A colored intercapsular buffer solution is used to reduce erroneous results from the absorption or carryover of small amounts of reagent R1 and/or R2 into the intercapsular buffer solution segment in the analytical line of a capsule chemistry liquid analysis system in an automated clinical analyzer. The absorption of small amounts of the regent R1 and/or R2 in the intercapsular buffer solution leads to erroneous results in the analysis of the test sample, S, because the R1 and/or R2 that is carried over and absorbed into the buffer does not react with test sample S. The R1/R2 carryover can be measured and determined by monitoring the absorbance of the colored buffer solution, wherein the change in absorbance can be measured and compared to a reference value. The sample is automatically retested if an unacceptable change in absorbance occurs. The colored buffer solution comprises a phthalocyanine dye, an aqueous solution of a base at a pH of about 9-12, a surfactant to reduce surface tension and improve flow characteristics of the intercapsular colored buffer reagent through the analytical line, and a chelating agent to reduce the adverse effects of metal contaminants.