Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent set, as well as to a method, for carrying out simultaneous analyses of multiple isoenzymes in a test sample, particularly a bodily fluid. The invention is especially useful for measuring creatine kinase isoenzymes in particle, or bead, based multiplexed assay systems.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: An analyte detection system utilizing a combination of fluorescent labels for labeling particles and an analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. The particles contain a combination of fluorescent labels for coding the particles and an analyte specific fluorescent dye. The particles can be used to identify and quantify analytes in an analytical sample by reaction of the analytical sample with the particles. An analytical device can identify the particles according to the combination of fluorescent labels. The device can then correlate the identified particle with the analyte specific fluorescent analyte detection dye. Multiple subpopulations of particles can be used to identify and quantify multi-analytes in a single analytical sample. Near infrared (NIR) fluorescent labels useful in the detection system are also provided.

Abstract: A portable hand-held blood sampling device having a self-filling capability includes a blood separation filter. The filter has a plurality of pores sized to permit passage of selected blood constituents such as blood plasma through the device. The device has a separated blood conduit that extends beyond the outlet of the device and is shaped for easy penetration into a self-sealing septum of a blood analyzer. An annular shield extends from the device outlet beyond the conduit to prevent inadvertent contact of the conduit by a user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for conducting multiplexed assays of multiple target analytes in a manner that permits each target analyte to be assayed within a dynamic assay range. The invention further relates to reagents capable of implementing such methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent mixture, as well as to a method and apparatus, for carrying out simultaneous, automated analysis of multiple analytes in a test sample, particularly a bodily fluid. The invention is especially relevant to the field of general clinical chemistry, but may find application in other fields of use.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of assaying one or more analytes simultaneously. The assays of this invention are capable of providing wide dynamic range and rapid processing times. A wide dynamic working range is achieved by simultaneously incubating a sample which may contain the analyte(s) of interest with two or more independently determinable classes of particles coated with an analyte-specific binding partner. The two or more particle classes differ from each other at least in size. The analyte concentration is obtained from readings derived from these two classes by means of a combined standard curve.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods for measuring an analyte, such as glucose, contained in tile interstitial fluid of a body are provided. The methods include the steps of. (a) providing at least one sensor particle capable of generating a detectable analyte signal in responding to the analyte concentration of the body, (b) placing the sensor particle into the skin of the body for allowing the sensor particle to be in contact with the interstitial fluid of the body to generate the detectable analyte signal, (c) detecting the generated analyte signal, and (d) determining the concentration of the analyte contained in the interstitial fluid. The sensor particles may be made to be responsive to an analyte such as glucose concentration contained in a body fluid by including a photo-induced electron transfer receptor specific for the analyte in the sensor particle.

Abstract: A pipettable detector comprises an aqueous suspension of particles which are essentially insoluble in a sample of a body fluid containing at least one target ion analyte of interest, the particles having uniformly distributed therein target and indicator ionophores which may be present in the same molecule or separate molecules. The indicator ionophore is capable of giving rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample. In a method of detecting an ionic analyte of interest in the sample of a bodily fluid, the sample is contacted with the detector. The indicator ionophore gives rise to a detectable signal following complexation of the target ionophore with the target ion from the sample, and the signal is then detected.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A probe for heating a reagent and/or a test specimen from a storage temperature to an analysis temperature is provided herein. The probe is particularly useful with or as part of a clinical analyzer. The probe includes an electrically conductive, tubular inner structure and an electrically conductive, tubular outer structure which substantially encompasses the inner structure. An insulator is positioned between the inner structure and the outer structure which electrically separates the inner structure from the outer structure. Further, an interconnector electrically connects the inner structure to the outer structure. An electrical supply supplies current to the probe which flows through the inner structure and the outer structure to heat the reagent or the test specimen.

Abstract: A separator and a method for quickly separating an aliquot of plasma or serum from cells in a sample of blood is provided herein. The separator includes a housing which defines a separation container, an outlet aperture, a valve which selectively seals the outlet aperture, and a spinner. Initially, the spinner rotates the housing at a separation speed which causes the heavier cells to separate from the serum or plasma. Subsequently, the spinner rotates the housing at a faster, expellant speed which causes the valve to open and the cells to be expelled through the outlet aperture. After the cells have been expelled from the separation container, rotation of the housing is stopped and the serum or plasma is collected from the separation container. Since the separator provided herein does not use a separation gel, the separator is easy to clean and reusable.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A capillary, interface and holder for a capillary electrophoresis system are provided herein. The capillary is disposed in a substantially planar housing having side surfaces. The capillary includes at least two, substantially coplanar capillary openings which extend through an interface surface located on one of the side surfaces. The interface includes at least two spaced apart receptacles for receiving an ionic fluid. Each receptacle includes a liquid permeable medium having a capillary area and a conductor area. Each capillary area is in fluid communication with one of the capillary openings and each conductor area is in contact with at least one electrical conductor. At least two of the capillary areas are substantially coplanar. The ionic fluid is disposed in each receptacle to create an electrical path between the capillary area and conductor area of each receptacle.

Abstract: A method for rapid separation of serum or plasma from cells in a whole blood sample uses a cylindrical sample tube having longitudinally-extending internal ribs. A separation gel and the sample are introduced into the tube, and the tube is axially centrifuged so as to form concentric shells of cells, gel, and serum or plasma. After centrifugation is stopped, the serum or plasma collects in the tube by gravity flow and the cells and gel remain affixed to the walls and ribs of the tube.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: A variable inclination centrifugation or rotor assembly and a method for rapid separations. The samples, such as whole blood, are centrifuged within pivoting tube holders while in a first position wherein the longitudinal axes of the tube holders are substantially parallel to a central axis of rotation. As rotation continues, the tube holders are inclined in a radial direction by controlled adjustment of the tube holders toward a second position wherein the axes of the tube holders and the rotation axis are substantially perpendicular. The first embodiment of the assembly employs a worm gear to incline the samples and allows for inclination and rotation of the samples to be controlled independently. The second and third embodiments employ a spring-loaded linkage system and a governor mass and three-arm linkage system, respectively, for inclination. These are activated by the rotational speed of the samples.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of tests to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.

Abstract: A rotary fluid manipulator utilizable as a diagnostic device includes a porous body having fluid passages defined therein by fluid blocking means in the porosities of the body such as openings or slots in the body or compaction of areas of the porous body to define fluid passages therebetween. Various substances or binding partners such as receptors, immunoassay or other assay test materials and test specimens can be deposited on the porous body to permit various types of tests to be made by rotation of the manipulator to cause conjunctive centrifugal and wicking induced flow of fluids deposited thereupon.