Abstract: The present invention relates to an interactive medical laboratory specimen testing apparatus system wherein a diagnostic apparatus is used in performing a diagnostic routine on a specimen. The apparatus has a single user activated switch for causing automatic dialing of a source of assistance remote from the diagnostic apparatus through a predetermined telephone number when the switch is activated to enable the user to communicate with the source of assistance through a speaker and a microphone on the diagnostic apparatus so that interactive communication with the source of assistance can be had regarding the diagnostic apparatus and the routine to be perfomed. A keyboard on the apparatus allows certain data regarding the performance of a test and operation of the apparatus to be transmitted to a remote location for analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved diagnostic device for analyte assay which has a cylindrical body portion and a removably attached cap. The cap has a liquid inlet extending into the cylindrical body portion and has a conical shaped portion leading to a liquid discharge aperture formed therein. A pre-filter may be formed either in the liquid inlet or in a pre-filter container which can be used with the device. The pre-filter container has a substantially cylindrical body which conforms to and can be inserted in the liquid inlet forming part of the removable cap. The container has an open upper end and an associated removable closure, a bottom end sealed with a frangible material and, if desired, a pre-filter positioned in the container between the upper and lower ends.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for testing a specimen comprising a liquid input means having a receiving inlet and a discharge aperture, filter means positioned below the input means having at least one reaction zone for receiving liquid from the input means and at least one peripheral zone associated with the at least one reaction zone, absorbent means associated with only the peripheral zone of the filter means, and retainer means for holding the filter means in position below the liquid input means such that the at least one reaction zone receives liquid therefrom.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring and dispensing fractions of a liquid sample in a device which comprises a casing having a vertical axis and containing a central chamber and transparent cells distributed around the chamber. Each cell is connected to the chamber by a closure cup. A capillary constriction separates each pocket from the corresponding cell. The improvement comprises adding polyvinylpyrollidone to the liquid sample.

Abstract: Automated chemical analysis apparatus is disclosed for testing a plurality of chemical samples in variable testing sequences. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus is operative to test bacterial sensitivity to a plurality of drugs, each of which may have varying concentrations. More specifically, one, two or three concentrations of each of a plurality of drugs may be tested in accordance with sequence command information on a source/record card which is automatically entered into the apparatus. The results of the variable sequence testing are recorded directly on the card adjacent to the identification of the drug being tested.

Abstract: A test plate reader wherein a transparent test plate having a multiplicity of material containing wells is located across a light path, and a target having a pattern of opaque areas corresponding in number and location to the wells is interposed in the light path between the light source and the plate, so that the wells may be viewed against a brighter uniformly lighted background for improved contrast.