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Abstract

A method and apparatus for analysis of liquid samples is described. The method involves simultaneously introducing a predetermined quantity of a given sample and a predetermined quantity of a selected reagent therefor directly into separate flow lines by aspiration from separate containers; bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel; and causing the sample/reagent mixture to travel along the flow channel as a discrete liquid slug interposed in the stream of a carrier liquid to the measurement cell of an analytical instrument. Another aspect of the method is characterized in that a single pump is used to draw sample and reagent into separate arms of the flow channel which subsequently merge, and to drive the sample/reagent mixture along the flow channel; and in that a carrier liquid is drawn into the flow channel by said pump so that the material within the flow channel is carried along as a continuous liquid phase. The apparatus comprises means for extracting the sample and reagent; a peristaltic pump for driving material along the flow channel; a stepping motor connected or connectable to drive the peristaltic pump, the stepping motor being controllable (preferably by a microprocessor) so that it can make precise angular movements; means, for example a Y-piece or T-piece, for bringing the extracted sample and the extracted reagent together into a common flow channel; and means for deriving an analytical measurement from material in the flow channel. The method and apparatus are particularly well suited for use in the automatic analysis of samples of clinical interest.

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