Mixing heater setting change

Abstract

The chemical analysis machine and method of using the chemical analysis machine include adding a heating capability to provide faster or equivalent sample heating times while using containers or cuvettes formed from materials such as plastics that have low thermal conductivity. In one embodiment, the mixing wand is heated before contacting the sample in the container to provide additional heating capacity to the system. In one embodiment where the mixing wand is heated, a heater is added to the system to heat rinse water used to rinse the mixing wand after it has been cleaned and before its next use in contact with a test sample.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Priority This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 119,267, entitled "Mixing Heater Setpoint Change," filed November 30, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] background Chemical analysis of samples is used in a variety of fields, including, for example, the medical field. For example, a sample obtained from a patient can be tested, alone or in combination with one or more reagents, to determine the presence or amount of a particular chemical or substance within the sample. A variety of chemical analysis devices exist to facilitate such testing. Additionally, a variety of processes or methods exist and have been used in conjunction with analytical devices to perform such tests. While a variety of devices, systems, and methods for clinical chemistry analysis have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention(s) described herein.

[0003] While the specification concludes with claims which particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the present invention will be better understood from the following description of specific embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate the same elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary chemical analysis machine. [Figure 2] 2 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary analysis section of the chemical analysis machine of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary sample probe assembly of the analytical section of FIG. 2 with a portion of the housing removed to reveal internal features. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the exemplary probe and mixing rod of the sample probe assembly of FIG. 3 positioned within a container having a test specimen therein. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a process used with the chemical analyzer of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 6 is an exemplary graph showing time and temperature profiles for an exemplary container material and heating process usable with the chemical analyzer of FIG. 1 and the process of FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary architecture used in the chemical analysis machine of FIG. 1.

[0005] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be practiced in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily shown in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the following description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

[0006] Detailed Description The following description of specific examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. That is, the following description is exemplary and is one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the present invention. As will be understood, the present invention can be embodied in a variety of other explicit aspects without departing from the present invention in any way. Accordingly, the drawings and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not restrictive.

[0007] I. Exemplary Analysis Machine FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary chemical analysis machine 10 that can be used for clinical chemical analysis. The analysis machine 10 includes a collection section 12 in which racks containing sample containers can be placed. The analysis machine 10 also includes a control and display section 14 in which test instructions can be entered into the analysis machine 10 for execution therein. The control and display section 14 can also display the progress, status, and / or results of the tests. The analysis machine 10 also includes one or more analysis sections 16 in which samples are analyzed to determine at least one parameter or characteristic of the sample.

[0008] An exemplary plan view of an analytical section 16 is shown in Figure 2. In this example, each analytical section 16 is defined by a body or housing 18. It should be noted that the configuration shown in Figure 2 is exemplary only, and other variations may use different configurations with the analytical section 16. Note that the analytical section 16 in this example includes a sample station 20, a reagent station 30, and an analytical station 40.

[0009] The sample station (20) is configured to receive one or more containers (22) that hold samples to be tested or analyzed. The sample station (20) includes an extraction site (24) where a portion of the sample can be removed from the container (22) for further preparation and testing, as described below. The sample station (20) is further configured to include one or more diluent sections (28) configured to accommodate one or more diluent containers (26) and diluent cups. The one or more containers (22) can be held within a sample rack (29), which can be configured to hold and display coded information, such as a bar code or QR code. Of course, the one or more containers (22) themselves can contain and display coded information instead of or in addition to the rack (29). The sample station (20) or a portion of the sample station (20) is movable, for example by rotation, to allow one or more vessels (22) to be moved into and out of the extraction site (24), respectively.

[0010] The reagent station 30 is configured to receive one or more containers 32 holding reagents. The reagent station 30 includes an extraction site 34 where a portion of the reagent can be removed from the container 32 to be combined with a portion of the sample for preparation and testing, as described further below. The reagent station 30, or a portion of the reagent station 30, is movable, e.g., by rotation or otherwise, to move one or more containers 32 into and out of the extraction site 34, respectively. The reagent station 30 can also include coded information, e.g., by a barcode or QR code, applied to a container 32 or group of containers 32 to communicate information regarding the contents of one or more containers.

[0011] The analysis station 40 is configured to receive one or more containers 42, in the form of cuvettes made from glass or plastic in this example. The containers 42 are configured to receive extracted amounts of sample and / or sample plus reagents. According to instructions entered into the analysis machine 10 via the control and display section 14, or according to instructions provided remotely or otherwise to another control device, i.e., via a network connection, the analysis machine 10 is configured to prepare and analyze test specimens 8 defined by the contents of the containers 42. The analysis station 40 includes an analysis site 44 and a container washing site 46. The analysis station 40 preferably includes a movable member for moving the containers 42 from the analysis site 44 to the washing site 46.

[0012] Analysis station 40 is configured to operate at a predetermined temperature that may be dictated by a particular operator or test procedure. By way of example and not limitation, in some instances analysis station 40 may preferably operate at approximately 37° C. As such, analysis station 40 includes heating function 47, which in some embodiments is configured as a dry bath within analysis station 40.

[0013] The analysis station 40 further includes an analysis device 48 disposed proximate the analysis site 44 for determining at least one parameter of the test sample 8 contained within the container 42. In some variations, the analysis device 48 includes a combination nephelometer and turbidimeter for measuring the amount of scattered light projected through the container 42. In other variations, the analysis device 48 includes other analytical devices or analytical components apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein. The analysis station 40 may also include a calibration feature that operates in conjunction with the analysis device 48 to calibrate the analysis device 48 as needed or desired.

[0014] The analytical section 16 includes a sample probe assembly 50, as shown in FIG. 2. The sample probe assembly 50 includes a sample probe arm 52. The sample probe assembly 50 further includes a sample probe 54 and a rotatable sample stirring or mixing rod 56, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The sample probe 54 is configured to not only draw or draw in sample material, but also expel sample material from within the sample probe 54. By way of example only, the sample probe 54 in one embodiment includes a syringe. The sample probe 54 is also configured to move between a lowered position and an elevated position. Similarly, the mixing rod 56 is movable between a lowered position and an elevated position and, as described above, is rotatable to facilitate stirring or mixing within the vessel 22, 42. The analytical section (16) further includes a reagent probe assembly (60) having a configuration similar to the sample probe assembly (50), where the reagent probe assembly includes a reagent probe arm, a reagent probe, and a rotatable reagent stirring or mixing rod.

[0015] II. Exemplary Uses Referring to Figure 5, an exemplary block diagram illustrates a method 500 of using or operating a chemical analysis machine 10. In step 510, a test specimen 8 is prepared in a container 42. This involves a user of the analysis machine 10 loading one or more reagent containers 32 containing premixed reagents into a reagent station 30. The user then loads one or more sample containers 22 containing the sample to be analyzed into a sample station 20. The user then places a diluent container 26 and a diluent section 28 into the sample station 20.

[0016] The sample probe arm 52 moves the sample probe 54 to a position above the sampling site 24. The sample probe 54 is lowered from its raised position until it is below the surface of the sample in the sample container 22 located at the sampling site 24. The sample in the sample container 22 is then drawn into the sample probe 54, and the sample probe 54 is then moved to its raised position. The sample probe arm 52 then rotates to a position above one of the dilution cups, and the sample probe 54 is lowered, expelling or releasing the sample in the sample probe 54 into the dilution cup.

[0017] The sample probe arm 52 then rotates the sample probe 54 to a position above one of the diluent containers 26. The sample probe 54 is then lowered from its raised position to a position below the surface of the diluent in the diluent container 26, drawing the diluent into the sample probe 54. The sample probe 54 is then moved to its raised position, and the sample probe arm 52 rotates the sample probe 54 to a position directly above the diluent cup containing the sample. The sample probe 54 is then lowered into the diluent cup, discharging or expelling the diluent from the sample probe 54 into the diluent cup along with the sample. The mixing wand 56 is then lowered into the diluent cup, mixing the sample and diluent by rotation.

[0018] The sample probe 54 is then lowered back into the dilution cup, drawing the diluent-sample mixture into the sample probe 54. The sample probe arm 52 rotates the sample probe 54 to a position above the container 42 and lowers the sample probe 54 into the container 42, expelling the diluent-sample mixture from the sample probe 54 into the container 42. The reagent probe assembly 60 delivers a predetermined amount of reagent into the container 42 either immediately before or after these steps.

[0019] With the test specimen 8 in the vessel 42, in step 520, the mixing rod 56 is lowered into the vessel 42. Then, in step 530, the mixing rod 56 is rotated to agitate or mix the test specimen 80 in the vessel 42. As explained further below, the mixing rod 56 is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the test specimen 8, such that as the mixing rod 56 is rotated to agitate or mix the test specimen 8, the mixing rod 56 further heats the test specimen 8 from its initial temperature to a predetermined temperature. Once the test specimen 8 reaches the predetermined temperature, in step 540, the mixing rod 56 is removed from the vessel 42, and the vessel 42 is moved to the analysis site 44 for analysis in the analysis section 16.

[0020] Meanwhile, in step 550, the mixing wand 56 is cleaned in preparation for use with a subsequent test specimen 8. Cleaning the mixing wand 56 in this example involves using a detergent or other cleaner to wash any residual material from the test specimen 8. In step 560, the mixing wand 56 is rinsed with water heated to a target temperature so that the next time the mixing wand 56 is used with another test specimen 8, it will start at a higher temperature compared to the initial temperature of the test specimen 8. In addition to agitating or mixing the test specimen 8 in this manner, the mixing wand 56 is also configured to heat the next test specimen 8 to a predetermined temperature.

[0021] In one embodiment, the analytical machine 10 uses a container 42 formed from a plastic material, while in another embodiment, the container 42 is formed from glass. In either scenario, after a predetermined number of uses, the container 42 accumulates scale and / or other deposits, requiring thorough cleaning in addition to the automated cleaning sequence performed by the analytical machine 10 after the test specimens therein have been tested. Such thorough cleaning processes may be performed manually or in repeatable increments, such as every six months. However, if a less expensive plastic material is used, such periodic thorough cleaning processes may be omitted, and the container 42 may simply be replaced with a new container and the used container recycled or disposed of.

[0022] Because plastic is a better insulator than glass, i.e., plastic has a lower thermal conductivity than glass, when a plastic container 42 is used, the heating function must be modified to raise the temperature of the test specimen 8 in the container 42 to a target or predetermined temperature in order to perform the desired analysis in the same amount of time. For example, in one embodiment where the heating function 47 includes a dry bath and is used with a plastic container 42, the container 42 must remain exposed to the dry bath for a longer period of time to achieve the target temperature of the test specimen 8 compared to when the container 42 is made of glass. This longer heating time negatively impacts throughput. In at least one embodiment, it is desirable to heat the test specimen 8 in the container 42 to 37°C in less than two minutes. While a dry bath heating configuration for the heater function 47 can be achieved with a glass container 42, the same results would not be achieved in the same amount of time if a plastic container 42 were used for the same heating application.

[0023] In order to avoid the reduced throughput of the analytical machine 10 due to the longer heating times required by the dry bath-only systems described above, the method 500 may include a heated mixing wand 56 to provide heating of the test specimen 8 to a target or predetermined temperature during mixing. For example, if the target or predetermined temperature is 37°C, the mixing wand 56 may be heated above that temperature to provide a heat source capable of raising the temperature of the test specimen 8 to the target or predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the heating of the mixing wand 56 is configured to achieve heating of the test specimen 8 without extending standard or typical heating times, so as not to negatively impact the throughput of the analytical machine 10. By way of example only and not limitation, the mixing wand 56 may be heated to 39°C to 42°C prior to step 520 of the method 500 in which the mixing wand 56 is inserted into the container 42. In this embodiment where the container 42 is made of plastic, the test specimen 8 is heated to 37°C within 2 minutes.

[0024] When the method 500 using the glass container 42 is used, the heating time required to heat the test specimen 8 to the target temperature can be reduced. This reduction in heating time is realized because the heated mixing wand 56 now provides an additional heat source or heating function along with the heating function of the dry bath. This reduction in heating time can increase the throughput of the analytical machine 10. In some cases, the increased throughput can partially or completely offset the additional time required to thoroughly clean and reuse the glass container 42.

[0025] The use of the mixing rod 56 as an additional heating function or heat source for the dry bath also provides an additional heating function configured to heat the test specimen 8 without constraints based on the material of the container 42 holding the test specimen 8. This is because the mixing rod 56 is in direct contact with the test specimen 8 within the container 42, allowing energy in the form of heat to be efficiently transferred to the test specimen 8 without the thermal conductivity of the container 42 negatively impacting heating efficiency.

[0026] As described above with respect to method 500, the mixing wand 56 of the chemical analysis machine 10 cycles through a general sequence of (1) mixing, (2) cleaning, and (3) rinsing. If method 500 is used in which the mixing wand 56 has additional heating functionality, then in step 560 of method 500, the mixing wand 56 is heated by the water used in the post-cleaning rinse step. For example, in method 500, the inlet temperature of the water used to rinse the mixing wand 56 is increased to approximately 42°C. This temperature increase can be compared to other dry bath-only configurations in which the rinse water is approximately 30°C. Thus, in method 500, the water used to rinse the mixing wand 56 is approximately 12°C warmer.

[0027] An exemplary graph (600) illustrating temperature response over time based on heating process and container (42) material variables is shown in Figure 6. It should be noted that the illustration in Figure 6 is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiment of Figure 6. Graph (600) shows time along the x-axis or horizontal axis and temperature along the y-axis or vertical axis. Graph (600) illustrates a cleaning step (608) from start to finish, with test specimen (8) preparation and heating steps (610) shown during the cleaning step (608).

[0028] Three data series are shown in graph 600, with condition 602 representing a condition using a glass container 42 with a dry bath-only heating process, and series 604 representing a condition using a plastic container 42 with a dry bath-only heating process. Finally, series 606 represents the use of a plastic container 42 and a heated mixing wand 56 in addition to the dry bath. Immediately after the first wash step 608 is completed, a reagent is dispensed into the container 42, as shown by 612 in graph 600. In some embodiments, the reagent may be a diluent. The reagent is then mixed, as shown by 614. Immediately thereafter, a sample is dispensed into the container 42 at 616 and then mixed at 618. The sample herein may be a full strength sample or a diluted sample. A second reagent is then dispensed into the container 42 at 620 and then mixed at 622. Again, in some embodiments, the reagent may be a diluent.

[0029] During the preparation and heating step (610), the temperature increases across all data series until the second reagent is added at (620), at which point a temperature drop occurs indicating that the inlet temperature of the second reagent is lower than the mixture currently in the container (42). Heating then increases the temperature again across all data series, and the temperature increase levels out once the target or predetermined temperature is reached. Comparing data series (604), in which only dry bath heating was used, to data series (602), the only difference is the material of construction of the container (42). In series (602), the glass container (42) heats more quickly than in series (604), which uses a plastic container (42). Comparing data series (604) to data series (606), the container (42) is made of plastic in both data series (604, 606), but an additional mixing rod (56) heat source is used in data series (606). As shown, the time to reach the predetermined temperature is shorter for data series 606 compared to data series 604. Furthermore, a comparison of data series 606 and data series 602 indicates that when the additional mixing wand 56 heating feature is used with a plastic container 42, comparable or better heating times are achieved compared to using only the dry bath heating feature with a glass container 42.

[0030] While the above description of the method 500 of FIG. 5 focuses on the mixing rod 56 of the sample probe assembly 50 providing heating functionality to the test sample 8, in other embodiments, a reagent probe assembly 60 having a reagent probe arm 62, a reagent probe 64, and an associated reagent stirring rod or mixing rod 66 may provide such heating functionality to the test sample 8 in the container 42. In such embodiments, the mixing rod 66 may be configured and operate in the same manner as the mixing rod 56 described above. This may be done instead of or in addition to heating provided by the mixing rod 56. As noted above, in some applications, the analytical machine 10 may be operable such that reagent is added as the final step in preparing the test sample 8. In this case, the mixing rod 66 of the reagent probe assembly 60 may contact the test sample 8 before the test sample 8 is moved through the analytical machine 10 for testing. The sequence of using the mixing rod 66 for additional heating described above saves time and process steps by allowing the mixing rod 56 to provide heating without having to remove the reagent probe assembly 60 and reinsert the sample probe assembly 50. Thus, depending on the sequence of operations for preparing the test sample 8, either or both of the mixing rods 56, 66 can be used to provide heating of the test sample 8 in the container 42.

[0031] In some other variations of the method 500, the mixing rods 56, 66 are heated in other ways than via heated rinse water. For example, one or both of the mixing rods 56, 66 can be heated by a source that exposes the mixing rods 56, 66 to heated air. In another embodiment, one or both of the mixing rods 56, 66 can be heated by a source that exposes the mixing rods 56, 66 to a radiant heat source, such as an electrically heated coil. In yet another embodiment, one or both of the mixing rods 56, 66 can be heated by an electrical resistance heater that can connect the mixing rods 56, 66 to an electrical current configured to heat the mixing rods 56, 66. These alternative heating methods are further described below with reference to FIG. 7 and exemplary system architectures.

[0032] III. Exemplary System Architecture FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system architecture 700 for a chemical analysis machine 10. In some instances, the diagram of the system architecture 700 may be referred to as a piping diagram 700. A deionized water inlet 702 supplies deionized water to a deionized water tank 704. The temperature of the deionized water at the inlet may range from about 5°C to about 28°C. From the deionized water tank 704, the deionized water is delivered by pumps 706, 708, where pump 706 delivers the deionized water to a heater 710. The heater 710 is configured to heat the deionized water to about 28°C.

[0033] In turn, pump 708 delivers a flow of deionized water to a controllable valve 712 that selectively delivers the deionized water to a diluted detergent tank 714 as part of the cleaning system. Upstream of the diluted detergent tank 714 is a concentrated detergent tank 716 and a pump 718 configured to deliver concentrated detergent to the diluted detergent tank 714, where the concentrated detergent is mixed with deionized water from pump 708 via valve 712. Pump 720 delivers the diluted detergent from the diluted detergent tank 714 individually to valve 724. Heater 722 is configured to heat the diluted detergent to approximately 35°C, after which the heated diluted detergent is delivered to valve 726. Valve 726 is controllable to deliver the heated diluted detergent to a container rinse nozzle 728. As mentioned above, the container 42 may be in the form of a cuvette, and thus the rinse nozzle 728 may be considered a cuvette rinse nozzle 728. In this manner, heated diluted detergent is provided to the wash container 42. The valve 724 is controllable to deliver diluted detergent to the mixing and rinsing section 730. In this manner, diluted detergent is provided for rinsing the mixing wand 56 of the sample probe assembly 50.

[0034] Returning to the heater 710, there is a recirculating flow of deionized water from the heater 710, which is fed to the deionized water tank 704. There is also a flow of deionized water from the heater 710 to a degasser 732, which is configured to remove entrained air from the deionized water. A pump 734 delivers degassed deionized water from the degasser 732 to a valve 736, which is configured to selectively deliver the degassed water to the sample probe 54. In some instances, deionized water from the deionized water inlet 702 is delivered directly to the probe 54.

[0035] Another flow from heater 710 is delivered to heater 738, which further heats the deionized water, which is then delivered from heater 738 to valve 740, which is controllable to selectively deliver the heated deionized water to vessel rinse nozzle 728. In this manner, heated deionized water is provided to rinse vessel 42, which may again be in the form of a cuvette.

[0036] A separate flow of deionized water heated to approximately 28° C. is delivered from heater 710 to valve 742. Valve 742 is controllable to selectively deliver deionized water at approximately 28° C. to probe wash 744. In this manner, deionized water is provided for rinsing probe 54.

[0037] Finally, heater 710 delivers another stream of deionized water at approximately 28°C to heater 746, which is configured to heat the deionized water from at or about 28°C to at or about 42°C. The heated deionized water is then delivered to valve 748, which is controllable to selectively deliver deionized water at approximately 42°C to mixing and rinsing section 730. In this manner, heated deionized water is provided to rinse mixing wand 56. Furthermore, since the heated deionized water also heats mixing wand 56 as described above, during subsequent mixing of test specimens 8, test specimens 8 are heated by mixing wand 56 during mixing. Again, as described above, this heating by mixing wand 56 heats test specimens 8 in container 42 to the target temperature within a predetermined time, regardless of whether container 42 is formed from plastic rather than glass.

[0038] 7, system architecture 700 includes heater 47, as described above. In this example, heater 47 is configured as a dry bath to heat container 42 in analysis station 40, thereby heating test specimen 8 therein. In other variations, heater 47 may be a wet bath or a heated air circulator. Yet another example of system architecture 700 includes optional heater 800, which may be used in place of or in addition to heater 746. In one variation, heater 800 is configured to expose mixing rod 56 to heated air to increase the temperature of mixing rod 56. In another variation, heater 800 comprises an electrical resistance heater that may connect mixing rod 56 to an electrical current configured to heat mixing rod 56. Other configurations of heater (800) and other ways of heating mixing rod (56) will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0039] As noted above, in some other variations, the mixing rod 66 of the reagent probe assembly 60 may be configured for use in the same or similar manner as the mixing rod 56 of the sample probe assembly 50. In this case, system architecture 700 may be adapted for use in heating the mixing rod 66 in addition to or in addition to heating the mixing rod 56. Other modifications to architecture 700 will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings herein.

[0040] In some other exemplary methods and systems used with chemical analysis machine 10, other techniques may be used to allow plastic containers 42 to be periodically replaced instead of manual cleaning to improve heating times and efficiency. For example, one such technique may utilize an ultrasonic mixer, which provides both mixing and heating effects. Yet another option may be the use of a reagent probe heater, which increases the temperature of reagents as they are transferred to containers 42. Again, other modifications to the above-described systems and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the teachings herein.

[0041] IV. Exemplary Combinations The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein can be combined or applied. It should be understood that each of the following examples is not intended to limit the scope of any claims that may be presented at any time in this or any subsequent application thereto. No disclaimers are intended. The following examples are provided solely for illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in many other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referenced in the following examples. Accordingly, none of the aspects or features referenced below should be deemed to be important at a later date by the inventor or the inventor's successors in interest, unless expressly stated otherwise. If a claim is presented in this application or any subsequent application related to this application that includes additional features other than those referenced below, these additional features should not be deemed to be added for any reason regarding patentability.

[0042] Example 1 An apparatus for determining at least one parameter of a liquid sample includes a body having a sample station and an analysis station disposed therein. The sample station is configured to receive a container for holding the liquid sample. The apparatus further includes a connection to a water supply configured to supply water to the apparatus and a pump configured to transport water from the water supply through the apparatus. The apparatus further includes a first heater configured to heat water from the water supply to a first temperature. The apparatus further includes a mixing wand configured to heat and mix a test specimen including at least a portion of the liquid sample, the mixing wand configured to be heated when rinsed with at least a portion of the water before contacting the test specimen for mixing.

[0043] Example 2 The apparatus of Example 1, wherein the test sample is contained in a cuvette.

[0044] Example 3 The apparatus described in Example 2, in which the cuvette is made of plastic.

[0045] Example 4 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 2-3, wherein the cuvette is configured to be replaced after a predetermined period of use.

[0046] Example 5 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second heater configured to further heat at least a portion of the water at the first temperature to a second temperature.

[0047] Example 6 6. The apparatus of example 5, wherein the mixing wand is configured to be heated when rinsed with at least a portion of the water prior to contacting the test specimen for mixing, wherein at least a portion of the water is at a second temperature.

[0048] Example 7 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the second temperature is about 42°C.

[0049] Example 8 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first temperature is about 28°C.

[0050] Example 9 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the apparatus further comprises a dry bath configured to heat the test specimen.

[0051] Example 10 The apparatus of Example 9, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37° C. within about 2 minutes of exposure to the dry bath and mixing rod.

[0052] Example 11 The device of any one or more of Examples 1 to 9, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37° C. within about 2 minutes of being exposed to the mixing rod.

[0053] Example 12 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 2 to 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises a probe assembly configured to transfer a portion of the liquid sample to a cuvette.

[0054] Example 13 13. The device of any one or more of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the test specimen comprises a mixture of a portion of the liquid sample, a reagent, and a diluent.

[0055] Example 14 An apparatus for analyzing a liquid sample of a test specimen to determine at least one parameter of the test specimen includes a body having a sample station and an analysis station disposed therein. The sample station is configured to receive a container holding the liquid sample. The analysis station is configured to analyze the test specimen in a cuvette. The apparatus further includes a probe assembly configured to transfer at least a portion of the liquid sample from the container to the cuvette, where the contents of the cuvette define the test specimen. The apparatus further includes a mixing rod configured to contact and mix the test specimen in the cuvette. The apparatus further includes a heat source configured to heat the mixing rod to a temperature above the temperature of the test specimen, such that the mixing rod is further configured to heat the test specimen in the cuvette to a predetermined temperature at which analysis of the test specimen is performed to determine at least one parameter of the liquid sample.

[0056] Example 15 15. The apparatus of example 14, wherein the heat source comprises a heated water supply that is contacted with the mixing rod before the mixing rod is contacted with the test specimen.

[0057] Example 16 15. The apparatus of example 14, wherein the heat source comprises a heated air inlet that is contacted with the mixing rod before the mixing rod is contacted with the test specimen.

[0058] Example 17 15. The apparatus of example 14, wherein the heat source comprises an electrical resistance heater and the mixing rod is connected to an electrical current configured to heat the mixing rod.

[0059] Example 18 The device of any one or more of Examples 14 to 17, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37° C. within about 2 minutes.

[0060] Example 19 The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 14 to 18, wherein the cuvette is made of plastic.

[0061] Example 20 A method of preparing a liquid sample to be analyzed in an apparatus for determining at least one parameter of the liquid sample includes: (a) loading the liquid sample in a sample container into a sample station of the apparatus; (b) transferring at least a portion of the liquid sample from the sample container to a cuvette, wherein the contents of the cuvette include a test specimen; (c) heating a mixing bar of the apparatus configured to mix the test specimen by exposing it to a heat source of the apparatus; (d) positioning the mixing bar to contact the test specimen in the cuvette, wherein contact between the mixing bar and the test specimen is operable to heat the test specimen; (e) removing the mixing bar from contact with the test specimen in the cuvette; and (f) analyzing the test specimen in an analysis station of the apparatus to determine at least one parameter of the liquid sample of the test specimen, wherein the analysis is performed when the test specimen is at substantially a predetermined temperature.

[0062] Example 21 The method of example 20, wherein the act of heating the mixing rod comprises rinsing the mixing rod with a heated water supply at about 42°C.

[0063] Example 22 The method of any one or more of Examples 20-21, wherein the cuvette is made of plastic and the test specimen is heated to the predetermined temperature for about 2 minutes.

[0064] Example 23 The method of any one or more of Examples 20 to 22, wherein the mixing rod is removed from contact with the test specimen in the cuvette when the test specimen reaches a predetermined temperature.

[0065] V. Other It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein. Thus, the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described below should not be considered in isolation from one another. In light of the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein can be combined will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

[0066] As used herein, the terms "about" or "approximately" in connection with any numerical value or range indicate an appropriate tolerance that enables the components associated with the numerical value to function for the intended purpose described herein. More specifically, "about" or "approximately" can refer to a range of values ​​±10% of the recited value, for example, "about 90%" can refer to a range of values ​​from 81% to 99%.

[0067] While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by those skilled in the art through appropriate modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. While some of these potential modifications have been mentioned, others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, proportions, steps, etc. described above are illustrative and not required. Accordingly, it is understood that the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims, and is not limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for determining at least one parameter of a liquid sample, comprising: (a) a body having disposed therein a sample station configured to receive at least a container for holding a liquid sample and an analysis station; (b) a connection to a water supply configured to supply water to the device; (c) a pump configured to transfer water from the water supply within the apparatus; (d) a first heater configured to heat water from the water supply to a first temperature; (e) a mixing rod configured to heat and mix a test specimen containing at least a portion of the liquid sample; Equipped with the mixing wand is configured to be heated as it is rinsed with at least a portion of the water prior to contacting the test specimen for mixing, wherein at least a portion of the water is at a second temperature, the second temperature being approximately 42°C; Device.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the test sample is contained in a cuvette.

3. 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the cuvette is made of plastic.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the cuvette is configured to be replaced after a predetermined period of use.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a second heater configured to further heat at least a portion of the water heated to the first temperature to the second temperature.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is about 28° C.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a dry bath configured to heat the test specimen.

8. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37°C within about 2 minutes of exposure to the drying bath and mixing rod.

9. 10. The device of claim 1, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37[deg.] C. within about 2 minutes of exposure to the mixing rod.

10. The apparatus of claim 2 , further comprising a probe assembly configured to transfer a portion of the liquid sample to the cuvette.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the test specimen comprises a mixture of a portion of the liquid sample, a reagent, and a diluent.

12. 1. An apparatus for analyzing a test specimen to determine at least one parameter of a liquid sample of the test specimen, comprising: (a) a body having disposed therein a sample station configured to receive a container for holding the liquid sample, and an analysis station configured to analyze the test specimen in the cuvette; (b) a probe assembly configured to transfer at least a portion of the liquid sample from the container to the cuvette, the contents of the cuvette defining the test specimen; and (c) a mixing rod configured to contact and mix the test sample within the cuvette; (d) a heat source configured to heat the mixing rod to a temperature above a temperature of the test specimen, whereby the mixing rod is further configured to heat the test specimen in the cuvette to a predetermined temperature at which an analysis of the test specimen is performed to determine at least one parameter of the liquid sample; Equipped with The mixing rod is rinsed with a heated water supply at about 42°C before contacting the test specimen for mixing. Device.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the heat source comprises an electrical resistance heater and the mixing rod is connected to an electrical current configured to heat the mixing rod.

14. 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the test specimen is heated to about 37°C within about 2 minutes.

15. The device of claim 12 , wherein the cuvette is made of plastic.

16. 1. A method of preparing a liquid sample to be analyzed in an apparatus for determining at least one parameter of the liquid sample, the method comprising: (a) loading a liquid sample in a sample container into a sample station of the device; (b) transferring at least a portion of the liquid sample from the sample container to a cuvette, the contents of the cuvette including a test specimen; (c) heating a mixing bar of the device configured to mix the test specimen by exposing it to a heat source of the device; (d) positioning the mixing rod to contact the test specimen in the cuvette, wherein contact between the mixing rod and the test specimen is operable to heat the test specimen; (e) removing the mixing rod from contact with the test sample in the cuvette; (f) analyzing the test specimen in an analysis station of the apparatus to determine at least one parameter of a liquid sample of the test specimen, the analysis being performed while the test specimen is at substantially a predetermined temperature; Including, the act of heating the mixing wand includes rinsing the mixing wand with a heated water supply at approximately 42°C. method.

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the cuvette is made of plastic and the test specimen is heated to the predetermined temperature for about 2 minutes.

18. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the mixing wand is removed from contact with the test specimen in the cuvette when the test specimen reaches a predetermined temperature.

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