Pay for Performance? Government Regulation and the Structure of Compensation Contracts

A gas flow cartridge in which to conduct a coagulation-related test uses an elongated pin member movably positioned within a communication opening which separates a reagent chamber from a reaction chamber. A first portion of the pin member has an operative configuration for sealing the communication opening when the first portion is positioned in the communication opening. A second longitudinally displaced portion of the pin member opens the communication opening to further communication therethrough upon longitudinal movement of the pin member. At the commencement of an analytical test, a plug member is moved upwardly to contact the pin member and move the first portion out of the communication opening and the second portion into the communication opening. The upward movement of the lower plug member forces the contents of the reagent chamber through the opened communication opening and into the reaction chamber. A pointed needle-like member pierces a membrane of the lower plug member and injects gas into the cartridge. The gas also flows through the opened communication opening.