Inventors:
David C. Arnquist - The Colony TX
Grady Barnes, III - Grayslake IL
Richard D. Button - Richardson TX
Chadwick M. Dunn - McHenry IL
Patrick P. Fritchie - Southlake TX
Charles M. Galitz - Kenosha WI
Gregory E. Gardner - Euless TX
Cass J. Grandone - Southlake TX
Robert C. Gray - Gurnee IL
James T. Holen - Mundelein IL
Jimmy D. McCoy - Keller TX
James E. Mitchell - Windham NH
Adrian John Murray - Arlington Heights IL
David W. Murray - Allen TX
Jack F. Ramsey - Grayslake IL
Neal T. Sleszynski - Kenosha WI
Julius J. Toth - Mundelein IL
Assignee:
Abbott Laboratories - Abbott Park IL
International Classification:
G01N 3504
US Classification:
422 63, 422 64, 422 67, 422 681, 422 8205, 436 47, 436 48, 436 49, 436 50, 1983474, 198348, 198357
Abstract:
The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path. The process path comprises a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for moving a container holding the sample along the process path. A first pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing the sample to the container. A second pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing a reagent to the container. A device is operatively connected with the process path and is selectively engagable with the container for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container. A second prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for selectively positioning the container in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane.