Abstract: An improved displacement-type syringe has a housing, a substantially fixed seal, a solid or closed-tip plunger, an internal passageway formed between the housing and the plunger, and at least two ports on the housing with at least one port located at each end of the passageway for the passage of fluids and the elimination of gas. The syringe may be mounted in apparatus over a wide range of fixed inclination angles and remain substantially impervious to gas accumulation.

Abstract: In a cuvette for performing a diagnostic test on a specimen, a base defines a first chamber for receiving a reagent, and a second chamber for receiving a test specimen. The second chamber is defined by four side surfaces forming a rectangular configuration, and a base surface extending between the side surfaces. The base surface defines a frangible wall which is breakable in order to place the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber. A cover is coupled to the base and is moveable between an open position spaced away from the second chamber for permitting introduction of the specimen into the second chamber, and a closed position overlying and enclosing the second chamber. A self-aligning piercing member is provided on the cover and defines a tip engageable with the base surface of the second chamber upon movement of the cover into the closed position to thereby break the frangible wall, and in turn allow the test specimen to mix with the reagent in the second chamber.

Abstract: In a cuvette for performing a diagnostic test on a specimen, a base defines a first chamber for receiving a reagent, and a second chamber for receiving a test specimen. The second chamber is defined by four side surfaces forming a rectangular configuration, and a base surface extending between the side surfaces. The base surface defines a frangible wall which is breakable in order to place the first chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber. A cover is coupled to the base and is moveable between an open position spaced away from the second chamber for permitting introduction of the specimen into the second chamber, and a closed position overlying and enclosing the second chamber. A self-aligning piercing member is provided on the cover and defines a tip engageable with the base surface of the second chamber upon movement of the cover into the closed position to thereby break the frangible wall, and in turn allow the test specimen to mix with the reagent in the second chamber.