice of cuvette material and the type of liquid placed in the cuvette will affect the capillary pressure. The shape of the cuvette and the volume of liquid placed in it will change the height of the liquid column within the cuvette, and thus the force due to gravity will change. The volume of air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette inlet chamber and the active valve will affect the rate at which the pressure rises when air is moved out of the restricting passage. In some embodiments, the cuvette and associated hardware (e.g., the position of the active valve) are configured to prevent the liquid from flowing beyond the restricting passage in the neck region.

[0152] For example, the exemplary cuvettes of this disclosure can hold a liquid column up to 2 cm in height. The head pressure associated with a liquid at a height of 2 cm in an aqueous solution is approximately 0.03 psi (approximately 200 Pa). Therefore, in some embodiments, it is desirable that the combination of capillary pressure and compressed air pressure in the restricting passage can counteract a head pressure of 0.03 psi (approximately 200 Pa). In the exemplary embodiment, the volume of air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette and the downstream active valve is 50 microliters. When this volume is compressed to 49.9 microliters, an air pressure of 0.03 psi (approximately 200 Pa) is generated. In other words, a change in air volume of only 0.1 microliters is sufficient to counteract a head pressure of 2 cm. Therefore, if the restricting passage in the cuvette has an internal volume greater than 0.1 microliters, the liquid will not fill the restricting passage under the influence of gravity. For example, a restricting passage with an inner diameter of 0.5 mm and a length of 1 mm has an internal volume of 0.19 microliters, which is approximately twice the volume required to ensure that no liquid passes through the restricting passage.

[0153] As another example, if the volume of air trapped between the liquid in the cuvette and the downstream active valve is larger, more air must be compressed to produce the same air pressure. For example, if the volume of air trapped between the valve and the liquid in the cuvette is 500 microliters, then 1.0 microliter of air must be compressed to produce 0.03 psi (approximately 200 Pa). In this case, the restricting passage in the previous example would also need to have a volume of at least 1 microliter to prevent the liquid from being pushed out beyond it.

[0154] In some embodiments, it is preferable to keep the restricting passage short so that it is easy to manufacture by molding and so that the cuvette can be quickly emptied when a pressure drop is applied across the restricting passage. In some embodiments, it is preferable to keep the volume of air between the inlet chamber and the active valve small.

[0155] In some embodiments, the length of the restricting passage is at least 1 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the restricting passage ranges from 0.05 mm to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the restricting passage has a length ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the restricting passage ranges from 0.05 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the restricting passage is at least 0.05 mm, at least 0.1 mm, at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, or at least 10 mm.

[0156] In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 10 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 5 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 4 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 3 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 2 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.005 microliters to 1 microliter. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.05 microliters to 1 microliter. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.01 microliters to 2 microliters. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a fluid volume ranging from 0.01 microliters to 1 microliter. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is designed to hold a volume of 2 microliters or less, 1 microliter or less, 0.5 microliters or less, 0.4 microliters or less, 0.2 microliters or less, or 0.1 microliters or less.

[0157] cuvette dimensions The cuvette aspect of this disclosure is such that, during operation, a substantial portion of the measurement area is filled with fluid without introducing bubbles that might obstruct the optical path of the light used for photometric measurement. The presence of air in the optical path can cause light diffraction, reflection, and scattering, thereby introducing errors into the measurement of transmitted light. The design and dimensions of the cuvette of this disclosure are such as to prevent the introduction of bubbles within the measurement area and to ensure that all light collected by the detector represents the fluid contained within the cuvette.

[0158] In other words, the cuvette must be sized such that all the light collected by the photodetector passes through the liquid inside. If this condition is not met, background noise associated with the measurement will increase, and the sensitivity of the measurement system at the lower end of the sample concentration range will decrease.

[0159] Another factor limiting the configuration of a photometric module is the optical path length of the light propagating from the light source through the fluid being measured to the detector. A typical photometric module is constructed in such a way that the optical path length is approximately 1 cm. However, some point-of-care blood analyzers may be configured to utilize optical path lengths as small as several hundred micrometers. In some embodiments of the cuvettes that are the subject of this disclosure, the optical path length of the cuvette's measurement area ranges from 1 mm to 5 mm. In some embodiments, the optical path length of the cuvette's measurement area ranges from 1 mm to 25 mm. In some embodiments, the optical path length of the cuvette's measurement area ranges from 1 micrometer to 1000 micrometers.

[0160] In some embodiments, the volume of the measuring area of ​​the cuvette is greater than 50% of the total volume of the fluid that fills or is placed in the cuvette.

[0161] Overall, the minimum operating width of the cuvette through which light passes is determined by both the requirement to measure the analyte at the lowest concentration (at the assay dilution ratio) and the availability of the sample to be measured. As the cuvette width increases, the amount of fluid that needs to fill the measurement area also increases. If the sample is limited, it may be necessary to dilute the sample to achieve this filling. However, if the dilution ratio is too high, it will become impossible to detect the analyte at low concentrations. Conversely, as the cuvette width decreases, the sample dilution ratio required for the assay also decreases (for example, a more concentrated sample may be used). However, if the cuvette width becomes too small in optical path length, it will again become impossible to detect the analyte at low concentrations.

[0162] The volume of liquid that interacts with light as it passes through the cuvette is related to the optical path length. In some embodiments, the volume of liquid that interacts with light as it passes through the cuvette is large, because this volume is directly proportional to the sensitivity of the assay. In other embodiments, the total volume of liquid used in the cuvette is the minimum volume required to perform the assay in order to reduce waste and minimize its cost. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 5 milliliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 4 milliliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 3 milliliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 2 milliliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 1 milliliter. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the disclosure are made to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 800 microliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the Disclosure are designed to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 500 microliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the Disclosure are designed to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 400 microliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the Disclosure are designed to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 300 microliters. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the Disclosure are designed to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 200 ml. In some embodiments, the cuvettes of the Disclosure are designed to hold an overall volume ranging from 50 microliters to 100 microliters.

[0163] Figure 7 provides isometric and cross-sectional views of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments, in which the cuvette has a shorter neck compared to the neck region of Figure 4B, and an axial gasket plate. The cuvette 700 may comprise an inlet 701, a body 703, an outer periphery 711, a proximal end of the measuring region 713, an inner wall 704, an outer wall 705, a distal end of the measuring region 714, a taper angle 751, an outlet 702, a restricting passage 710, a measuring region 707, a tapered region 708, an axial gasket plate 712, an inlet chamber 706, and a neck region 709. The neck region 709 may be a neck region having a restricting passage.

[0164] Figures 8A to 8C show diagrams of cuvettes having a body with a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments. Figure 8A shows an isometric view of a cuvette having a body with a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments.

[0165] Figure 8B shows a top view of a cuvette having a trapezoidal cross-section according to one or more embodiments. The trapezoidal cross-section 805 may include a short wall 830 and a long wall 831.

[0166] Figure 8C shows a cross-sectional view and a top view of the cuvette module according to one or more embodiments. This top view may include a light source 842, an optical cone 844, and a detector 846.

[0167] In some embodiments, the cuvette body consists of walls surrounding the cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette body may include a short wall 830 on one side and a long wall 831 on the opposite side. Such a cuvette may be positioned so that the short side wall 830 is close to the light source and the long side wall 831 is close to the photodetector, so that the cuvette spreads in the same or similar manner as the spread of light rays when they pass from the light source to the detector.

[0168] An unrestricted example of such a cuvette having long side walls 831 and short side walls 830 is a cuvette having a trapezoidal cross-section, as shown in Figures 8A-8C. Compared to a cuvette having a square cross-section, a cuvette having a trapezoidal cross-section ( for example, Figure 8B) shows a configuration with a smaller total liquid volume, but the amount of liquid interacting with the light entering the cuvette remains the same. The obtuse angle of the trapezoid may be any value between 90° and 180°, but it is preferable that it is equal to or slightly greater than the angle of the cone of light emitted by the light source. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also possible in order to maintain the function and parameters of the cuvette within the cuvette module. Other cross-sectional shapes, such as a square cross-section, also prevent the liquid in the measuring area of ​​the cuvette from being discharged from the cuvette until an additional pressure gradient is applied across the cuvette outlet.

[0169] Cuvette ingredients In some embodiments, the cuvette or a portion thereof is made from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the plastic material is selected from transparent plastics such as polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or other transparent plastics known in the art. In some embodiments, the cuvette is molded from an injection-molded plastic.

[0170] In some embodiments, the cuvette or a portion thereof (e.g., the walls of the cuvette) is made of glass, quartz, or fused silica.

[0171] In some embodiments, the cuvette or a portion thereof (e.g., the walls of the cuvette) is made of a transparent elastomer.

[0172] In some embodiments, the cuvette or a portion thereof (e.g., the walls of the cuvette) is made of a thin, transparent material so that light can pass through the cuvette from one side to the other.

[0173] In some embodiments, the cuvette or a portion thereof (e.g., the walls of the cuvette) is made of a material having a static liquid / solid contact angle greater than 90° for all fluids to be placed inside the cuvette. In some embodiments, the restricting passage of the cuvette is made of a different material from the rest of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the restricting passage is made of PEEK, FEP, PTFE, or PFA plastic.

[0174] Figures 9A–9B show isometric views of colored or coated cuvettes according to one or more embodiments in which the properties of light transmitted through the cuvette are altered by one or more colors or coatings. Such alterations include changing the spectrum, polarity, or intensity of light transmitted through the cuvette.

[0175] Figure 9A shows a diagram of a colored cuvette according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette may have multiple colors and includes cuvette 902 having a first color, cuvette 904 having a second color, cuvette 906 having a third color, and cuvette 908 having a fourth color.

[0176] Figure 9B shows a cuvette with one or more coatings according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 910 may have coatings 912 and 914. Coating 912 may be a first coating. Coating 914 may be a second coating.

[0177] In some embodiments, the cuvette may be dyed, colored, or coated with a wavelength-selective material. In some embodiments, the cuvette includes one or more materials made into the material used to manufacture the cuvette in order to alter the optical properties of the light transmitted through the cuvette. For example, such materials embedded in the cuvette material may include dyes, coatings, or lenses made into the cuvette. In certain embodiments, if the cuvette is dyed, colored, or coated, the dye, color, or coating of the cuvette functions as a light filter. For example, as shown in Figure 9A, any color of dye may be added to the cuvette during the manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the cuvette is coated with one or more coatings, as shown in Figure 9B. As shown in Figure 9B, each wall of the cuvette may be coated with the same or different coatings / colors. These dyes and coatings can function to alter the spectrum, polarization, or intensity of the light transmitted through the cuvette.

[0178] In some embodiments, the cuvette, or a portion thereof, is made from a material having a water / solid contact angle of less than 90 degrees.

[0179] Alternative cuvette embodiments Figure 4B shows an alternative embodiment of the cuvette of the present disclosure. The cuvette 400 is substantially the same as the cuvette of Figure 2. However, the outer rim 411, which may function as a positioning feature, is located herein between the distal end of the measuring region 407 and the proximal end of the tapered region 408. In certain embodiments, the cuvette further includes a positioning feature, which includes an outer rim 411 positioned between the distal end 414 of the measuring region and the proximal end 418 of the tapered region, as shown in Figure 4B.

[0180] Figure 7 shows another embodiment of the cuvette of the present disclosure. This cuvette 700 shares many features with the cuvettes of Figures 2-6. However, this cuvette has a much shorter neck region 709 compared to the cuvettes of Figures 2-6 and includes an axial gasket plate 712. In some embodiments, the axial gasket plate 712 can also function as a positioning feature, eliminating the need for an outer edge. In certain embodiments, the cuvette with an axial gasket plate has no outer edge.

[0181] Figure 10 provides a cross-sectional view of a cuvette structure according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette may be made of an elastic material that can be deformed by a pinching element to open and close the cuvette's outlet. The taper and neck of the cuvette may be reversibly formed by interaction with an external pinching element. The cuvette 1000 may comprise a flexible elastic tube. The cuvette 1000 may comprise an inlet 1001, a proximal end of the measuring area 1051, an inner wall 1004, an outer wall 1005, a distal end of the measuring area 1052, a pinching element 1033, an outlet 1002, a measuring area 1007, a tapered area 1008, a neck area 1009, an inlet chamber 1006, and a body 1003.

[0182] Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the cuvette of the present disclosure. This cuvette 1000 is made of a flexible elastic tube. In some embodiments, the tube has a square cross-section and substantially flat walls. In some embodiments, the tube is inserted into a cylindrical housing that deforms at least two of its opposing walls into substantially flat walls. In some embodiments, the cuvette of Figure 10 is connected to a pinching element 1033, such as a pinch valve or peristaltic pump, which, when closed, creates a closed outlet and tapered region for containing fluid within the cuvette during fluid processing and / or measurement. When the pinching element is opened, the fluid can then be discharged or drawn out of the cuvette through the outlet. The measuring region of the cuvette of Figure 10 is contained within an inlet chamber 1006, which can be filled under the influence of gravity by fluid (e.g., with a pipette) introduced through the inlet. Furthermore, the outlet 1002 of the cuvette in Figure 10 is constrained to have an opening small enough to prevent the fluid from being discharged from the cuvette under the influence of gravity alone.

[0183] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a cuvette for holding a fluid, comprising: (A) an inlet end including an inlet open to an atmosphere, the inlet being constructed to receive a fluid being dripped or distributed from above the cuvette into the inlet; (B) a body of the cuvette connected to the inlet end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner and outer surface, these walls having a plurality of regions including an inlet chamber and a neck region; and (C) the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity with the fluid being dripped or distributed into the inlet. (D) The inlet chamber contains a measuring area including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end being located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measuring area include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber is constructed so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measuring area, the outlet end is fluidly connected to the inlet chamber of the cuvette, the outlet end is constructed so that the fluid can be held in the inlet chamber for as long as desired but discharged from the cuvette by a change in the shape of the outlet or by the application of an additional pressure gradient across the outlet.

[0184] cuvette arrangement Figures 11A to 11D show examples of multiple cuvettes joined together by one or more embodiments, for example, by a single manufacturing process or by assembling individual cuvettes into a whole, where the multiple cuvettes may be in the form of a 1D arrangement and a 2D arrangement, or any other desired configuration.

[0185] Figure 11A shows a diagram of a 1D arrangement of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. Figure 11B shows an arrangement of molded cuvettes assembled on a circular holder according to one or more embodiments. Figure 11C shows an isometric and cross-sectional view of an integrated 1D arrangement of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. Figure 11D shows a two-dimensional arrangement of molded cuvettes according to one or more embodiments.

[0186] Various embodiments of the cuvettes of this disclosure can be linked together to form a structure that accommodates multiple cuvettes (e.g., a very large number of cuvettes or an array of cuvettes). For example, as shown in Figure 11, individual cuvettes may be placed in a 1D or 2D array, or attached to other structures such as rings. Furthermore, an array of cuvettes may be manufactured as a monolithic block, as shown in Figure 11C.

[0187] In some embodiments, the cuvettes include at least 2 cuvettes, at least 3 cuvettes, at least 4 cuvettes, at least 5 cuvettes, at least 6 cuvettes, at least 7 cuvettes, at least 8 cuvettes, at least 9 cuvettes, or at least 10 cuvettes. In some embodiments, the cuvettes include at least 5 cuvettes, at least 10 cuvettes, at least 15 cuvettes, at least 20 cuvettes, at least 25 cuvettes, at least 30 cuvettes, at least 35 cuvettes, at least 40 cuvettes, at least 45 cuvettes, or at least 50 cuvettes. In some embodiments, the cuvettes include at least 50 cuvettes, at least 100 cuvettes, at least 150 cuvettes, at least 200 cuvettes, at least 250 cuvettes, at least 300 cuvettes, at least 350 cuvettes, at least 400 cuvettes, at least 450 cuvettes, or at least 500 cuvettes.

[0188] Cuvette Module Aspects of this disclosure include cuvette modules for processing and performing measurements such as photometric measurements. In some embodiments, the cuvette module is a multiplex device capable of processing and measuring multiple samples within a single cuvette or array of cuvettes within the cuvette module.

[0189] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes one or more compartments capable of holding at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes at least one cuvette. In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes one or more cuvettes.

[0190] Figure 12 shows illustrative components of a cuvette module, including a cuvette, housing, manifold, and fluid valve, according to one or more embodiments. Module 1200 may comprise a housing cap 140, a cuvette 100, a housing 522, an O-ring 524, a manifold 523, a downstream passage 529, an active valve 528, and a central passage 527.

[0191] A non-limiting example of a cuvette module of the present disclosure is shown in Figure 12. Figure 12 shows a cuvette module having one or more compartments constructed to hold at least one cuvette of the present disclosure. The cuvette has an inlet open to an atmosphere, the inlet constructed to receive a fluid that is dripped or distributed from above the cuvette into the inlet. The cuvette further includes an inlet chamber for holding the fluid. The cuvette further includes an outlet having a restricting passage. Any of the cuvette structures described in the present disclosure may be used in a cuvette module of the present disclosure.

[0192] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 12, the cuvette module includes a cuvette and a housing having one or more housing walls shaped to hold the cuvette in place and mechanically restrain it. In this example shown in Figure 12, the cuvette module also includes a manifold located between the cuvette outlet and the active valve 528, having a fluid passage that fluidly connects them. In some embodiments, the active valve 528 can function to open and close the connection between the cuvette outlet 502 and the downstream passage 529. In embodiments where an array of cuvettes exists, the cuvette module includes an array of valves that function to open and close a specifically selected cuvette when needed.

[0193] Cuvette Figure 13 shows components of an exemplary multiplexed cuvette module, including an array of cuvettes and a single unit cell of a cuvette module, according to one or more embodiments. Module 1300 may be a multiplexed cuvette module including an array of cuvettes. Module 1300 may include a reusable cuvette 1305. Module 1370 may be a single unit cell of a cuvette module. Module 1370 may include a reusable cuvette, a detector 1310, an LED 1315, a fluid manifold 1320, and a valve 1325.

[0194] Figure 14 shows an exploded view of an exemplary multiplexed cuvette module according to one or more embodiments. Module 1400 may be a module such as module 1300. Module 1400 may include a housing cap 140, a cuvette 1402, a housing and thermal block 1404, a detector board 1406, a detector spacer 1408, a motherboard 1410, a heating element 1412, a light source spacer 1414, a light source board 1416, a fluid manifold 1418, and a valve bank 1420.

[0195] A non-limiting example of a multiplexed cuvette module containing an array of cuvettes is shown in Figure 13. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the array contains eight reusable cuvettes within a housing, each cuvette associated with a light emitter on one side of the cuvette and a photodetector on the opposite side of the cuvette. figure The 14 cuvette modules also include a fluid manifold containing eight fluid passages, each fluid passage connected to the respective outlet of the cuvette. (See Figure 13) figure The 14 cuvette modules also include eight active valves fluidly connected to the manifold's fluid passages. In some embodiments, the cuvette modules include a solenoid valve bank.

[0196] In some embodiments, the cuvette module of the Disclosure comprises one or more cuvettes as described herein. In some embodiments, the cuvette module comprises two or more cuvettes, three or more cuvettes, four or more cuvettes, five or more cuvettes, six or more cuvettes, seven or more cuvettes, eight or more cuvettes, nine or more cuvettes, ten or more cuvettes, fifteen or more cuvettes, twenty or more cuvettes, twenty or more cuvettes, twenty or more cuvettes, thirty or more cuvettes, forty or more cuvettes, forty or more cuvettes, or fifty or more cuvettes. In certain embodiments, two or more cuvettes are arranged in an array within the cuvette module as shown in Figure 13.

[0197] Figure 13 shows a non-limiting example of a cuvette module having multiple cuvettes and associated hardware. While this figure shows a QTY(8) cuvette and its associated hardware, it will be apparent that any number of cuvettes can be attached to such an array to create smaller or larger cuvette modules. Figure 13 shows a cuvette module in which individual light sources and individual detectors are associated with each cuvette. In other embodiments, multiple cuvettes may share a single light source and / or detector. In some embodiments, multiple light sources may correspond to a single cuvette.

[0198] In some embodiments, one or more cuvettes are reusable. In some embodiments, one or more cuvettes include at least two reusable cuvettes, at least three reusable cuvettes, at least four reusable cuvettes, at least five reusable cuvettes, at least six reusable cuvettes, at least seven reusable cuvettes, at least eight reusable cuvettes, at least nine reusable cuvettes, or at least ten reusable cuvettes. In certain embodiments, the arrangement of cuvettes includes 2 to 10 reusable cuvettes, 2 to 20 reusable cuvettes, 2 to 50 reusable cuvettes, or 2 to 100 reusable cuvettes.

[0199] In some embodiments, the cuvette module houses an array of cuvettes and associated hardware. In such embodiments, the cuvettes may be individual cuvettes inserted into individual cavities within the enclosure, or the cuvettes may be coupled to one another in a monolithic array located within the enclosure.

[0200] cabinet In some embodiments, a cuvette module including the cuvette of the present disclosure further includes a housing into which one or more cuvettes are inserted or placed.

[0201] In some embodiments, the housing is provided with an opening at the proximal end of the housing wall for inserting a cuvette into the housing. As shown in Figure 12, in some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a housing having one or more housing walls shaped to hold, mechanically restrain, and orient at least one cuvette so that its inlet chamber is filled under the influence of gravity. In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a housing cap 140 that further restrains the position of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the cap may be attached to the housing so as to cover a portion of the cuvette.

[0202] Figures 15A to 15K show cross-sectional views of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, including a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve or pump, according to one or more embodiments.

[0203] Figure 15A shows a cuvette module that provides a radial O-ring seal configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between a cuvette and a manifold, according to one or more embodiments. Module 1500 may include a cuvette 100, a housing cap 140, a restricting passage 210, a cuvette neck 1502, a radial O-ring seal 1504, a neck chamber 1506, a housing 522, a manifold 523, and a manifold passage 627.

[0204] Figure 15B shows a cuvette module that provides an axial gasket seal configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-seal seal between a cuvette and a manifold, according to one or more embodiments. Module 1500 may include a cuvette 100 and may include a housing 522, a manifold 523, a manifold passage 627, an outlet passage 240, and an axial gasket 1508. The outlet passage 240 may be a restricting passage 210.

[0205] Figure 15C shows the state of a module before liquid is dripped into or dispensed into the cuvette, with the cuvette and tube at atmospheric pressure, according to one or more embodiments. For module 1500 in this drawing, the pressure in the cuvette and tube would be equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0206] Figure 15D shows the state of a module in one or more embodiments when a liquid is dripped or dispensed into a cuvette, thereby trapping a volume V1 of air between the valve and the liquid. Module 1500 may include a capillary valve 530. The volume of air may be equal to V1, which can be the volume between the valve and the liquid. The pressure in the cuvette and tube will be approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0207] Figure 15E shows a module state in one or more embodiments where some of the liquid in the cuvette begins to enter the restricting passage of the cuvette, thereby compressing the confined volume of air to volume V2. The volume of air may be equal to V2, which may be the volume between the valve and the liquid minus ΔV. The pressure in the cuvette and tube will be greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0208] Figure 15F shows a state in one or more embodiments where the valve is opened, and fluid is drained from the cuvette by a downstream pump, leaving the cuvette empty.

[0209] Figure 15G shows the state of a module before liquid is dripped into or dispensed into a cuvette, according to one or more embodiments, where the cuvette, tubing, and the upstream side of the pump are all under atmospheric pressure. Module 1500 may include a pump 1511. For module 1500 in this drawing, the pressure upstream of the cuvette, tubing, and pump would be equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0210] Figure 15H shows an embodiment in which a liquid is dripped or dispensed into a cuvette, thereby trapping a volume V1 of air between the pump and the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. Module 1500 may include a capillary valve 530 and a pump 1511. The volume of air may be equal to V1, which may be the volume between the valve and the liquid. The pressure in the cuvette and the tube will be approximately equal to atmospheric pressure.

[0211] Figure 15I shows an alternative state in one or more embodiments where some of the liquid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, thereby compressing the confined volume of air to volume V2. Module 1500 may include a pump 1511. The volume of air may be equal to V2, which may be the volume between the valve and the liquid minus ΔV. The pressure in the cuvette and tube will be greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0212] Figure 15J shows an optional embodiment of this design in which a very small pressure is applied to the air chamber according to one or more embodiments, thereby momentarily increasing the pressure in the confined air volume above the liquid head pressure. Module 1500 may include a pump 1511. The volume of air may be equal to V1, which may be the volume between the valve and the liquid. The pressure in the cuvette and tube will be greater than atmospheric pressure.

[0213] Figure 15K shows a cuvette being emptied by a pump that draws fluid out of the cuvette, according to one or more embodiments. Module 1500 may include a pump 1511. The pump 1511 can drain fluid from the cuvette (e.g., cuvette 100).

[0214] Non-limiting examples of cuvette module housings are given in Figures 15A and 15B. Figure 15A shows a cuvette with a different long neck region, fitted into the cuvette module housing and fluidly connected through a radial seal, while Figure 15B shows a cuvette structure with a short neck region, fitted into the cuvette module housing and fluidly connected through an axial seal.

[0215] Figures 16A–16B show examples of cuvette modules of the present disclosure according to one or more embodiments. Figure 16A shows a cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure comprising a cuvette, housing, fluid manifold, and fluid valve. Module 1600 may include a light source spacer 1602, housing 1604, light source board 1606, light source 1608, fluid seal 1610, fluid manifold 1612, wastewater line 1614, valve 1616, cap 1618, detector board 1620, detector spacer 1622, cuvette 1624 (which may be a cuvette like cuvette 100), detector 1626, motherboard 1628, and heating / cooling element 1630.

[0216] Figure 16B shows an isometric view of a cuvette module with one or more filter holders in a housing capable of accommodating optical filters. Module 1600 may include a filter 1632 and a filter holder 1634.

[0217] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of a cuvette module of the present disclosure, comprising a soft rubber tube located at the end of the cuvette outlet, serving the purpose of a cuvette and a manifold, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette module 1700 may include pinching elements that prevent fluid from being discharged from the outlet when the pinching elements are closed, but allow fluid to be discharged when the pinching elements are open.

[0218] In some embodiments, the housing includes a slot in at least one of the housing walls for aligning or positioning a cuvette in a selected position within the housing. In some embodiments, the lip or positioning feature of the cuvette is arranged to prevent the lip or positioning feature from moving further within the housing when the cuvette is fixedly inserted into the housing (see, for example, Figures 15A and 15B). In some embodiments, the housing includes a fastener in at least one of the housing walls for securing the cuvette within the housing. In some embodiments, if the cuvette module includes an array of cuvettes, each cuvette in the array of cuvettes is arranged in a separate opening or slot within the housing for inserting and positioning each cuvette.

[0219] In some embodiments, the housing includes a thermal block made of a heat-conducting material such as metal. In some embodiments, the metal is aluminum.

[0220] Fluid seal The cuvette module of this disclosure incorporates a fluid seal that fluidly connects the outlet of the cuvette to a fluid pipe or passage (e.g., 527 and the central passage described herein), and an active valve 528 that can open and close the path from the cuvette to the downstream pipe or passage 529.

[0221] In some embodiments, a fluid seal fluid-connects the cuvette to a manifold, which is located between the outlet of the cuvette and an active valve that functions to open and close the connection between the outlet of the cuvette and a downstream passage, and has a fluid passage that fluid-connects them.

[0222] In some embodiments, the housing constitutes a fluid seal around one or more regions of the cuvette's wall. For example, in some embodiments, the fluid seal may be located within the housing in the neck region of the cuvette. In other embodiments, the fluid seal may be located at the distal end of the transitioning tapered region. In some embodiments, the fluid seal is a radial seal. In some embodiments, the fluid seal is an axial seal. In some embodiments, the fluid seal consists of an O-ring or a gasket. In some embodiments, the fluid seal is designed to hold the cuvette in place within the housing. In some embodiments, the housing includes a gasket located around the outlet end of the cuvette.

[0223] cap In some embodiments, the housing further includes a housing cap, as shown in Figures 12 and 14. The housing cap does not compress or block the cuvette inlet opening, but seats around the proximal edge of the inlet, allowing the cuvette to be held in place.

[0224] The housing cap 140 is also shown in Figures 14 and 16. In some embodiments where an array of cuvettes is present, the cuvette module may include an array of caps, or one cap may be constructed to cover the entire array. As shown in Figure 14, the cap may have a hole in it that is positioned and sized to correspond to the inlet opening of the cuvette, so that when the cap is positioned on top of the cuvette, it does not prevent the fluid from being loaded into the cuvette. In some embodiments, the cap may be used to mechanically secure the cuvette within the housing. For example, the cap may contact the upper surface of the outer rim surrounding the inlet end of the cuvette and may be screwed into the housing to prevent the cuvette from being unintentionally pulled out of the housing.

[0225] manifold In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a manifold. As shown in Figures 15A-15B and Figure 14, in some embodiments, the manifold includes a fluid passage located between the cuvette outlet and a fluid valve, and fluidly connecting them. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a neck chamber located between the fluid passage and the cuvette outlet, as shown in Figure 15A.

[0226] The manifolds of the cuvette module of this disclosure may be sized to be suitable for fluidly connecting one cuvette or array of cuvettes to one active fluid valve or array of active fluid valves. For example, in some embodiments, the manifold includes a number of fluid passages and valves corresponding to the number of cuvettes in the cuvette module. In some embodiments, the manifold includes one or more fluid passages, two or more fluid passages, three or more fluid passages, four or more fluid passages, five or more fluid passages, six or more fluid passages, seven or more fluid passages, eight or more fluid passages, nine or more fluid passages, ten or more fluid passages, fifteen or more fluid passages, twenty or more fluid passages, twenty-five or more fluid passages, thirty or more fluid passages, forty or more fluid passages, forty or more fluid passages, or fifty or more fluid passages, each fluid passage located between the corresponding outlet of a cuvette and a fluid valve, fluidly connecting them. In certain embodiments, two or more fluid passages are arranged in a row within the cuvette module.

[0227] In some embodiments, the manifold constitutes a seal around one or more areas of the cuvette wall, as shown in Figures 12 and 15. Figure 15 shows two embodiments of the cuvette module, in the first embodiment a radial O-ring as an element that creates a fluid seal between the cuvette and the manifold. for example, Figure 15A) is used. In the second embodiment, an axial gasket is used to create a fluid seal between the cuvette and the manifold. for example, Figure 15B) is used.

[0228] In some embodiments, a seal can be located within the manifold, adjacent to the neck region of the cuvette. In other embodiments, a seal can be located within the manifold, adjacent to the distal end of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the manifold constitutes a seal adjacent to the distal end of the cuvette outlet, sealing the distal end of the outlet to a passage within the manifold. In some embodiments, the seal is a radial seal. In some embodiments, the seal is an axial seal. In some embodiments, the seal consists of an O-ring or a gasket. In some embodiments, the seal is designed to hold the cuvette in place within the housing. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a gasket positioned around the outlet end of the cuvette. In certain embodiments, the outlet end of the cuvette is configured to form a radial seal with the gasket. In certain embodiments, the gasket is designed to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the manifold and the cuvette outlet. In some embodiments, the gasket is designed to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between a first fluid passage and the cuvette outlet. In some embodiments, the seal creates a fluid-sealed connection between the cuvette and the manifold.

[0229] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a second gasket designed to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the active fluid valve and the manifold. This is different from a gasket that makes a fluid seal between the cuvette module and the cuvette.

[0230] In some embodiments, the cuvette module does not include a manifold. In such embodiments, the cuvette is directly connected to the active valve without the presence of a manifold.

[0231] In some embodiments, the fluid manifold includes a waste fluid passageway (e.g., a waste fluid line) as shown in FIG. 16A. In some embodiments, the waste fluid line is fluidly connected to one or more active fluid valves.

[0232] In some embodiments where the cuvette module includes a number of cuvettes, the module may also include a plurality of O-rings, gaskets, or other means for fluid-tightly sealing the cuvettes to the manifold. In some embodiments, the manifold includes a fluid passageway that can controllably open and close the outlet of each cuvette and connects the outlet of each cuvette to a valve such that a volume of air can be trapped between the valve and the liquid in each cuvette.

[0233] Fluid valve (active valve) In some embodiments, the cuvette module of the present disclosure includes a fluid valve (used interchangeably herein with "active fluid valve" or "active valve"). Non-limiting examples of active valves are Figures 5A-5D and Figure 6 shown in. The active valve 528 is fluidly connected to the fluid central passage 527 of the manifold. The active valve is configured to open and close the connection between the central passage 527 and the downstream passage 529 of the manifold. When an arrangement of cuvettes and fluid passageways is present within the cuvette module, the cuvette module includes active valves fluidly connected to each fluid passageway. Each active valve enables the opening and closing of the connection between the outlet of a particular cuvette and the downstream passage. The fluid valve is disposed between the central passage and the downstream passage and is configured to connect and disconnect the downstream passage from the central passage. In some embodiments, the downstream passage is fluidly connected to the fluid valve and is downstream thereof, and the central passage is downstream of the outlet. In some embodiments, the central passage is in fluid communication with the outlet of the cuvette.

[0234] As shown in Figures 5B-5C, the active fluid valve 528 performs an additional function; for example, when closed, the active fluid valve traps a small volume of air between the cuvette outlet 502 and the active valve 528, which can help retain fluid in the cuvette inlet chamber when the first passive valve 530 is insufficient to counteract the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette (Figures 5B and 5C).

[0235] In some embodiments, when the active valve is closed, the module traps a volume of air between the active valve and the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. Figure 15C shows the state of the module before the liquid is dripped or dispensed into the cuvette. The cuvette and tube are at atmospheric pressure. Figure 15D shows an embodiment in which the liquid has been dripped or dispensed into the cuvette, thereby trapping a volume V1 of air between the valve and the liquid. In some embodiments, when the fluid valve is closed, if the fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber begins to flow out of the inlet chamber under the influence of gravity, pressure is exerted on the volume of air between the cuvette's inlet chamber and the fluid valve, thereby resisting further movement of the fluid from at least one cuvette. As the liquid fills the cuvette, the pressure at the first capillary valve rises to an opposing pressure equal to the head pressure of the liquid. Figure 15D shows an embodiment in which this equally opposing pressure is generated solely by capillary forces at the air / liquid interface. The liquid does not enter the restricting passage; rather, pressure is generated at the air / liquid interface itself. Figure 15E shows an alternative state in which some of the liquid in the cuvette begins to enter the cuvette's restricting passage, thereby compressing the volume of trapped air to volume V2. In this state, the pressure of the trapped air rises again to a pressure equal to and opposite to the liquid head pressure. However, in this case, the compression of the volume of trapped air creates an equally opposite air pressure, which resists further outflow of the liquid from the cuvette. In some embodiments, both the capillary pressure and the compressed air pressure contribute to the pressure resisting the liquid head pressure. The equilibrium position of the liquid / air meniscus will be somewhere between the limits shown in Figures 15D and 15E. In other words, the equilibrium position of the liquid / air meniscus will be somewhere within the restricting passage of the cuvette, depending on the liquid height, the capillary force associated with the first capillary valve, and the volume of air trapped between the liquid and the active valve. Figure 15F shows the state in which the valve is opened and the fluid is drawn out of the cuvette by a downstream pump (not shown), resulting in the cuvette being emptied.

[0236] In some embodiments, the fluid valve (active valve) includes at least one port. In some embodiments, the fluid valve includes at least two ports. In some embodiments, the fluid valve includes at least three ports. In some embodiments, the fluid valve is a check valve. In some embodiments, the fluid valve is a two-way valve. In some embodiments, the fluid valve is a three-way valve. In some embodiments, at least one port of the fluid valve is connected to a central passage. In some embodiments, at least one port of the fluid valve is connected to a downstream passage. In some embodiments, at least one port of the fluid valve is connected to a central passage, and at least one port of the fluid valve is connected to a downstream passage.

[0237] pump In some embodiments, the opposite end of the active valve (the distal end furthest from the fluid passage) is connected to a pump. When the arrangement of cuvettes, active valves, and fluid passages is in a cuvette module as shown in Figure 16, the opposite end of each active valve may be connected to a coupling passage connected to a common pump.

[0238] In some embodiments, when the active valve is closed, an air reservoir is trapped between the valve and any fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber, and so, if the fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber begins to flow out of the inlet chamber under the influence of gravity, the air reservoir between the inlet chamber and the valve is pressurized and therefore resists further movement of the fluid from the cuvette. In some embodiments, the volume of air or air reservoir between the valve and any fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber has a volume ranging from 5 microliters to 60 microliters.

[0239] In some embodiments, the cuvette module does not have an active valve. In certain embodiments, the cuvette module includes a pump. In some embodiments, the pump, such as a peristaltic pump, membrane pump, or diaphragm pump, is configured to act as a fluid valve that closes when stopped, thereby trapping a certain volume of air between the liquid in the cuvette and the pump.

[0240] Figure 15G shows the state of the module before the liquid is dripped or dispensed into the cuvette. The cuvette, tube, and the upstream side of the pump are all at atmospheric pressure. Figure 15H shows an embodiment in which the liquid has been dripped or dispensed into the cuvette, thereby confining a volume of air V1 between the pump and the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber. As the liquid fills the cuvette, the pressure at the first capillary valve rises to a pressure equal to and opposite to the liquid's head pressure. Figure 15H shows a situation where this equal and opposite pressure is generated solely by capillary forces at the air / liquid interface. The liquid is not entering the restricting passage; rather, the air / liquid interface itself is generating the pressure. Figure 15I shows an alternative embodiment in which some of the liquid in the cuvette begins to enter the restricting passage of the cuvette, thereby compressing the volume of confined air to a volume V2. In this state, the pressure of the confined air rises to a pressure equal to and opposite to the liquid's head pressure. However, in this case, the compression of the confined air volume creates an equally opposite air pressure that resists further movement of the liquid out of the cuvette. In some cases, both the capillary pressure and the compressed air pressure contribute to the pressure resisting the liquid head pressure. The equilibrium position of the liquid / air meniscus will be somewhere between the limits shown in Figures 15H and 15I. In other words, the equilibrium position of the liquid / air meniscus will be somewhere within the restricting passage of the cuvette, depending on the liquid height, the capillary force associated with the first capillary valve, and the volume of air confined between the liquid and the pump. Figure 15J shows an optional embodiment of this design in which the pump is configured to apply a very small pressure to the air chamber, thereby momentarily increasing the pressure in the confined air volume above the liquid head pressure. In this way, any fluid in the restricting passage will be pushed back into the cuvette inlet chamber. Figure 15K shows the state in which the cuvette is to be emptied and the fluid is being drawn out of the cuvette by the pump.

[0241] Filter holder and filter In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes one or more filter holders into which filters can be inserted, such that the filters are positioned close to the cuvette, as shown in Figure 16B. These filters may be high-pass, low-pass, or band-pass wavelength-selective filters, or they may be polarizing filters or attenuation filters.

[0242] In some embodiments, wavelength-selective filters can be used to block specific wavelengths from a broadband light source, allowing the detector to detect only the wavelength band suitable for the assay. In some embodiments, for broadband light, the wavelength-selective filter is configured to improve the signal-to-noise ratio during detection.

[0243] In some embodiments, the polarizing filter may be used in polarization-based assays, in which linearly polarized light is generated by a first polarizer placed near the light source, and this light undergoes an assay-dependent change in polarization state as it passes through the cuvette. A second cross-polarizer placed on the opposite side of the cuvette then allows only the light with the changed polarization state to pass through.

[0244] In some embodiments, if the light source is excessively bright and the light source itself cannot be easily adjusted, a light-reducing filter can be used to attenuate the light received by the detector.

[0245] In some embodiments, the cuvette module can be applied to a variety of assays by allowing filters to be exchanged between filter holders.

[0246] light source Figure 16 A~16BIn some embodiments, as shown, the module includes a housing having a hole in the middle to allow light from a light source to pass through a cuvette and any liquid contained therein to reach a detector located on the opposite side of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the light source may be mounted on a vertically mounted printed circuit board, while the detector may be located on a corresponding vertically mounted printed circuit board. In some embodiments, the light source board and the detector board may be connected to a common motherboard, which may have its own power supply and microcontroller. In some embodiments, the motherboard may acquire data from the detector board and transmit the data to a master microcontroller via a communication protocol (such as USB, Ethernet, or RS-485). In some embodiments, the individual light source board and detector board are easily replaceable by pulling them out of the motherboard, thereby allowing the module to be quickly reconfigured with different light sources and detectors to realize various photometric functions.

[0247] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a single or multiple light sources. In other embodiments, the cuvette module may be arranged adjacent to a single or multiple light sources. Each light source may be a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode (LED) laser or lamp, as shown in Figures 13, 14, and 16A. The light-emitting elements may include LED spacers and LED boards, as shown in Figures 14 and 16A. Broadband light sources can be used in combination with filter wheels, prisms, or diffraction gratings to transmit selective wavelengths to a particular cuvette. Alternatively, narrowband wavelength light sources may be used.

[0248] The light from each light source is directed to pass through the cuvette before reaching the light detector. The detector may be a silicon photodiode, a silicon photomultiplier tube, an avalanche photodiode (APD), a photomultiplier tube (PMT), or any other light detector commonly used in the art. The signal detected by the detector is acquired, amplified, and evaluated by means well-known to those skilled in the art, whereby the presence and / or concentration of the analyte in the test fluid can be determined.

[0249] Based on Beer's law, which states that the light absorption in the sample is proportional to the concentration of the analyte, the absorbance A at wavelength λ caused by the presence of species X at concentration [X] along the path length L through the sample λ X is:

[0250]

Number

[0251] can be represented by, where ε λ X is the millimolar extinction coefficient of species X at the specified wavelength. Thus, the concentration of the species sought is

[0252]

Number

[0253] can be expressed as.

[0254] The transmitted radiation power is determined by integrating the light intensity transmitted through the fluid over the wavelength range of interest and multiplying by the sensitivity of the detector at those wavelengths.

[0255] The illumination beam paths according to embodiments of this disclosure may include various light sources configured to produce light in the visible spectrum having wavelengths ranging from 390 to 700 nm, the ultraviolet spectrum having wavelengths ranging from 300 to 390 nm, or the infrared spectrum having wavelengths ranging from 700 to 1500 nm. In some embodiments, the light source may be a laser. In some embodiments, the light source may be a light-emitting diode (LED). In some embodiments, the light source may be configured to emit light having wavelengths such as 340 nm, 365 nm, 405 nm, 488 nm, 514 nm, 525 nm, 561 nm, 594 nm, or 616 nm, 640 nm, or 660 nm, but other wavelengths are also possible.

[0256] In some embodiments, each cuvette in the array of cuvettes of a cuvette module has its own dedicated light source. In some embodiments, a single light source is shared by multiple cuvettes. In some embodiments, the light source and / or cuvette module is motorized to move linearly or rotationally to a position where the light source can illuminate multiple cuvettes. Figure 25 shows an example of a motorized cuvette module that rotates each cuvette to a position between the shared light source and the detector.

[0257] In some embodiments, multiple light sources can be associated with a single cuvette. For example, several surface-mount LEDs can be placed close to each other so that light from all of the LEDs can be directed towards a single cuvette.

[0258] sensor In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of fluid in at least a portion of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the sensor is positioned around the neck of the cuvette and capable of detecting fluid in the outlet passage or the neck's restricting passage. In some embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a conductivity sensor.

[0259] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the volume of air between the cuvette and the active valve.

[0260] Liquid detection: In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes one or more fluid sensors configured to determine the presence or absence of liquid in at least a portion of the cuvette. In some embodiments, the fluid sensors are positioned around the neck region of the cuvette and can detect the location of the liquid / air meniscus in the confinement passage inside it. The location of this meniscus can be used to verify whether the cuvette module is operating to retain fluid in the cuvette's inlet chamber as intended. In some embodiments, the sensor is an optical sensor having a light emitter and a detector, configured such that the light emitter of the sensor is positioned on one side of the confinement passage in the neck of the cuvette and the detector is positioned on the other side. In some embodiments, the sensor may instead be a capacitive sensor capable of detecting the change in dielectric constant as air in the confinement passage of the cuvette is replaced by liquid.

[0261] In some embodiments, the fluid sensor may be located directly beneath the cuvette within the cuvette module. In some embodiments, the sensor is a conductivity sensor, in which case the presence of liquid beneath the cuvette creates a conductive path between a pair of electrodes. Such a conductive path would be expected during the cuvette cleaning cycle but not during operation, thus providing a means for evaluating the functionality and state of the cuvette module.

[0262] Pressure detection: In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes at least one pressure sensor positioned to measure the pressure in the volume between the cuvette inlet chamber and an active valve or pump. This pressure sensor collects data throughout the entire assay, and the measure of pressure against time will provide an important metric for the performance of the cuvette module at all operational stages. Non-limiting examples are given with respect to Figures 15H–15L. In Figure 15G, the inlet chamber is empty and the pressure is atmospheric pressure. In Figures 15H and 15I, liquid is being dripped or distributed into the cuvette inlet chamber through the cuvette inlet. In the state shown in Figure 15I, the pressure sensor will measure the pressure in the volume of air currently confined between the cuvette and the pump, and this pressure is equal to the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette. Thus, the pressure sensor can provide feedback regarding the liquid height in the cuvette inlet chamber. In Figure 15J, a pump is used to provide a slight excess pressure (if necessary) in the volume of confined air, thereby ensuring that any liquid entering the restricting passage is pushed back into the cuvette inlet chamber. In this state, the pressure sensor would detect a slight increase in pressure. Finally, in Figure 15K, during cuvette discharge, the pressure sensor would measure the pressure drop associated with the suction of liquid from the cuvette. At all operational stages, a characteristic pressure "pattern" is recorded and may be compared to a predicted pressure pattern. If the experimental pattern deviates significantly from the predicted pattern, it becomes possible to diagnose and evaluate hardware failure, blockage, or unintended limitation in the pump, valve, tubing, passage, or cuvette.

[0263] Cleaning In some embodiments, after completing the assay and draining the cuvette, the cuvette is rinsed with the same pipette used to perform the assay. While this does not require additional hardware, it is a continuous process, occupying pipette time and often increasing the total analytical time (e.g., the total time required for the experiment before another experiment can be started). Furthermore, if the washing fluid is different from the system fluid, using a pipette as a means of dispensing the washing fluid can be inefficient. This is because the pipette needs to be filled and prepared with the washing fluid, the washing fluid needs to be dispensed, and then it needs to be filled and prepared with the system fluid before performing the next experiment, resulting in more waste and a loss of time.

[0264] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a fluid input system, in which case each cuvette has a dedicated tube or passage designed to deliver fluid (such as a cleaning fluid) into the cuvette. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 22, the cuvette may have an additional inlet hole positioned above the expected filling level of the cuvette's inlet chamber. In this embodiment, the cuvette module may have a tube or passage designed to communicate with the cuvette's inlet hole. A fluid-sealing gasket can be used to ensure a fluid-sealing seal between the inlet tube and the cuvette. A non-limiting use of this hole is that, in use, after the assay, cleaning fluid is introduced into the cuvette through the fluid tube by an external pump (not shown), such as a peristaltic pump or membrane pump.

[0265] In some embodiments, the cuvette does not include an inlet hole; instead, an inlet tube connects to the inlet of the cuvette. In such embodiments, it is important to ensure that the inlet tube does not interfere with the operation of the pipette, and therefore, that the inlet tube is preferentially positioned at the corner of the cuvette inlet so as not to block the rest of the inlet.

[0266] Light mask In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a light mask that limits the spatial spread of the light source. For example, Figure 16A shows a light mask integrated with a heat block. This mask has small holes that limit the spatial spread of the light emitted from the LEDs. This spatial filtering can be used, for example, to limit the angular diffusion of light entering the cuvette so that no light rays hit the liquid / air meniscus representing the top surface of the liquid in the cuvette.

[0267] In some embodiments, the mask is tailored to the shape of the cuvette. For example, a mask with a small hole, as shown in Figure 16A, spatially restricts the light entering the cuvette to an optical cone that would coincide with the angular dimensions of the trapezoidal cuvette in Figures 8A-8C. A mask with a slit spatially restricts the light to a pyramid with a flat top, which is more suitable for a square cuvette. However, other mask-to-cuvette shape pairings are also possible.

[0268] In some embodiments, the cuvette module includes a spatial mask that can be used, if necessary, to limit the area of ​​light incident from the light source through the cuvette to the detector.

[0269] Photodetector The cuvette module of this disclosure comprises a photodetector. The photodetector may be a silicon photodiode, a silicon photomultiplier tube, an avalanche photodiode (APD), a photomultiplier tube (PMT), or any other photodetector commonly known in the art.

[0270] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a detector substrate and a detector spacer, as shown in Figures 14 and 16.

[0271] In some embodiments, the cuvette module further includes a circuit board containing an array of photodiodes (e.g., an array of individual photodiodes in T-1 3 / 4 packages) mounted on one side of the housing. In one embodiment, the number of photodiodes N is equal to the number of cuvettes. The photodiodes may have, for example, a square detector with an active area of ​​approximately 1 mm × 1 mm and be protected by a flat optical window. A complementary circuit board correspondingly mounting N narrowband (or substantially single-wavelength) LEDs in T-1 3 / 4 packages with lenses on top is mounted on the opposite side of the housing, as shown in Figures 14 and 16.

[0272] system Figure 18 shows a fluid system structure comprising a cuvette, a cuvette module, and a fluid base with passages or tubes connecting the individual cuvettes to a single waste chamber, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The cuvette module 1800 may include a reaction vessel 1802, a heat block 1804, a hole 1806, an O-ring 1808, a manifold 1810, a valve 1812, a waste passage 1814, and a fluid coupling 1816. System 1850 may include a system similar to the cuvette module 1800. System 1850 may include a multiplexed cuvette module 1818, a fluid base 1820, and a common waste liquid 1822. The fluid base 1820 may be a base with passages or tubes connecting the individual cuvettes to a single waste liquid chamber. The common waste liquid 1822 may be a single waste liquid chamber.

[0273] Figures 19A-19B show workflow diagrams of the method of the disclosure, according to one or more embodiments, in which a cuvette module is used to fill and mix a liquid in a cuvette of the disclosure, measure and analyze a sample, and empty the cuvette after the sample has been measured and analyzed.

[0274] Figure 19A shows the steps of filling and mixing a liquid using a cuvette module according to one or more embodiments. System 1900 may include a pipette 1902, a cuvette 1904, a valve 1906, a waste chamber 1908, a light source 1912, and a photodetector 1914. System 1900 can perform operations 1905, 1910, and 1915. Operation 1905 may include filling and mixing and may include closing the valve 1906. Operation 1910 may include analyzing the sample and may include closing the valve 1906 and activating the light source 1912 and the photodetector 1914. Operation 1915 may include emptying the cuvette into the waste chamber 1908 and may include opening the valve 1906.

[0275] Figure 19B shows a step in using a cuvette module in the system according to one or more embodiments. System 1900 may include a consumable well 1916 containing a reagent, a consumable well 1918 containing a reagent, a consumable cartridge 1922, a serum test tube 1924, a pipette 1926 (which may be a pipette such as pipette 1902, for example), a washing station 1928, a reusable cuvette 1932, and a cuvette module 1934. Table 1950 may include operations relating to system 1900. Table 1950 may include operations 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, and 1963. Operation 1951 may include aspirating reagent 1 from the consumable well 1916 containing the reagent. Operation 1952 may include distributing reagent 1 into the IPM cuvette. Operation 1953 may include washing the pipette. Operation 1954 may include aspirating the sample from the serum test tube 1924. Operation 1955 may include distributing the sample into the IPM cuvette. Operation 1956 may include mixing reagent 1 and the sample. Operation 1957 may include washing the pipette 1926. Operation 1958 may include aspirating reagent 2 from the consumable well 1918 containing the reagent. Operation 1959 may include distributing reagent 2 into the IPM cuvette. Reagent 1960 may include mixing reagent 2 with reagent 1 / sample. Operation 1961 may include washing the pipette 1926. Operation 1962 may include measuring the absorbance over time. Operation 1963 may include washing, cleaning, and draining the IPM cuvette after the assay is complete.

[0276] Figure 20 shows the fluid architecture of an exemplary system of the present disclosure in one or more embodiments. System 2099 includes pipette 1 2008, pipette 2 2012, valve 1 2061, valve 2 2062, valve 3 2063, pump 2023, washing fluid tank 2024, system fluid tank 2002, degasser 2004, pump 1 2071, pump 2 2072, pump 3 2073, waste liquid tank 2054, waste liquid pump 2052, ICM 2046, PM1 2081, PM2 2082, and PM3 3083, washing station 2091, washing station 2092, consumable reagent plate 2064, sample 2097, IAM 2058, and stopper 2098.

[0277] Aspects of this disclosure further include systems for processing samples and / or performing photometric measurements of samples. An example of such a system is shown in Figure 20.

[0278] The systems of the present disclosure include one or more cuvette modules as described herein. Figure 20 shows three such modules, labeled PM1 to PM3. In some embodiments, the system further includes a pump. The pump in this system is used to remove fluid through the outlets of one or more cuvettes in the cuvette module. For example, once an active fluid valve is opened, the pump is switched on, creating a pressure difference across the fluid, and the open valve discharges the liquid from the cuvette outlet. If the cuvette module has multiple active valves, the pump discharges fluid only from the outlets of the cuvettes in which the active valves are open. For example, if the cuvette module includes 10 cuvettes and only 5 of the 10 cuvettes have open active valves, the pump can remove fluid from the 5 cuvettes in which the active valves are open without obstructing the remaining 5 cuvettes in which the active valves are closed.

[0279] A fluid pressure difference across a fluid can be created, for example, by using a pump appropriately connected to the outlet of one or more cuvettes (downstream of the cuvettes). In Figure 20, this is labeled as a "waste pump." Alternatively, fluid pressure can be created using pressure applied to the inlet end of the cuvette, causing the fluid to be discharged from the outlet.

[0280] In some embodiments, the pump is a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a vacuum gas cylinder configured to create a pressure difference across the fluid in the cuvette by drawing suction from the outlet of the cuvette.

[0281] In some embodiments, the pump is a peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the pump includes a pressurized gas cylinder that creates a pressure difference across the fluid in the cuvette by applying pressure to the inlet.

[0282] In some embodiments, a pump connected to a downstream pipe or passage pressurizes an air reservoir or volume of air between the pump and the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber so that when the liquid in the cuvette's inlet chamber begins to flow out of the inlet chamber under the influence of gravity, the air reservoir or volume of air between the pump and the pump is pressurized, and thus resists the fluid from moving further out of the cuvette.

[0283] waste liquid tank In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 20, the system of the present disclosure includes a wastewater tank. In some embodiments where a wastewater tank exists, the cuvette module includes passages or tubes connecting one or more individual cuvettes to the wastewater container. The wastewater tank may include a single common wastewater collection container, as shown in Figures 18, 19, and 20.

[0284] Cleaning fluid tank In some embodiments, the system further includes a cleaning fluid tank. The cleaning fluid tank may be fluidly connected to a pipette so that the pipette can discharge cleaning fluid into the cuvettes to clean them. This is the configuration shown in Figure 20. Alternatively, the cleaning fluid may be directly connected to the cuvettes through a valve or through a fluid inlet pipe as shown in Figure 22.

[0285] Washing pump In some embodiments, the system further includes a cleaning pump. The cleaning pump can be used to pump cleaning fluid from a cleaning fluid tank to a cuvette.

[0286] Degassing device In some embodiments, the system further includes a degasser. The degasser can be used to degas the fluid before it is used in the system.

[0287] pipette In some embodiments, the system further comprises one or more pipettes for pipetting and / or mixing samples and / or reagents within a cuvette. In some embodiments, the pipettes are automated pipettes. In some embodiments, the system includes multiple pipettes. In some embodiments, the pipettes are mounted on the arms of a robot, such as an XYZ gantry robot, so that they can move to different locations within the system. An example of pipette configuration and positioning is given in Figure 24.

[0288] Thermal heater In some embodiments, the system further comprises a thermal heater or heat block. The thermal heater in this system can generally be used to maintain the temperature within a sealed system, or specifically, within a cuvette module.

[0289] Waste and cleaning station As shown in Figures 19, 20, and 24, the system further comprises one or more waste / washing stations. The waste / washing stations receive waste liquid from the pipettes and can be used to wash the inside and outside of the pipettes.

[0290] Consumable reagent plates As shown in Figure 20, the system further comprises one or more consumable reagent plates. The reagent plates hold the reagents to be used in the assay. When the reagents are depleted, the consumable reagent plates are replaced.

[0291] Sample vial As shown in Figure 20, the system further comprises one or more sample vials. Each sample vial holds the sample to be used in the assay. After the sample has been used, the sample vial is replaced.

[0292] mixing device In some embodiments, the system further comprises a mixing device. Non-limiting examples of the mixing device include a magnetic stirrer or magnetic ball inside the cuvette, and magnets such as bar magnets may be positioned outside the cuvette. The motion of the bar magnets affects the motion of the balls or bar magnets inside the cuvette, thereby creating turbulence that mixes the fluids. Another non-limiting example of the mixing device is a mechanical feature such as a propeller or impeller that enters the cuvette to mix and is pulled out of the cuvette during the measurement operation. In some embodiments, the system includes mechanical means for mixing one or more fluids inside the cuvette. In some embodiments, the system includes non-mechanical means for mixing the fluids inside the cuvette.

[0293] Method for processing samples Aspects of this disclosure include modules for processing and performing photometric measurements. In some embodiments, the cuvette module is a multiplex device capable of processing and measuring multiple samples in a single cuvette or a sequence of cuvettes. Figure 19 describes a non-limiting use of the cuvette module.

[0294] As shown in Figure 19A, in step 1, the valve at the bottom of the cuvette is closed. The liquid is pipetteed into the cuvette and mixed as necessary. In step 2 of Figure 19A, the valve remains closed during the assay. A photometric assay is shown here. In step 3 of Figure 19A, the valve is opened by electrically acting an active valve and / or by creating a pressure difference across a passive valve (e.g., a check valve, duckbill valve, or capillary valve), thereby opening the valve. Such a pressure difference may be created using a pump that pressurizes the top of the opened cuvette or by creating a vacuum at the bottom of the cuvette distal to the valve. Other methods and modes of operation are also possible.

[0295] As described in Figure 19B, the pipettor first aspirates reagent 1 (R1) from a well in the consumable cartridge and dispenses it into a cuvette on the cuvette module. The pipettor washes itself at the washing station, then aspirates a sample (e.g., plasma or serum) from a sample tube, dispenses it into a cuvette, and mixes it with R1. While R1 and the sample are incubating, the pipettor washes itself again at the washing station. When incubation is complete, the pipettor aspirates reagent 2 (R2) from a second well in the consumable cartridge, dispenses it into a cuvette on the cuvette module, and mixes it. The reaction is currently underway, and the intensity of light from the LED is monitored over time with a detector. These photometric measurements may be used to determine the concentration of the chemical species being tested.

[0296] When the photometric measurement is complete, the valve is opened and a waste pump (not shown in Figure 19B) draws the waste into the waste chamber. The pipette then positions itself over the cuvette and then forcefully flows the washing solution and other solutions into the cuvette. These solutions are delivered through the pipette. Other types of assays, such as photometric endpoint assays, may be performed in a similar manner. In some embodiments, the fluid solution is the washing solution.

[0297] In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of: distributing a fluid into the inlet of the cuvette of the Disclosure to deliver a fluid such as a sample fluid, reagent, buffer, or washing fluid to the cuvette; processing the sample; passing light from a first light source through the measurement area of ​​the fluid-filled cuvette to a photodetector; obtaining data representing the detected analyte; and determining the presence and / or concentration of one or more analytes in the sample.

[0298] In some embodiments, the method includes the step of mixing one or more reagents with a sample in a cuvette. In some embodiments, the mixing step can be performed using a pipette.

[0299] In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of measuring a sample while processing it, and acquiring data representing the sample while processing it. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of measuring a processed sample and acquiring data representing the processed sample. An example of the sample processing and measurement workflow of this method is shown in Figure 19. A~19B This is shown in Figure 19. A~19B As shown, the pipette distributes the fluid (e.g., sample and / or reagent) into the cuvette to fill it. The pipette can be used to mix the sample with the reagent and / or buffer (Step 1). At any point during or after the sample processing, the sample is measured and analyzed (Figure 19). B Step 2). After the measurement is performed, the fluid valve is opened and the sample fluid is drawn out of the cuvette (Step 3).

[0300] In some embodiments, the method includes a step of analyzing data representing a sample. In some embodiments, the analysis step includes a step of determining the concentration of one or more analytes in the sample.

[0301] In some embodiments, the step of obtaining data representing the sample includes the step of obtaining fluorescence measurements of the sample. In some embodiments, the step of obtaining data representing the sample includes the step of measuring the absorbance of the sample. In some embodiments, the step of obtaining data representing the sample includes the step of measuring the concentration of the sample. In some embodiments, the sample includes one or more metabolites selected from blood urea nitrogen (BUN), carbon dioxide (CO2), creatinine, glucose, chloride, potassium, sodium, calcium, hemoglobin, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, amylase, γ-glutamyltransferase, lipase, magnesium, phosphorus, direct bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), ammonia, lactate (LAC), fructose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid, bile acid, Hbalc, and creatine kinase.

[0302] Figure 21 shows a process flow of a method of the present disclosure, including clinical chemistry, using the cuvette module of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments. Method 2100 may include operations 2105, 2110, 2115, 2120, 2125, 2130, 2135, 2140, 2145, 2150, 2155, 2160, and 2165.

[0303] Another non-limiting example of the workflow of the present invention is shown in Figure 21. As shown in Figure 21, the method includes the step of aspirating reagent 1 (R1) from the consumption well (step 1 or operation 2105 ), and the process of distributing R1 to the cuvettes of the cuvette module (step 2 or operation 2110 ) includes. The next step includes cleaning / rinsing the pipette (step 3). Or operation 2115 ). The next step in this method is to aspirate the sample from the serum tube (Step 4). or operation 2120 ), and the step of distributing the sample containing serum into the cuvette of the cuvette module containing R1 (step 5) or operation 2125) is included. A pipette can be used to aspirate and dispense the sample and / or reagent into the cuvette, or from the well or tube containing R1 and / or the sample into the cuvette. A pipette can also be used to mix the reagent R1 and the sample within the cuvette of the cuvette module (step 6). or operation 2130 ). After mixing the sample with R1 in the cuvette of the cuvette module, wash and / or rinse the pipette to remove any residual sample and / or reagent (Step 7). or operation 2135 ). The next step is to aspirate reagent 2 (R2) from the consumable well (well #2) (step 8). or operation 2140 ), distribute R2 to the cuvettes of the cuvette module (step 9) or operation 2145 ), mix R2 into the cuvette containing R1 and the sample (Step 10) or operation 2150 ) This is the process. Wash the pipette again (step 11). or operation 2155 The next step involves measuring the sample using a light emitter. Light is transmitted through the measurement area of ​​the cuvette and detected by a detector on the opposite side of the cuvette wall. The measurement may be performed at any point, for example, during sample processing, while the assay reaction is taking place, or after the reaction. The detector measures the wavelength of the transmitted light over time as the reaction progresses (step 12). or operation 2160 ). After the assay is complete, drain the cuvette, wash and clean it, and then drain the fluid from the cuvette through the waste line into the waste container (Step 13). or operation 2165 ).

[0304] In some embodiments, the fluid is a sample. In some embodiments, the fluid is a sample and a reagent. In some embodiments, the fluid is a sample and one or more reagents mixed together. In some embodiments, the fluid is a sample mixed with a buffer. In some embodiments, the reagent is a buffer. In some embodiments, the sample is a biological sample. In some embodiments, the sample is a chemical sample. For example, samples include a variety of fluids such as body fluids (whole blood, serum, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, lymph, etc.) and other fluids (e.g., cell culture suspensions, cell extracts, cell culture supernatants, etc.). Samples may be suspended or dissolved in, for example, buffers, extractants, solvents, etc. Additional examples of samples are given by fluids intentionally created for the study of biological processes or for the discovery or screening of drug candidates. The latter include aqueous samples containing, but are not limited to, bacteria, viruses, DNA, polypeptides, natural or recombinant proteins, metal ions, or drug candidates and mixtures thereof.

[0305] Figure 22 shows an example of a fluid system for a cuvette module, according to one or more embodiments, which includes a tube or passage connected to a hole in the cuvette for distributing fluid into the cuvette. Cuvette module 2210 may be a fluid system for a cuvette module. Cuvette module 2220 may be a module similar to cuvette module 2210 and may include a fluid seal 2222 and a flushing tube 2224.

[0306] As described in U.S. Patent No. 1,0215687, which is fully referenced herein, it is recognized that optimizing the operation of a microfluidic system depends, at least in part, on the user's ability to utilize a limited volume of sample. To optimize operation in this way, the volume of the cuvette should not contain "dead space" that is filled with the sample material but does not participate in the photometric measurement. The operational area of ​​the cuvette required to eliminate such "dead space" is related to the area of ​​the photodetector used for the photometric measurement.

[0307] The cuvettes described so far have a measurement area contained within an inlet chamber. A common feature of these embodiments is that the measurement area can be filled with the fluid entering from the inlet without substantially trapping air. In other words, the measurement area of ​​the cuvette can be completely filled under the influence of gravity.

[0308] However, an alternative embodiment separates the measurement area from the inlet chamber, and therefore, while the inlet chamber is filled under the influence of gravity, a non-gravitational pressure difference must be applied across the fluid to fill the measurement area.

[0309] Figure 23 shows a representative example of a cuvette in which the measurement area is contained within an inlet chamber, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 2300 may include a liquid dispenser 2305, an inlet 2310, an inlet chamber 2315, a measurement area 2320, an outlet 2325, a valve 2330, and a pump 2335. The liquid dispenser 2305 may be a probe. The measurement area 2320 may be contained within the inlet chamber 2315.

[0310] Figure 24A shows a cuvette structure in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber, according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette 2400 may include an inlet 2405, an inlet chamber 2410, an inlet passage 2415, a coupling passage 2420, an air passage 2425, a valve 2430, a measurement area 2435, an outlet 2440, a valve 2445, a waste liquid passage 2450, and a pump 2455. The measurement area 2435 may be separated from the inlet chamber 2410.

[0311] Figure 24B shows a cuvette structure, as in Figure 24A, in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber. Air can escape through passage 2460, and pressure can be applied downward at point 2465.

[0312] Figure 24C shows a cuvette structure, as shown in Figure 24A, in which the measurement area is separated from the inlet chamber. Cuvette 2400 may include a coupling passage 2470. The liquid can flow from cuvette 2400 towards passage 2475.

[0313] Figure 23 and Figures 24A-24C Referring to, Figure 23 This shows an embodiment in which the measurement area is contained within the inlet chamber. This is an embodiment previously described herein. Figure 24A In an alternative embodiment, as shown, the inlet chamber is separated from the measurement area. In this embodiment, the inlet chamber can be filled under the influence of gravity. However, filling the measurement area requires a pressure difference across the fluid to push or draw the fluid into the measurement area. In the embodiment where the inlet chamber is separated from the measurement area, the inputs to multiple modules are clustered together and therefore easily accessible with pipettes and probes, while the measurement area can be located elsewhere to save space in the instrument.

[0314] As with all embodiments of the cuvette described herein, the inlet chamber can be filled under the influence of gravity. Figure 24AAs shown, valve 1 is opened to push or draw fluid into the coupling passage in order to fill the measurement area. When the fluid reaches the measurement area, it uniformly fills the area under the influence of gravity, while air escapes through the air passage. In other words, the measurement area is of a size and shape such that the surface tension and capillary forces within it are negligible compared to gravity. Furthermore, as long as the fluid is gently drawn or pushed through the coupling passage, the fluid is not drawn into the air passage or valve 1, and all the fluid remains within the measurement area. After the measurement area is filled, the sample is then analyzed. When the assay is complete, valve 1 is closed and valve 2 is opened, and the liquid is pumped out through the waste passage.

[0315] Figure 25 shows a cuvette module system, comprising an integrated module, a washing station, and a pipette system, for use in sample processing, according to one or more embodiments. System 2500 may include a cuvette module 2505, a waste liquid / washing station 2515, a pipetter 2520, a consumable well plate 2525, and a serum tube 2530. The pipetter 2520 can be mounted in a gantry robot and can move in direction 2510 (which may include movement in the XY plane).

[0316] Figure 26 shows a cuvette module including a circular arrangement of cuvettes according to one or more embodiments. The cuvette module 2600 may include a lamp 2605, a prism 2610, a slit 2615, a detector 2620, a cuvette 2625, an active valve 2630, and a motor 2635.

[0317] While the present invention has been specifically illustrated and described with reference to preferred embodiments and various alternative embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0318] All references, published patents, and patent applications cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0319] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below in separate sections.

[0320] Embodiment 1 In a cuvette for holding fluid, (a) an inlet end having an opening to the atmosphere, the inlet being configured to receive fluid distributed to the inlet from above the cuvette, (b) The body of the cuvette connected to the entrance end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (i) In the entrance chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the entrance end of the cuvette, and the walls of the measurement area include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the entrance chamber is filled under the influence of gravity and is constructed so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measurement area. A tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the tapered region is located at the distal end of the measurement region, and the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle is formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surface of the wall of the measurement region. Including an inlet chamber, and (ii) A neck region having a fluid connection to the distal end of the tapered region, including an outlet located at the distal end, which is constructed to retain fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet, The body of the cuvette has multiple regions including, A cuvette containing [something].

[0321] Embodiment 2 The cuvette according to Embodiment 1, wherein the neck region includes an exit passage.

[0322] Embodiment 3 The cuvette according to Embodiment 2, wherein the outlet passage includes an outlet opening having an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

[0323] Embodiment 4 The cuvette according to embodiment 2 or 3, wherein the outlet passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

[0324] Embodiment 5 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the neck region further includes a restricting passage.

[0325] Embodiment 6 The cuvette according to embodiment 5, further comprising a capillary valve between the transition portion at the distal end of the tapered region and the proximal end of the restricting passage.

[0326] Embodiment 7 The cuvette according to Embodiment 6, wherein the capillary valve is formed by a transition between the inner diameter of the distal end of the tapered region and the inner diameter of the proximal end of the restricting passage.

[0327] Embodiment 8 The cuvette according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the restricting passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

[0328] Embodiment 9 The cuvette according to Embodiment 8, wherein the restricting passage is designed to hold a volume ranging from 0.01 microliters to 2 microliters.

[0329] Embodiment 10 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 9, wherein the volume of the measurement region of the cuvette is more than 50% of the total volume of the fluid filling the cuvette.

[0330] Embodiment 11 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 5 to 10, wherein the restricting passage has a length ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

[0331] Embodiment 12 A cuvette according to any one of embodiments 5 to 11, wherein the inner diameter of the restricting passage is smaller than the inner diameter of the exit passage of the neck region.

[0332] Embodiment 13 A cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first and second walls of the measurement area are substantially flat.

[0333] Embodiment 14 A cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the obtuse angle between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region ranges from 130 to 179 degrees.

[0334] Embodiment 15 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the cuvette includes a connection point between the distal end of the measuring region and the proximal end of the tapered region, and the connection point has an obtuse angle ranging from 130 to 179 degrees.

[0335] Embodiment 16 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 15, further comprising a positioning feature designed to position a portion of the cuvette relative to the surface of a housing, manifold, sensor, or fluid valve.

[0336] Embodiment 17 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the positioning feature is located at the entrance end.

[0337] Embodiment 18 The cuvette according to embodiment 17, wherein the positioning feature is located at the proximal end of the measurement area.

[0338] Embodiment 19 The cuvette according to embodiment 17 or 18, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge surrounding the entrance.

[0339] Embodiment 20 The cuvette according to embodiment 19, wherein the outer peripheral edge extends radially outward from the cuvette and constitutes a lip that secures the cuvette in place.

[0340] Embodiment 21 The cuvette according to embodiment 21, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge surrounding the entrance.

[0341] Embodiment 22 The cuvette according to Embodiment 16, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge located between the distal end of the measurement region and the proximal end of the tapered region.

[0342] Embodiment 23 A cuvette according to any one of embodiments 2 to 22, wherein the neck region is located at the distal end of the tapered region, and the outlet of the neck region is located at the distal end of the outlet passage.

[0343] Embodiment 24 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the outlet of the cuvette has an opening with a diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

[0344] Embodiment 25 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the measurement area of ​​the cuvette has an internal dimension that defines an optical path length ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm.

[0345] Embodiment 26 The cuvette according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 25, wherein the cuvette is made from a transparent plastic selected from polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or other transparent plastics.

[0346] Embodiment 27 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 26, wherein the cuvette is made from Eastman Tritan copolyester.

[0347] Embodiment 28 The cuvette according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 27, wherein the cuvette, or a portion thereof, is made of a material having a water / solid contact angle of less than 90 degrees.

[0348] Embodiment 29 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 28, wherein the cuvette is connected to a pipe or passage at the distal end of the outlet.

[0349] Embodiment 30 The cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29, wherein the cuvette includes means for altering the optical properties of light passing through the cuvette.

[0350] Embodiment 31 (a) at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to the atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above the at least one cuvette to the inlet, (b) A central passage in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one cuvette, and (c) A fluid valve located between the central passage and the downstream passage, which is configured to connect and disconnect the downstream passage from the central passage. A cuvette module equipped with this feature.

[0351] Embodiment 32 The downstream passage is fluidly connected to the fluid valve, and the cuvette module is located downstream thereof, as described in Embodiment 31.

[0352] Embodiment 33 The cuvette module according to embodiment 31 or 32 further includes a fluid seal configured to create an airtight seal between the outlet of at least one cuvette and the central passage.

[0353] Embodiment 34 The cuvette module according to embodiment 33, wherein the fluid seal is a gasket positioned around the outlet end of the cuvette.

[0354] Embodiment 35 The cuvette module according to embodiment 34, wherein the outlet of the cuvette is configured to create a radial seal with the gasket.

[0355] Embodiment 36 The cuvette module according to embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the gasket is configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the outlet of the cuvette and the manifold of the cuvette module, and the manifold constitutes the central passage for fluid connection between the outlet of the cuvette and means for connecting to the fluid valve.

[0356] Embodiment 37 The cuvette module according to embodiment 36, wherein the manifold constitutes the downstream passage, the central passage, or the downstream passage and the central passage.

[0357] Embodiment 38 The cuvette module according to embodiment 37, wherein the gasket is located within the manifold.

[0358] Embodiment 39 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 34 to 38, wherein the gasket is positioned around the outlet of the cuvette.

[0359] Embodiment 40 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 33 to 38, wherein the fluid seal is a radial O-ring seal or an axial gasket seal.

[0360] Embodiment 41 The cuvette module according to embodiment 32, wherein when the fluid valve is closed, the fluid valve is configured to contain the volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of at least one cuvette.

[0361] Embodiment 42 The cuvette module according to Embodiment 41, wherein the volume of air between the valve and any liquid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette ranges from 5 to 60 microliters.

[0362] Embodiment 43 The cuvette module according to embodiment 41 or 42, wherein a certain volume of air trapped between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of the cuvette is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, and the compressed air creates a pressure equal to and opposite to the head pressure of the fluid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

[0363] Embodiment 44 The cuvette module according to embodiment 41 or 42, wherein a certain volume of air trapped between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of the cuvette is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, and the compressed air, in combination with the capillary pressure associated with the capillary valve, produces a pressure equal to and opposite to the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

[0364] Embodiment 45 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 44, wherein the cuvette includes at least one cuvette.

[0365] Embodiment 46 The at least one cuvette, The body of the cuvette connected to the aforementioned entrance end, the body of which consists of walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (iii) an entrance chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measurement area comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity with fluid distributed to the inlet, and the first and second walls of the measurement area being made to allow light to pass through, An inlet chamber, comprising a tapered region including a proximal and distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measurement region, the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapering inward from the proximal end to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region, so that the fluid can be discharged from the cuvette once it has been measured, and A neck region having a fluid connection to the distal end of the tapered region and including an outlet located at the distal end, the neck region being constructed to hold the fluid within the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet, The body of the cuvette having multiple regions including, A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 45, including the following.

[0366] Embodiment 47 The cuvette module according to embodiment 46, wherein when the fluid valve is closed, the fluid valve is configured to contain the volume of air between the fluid valve and the neck region of the cuvette.

[0367] Embodiment 48 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 47, wherein the open position of the fluid valve creates a fluid connection between the outlet of the cuvette and the downstream passage.

[0368] Embodiment 49 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 48, wherein the volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber is in the range of 5 to 60 microliters.

[0369] Embodiment 50 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 49, further comprising mechanical means for holding the cuvette in a fixed position, wherein the inlet is maintained in an orientation and position for dripping or distributing the fluid into the inlet of the cuvette, thereby filling the inlet chamber of the cuvette by gravity.

[0370] Embodiment 51 The cuvette module according to Embodiment 50, wherein the cuvette module is a housing having one or more housing walls configured to hold the at least one cuvette in the fixed position, and further includes a housing having an opening at the proximal end of the housing wall for inserting the cuvette into the housing.

[0371] Embodiment 52 The cuvette module according to embodiment 51 further includes a cap configured to cover the entrance of at least one cuvette and be attached to the housing.

[0372] Embodiment 53 The cuvette module according to embodiment 51 or 52, wherein the housing is made of a thermal conductive material.

[0373] Embodiment 54 The cuvette module according to embodiment 53, wherein the heat conductive material is aluminum.

[0374] Embodiment 55 The cuvette module according to embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the housing includes a slot in at least one of the housing walls for aligning or positioning the at least one cuvette at a selected position within the housing.

[0375] Embodiment 56 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 50 to 54, wherein the housing includes a fastener in at least one of the housing walls for securing the cuvette within the housing.

[0376] Embodiment 57 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 56, wherein the at least one cuvette comprises two or more cuvettes, and each cuvette is positioned in a separate opening or slot of the housing for inserting and positioning each cuvette.

[0377] Embodiment 58 The cuvette module according to embodiment 57, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more fluid valves.

[0378] Embodiment 59 The cuvette module according to embodiment 57 or 58, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more downstream passages within the manifold.

[0379] Embodiment 60 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 57 to 59, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more central passages within the manifold.

[0380] Embodiment 61 The cuvette module according to Embodiment 60, wherein each fluid valve is configured to be fluidly connected to each central passage, and each central passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the outlet of each cuvette.

[0381] Embodiment 62 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 61, further comprising means for inducing and detecting light that has interacted with at least a portion of the fluid contained within the at least one cuvette.

[0382] Embodiment 63 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 62, further comprising means for directing light from a light source to enter and pass through the first wall of the cuvette and interact with at least a portion of the liquid contained therein.

[0383] Embodiment 64 The aforementioned cuvette module A light source positioned adjacent to the measurement area of ​​the cuvette, which irradiates light rays so as to pass through the measurement area of ​​the cuvette, and A photodetector positioned to communicate optically with the measurement area of ​​the cuvette and to receive at least a portion of the light rays that cross the cuvette, A cuvette module according to embodiment 62 or 63, further comprising:

[0384] Embodiment 65 The cuvette module according to Embodiment 64, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more light sources and two or more photodetectors, each light source located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette, and each photodetector located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette.

[0385] Embodiment 66 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 65, further comprising means for filtering light passing through the cuvette to change the wavelength components, polarization state, and / or intensity of the light.

[0386] Embodiment 67 The cuvette module according to embodiment 66 further includes a filter housing configured to hold one or more optical filters, each optical filter located adjacent to each cuvette.

[0387] Embodiment 68 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 67, further comprising a light mask.

[0388] Embodiment 69 The cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 68, wherein the cuvette module is configured such that light from a light source enters the cuvette through a first substantially flat wall of the cuvette, interacts with at least a portion of the fluid contained within the at least one cuvette, exits through a second substantially flat wall of the at least one cuvette, and the remaining light is collected by a detector.

[0389] Embodiment 70 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 69, further comprising a heating and / or cooling element configured to control the temperature of the cuvette and the fluid within the cuvette.

[0390] Embodiment 71 The cuvette module according to embodiment 64, wherein the photodetector is a silicon photodiode.

[0391] Embodiment 72 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 71, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of fluid inside at least a portion of the cuvette.

[0392] Embodiment 73 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 72, further including a pressure sensor.

[0393] Embodiment 74 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 73, comprising a tube or passage directly connected to the input portion of the cuvette, the tube or passage being configured to hold a solution and move it to the input portion of the cuvette to fill the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

[0394] Embodiment 75 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 74, comprising one or more fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves, the one or more fluid passages being connected to the distal ends of the one or more fluid valves.

[0395] Embodiment 76 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 75, further comprising a pump connected to one or more fluid-connected passages downstream of the outlet of the cuvette.

[0396] Embodiment 77 The cuvette module according to embodiment 76, wherein the pump is configured to contain a volume of air or air pocket between the pump and any fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

[0397] Embodiment 78 The cuvette module according to embodiment 76 or 77, wherein the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump.

[0398] Embodiment 79 A cuvette module according to any one of embodiments 31 to 78, wherein the at least one cuvette is the at least one cuvette described in any one of embodiments 1 to 31.

[0399] Embodiment 80 A module having a plurality of cuvettes, fluid valves, a central passage, and a downstream passage, as described in any one of embodiments 31 to 79.

[0400] Embodiment 81 The module according to embodiment 80, wherein the fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves are connected to a common or adjacent passage.

[0401] Embodiment 82 A method for performing a photometric assay using the module described in any one of embodiments 31 to 81, (a) A step of mechanically restraining the cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module, (b) Steps to close the fluid valve in the module, (c) A step of dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of a cuvette such that the fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, wherein an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the fluid valve and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (d) A step of directing light from a light source into the cuvette, wherein the light is configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (e) A step of collecting light that has interacted with the fluid using a photodetector and collecting data representing changes occurring in the fluid, and (f) Opening the fluid valve of the module and pumping or pushing the fluid in the cuvette through the outlet of the cuvette into the downstream passage, A method that includes this.

[0402] Embodiment 83 The above method, after step (c), The step of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette, The steps of mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette, and A step of heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette, The method according to embodiment 82, further comprising the step of processing the fluid in the cuvette as needed by performing one or more steps selected from the following.

[0403] Embodiment 84 The method according to embodiment 82 or 83, further comprising the step of analyzing the data after step (e).

[0404] Embodiment 85 The above method, after step (f), Close the fluid valve, Fill the cuvette with the solution, Open the fluid valve, The cleaning fluid is drawn out or pushed into the downstream passage through the outlet of the cuvette. The method according to any one of embodiments 82 to 84, comprising the step of cleaning the cuvette.

[0405] Embodiment 86 The method according to any one of embodiments 82 to 85, wherein at least a portion of the light is absorbed, configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette, and the photometric assay is an absorbance assay.

[0406] Embodiment 87 The method according to any one of embodiments 82 to 86, wherein at least a portion of the light configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette is scattered, and the photometric assay is a scattering assay.

[0407] Embodiment 88 The method according to any one of embodiments 82 to 87, further comprising the step of measuring the change in polarization of the light interacting with the fluid in the cuvette.

[0408] Embodiment 89 The method according to any one of embodiments 82 to 88, further comprising the step of measuring fluorescence emission when the light interacts with the fluid in the cuvette.

[0409] Embodiment 90 A fluid system comprising a cuvette module and a downstream pump as described in any one of embodiments 31 to 81.

[0410] Embodiment 91 The fluid system according to Embodiment 90, wherein the pump is mounted on a pipe or passage connected to the fluid valve, and when the fluid valve is closed, the pump is fluidly isolated from the cuvette, and when the valve is open, the pump is fluidly connected to the cuvette.

[0411] Embodiment 92 The fluid system according to embodiment 90 or 91, wherein the system further comprises a waste liquid tank.

[0412] Embodiment 93 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 92, wherein the system further comprises a cleaning fluid tank.

[0413] Embodiment 94 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 93, wherein the fluid system further comprises a cleaning pump.

[0414] Embodiment 95 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 94, wherein the fluid system further comprises a degassing device.

[0415] Embodiment 96 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 95, wherein the fluid system further comprises one or more pipettes.

[0416] Embodiment 97 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 96, wherein the fluid system further comprises at least one cuvette according to any one of embodiments 1 to 30.

[0417] Embodiment 98 The fluid system according to any one of embodiments 90 to 97, wherein the fluid system further comprises a mixing device.

[0418] Embodiment 99 A method for performing a photometric assay using a cuvette module described in any one of embodiments 31 to 81, (a) A step of mechanically restraining the cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module, (b) A step of dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of a cuvette such that the fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, wherein an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the pump and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (c) A step of directing light from a light source into the cuvette, wherein the light is configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (d) A step of collecting light that has interacted with the fluid using a photodetector and collecting data that represents changes occurring in the fluid, and (e) Using the pump to draw the fluid in the cuvette through the outlet of the cuvette into the downstream passage, A method that includes this.

[0419] Embodiment 100 The method according to Embodiment 99, further comprising the step of using the pump to slightly increase the pressure in the certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump after step (b).

[0420] Embodiment 101 The method, after the step of slightly increasing the pressure in the certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump, The step of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette, The steps of mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette, and A step of heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette, A process of processing the fluid in the cuvette by performing one or more steps selected from the following: The method according to embodiment 99 or 100, further comprising:

[0421] Embodiment 102 The method according to any one of embodiments 99 to 101, wherein the method further includes a step of analyzing the data after step (d).

[0422] Embodiment 103 The above method, after step (e), Fill the cuvette with cleaning solution, The cleaning liquid is drawn out through the outlet of the cuvette to the downstream passage. The method according to any one of embodiments 99 to 102, comprising the step of cleaning the cuvette.

[0423] Embodiment 104 In the cuvette module, (a) at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to the atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above the at least one cuvette to the inlet, (b) A central passage in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one cuvette, and (c) A pump connected between the central passage and the downstream passage and located upstream of the downstream passage, A cuvette module equipped with this feature.

[0424] Embodiment 105 The cuvette module according to embodiment 104, wherein the pump is configured to trap an air reservoir or a certain volume of air between the pump and any fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

[0425] Embodiment 106 The cuvette module according to embodiment 104 or 105, wherein the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump.

[0426] Embodiment 107 In a cuvette for holding fluid, (c) an inlet end having an opening to the atmosphere, wherein the inlet is configured to receive fluid distributed to the inlet from above the cuvette, (d) The body of the cuvette connected to the entrance end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (iv) In the entrance chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the entrance end of the cuvette, and the walls of the measurement area include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the entrance chamber is filled under the influence of gravity and is constructed so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measurement area. A tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the tapered region is located at the distal end of the measurement region, and the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, Including an inlet chamber, and (v) A neck region having an outlet located at the distal end, which is fluid-connected to the distal end of the tapered region, and which is constructed to retain fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet, The body of the cuvette has multiple regions including, A cuvette containing [something]. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0427] 140 Casing caps 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 1000 cuvettes 201, 401, 701, 1001 entrance 202, 402, 502, 702, 1002 exit 203, 403, 703, 1003 Main Unit 204, 221, 404, 704, 1004 Inner surface of the wall 205, 220, 405, 705, 1005 Exterior surface of the wall 206, 406, 706, 1006 Inlet Chambers 207, 407, 707, 1007 measurement area 208, 408, 708, 1008 tapered area 209, 409, 709, 1009 Neck area Restricted passages 210, 510, 710 211, 411, 711 outer edge 212, 412 taper angles 213 Proximal end of the measurement area 214 Distal end of the measurement area 240 Exit passage 314 Luminous body 315 detectors 317 Light cone 418 Proximal end of tapered region 419 Distal end of tapered region 522 enclosures 523 Manifold 524 O-ring 528 Active valve 530, 532 Capillary valves 625 Passive valve 712 Gasket Plate 1033 Pitching Elements

Claims

1. In a cuvette for holding fluid, (a) an inlet end having an opening to the atmosphere, the inlet being configured to receive fluid distributed to the inlet from above the cuvette, (b) The body of the cuvette connected to the entrance end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (i) In the entrance chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the entrance end of the cuvette, and the walls of the measurement area include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the entrance chamber is filled under the influence of gravity and is constructed so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measurement area. A tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the tapered region is located at the distal end of the measurement region, and the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle is formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surface of the wall of the measurement region. Including an inlet chamber, and (ii) A neck region having an outlet located at the distal end, which is fluid-connected to the distal end of the tapered region, and which is constructed to retain fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet, The body of the cuvette has multiple regions including, A cuvette containing [something].

2. The cuvette according to claim 1, wherein the neck region includes an exit passage.

3. The cuvette according to claim 2, wherein the outlet passage includes an outlet opening having an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

4. The cuvette according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outlet passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

5. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the neck region further includes a restricting passage.

6. The cuvette according to claim 5, further comprising a capillary valve between the transition portion at the distal end of the tapered region and the proximal end of the restricting passage.

7. The cuvette according to claim 6, wherein the capillary valve is formed by a transition between the inner diameter of the distal end of the tapered region and the inner diameter of the proximal end of the restricting passage.

8. The cuvette according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the restricting passage has an inner diameter ranging from 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

9. The cuvette according to claim 8, wherein the restricting passage is designed to hold a volume ranging from 0.01 microliters to 2 microliters.

10. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the volume of the measurement region of the cuvette is more than 50% of the total volume of the fluid filling the cuvette.

11. The cuvette according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the restricting passage has a length ranging from 0.5 mm to 5 mm.

12. The cuvette according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the inner diameter of the restricting passage is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet passage of the neck region.

13. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the first and second walls of the measurement area are substantially flat.

14. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the obtuse angle between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region ranges from 130 to 179 degrees.

15. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the cuvette includes a connection point between the distal end of the measuring region and the proximal end of the tapered region, and the connection point has an obtuse angle ranging from 130 to 179 degrees.

16. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a positioning feature configured to position a portion of the cuvette relative to the surface of a housing, manifold, sensor, or fluid valve.

17. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the positioning feature is located at the entrance end.

18. The cuvette according to claim 17, wherein the positioning feature is located at the proximal end of the measurement area.

19. The cuvette according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge surrounding the entrance.

20. The cuvette according to claim 19, wherein the outer peripheral edge extends radially outward from the cuvette to form a lip that secures the cuvette in place.

21. The cuvette according to claim 21, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge surrounding the entrance.

22. The cuvette according to claim 16, wherein the positioning feature includes an outer peripheral edge located between the distal end of the measurement region and the proximal end of the tapered region.

23. The cuvette according to any one of claims 2 to 22, wherein the neck region is located at the distal end of the tapered region, and the outlet of the neck region is located at the distal end of the outlet passage.

24. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the outlet of the cuvette has an opening having a diameter ranging from 0.1 mm to 2 mm.

25. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the measurement area of ​​the cuvette has an internal dimension that defines an optical path length ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm.

26. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the cuvette is made of a transparent plastic selected from polycarbonate, polystyrene, acrylic, polypropylene, cyclic olefin copolymer, cyclic olefin polymer, copolyester, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or other transparent plastics.

27. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the cuvette is made from Eastman Tritan copolyester.

28. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 27, wherein the cuvette, or a portion thereof, is made of a material having a water / solid contact angle of less than 90 degrees.

29. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 28, wherein the cuvette is connected to a pipe or passage at the distal end of the outlet.

30. The cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the cuvette includes means for changing the optical properties of light passing through the cuvette.

31. (a) at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to the atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above the at least one cuvette to the inlet, (b) A central passage in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one cuvette, and (c) A fluid valve located between the central passage and the downstream passage, which is configured to connect and disconnect the downstream passage from the central passage. A cuvette module equipped with this feature.

32. The cuvette module according to claim 31, wherein the downstream passage is fluidly connected to the fluid valve and is located downstream thereof.

33. The cuvette module according to claim 31 or 32, further comprising a fluid seal configured to create an airtight seal between the outlet of at least one cuvette and the central passage.

34. The cuvette module according to claim 33, wherein the fluid seal is a gasket positioned around the outlet end of the cuvette.

35. The cuvette module according to claim 34, wherein the outlet of the cuvette is configured to form a radial seal with the gasket.

36. The cuvette module according to claim 34 or 35, wherein the gasket is configured to provide an airtight and / or fluid-sealing seal between the outlet of the cuvette and the manifold of the cuvette module, and the manifold constitutes the central passage for fluid connection between the outlet of the cuvette and means for connecting to the fluid valve.

37. The cuvette module according to claim 36, wherein the manifold constitutes the downstream passage, the central passage, or the downstream passage and the central passage.

38. The cuvette module according to claim 37, wherein the gasket is located within the manifold.

39. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the gasket is arranged around the outlet of the cuvette.

40. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the fluid seal is a radial O-ring seal or an axial gasket seal.

41. The cuvette module according to claim 32, wherein when the fluid valve is closed, the fluid valve is configured to contain the volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of at least one cuvette.

42. The cuvette module according to claim 41, wherein the volume of air between the valve and any liquid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette is between 5 and 60 microliters.

43. The cuvette module according to claim 41 or 42, wherein a certain volume of air trapped between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of the cuvette is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, and the compressed air generates a pressure equal to and opposite to the head pressure of the fluid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

44. The cuvette module according to claim 41 or 42, wherein a certain volume of air trapped between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber of the cuvette is compressed when the fluid in the cuvette enters the restricting passage of the cuvette, and the compressed air, in combination with the capillary pressure associated with the capillary valve, produces a pressure equal to and opposite to the head pressure of the liquid in the cuvette, thereby retaining the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

45. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 44, wherein the cuvette comprises at least one cuvette.

46. The at least one cuvette is The body of the cuvette connected to the aforementioned entrance end, the body of which consists of walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (iii) Entrance chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the inlet end of the cuvette, the walls of the measurement area comprising a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, the inlet chamber being filled under the influence of gravity with fluid distributed to the inlet, and the first and second walls of the measurement area being made to allow light to pass through, An inlet chamber, comprising a tapered region including a proximal and distal end, the tapered region being located at the distal end of the measurement region, the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapering inward from the proximal end to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, and an obtuse angle formed between the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region and the inner surfaces of the first and second walls of the measurement region, so that the fluid can be discharged from the cuvette once it has been measured, and A neck region having a fluid connection to the distal end of the tapered region and including an outlet located at the distal end, the neck region being constructed to hold the fluid within the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet, The body of the cuvette having multiple regions including, A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 45, including the following:

47. The cuvette module according to claim 46, wherein when the fluid valve is closed, the fluid valve is configured to contain the volume of air between the fluid valve and the neck region of the cuvette.

48. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 47, wherein the open position of the fluid valve creates a fluid connection between the outlet of the cuvette and the downstream passage.

49. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 48, wherein the volume of air between the fluid valve and the inlet chamber is in the range of 5 to 60 microliters.

50. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 49, further comprising mechanical means for holding the cuvette in a fixed position, wherein the inlet is maintained in an orientation and position for dripping or distributing the fluid into the inlet of the cuvette, thereby filling the inlet chamber of the cuvette by gravity.

51. The cuvette module according to claim 50, wherein the cuvette module is a housing having one or more housing walls configured to hold the at least one cuvette in the fixed position, and further comprising a housing having an opening at the proximal end of the housing wall for inserting the cuvette into the housing.

52. The cuvette module according to claim 51, further comprising a cap configured to cover the entrance of at least one cuvette and be attached to the housing.

53. The cuvette module according to claim 51 or 52, wherein the housing is made of a thermal conductive material.

54. The cuvette module according to claim 53, wherein the heat conductive material is aluminum.

55. The cuvette module according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the housing includes at least one slot in the wall of the housing for aligning or positioning the at least one cuvette at a selected position within the housing.

56. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 50 to 54, wherein the housing includes a fastener in at least one of the walls of the housing for securing the cuvette within the housing.

57. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 56, wherein the at least one cuvette comprises two or more cuvettes, each cuvette being positioned in a separate opening or slot of the housing for inserting and positioning each cuvette.

58. The cuvette module according to claim 57, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more fluid valves.

59. The cuvette module according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more downstream passages within the manifold.

60. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more central passages within the manifold.

61. The cuvette module according to claim 60, wherein each fluid valve is configured to be fluidly connected to each central passage, and each central passage is configured to be fluidly connected to the outlet of each cuvette.

62. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 61, further comprising means for inducing and detecting light that has interacted with at least a portion of the fluid contained within the at least one cuvette.

63. A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 62, further comprising means for directing light from a light source to enter and pass through the first wall of the cuvette and interact with at least a portion of the liquid contained therein.

64. The aforementioned cuvette module A light source positioned adjacent to the measurement area of ​​the cuvette, which irradiates light rays so as to pass through the measurement area of ​​the cuvette, and A photodetector positioned to communicate optically with the measurement area of ​​the cuvette and to receive at least a portion of the light rays that cross the cuvette, The cuvette module according to claim 62 or 63, further comprising:

65. The cuvette module according to claim 64, wherein the cuvette module includes two or more light sources and two or more photodetectors, each light source being located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette, and each photodetector being located adjacent to the measurement area of ​​each cuvette.

66. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 65, further comprising means for filtering light passing through the cuvette to change the wavelength components, polarization state, and / or intensity of the light.

67. The cuvette module according to claim 66, further comprising a filter housing configured to hold one or more optical filters, each optical filter located adjacent to each cuvette.

68. A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 67, further comprising a light mask.

69. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 68, wherein the cuvette module is configured such that light from a light source enters the cuvette through a first substantially flat wall of the cuvette, interacts with at least a portion of the fluid contained within the at least one cuvette, exits through a second substantially flat wall of the at least one cuvette, and the remaining light is collected by a detector.

70. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 69, further comprising a heating and / or cooling element configured to control the temperature of the cuvette and the fluid within the cuvette.

71. The cuvette module according to claim 64, wherein the photodetector is a silicon photodiode.

72. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 71, further comprising a sensor configured to detect the presence or absence of fluid inside at least a portion of the cuvette.

73. A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 72, further comprising a pressure sensor.

74. A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 73, comprising a tube or passage directly connected to the input portion of the cuvette, the tube or passage being configured to hold a solution and move it to the input portion of the cuvette to fill the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

75. A cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 74, comprising one or more fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves, the one or more fluid passages being connected to the distal ends of the one or more fluid valves.

76. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 75, further comprising a pump connected to one or more fluid-connected passages downstream of the outlet of the cuvette.

77. The cuvette module according to claim 76, wherein the pump is configured to contain a volume of air or air pocket between the pump and any fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

78. The cuvette module according to claim 76 or 77, wherein the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump.

79. The cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 78, wherein the at least one cuvette is the at least one cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 31.

80. A module having a plurality of cuvettes, fluid valves, a central passage, and a downstream passage, according to any one of claims 31 to 79.

81. The module according to claim 80, wherein the fluid passages downstream of one or more fluid valves are connected to a common or adjacent passage.

82. A method for performing a photometric assay using the module described in any one of claims 31 to 81, (a) A step of mechanically restraining the cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module, (b) The step of closing the fluid valve in the module, (c) A step of dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of a cuvette such that the fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, wherein an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the fluid valve and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (d) A step of directing light from a light source into the cuvette, wherein the light is configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (e) A step of collecting light that has interacted with the fluid using a photodetector and collecting data that represents changes occurring in the fluid, and (f) Opening the fluid valve of the module and pumping or pushing the fluid in the cuvette through the outlet of the cuvette into the downstream passage, A method that includes this.

83. The above method, after step (c), The step of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette, The steps of mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette, and A step of heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette, The method according to claim 82, further comprising the step of treating the fluid in the cuvette as necessary by performing one or more steps selected from the following.

84. The method according to claim 82 or 83, further comprising the step of analyzing the data after step (e).

85. The above method, after step (f), Close the fluid valve, Fill the cuvette with the solution, Open the fluid valve, The cleaning fluid is drawn out or pushed into the downstream passage through the outlet of the cuvette. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 84, further comprising the step of cleaning the cuvette.

86. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 85, wherein at least a portion of the light configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette is absorbed, and the photometric assay is an absorbance assay.

87. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 86, wherein at least a portion of the light configured to interact with the fluid in the cuvette is scattered, and the photometric assay is a scattering assay.

88. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 87, further comprising the step of measuring the change in polarization of the light interacting with the fluid in the cuvette.

89. The method according to any one of claims 82 to 88, further comprising the step of measuring fluorescence emission when the light interacts with the fluid in the cuvette.

90. A fluid system comprising a cuvette module and a downstream pump according to any one of claims 31 to 81.

91. The fluid system according to claim 90, wherein the pump is mounted on a pipe or passage connected to the fluid valve, and when the fluid valve is closed, the pump is fluidly isolated from the cuvette, and when the valve is open, the pump is fluidly connected to the cuvette.

92. The fluid system according to claim 90 or 91, wherein the system further comprises a waste liquid tank.

93. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 92, wherein the system further comprises a cleaning fluid tank.

94. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 93, wherein the fluid system further comprises a cleaning pump.

95. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 94, wherein the fluid system further comprises a degassing device.

96. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 95, further comprising one or more pipettes.

97. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 96, wherein the fluid system further comprises at least one cuvette according to any one of claims 1 to 30.

98. The fluid system according to any one of claims 90 to 97, wherein the fluid system further comprises a mixing device.

99. A method for performing a photometric assay using a cuvette module according to any one of claims 31 to 81, (a) A step of mechanically restraining the cuvette in a fixed position and orientation within the module, (b) A step of dripping or distributing a fluid into the inlet of a cuvette such that the fluid fills the inlet chamber of the cuvette, wherein an air reservoir or a certain volume of air is trapped between the pump and the fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (c) A step of directing light from a light source into the cuvette, wherein the light is configured to interact with at least a portion of the fluid contained in the inlet chamber of the cuvette. (d) A step of collecting light that has interacted with the fluid using a photodetector and collecting data that represents changes occurring in the fluid, and (e) A step of using the pump to draw the fluid in the cuvette through the outlet of the cuvette into the downstream passage, A method that includes this.

100. The method according to claim 99, further comprising, after step (b), a step of using the pump to slightly increase the pressure in the certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump.

101. The method, after the step of slightly increasing the pressure in the certain volume of air or air reservoir between the cuvette and the pump, The step of adding an additional fluid or solid to the cuvette, The steps of mixing the fluid or solid in the cuvette, and A step of heating or cooling the mixed fluid or solid in the cuvette, A process of processing the fluid in the cuvette by performing one or more steps selected from the following: The method according to claim 99 or 100, further comprising:

102. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 101, further comprising the step of analyzing the data after step (d).

103. The above method, after step (e), Fill the cuvette with cleaning solution, The cleaning liquid is drawn out through the outlet of the cuvette to the downstream passage. The method according to any one of claims 99 to 102, comprising the step of cleaning the cuvette.

104. In the cuvette module, (a) at least one compartment capable of holding at least one cuvette, the cuvette comprising an inlet open to the atmosphere, an inlet chamber, and an outlet, the inlet being constructed to receive fluid distributed from above the at least one cuvette to the inlet, (b) A central passage in fluid communication with the outlet of at least one cuvette, and (c) A pump connected between the central passage and the downstream passage and located upstream of the downstream passage, A cuvette module equipped with this feature.

105. The cuvette module according to claim 104, wherein the pump is configured to confine an air reservoir or a certain volume of air between the pump and any fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette.

106. The cuvette module according to claim 104 or 105, wherein the pump is selected from a peristaltic pump, a membrane pump, or a diaphragm pump.

107. In a cuvette for holding fluid, (c) An inlet end having an opening to the atmosphere, wherein the inlet is configured to receive fluid distributed to the inlet from above the cuvette, (d) The body of the cuvette connected to the entrance end, the body comprising walls surrounding the cuvette, each wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, (iv) In the inlet chamber, A measurement area comprising a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is located at the entrance end of the cuvette, and the walls of the measurement area include a first wall and a second wall opposite the first wall, and the entrance chamber is filled under the influence of gravity and is constructed so that light can pass through the first and second walls of the measurement area. A tapered region including a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the tapered region is located at the distal end of the measurement region, and the inner surface of the wall of the tapered region tapers inward from the proximal end of the tapered region to the constricted section at the distal end of the tapered region, Including an inlet chamber, and (v) A neck region having an outlet located at the distal end, which is fluid-connected to the distal end of the tapered region, and which is constructed to retain fluid in the inlet chamber of the cuvette until a pressure gradient is applied across the outlet. The body of the cuvette has multiple regions including, A cuvette containing [something].

Images