| abstract |
A calibration fluid cartridge (120) for a medical device, such as a blood analyzer. The cartridge (120) includes at least one calibrant bag (302) that is filled with a flexible calibration fluid and a flexible waste bag (306) for holding fluid waste from the blood analyzer. The calibrant bags (302, 304) contract as calibration fluid exits the bags, leaving a void in the cartridge (120) that is filled by the waste bag (306), which expands with waste fluids as the calibrant bags (302, 304) contract. Thus, the cartridge (120) can be made compact and lightweight, making it particularly suited for use in a portable blood analyzer. The calibrant bags (302, 304) have fluid ports (310) with self-sealing valves and a flange to secure them within the cartridge (120), as well as a compliant member for facilitating a secure, fluid-tight seal between fluid fitting on the blood analyzer and the calibrant and waste bags. The calibrant bags (302, 304) can be directly coupled to the blood analyzer to reduce diffusion of gases from the calibrant bags (302, 304). |