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Abstract

A system for normalizing measurements obtained from spectrometers to correct for measurement biases in individual spectrometers. The normalization system is adapted for use in spectrometers having an optical assembly for obtaining characteristic data from a test sample. A normalization factor is obtained in each spectrometer by placing a holographic dispersion filter between the light source and detector in the position normally occupied by the test sample, the filter having been encoded with a symbol representing a nominal value of light expected to pass through the filter. The spectrometer determines the value of light passing through the filter and calculates a normalization factor based on the ratio between the nominal value of the filter and the actual value obtained by the spectrometer. The normalization factor is stored in system memory and the filter removed so that the spectrometer may thereafter be used to evaluate a plurality of test samples. The measured results obtained from the test samples are normalized by multiplying them by the stored normalization factor. Where measurements are obtained from a plurality of spectrometers, the normalized results vary less than about 10% from instrument to instrument for a variety of types of characteristic data, including turbidimetric microalbumin assays.

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First Claim