Device for multiple tests from a single sample

Abstract

A sample device and method for analyzing a sample are claimed. The sample device is a flat disc containing channels and wells for directing a sample to reagents located in the disc and for mixing the sample with the reagents. The disc is mounted on an analyzer and the sample is pumped into the disc, divided into a plurality of sub-sample, and at least some of the sub-samples are mixed with a number of reagents. The resultant analytes are analyzed spectrophotometrically for a determination of the concentration of various substances in the sample. The present invention permits multiple tests to be performed quickly and automatically with minimal operator involvement.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 : A device for preparing a fluid sample for analysis comprising:
 a body;   an inlet port defined in the body for introducing the sample; and   a plurality of optical wells defined in the body for analyzing the sample, wherein the optical wells are in fluid communication with the inlet port   
     
     
         3 : The device of  claim 2  further comprising means for mixing a reagent with the sample. 
     
     
         4 : The device of  claim 2  further comprising:
 a plurality of reagent wells defined in the body; 
 a plurality of reagent channels defined in the body, wherein the reagent channels provide fluid communication between the inlet port and the reagent wells; and 
 a plurality of optical channels defined in the body, wherein the optical channels provide fluid communication between the regent wells and the optical wells. 
 
     
     
         5 : The device of  claim 4  wherein the reagent wells are dimensioned to contain a reagent, and the reagent wells and the optical channels are dimensioned to utilize fluid flow for agitation to assist in dissolving the reagent in the sample. 
     
     
         6 : The device of  claim 4  further comprising:
 a waste well defined in the body; 
 a plurality of waste channels defined in the body, wherein the waste channels provide fluid communication between the waste well and the optical channels. 
 
     
     
         7 : The device of  claim 2  wherein the body further comprises a bottom plate and a lid, wherein a seal is formed between the lid and the bottom plate. 
     
     
         8 : The device of  claim 2  further comprising an alignment notch defined in the body and an outer edge of the body such that the device can be consistently positioned in an analyzer based on the body outer edge and the alignment notch. 
     
     
         9 : The device of  claim 2  further comprising an electrochemical probe and sample device contact points, wherein the electrochemical probe is received in a well selected from the group consisting of the reagent well, the optical well, and the waste well, and the sample device contact points are connected to the electrochemical probe. 
     
     
         10 : The device of  claim 2  further comprising a source indicator received on the body. 
     
     
         11 : A device for preparing a fluid sample for analysis comprising:
 a body;   an inlet port defined in the body for introducing a fluid sample;   a plurality of reagent wells defined in the body;   a plurality of reagent channels defined in the body, wherein each reagent channel connects one reagent well to the inlet port such that samples flowing from the inlet port to the reagent well provide agitation within the reagent well for dissolving a reagent.   
     
     
         12 : The device of  claim 11  further comprising:
 a plurality of optical wells defined in the body; and 
 a plurality of optical channels defined in the body, wherein the optical channels connect the reagent wells to the optical wells. 
 
     
     
         13 : The device of  claim 11  wherein the body further comprises a lid and a bottom plate, and the lid and bottom plate are sealed together. 
     
     
         14 : The device of  claim 11  wherein the body is comprised of a plastic material. 
     
     
         15 : A method of analyzing a sample comprising:
 a) providing a sample device having an inlet connected to a plurality of optical wells;   b) injecting the sample into the inlet such that the sample flows through the sample device into the optical wells; and   c) analyzing the sample in the optical wells.   
     
     
         16 : The method of  claim 15  wherein step c) further comprises:
 transmitting electromagnetic radiation in to the optical wells; and 
 measuring the amount of electromagnetic radiation emanating from the optical wells. 
 
     
     
         17 : The method of  claim 16  wherein step c) further comprises:
 placing the sample device in an analyzer; and 
 rotating the sample device at least one time, wherein the sample device is rotated between at least two analyses stages. 
 
     
     
         18 : The method of  claim 15  wherein step a) further comprises:
 injection molding a lid and a bottom plate, wherein the lid and the bottom plate comprise a body of the sample device; and 
 sealing the lid and the bottom plate together. 
 
     
     
         19 - 21 . (canceled)