| abstract |
Blood clot analysis instrumentation used to evaluate platelet function and clot structure by monitoring force development during clot retraction or upon application of a known amount of force can have a calibration check automatically performed by using a top member with a known amount of mass which is detachable from the instrumentation, and preferably is a disposable component. The calibration check is performed by monitoring force or displacement on a holding member with and without the top member attached. If the difference measured is within a preferred tolerance range, then the instrumentation can be deemed to be within the specifications deemed best suited for the instrument. The top member may also be modified to allow for mixing reagents with the clot, thereby avoiding the need to pre-mix blood with reagents before measurement. This can be accomplished by providing the top member with a rotation mechanism, such as an air driven fin assembly, that permits the top member to rotate forwards and/or backwards relative to the receptacle which holds the blood sample. The top member may also carry on board one or more reagents used for the diagnostic tests to be performed on the blood sample. Different top members might be used to perform different tests by being capable of dispensing different reagents. Moreover, a bar code or other indicia may be used to have the instrumentation automatically identify the test being performed, and this can also be used to provide information useful in regulating the mixing operation to be performed by the top member. Furthermore, a disposable liner may also be positionable within the receptacle such that the entire test can be performed with disposable components, thereby reducing clean up time, improving performance of the instrumentation, and enhancing the safety for the clinicians. Finally, the shape of the top and bottom members are configured in such a way as to have the evaporation force vector perpendicular to the clot retraction force vector. |