Methods and apparatus for cleaning sample analyzer components

Abstract

In some embodiments, an apparatus configured to clean a portion of a sample analyzer is provided. The apparatus includes a flush cartridge including: a first outlet configured to interface with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer manifold; a second outlet configured to interface with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer manifold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold so as to clean the sample analyzer manifold. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING SAMPLE ANALYZER COMPONENTSFIELD

[0001] The present application relates to sample analyzers for use in diagnostic laboratories, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for cleaning sample analyzer components.BACKGROUND

[0002] Diagnostic laboratory systems conduct clinical chemistry tests that identify analytes or other constituents in biological samples or specimens such as blood serum, blood plasma, urine, interstitial liquid, cerebrospinal liquids, and the like. The biological samples are collected in sample containers, such as sample tubes, for analysis by one or more sample analyzers.

[0003] Sample analyzers require maintenance (e.g., cleaning) to ensure their proper operation. Such maintenance may be scheduled (e.g., routine maintenance) or maintenance performed in response to a degradation in sample analyzer performance. In either case, sample analyzer maintenance removes a sample analyzer from service and affects overall laboratory throughput. As such, a need exists for methods and apparatus for improving and / or expediting sample analyzer maintenance .SUMMARY

[0004] In some embodiments, an apparatus configured to clean a portion of a sample analyzer is provided. The apparatus includes a flush cartridge including: a first outlet configured to interface with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer manifold; a second outlet configured to interface with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaningsolution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0005] In some embodiments , a system includes a sample analyzer mani fold configured to receive and distribute a sample to be analyzed, the sample analyzer mani fold having : a sample inlet configured to receive the sample ; a fluid passageway coupled to the sample inlet ; a sample outlet coupled to the fluid passageway and configured to deliver the sample to a sensor cartridge having at least one sensor ; and a waste inlet configured to receive the sample from the sensor cartridge after the sample contacts the at least one sensor . The system also includes a flush cartridge having : a first outlet configured to interface with the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; a second outlet configured to interface with the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet ; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0006] In some embodiments , a method of cleaning a sample analyzer includes inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a first outlet of the flush cartridge with a sample outlet of a sampleanalyzer mani fold of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a second outlet of the flush cartridge with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; and introducing cleaning solution to a cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge so as to cause the cleaning solution to flow through a cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge to the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and to the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0007] Other features and aspects of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claims , and the accompanying drawings .BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The drawings described below are provided for illustrative purposes and are not necessarily drawn to scale . Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature , and not as restrictive . The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure in any way.

[0009] FIG . 1A illustrates an example sample analyzer in accordance with one or more embodiments .

[0010] FIG . IB illustrates an example embodiment of a sample analyzer mani fold and sensor cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments .

[0011] FIG . 1C illustrates the sample analyzer mani fold of FIG . IB with a sensor cartridge attached thereto in accordance with one or more embodiments .

[0012] FIGS . 2A and 2B illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, of an example flush cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments .

[0013] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an example embodiment of a flush cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0014] FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, of a flush cartridge interfaced with a sample analyzer according to one or more embodiments.

[0015] FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sample analyzer according to one or more embodiments.

[0016] FIG. 3B illustrates the sample analyzer of FIG. 3A in which a sensor cartridge is replaced with a flush cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method of cleaning a sample analyzer in accordance with one or more embodiments .

[0018] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate perspective views of an example embodiment of a flow channel member, flush member, and cartridge housing, respectively, of a flush cartridge in accordance with one or more embodiments.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Independent of the grammatical term usage, individuals with male, female or other gender identities are included within the term.

[0020] When a sample analyzer requires maintenance, such as scheduled cleaning or cleaning due to performance degradation, the sample analyzer is taken out of service to perform the maintenance. This interruption may significantly impact the overall efficiency and productivity of a diagnostic laboratory .

[0021] As an example, an electrolyte measurement analyzer may include a number of fluid channels that deliver blood samples to sensors. Additional fluid channels may be employed to dispose of the blood samples. Infrequent cleaning (e.g., poor customer maintenance) of the fluid channels as well asprocessing samples with fibrin clots, lipemia, poorly spun or partial draws with exposed gel separator, etc., may restrict or clog fluid channels and significantly reduce analyzer performance .

[0022] A manual maintenance procedure for sample analyzer maintenance may include connecting tubing to different locations in the sample analyzer and flushing bleach or hot water through fluid channels of the analyzer (e.g., using a syringe) . This approach may require removing instrument covers / facades to facilitate reaching sample ports and inserting a syringe for additional flushing. Such a maintenance procedure is time-consuming and tedious and may cause service technicians to replace components rather than clean them, significantly increasing support costs.

[0023] Embodiments provided herein allow cleaning of a sample analyzer through use of a "flush cartridge" that may be inserted in place of a sensor cartridge used during testing. The flush cartridge may interface with a sample analyzer (e.g., a fluid distribution manifold of the sample analyzer) and allow cleaning of fluid channels within the sample analyzer without requiring removal of covers / facades and without requiring manual connection of tubing to sample ports.

[0024] These and other embodiments provided herein are described below with reference to FIGS. 1A-4.

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates an example sample analyzer 100 in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 1A, sample analyzer 100 includes a sample analyzer manifold 102 for delivering a fluid sample to be tested to a sensor cartridge 106. Sample analyzer manifold 102 may be employed to deliver the fluid sample from an inlet 104 of sample analyzer 100 to sensor cartridge 106. Sample analyzer manifold 102 may also couple various process fluids 108 (e.g., diluents, reagents, etc.) , a waste location 110, and one or more pumps 112 to sensor cartridge 106. Other configurationsmay be employed. Sample analyzer 100 may also include a processor 114 for controlling operation of sample analyzer 100 (e.g., via one or more programs stored in a memory 116, for example) . Example fluid samples that may be analyzed by sample analyzer 100 include biological samples or specimens such as blood serum, blood plasma, urine, interstitial liquid, cerebrospinal liquids, and the like. Other samples may be analyzed .

[0026] FIG. IB illustrates an example embodiment of sample analyzer manifold 102 and sensor cartridge 106 of FIG. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments. FIG. 1C illustrates sample analyzer manifold 102 of FIG. IB with sensor cartridge 106 attached thereto (e.g., interfaced therewith) in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. IB, as stated, sample analyzer manifold 102 is configured to receive and distribute a sample to be analyzed by sample analyzer 100. Sample analyzer manifold 102 includes a sample inlet 118 configured to receive a sample (e.g., from inlet 104 of sample analyzer 100 of FIG. 1A) , a first fluid passageway 120 coupled to sample inlet 118, and a sample outlet 122 coupled to first fluid passageway 120. Sample analyzer manifold 102 also includes a waste inlet 124 coupled to a waste outlet 126 by a second fluid passageway 128. Note that the fluid passageways of sample analyzer manifold 102 are simplified for clarity. Additional and / or more complicated fluid passageways may be employed such as described below with reference to FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0027] Returning to FIG. IB, an example embodiment of sensor cartridge 106 may include a sensor inlet 130 coupled to a sensor passageway 132, and a waste outlet 134 coupled to the sensor passageway 132. One or more sensors (e.g., sensors 136a-136c) may be employed for determining one or more properties of a sample present within sample passageway 132. For example, in some embodiments, sensors 136a-136c may detectsodium, potassium, and chlorine levels within a sample. Other numbers of sensors may be employed and / or other properties of a sample may be determined.

[0028] In some embodiments, sensor cartridge 106 includes (e.g., is formed from) a flow channel member 138 that defines sensor passageway 132, a sensor substrate 140 that includes sensors 136a-136c, and a cartridge housing 142 that supports flow channel member 138 and sensor substrate 140 and defines sensor inlet 130 and waste outlet 134 of sensor cartridge 106. An example sensor cartridge 106 may include the A-LYTE Integrated Multisensor ( IMT Na K Cl) available from Siemens Healthineers , Inc. of Tarrytown, New York. Other sensor cartridges may be employed.

[0029] In operation, sensor cartridge 106 is inserted into sample analyzer 100 (e.g., at a sensor cartridge location 144 as shown in FIG. 1C) so that sensor inlet 130 of sensor cartridge 106 interfaces with sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102. Similarly, waste outlet 134 of sensor cartridge 106 interfaces with waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102. Thereafter, a sample may be introduced into sample inlet 118 of sample analyzer manifold 102 (via sample inlet 104 of sample analyzer 100 (FIG. 1A) ) and travels through first fluid passageway 120 and sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102 into sensor inlet 130 and sensor passageway 132 of sensor cartridge 106. While within sensor passageway 132, sensors 136a-136c contact the sample and provide measurements of one or more properties of the sample (e.g., to processor 114 such as one or more of sodium, potassium, or chlorine concentration within the sample) . The sample then passes from sensor passageway 132 through waste outlet 134 of sensor cartridge 106 into waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102, through second fluid passageway 128 and out of waste outlet 126 of sample analyzer manifold 102.

[0030] As described above, infrequent cleaning (e.g., poor customer maintenance) of the fluid channels of a sample analyzer, as well as processing samples with fibrin clots, lipemia, poorly spun or partial draws with exposed gel separator, etc., may restrict or clog fluid channels and significantly reduce sample analyzer performance. In particular, the various fluid passageways of sample analyzer manifold 102 may be restricted or clogged, and / or contaminate new samples processed within sample analyzer 100.

[0031] Embodiments provided herein allow cleaning of sample analyzer components such as sample analyzer manifold 102 through use of a "flush cartridge" that may be inserted in place of sensor cartridge 106 used during testing. FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, of an example flush cartridge 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, flush cartridge 200 includes a first outlet 202 configured to interface with sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102 and a second outlet 204 configured to interface with waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102. A cleaning solution passageway 206 is coupled to (e.g., between) first outlet 202 and second outlet 204 of flush cartridge 200.

[0032] Flush cartridge 200 also includes a cleaning solution inlet 208 coupled to cleaning solution passageway 206. Introduction of cleaning solution to cleaning solution inlet 208 causes the cleaning solution to flow through cleaning solution passageway 206.

[0033] In some embodiments, flush cartridge 200 includes a flow channel member 210, a flush member 212, and a cartridge housing 214. Flush member 212 includes cleaning solution inlet 208 and a first portion 216a (FIG. 2B) of cleaning solution passageway 206. In the embodiment of FIGS. 2A and 2B, flow channel member 210 includes a second portion 216b of cleaningsolution passageway 206 coupled between first outlet 202 and second outlet 204.

[0034] In some embodiments, flush cartridge 200 is sized to fit in a sensor cartridge location of sample analyzer 100 (e.g., in place of sensor cartridge 106) . That is, flush cartridge 200 may be used in place of sensor cartridge 106 when cleaning sample analyzer manifold 102. Further, in one or more embodiments, flush cartridge 200 may be formed using one or more portions of a sensor cartridge. For example, in some embodiments, flow channel member 210 and cartridge housing 214 may be identical to flow channel member 138 and cartridge housing 142 of sensor cartridge 106 (FIG. IB) .

[0035] FIG. 2C illustrates an exploded, perspective view of an example embodiment of flush cartridge 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 2C, flush cartridge 200 may be formed by employing flush member 212 in place of sensor substrate 140 (FIG. IB) of sensor cartridge 106. That is, the same flow channel member and cartridge housing used for sensor cartridges may be employed within flush cartridge 200, with the sensor substrate (e.g., sensor substrate 140 in FIG. IB) replaced with flush member 212 (e.g., having cleaning solution inlet 208 and cleaning fluid passageway portion 216a) .

[0036] In the embodiment of FIG. 2C, flow channel member 210 may include multiple sample inlets (which act as outlets 202a, 202b in flush cartridge 200) and outlet 204. Thus, in some embodiments, flush cartridge 200 may include a third outlet (e.g., sample outlet 202b configured to interface with a reference outlet of a sample analyzer manifold, such as reference outlet 322 of FIG. 3B of sample analyzer manifold 302 described below) . Cleaning solution passageway 206 is shown coupled to third outlet 202b such that introduction of cleaning solution to cleaning solution inlet 208 will cause the cleaning solution to flow through cleaning solutionpassageway 206 and out of third outlet 202b (as well as out of first outlet 202a and second outlet 204) of flush cartridge 200 (e.g., so as to clean a sample analyzer manifold) . Other numbers of outlets may be employed.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, flush member 212 may be sized to have similar dimensions to that of sensor substrate 140 (FIG. IB) so that, when assembled, flush cartridge 200 will be approximately the same size as sensor cartridge 106 (FIG. IB) . In this manner, flush cartridge 200 may interface with sample analyzer 100 (e.g., sample analyzer manifold 102 of sample analyzer 100) and allow cleaning of sample analyzer 100 without requiring removal of covers / facades and without requiring manual connection of tubing to sample ports.

[0038] In some embodiments, flush member 212 may include one or more interface features (e.g., recesses 218a-218f) that interface with corresponding features (e.g., protrusions and / or catches 220a-220f or other features) of cartridge housing 214 to securely hold components of flush cartridge 200 together .

[0039] Flow channel member 210, flush member 212, and cartridge housing 214 may be formed from any suitable material. In some embodiments, flow channel member 210 may be formed from halobutyl rubber, flush member 212 may be formed from acrylic or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) , and cartridge housing 214 may be formed from polypropylene. Other materials may be employed.

[0040] FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate a top view and a side view, respectively, of flush cartridge 200 interfaced with sample analyzer manifold 102 of sample analyzer 100 according to one or more embodiments. With reference to FIGS. 2D and 2E, when flush cartridge 200 interfaces with sample analyzer manifold 102, cleaning solution may be injected into flush cartridge 200 (e.g., using a syringe 220 and / or tubing 222 coupled to cleaning solution inlet 208) . The cleaning solutionflows out of first outlet 202 of flush cartridge 200 and into sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102, and out of second outlet 204 of flush cartridge 200 and into waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102 so as to clean sample analyzer manifold 102. In this manner, fibrin clots, lipemia, poorly spun or partial draws with exposed gel separator, etc., may be quickly removed from sample analyzer manifold 102 at any time by using flush cartridge 200 in place of sensor cartridge 106.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cleaning solution injected into flush cartridge 200 may include water, heated water, a bleach solution, or any other suitable cleaning solution. Flush cartridge 200 may be reused for multiple cleans (e.g., 5, 10, 100, or more times) .

[0042] As stated above, sample analyzer manifold 102 is merely a simplified example of a fluid distribution manifold that may be employed for a sample analyzer. Other types, shapes, and / or numbers of fluid passageways and / or components may be employed. For example, FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sample analyzer 300 according to one or more embodiments.

[0043] With reference to FIG. 3A, sample analyzer 300 may include a sample analyzer manifold 302 in which a plurality of fluid passageways 304a-f are provided. Fewer or more fluid passageways may be employed. A sensor cartridge 306 is shown interfaced with sample analyzer manifold 302. A rotary valve 308 allows different fluid passageways to be coupled together depending on the rotational position of rotary valve 308. For example, a sample inlet 310 may receive a sample to be analyzed and transfer the sample through fluid passageways 304a and 304e to sensor cartridge 306 by coupling these passageways with rotary valve 308. Likewise, process fluids 312 such as diluents, reagents, or the like may be delivered to sensor cartridge 306 by coupling passageways 304b and / or304c and passageway 304e using rotary valve 308. As further shown in FIG. 3A, a waste vacuum 314 may be coupled to sensor cartridge 306 through fluid passageway 304f of sample analyzer manifold 302, as may reference fluid 316 through sample passageway 304d. In some embodiments, a vent 318 may be coupled to rotary valve 308 as shown. Sensor cartridge 306 is shown at a sensor cartridge location 320 of sample analyzer 300. Sample analyzer 300 may include other components not shown (e.g., a processor and memory such as processor 114 and memory 116 of FIG. 1A, pumps, etc.) .

[0044] FIG. 3B illustrates the sample analyzer 300 of FIG. 3A in which sensor cartridge 306 is replaced with flush cartridge 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments.Flush cartridge 200 may be employed to clean sample analyzer manifold 302 by flushing cleaning solution through sample analyzer manifold 302 (e.g., via syringe 220) . By rotating rotary valve 308, passageways 304a, 304b, and 304c may be cleaned using flush cartridge 200. Likewise, passageways 304d, 304e, and 304f may be cleaned. Passageway 304d may interface with sensor cartridge 106 or flush cartridge 200 via a reference outlet 322.

[0045] In some embodiments described herein, a maintenance flush cartridge is provided that may be installed in place of a sensor cartridge of a sample analyzer. For example, in one or more embodiments, a single piece of flexible tubing may be connected to the flush cartridge to facilitate the flushing of all flow paths of a sample analyzer manifold (e.g., using a plastic syringe) . This flush cartridge may eliminate the steps requiring manual connection of tubing to individual points in the sample analyzer. It also may eliminate the need to remove any covers / facades for access. Using the flush cartridge may reduce and simplify cleaning procedures significantly (e.g., in some embodiments reducing cleaning times by 15% to 20%) andreducing the number of sample analyzer components that are replaced. This may reduce service costs and spare parts costs.

[0046] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example method 400 of cleaning a sample analyzer in accordance with one or more embodiments. In some implementations, one or more process blocks of FIG. 4 may be performed by maintenance staff of a diagnostic laboratory.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, method 400 may include inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer (block 402) . For example, maintenance staff may remove sensor cartridge 106 from sensor cartridge location 144 (FIG. 1C) of sample analyzer 100 and insert flush cartridge 200 into sensor cartridge location 144 of sample analyzer 100 as shown in FIG. 2E. Likewise, maintenance staff may remove sensor cartridge 306 (FIG. 3A) from sensor cartridge location 320 of sample analyzer 300 and insert flush cartridge 200 (FIG. 3B) into sensor cartridge location 320 of sample analyzer 300. That is, in some embodiments, inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of a sample analyzer includes replacing the sensor cartridge of the sample analyzer with the flush cartridge.

[0048] As also shown in FIG. 4, method 400 may include interfacing a first outlet of the flush cartridge with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer manifold (block 404) . For example, as shown in FIG. 2E, in some embodiments, inserting flush cartridge 200 into sensor cartridge location 144 may cause first outlet 202 of flush cartridge 200 to interface with sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102, as described above. In other embodiments, flush cartridge 200 may be pressed (e.g., by maintenance staff) against sample analyzer manifold 102 to interface first outlet 202 of flush cartridge 200 with sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102.

[0049] As further shown in FIG. 4, method 400 may include interfacing a second outlet of the flush cartridge with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold (block 406) . For example, maintenance staff may interface second outlet 204 of flush cartridge 200 with waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102 (e.g., by inserting flush cartridge 200 into sensor cartridge location 144 and / or by pressing flush cartridge 200 against sample analyzer manifold 102 as shown in FIG. 2E) .

[0050] As also shown in FIG. 4, method 400 may include introducing cleaning solution to a cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge so as to cause the cleaning solution to flow through a cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge to the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer manifold, and to the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold, so as to clean the sample analyzer manifold (block 408) . For example, maintenance staff may introduce cleaning solution (e.g., via syringe 220 or another suitable mechanism) to cleaning solution inlet 208 of flush cartridge 200 so as to cause the cleaning solution to flow through cleaning solution passageway 206 of flush cartridge 200 to first outlet 202 of flush cartridge 200 and into sample outlet 122 of sample analyzer manifold 102, and to second outlet 204 of flush cartridge 200 and into waste inlet 124 of sample analyzer manifold 102, so as to clean sample analyzer manifold 102, as described above.

[0051] Although FIG. 4 shows example blocks of method 400, in some implementations, method 400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted in FIG. 4. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of method 400 may be performed in parallel.

[0052] As described above with reference to FIG. 2C and FIG. 3B, in some embodiments, interfacing of a flush cartridge (e.g., flush cartridge 200 of FIG. 3B) with a sample analyzer manifold may include interfacing a third outlet (e.g., outlet 202b of FIG. 2C) of the flush cartridge with a reference outlet (e.g., reference outlet 322 of FIG. 3B) of the sample analyzer manifold so that introduction of cleaning solution to a cleaning solution inlet (e.g., cleaning solution inlet 208) causes the cleaning solution to flow through a cleaning solution passageway (e.g., cleaning solution passageway 206 of FIG. 2C) to a third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer manifold.

[0053] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C illustrate perspective views of an example embodiment of flow channel member 210, flush member 212, and cartridge housing 214, respectively, of flush cartridge 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments. With reference to FIG. 5A, in some embodiments, outlets 202a, 202b, and 204 of flow channel member 210 may each have a diameter of 3.1 mm. In one or more embodiments, outlets 202a and 202b may be vertically spaced by 5.1 mm (center-to-center) and outlets 202a and 204 may be laterally spaced by 38.1 mm (center-to- center) . Further, in some embodiments, outlets 202a and 204 may be positioned 7.3 mm and 9.8 mm, respectively, from a bottom of cartridge housing 214 (FIG. 5C) and 7.6 mm from a respective side (left side for outlet 202a and right side for outlet 204 in FIGS. 5A and 5C) of cartridge housing 214 (to a center of each outlet) . In one or more embodiments, flow channel member 210 may have a thickness of 7.7 mm. Other dimensions may be employed.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 5B, flush member 212 may have a cutout region 502 that provides a keyway for preventing flush cartridge 200 from being installed upside down or backwards in sample analyzer 100 (e.g., at sensor cartridge location 144 (FIG. 1C) ) . In some embodiments, cutout region502 may have a height of 22.2 mm, a width of 12.2 mm, and a depth of 3.7 mm. Other dimensions may be employed.

[0055] With reference to FIG. 5C, cartridge housing 214 may define the overall dimensions of flush cartridge 200 (although cleaning solution inlet 208 may extend outside of the dimensions defined by cartridge housing 214) . As shown in FIG. 5C, in some embodiments, cartridge housing 214 (and thus flush cartridge 200 excluding cleaning solution inlet 208) may have a height of 28.5 mm, a width of 53.9 mm, and a depth of 12.9 mm. Other dimensions may be employed.NON-LIMITING ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0056] The following is a list of non-limiting embodiments of inventive concepts disclosed herein:

[0057] An illustrative apparatus configured to clean a portion of a sample analyzer comprising a flush cartridge including a first outlet configured to interface with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer manifold; a second outlet configured to interface with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer manifold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold so as to clean the sample analyzer manifold.

[0058] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the flush cartridge is configured to be employed in place of a sensor cartridge of the sample analyzer.

[0059] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate, and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing.

[0060] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the flush member of the flush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway.

[0061] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of the cleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets .

[0062] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the flush cartridge is sized to fit in a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer.

[0063] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge has a height of 28.5 mm, a width of 53.9 mm, and a depth of 12.9 mm.

[0064] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer manifold; the cleaning solution passageway is coupled to the third outlet; and the first, second, and third outlets each have a diameter of 3.1 mm.

[0065] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the first and third outlets are vertically spaced by 5.1 mm center-to-center and the first and second outlets are laterally spaced by 38.1 mm center-to- center .

[0066] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the first outlet is positioned 7.3 mm from a bottom and 7.6 mm from a first side of the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge and the second outlet is positioned 9.8 mm from the bottom and 7.6 mm from a second side of the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge.

[0067] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein the flush cartridge includes a cutout region having a height of 22.2 mm, a width of 12.2 mm, and a depth of 3.7 mm.

[0068] The illustrative apparatus of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments, wherein: the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer manifold; the cleaning solution passageway is coupled to the third outlet; and introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway and out of the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer manifold.

[0069] An illustrative system comprising (1) a sample analyzer manifold configured to receive and distribute a sample to be analyzed, the sample analyzer manifold including: a sample inlet configured to receive the sample; a fluid passageway coupled to the sample inlet; a sample outlet coupled to the fluid passageway and configured to deliver the sample to a sensor cartridge having at least one sensor; and a waste inlet configured to receive the sample from the sensor cartridge after the sample contacts the at least one sensor; and (2) a flush cartridge including: a first outlet configured to interface with the sample outlet of the sample analyzer manifold; a second outlet configured to interface with the waste inlet of the sample analyzer manifold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the secondoutlet ; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0070] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flush cartridge is configured to be employed in place of a sensor cartridge that interfaces with the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0071] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate , and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing .

[0072] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flush member of the flush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway .

[0073] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of the cleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets .

[0074] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flush cartridge is si zed to fit in a sensor cartridge location .

[0075] The illustrative system of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein : the sample analyzer mani fold includes a reference outlet configured to deliver a reference fluid to a sensor cartridge ; the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with thereference outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; the cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge is coupled to the third outlet ; and introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway and out of the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0076] An illustrative method of cleaning a sample analyzer comprising : inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a first outlet of the flush cartridge with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer mani fold of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a second outlet of the flush cartridge with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; and introducing cleaning solution to a cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge so as to cause the cleaning solution to flow through a cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge to the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and to the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0077] The illustrative method of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer includes replacing a sensor cartridge of the sample analyzer with the flush cartridge .

[0078] The illustrative method of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate , and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing .

[0079] The illustrative method of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flush member of theflush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway .

[0080] The illustrative method of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of the cleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets .

[0081] The illustrative method of any of the proceeding illustrative embodiments , further comprising interfacing a third outlet of the flush cartridge with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so that introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway to the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

[0082] The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments of the invention . Modi fications of the above disclosed apparatus and methods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art .

[0083] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with example embodiments thereof , it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims .

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS :1 . An apparatus configured to clean a portion of a sample analyzer comprising : a flush cartridge including : a first outlet configured to interface with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer mani fold; a second outlet configured to interface with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet ; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .2 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flush cartridge is configured to be employed in place of a sensor cartridge of the sample analyzer .3 . The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate , and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing .4 . The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the flush member of the flush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway .5 . The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of thecleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flush cartridge is sized to fit in a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer .

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge has a height of 28.5 mm, a width of 53.9 mm, and a depth of 12.9 mm.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein: the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer manifold; the cleaning solution passageway is coupled to the third outlet; and the first, second, and third outlets each have a diameter of 3.1 mm.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first and third outlets are vertically spaced by 5.1 mm center-to-center and the first and second outlets are laterally spaced by 38.1 mm center-to-center .

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first outlet is positioned 7.3 mm from a bottom and 7.6 mm from a first side of the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge and the second outlet is positioned 9.8 mm from the bottom and 7.6 mm from a second side of the cartridge housing of the flush cartridge.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the flush cartridge includes a cutout region having a height of 22.2 mm, a width of 12.2 mm, and a depth of 3.7 mm.12 . The apparatus of claim 1 wherein : the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; the cleaning solution passageway is coupled to the third outlet ; and introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway and out of the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .13 . A system comprising : a sample analyzer mani fold configured to receive and distribute a sample to be analyzed, the sample analyzer mani fold including : a sample inlet configured to receive the sample ; a fluid passageway coupled to the sample inlet ; a sample outlet coupled to the fluid passageway and configured to deliver the sample to a sensor cartridge having at least one sensor ; and a waste inlet configured to receive the sample from the sensor cartridge after the sample contacts the at least one sensor ; and a flush cartridge including : a first outlet configured to interface with the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; a second outlet configured to interface with the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; a cleaning solution passageway coupled to the first outlet and the second outlet ; and a cleaning solution inlet coupled to the cleaning solution passageway, wherein introduction of cleaning solutionto the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway, out of the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and out of the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .14 . The system of claim 13 wherein the flush cartridge is configured to be employed in place of a sensor cartridge that interfaces with the sample analyzer mani fold .15 . The system of claim 14 wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate , and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing .16 . The system of claim 15 wherein the flush member of the flush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway .17 . The system of claim 16 wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of the cleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets .18 . The system of claim 16 wherein the flush cartridge is si zed to fit in a sensor cartridge location .19 . The system of claim 13 wherein : the sample analyzer mani fold includes a reference outlet configured to deliver a reference fluid to a sensor cartridge ; the flush cartridge includes a third outlet configured to interface with the reference outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold;the cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge is coupled to the third outlet ; and introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway and out of the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .20 . A method of cleaning a sample analyzer comprising : inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a first outlet of the flush cartridge with a sample outlet of a sample analyzer mani fold of the sample analyzer ; interfacing a second outlet of the flush cartridge with a waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold; and introducing cleaning solution to a cleaning solution inlet of the flush cartridge so as to cause the cleaning solution to flow through a cleaning solution passageway of the flush cartridge to the first outlet of the flush cartridge and into the sample outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, and to the second outlet of the flush cartridge and into the waste inlet of the sample analyzer mani fold, so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .21 . The method of claim 20 wherein inserting a flush cartridge into a sensor cartridge location of the sample analyzer includes replacing a sensor cartridge of the sample analyzer with the flush cartridge .22 . The method of claim 21 wherein the sensor cartridge includes a flow channel member, a sensor substrate , and a cartridge housing and the flush cartridge includes a flow channel member, a flush member, and a cartridge housing .23 . The method of claim 22 wherein the flush member of the flush cartridge includes the cleaning solution inlet and a first portion of the cleaning solution passageway .24 . The method of claim 23 wherein the flow channel member of the flush cartridge includes a second portion of the cleaning solution passageway coupled between the first and second outlets .25 . The method of claim 20 further comprising : interfacing a third outlet of the flush cartridge with a reference outlet of the sample analyzer mani fold so that introduction of cleaning solution to the cleaning solution inlet causes the cleaning solution to flow through the cleaning solution passageway to the third outlet of the flush cartridge so as to clean the sample analyzer mani fold .

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