Temperature monitoring system for an automated biological reaction apparatus

The present invention relates generally to an automated biological reaction apparatus ("ABRA"). Two such ABRA's are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,707 ("'707 Patent") and International Application No. PCT/US98/16604 (Pub. No. WO 99/08090), and the teachings thereof are fully incorporated herein by reference. More particularly, the present invention relates to a temperature monitoring system, including test glass slide, for use in an ABRA to verify proper operational temperature therein for each protocol. A test glass slide for an automated biological reaction apparatus is disclosed. The test slide monitors to operational temperature of the apparatus for maintenance/quality control purposes by means of at least two temperature-sensitive indicators, which change visual states once a predetermined temperature threshold is reached. The thresholds correspond generally to the specified temperature range for the protocol performed by the apparatus.