Method and apparatus for applying liquid samples

Claim 1

In a method for applying liquid samples in which a liquid sample accommodated in a sample applying nozzle is delivered therefrom until a droplet of the liquid sample forms at the leading edge of the sample applying nozzle, the sample applying nozzle is then moved down to a sample applying position slightly above a test film, which contains a reagent which will react with the liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density, so that the droplet comes into contact with the test film and is applied thereto, wherein the improvement comprises the steps of: moving said sample applying nozzle with a test film sensor down prior to the formation and application of the droplet of said liquid sample, sensing said test film with said test film sensor, measuring said distance by which said sample applying nozzle has been moved down; stopping said moving of said sample applying nozzle when said test film sensor detects said test film, storing the distance by which said sample applying nozzle was moved down, and at the time said liquid sample is applied to said test film, adjusting the distance by which said sample applying nozzle is moved down in accordance with said stored distance so that said sample applying nozzle is moved down to a sample applying position spaced a predetermined distance from said test film.