NEW AND IMPROVED, ULTRA LOW CARRYOVER SAMPLE LIQUID ANALYSIS APPARATUS AND METHOD

The sample liquids analysis system includes a probe which is automatically operable to successively aspirate sample liquids thereinto and to dispense the same into reaction cuvettes for subsequent successive automated sample liquids analyses. Isolation liquid supply reservoir is operatively associated with the sample liquids aspirating and dispensing probe and operates to introduce an isolation liquid which is immiscible with the sample liquids and which selectively wets the interior and exterior probe surfaces to the exclusion of the sample liquids, to the probe to, in combination with operatively associated rinse liquid supply apparatus which operate to fill the probe with a rinse liquid which is miscible with the sample liquids between successive sample liquids aspirations and flow the rinse liquid from the probe in the direction opposite to that of sample liquids flow thereinto following sample liquids dispensing, reduce sample liquids carryover to ultra-low levels in the range of only 5 parts per million. In addition, aspiration of a buffer-diluent liquid into the probe for merger therewithin with the sample liquids contributes further to sample liquids carryover reduction.