An improved system and method for the selection and dispensing of reagents onto a target testing medium in an automated laboratory environment. The system utilizes multiple carousels rotatably-mounted upon a central turntable. The position of the central turntable, as well as the rotation of each carousel is controlled by a microprocessor-based control system. Multiple dispensers, each capable of storing and dispensing a particular reagent, are mounted about the circumference of each carousel. This configuration provides much higher reagent density than previously available. The testing medium is positioned at one or more loading stations. The control system directs the central turntable to a position from which a selected one of the carousels can be rotated so as to position a selected dispenser above the testing medium. The selected dispenser is then actuated to release a predetermined reagent onto the testing medium. The system can be configured so that multiple reagents can be dispensed, each from an associated dispenser, onto a single or multiple testing mediums. Each of these actuated dispensers being positioned over the targeted testing medium(s) positioned at one or more loading stations.

A pretreating apparatus includes a transferring mechanism configured to transfer a storing container storing an unpretreated sample or a pretreated sample, a pretreating portion having a port in which the storing container storing the sample is installed by the transferring mechanism, configured to pretreat the sample in the storing container installed in the port, and a diluting portion configured to suck a predetermined amount of the pretreated sample from the storing container and supply the sample and a diluent to an empty storing container to dilute the sample.

Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

A system including an optical signal detector and a controller operatively coupled to the optical signal detector and configured to determine an operational performance status of the optical signal detector. The optical signal detector includes a detection channel having a light source and a sensor, where the detection channel is configured to emit and focus light generated by the light source at a detection zone and to receive and focus light on the sensor. The optical performance status of the optical signal detector is based on a measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a non-fluorescent surface is in the detection zone and/or a measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a void is in the detection zone.

A system for automated microorganism identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing comprising a reagent cartridge, a reagent stage, a cassette, a cassette, stage, a pipettor assembly, an optical detection system, and a controller is disclosed. The system is designed to dynamically adjust motor idle torque to control heat load and employs a fast focus process for determining the true focus position of an individual microorganism. The system also may quantify the relative abundance of viable microorganisms in a sample using dynamic dilution, and facilitate growth of microorganisms in customized media for rapid, accurate antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

A device for positioning vessels, with a holder for vessels, comprising a series of receptacles arranged on a circular line, for a circular ring-shaped vessel chain, a central area, arranged within the series of receptacles, and having further receptacles for single vessels containing reagents, and means for aligning, and with
a carrier for single vessels, which comprises a holding plate in the form of a circular disc or of a part of a circular disc, which has holes for single vessels at certain positions, and which has at least one further means for aligning the carrier to the means for aligning the holder in a certain position, wherein in this position, the holes are aligned to certain further receptacles, the remaining further receptacles are covered up by the holding plate, and single vessels filled with reaction liquid can be inserted into the holes and into the further receptacles aligned thereto.

The invention relates to a conveying device (IO) for positioning and providing laboratory vessels (12; 12a, 12b, 12c) for nutrient media, samples, microorganisms, cell cultures, or the like for analysis, sample preparation, and/or sample manipulation at an associated apparatus (64), comprising at least one first conveying unit (32) for conveying the laboratory vessels (12) between an initial region (30) and a provision region (60), where the laboratory vessel (12) is held for the analysis or preparation. According to the invention, a plurality of conveying units is present, which perform only a translational motion of the laboratory vessel (12) along an axis, wherein the first conveying unit (32) vertically conveys the laboratory vessel (12) from the initial region (30) to a predetermined height region (50) and vice versa, and a second conveying unit (56) is provided, which horizontally conveys the laboratory vessel (12) from the height region (50) to the provision region and vice versa.

A method of determining the presence or amount of a target nucleic acid in each of a plurality of reaction mixtures. In the method, a first plurality of reaction mixtures are provided to a heater and subjected to conditions for performing a first amplification reaction. The presence or amount of a first target nucleic acid in each of the first plurality of reaction mixtures is determined during the first amplification reaction. During the first amplification reaction, a second plurality of reaction mixtures are provided to the heater and subjected to conditions for performing a second amplification reaction. The presence or amount of a second target nucleic acid in each of the second plurality of reaction mixtures is determined during the second amplification reaction. At least a portion of the second plurality of reaction mixtures are removed from the heater during the second amplification reaction.

Example automated diagnostic analyzers and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. An example apparatus described herein includes a first carousel rotatably coupled to a base and having a first axis of rotation. The example apparatus includes a second carousel rotatably coupled to the base and vertically spaced over the first carousel such that at least a portion of the second carousel is disposed over the first carousel. In the example apparatus, the second carousel has a second axis of rotation and a plurality of vessels. The example apparatus also includes a pipetting mechanism offset from the second axis of rotation. The example pipetting mechanism is to access the first carousel and the second carousel.

A system for measuring optical signal detector performance includes an optical signal detector comprising a first detection channel having a first light source and a first sensor. The first detection channel is configured to emit and focus light generated by the first light source at a first detection zone, and to receive and focus light on the first sensor. The system also includes a controller operatively coupled to the optical signal detector and configured to determine an operational performance status of the optical signal detector based on at least one of (i) a first measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a first non-fluorescent surface portion is in the first detection zone and (ii) a second measured characteristic of light focused on the sensor while a void is in the first detection zone. The optical signal detector can be a fluorometer.