Abstract: The analytical device includes a base adapted to support a porous member having dispersed throughout at least one analyte responsive substance which undergoes a detectable response to the presence and concentration of the analyte in the test sample. A cover integral with the base is provided with a reaction well adapted for storing a dried reaction component and for receiving the liquid test sample deposited on the analytical device whereby the liquid test sample and the reaction component form a liquid reaction mixture therein. A passage is included in the reaction well for selectively transferring the reaction mixture therethrough. This passage is normally spaced from the porous member and effectively closed to transfer therethrough of the reaction mixture, and is selectively movable toward the porous member to effectively open to passage therethrough of the reaction mixture whereby the analyte responsive substance will undergo a detectable response to the analyte present in the liquid reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method for labelling a histological specimen, wherein such specimen is embedded in a paraffin block along with an integral set of supported elongated elements identifying such specimen for subsequent sectioning on a microtome. The identification elements are sectioned concurrently with the specimen, so as to form an integral part of the section.

Abstract: A method of transferring a substance adhering to the surface of a substrate to a receiving surface of a backing element which includes locating the substrate surface in juxtaposition with the receiving surface, supplying a transfer medium on the receiving surface in sufficient quantity to encapsulate the substance, joining the transfer medium on the backing element with a substance so as to encapsulate the substance within the transfer medium and removing the substrate to expose the encapsulated substance.

Abstract: A method of transferring a substance adhering to the surface of a substrate to a receiving surface of a backing element which includes locating the substrate surface in juxtaposition with the receiving surface, supplying a transfer medium on the receiving surface in sufficient quantity to encapsulate the substance, joining the transfer medium on the backing element with a substance so as to encapsulate the substance within the transfer medium and removing the substrate to expose the encapsulated substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for preparing a smear of a biological fluid substance containing cellular material on a first element having a surface for receiving the smear, utilizing a second element coacting with the first element. The elements are supported so that at least portions thereof are in close proximity to one another at a sample-applying station. A relatively small quantity of such biological liquid sample is introduced between the aforementioned element portions at the sample-applying station for spreading of the sample across at least the central portion of at least one of the aforementioned elements. The sample is spread or smeared on the aforementioned surface of the first element by moving one of the elements relatively to the other. The sample is mixed at least during the drawing of the sample so as to obtain a random distribution of such cellular material and enhance spreading such cellular material in a direction normal to the drawing of the sample.

Abstract: An article for drawing a blood specimen comprising a specimen-receiving tube having a closed end and an open end, a resilient expandable plug received in the closed end portion of the tube in normally relatively light sealing engagement with the side wall structure of the tube, and an elongated cannula holder having a through longitudinal passageway for communication with the interior of the cannula, the plug and the holder having co-acting means for releasably coupling the plug and the holder when the holder passageway is in communication with the closed end portion of the tube through the plug, the holder expanding the plug into relatively firm sealing engagement with the tube side wall structure. The holder may be uncoupled from the plug when the tube is filled with the specimen and the plug occupies the open end of the tube. The tube and its contents including the plug may be placed in a centrifuge.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for preparing a smear of a biological fluid substance on a substrate, utilizing a ribbon having relatively small openings in at least one surface thereof which openings are of substantially uniform size and are arranged substantially uniformly both longitudinally and transversely of the ribbon throughout at least a portion of the ribbon. The method includes the steps of supporting the substrate for movement and supporting the ribbon by a support in close proximity to the substrate at a substance-applying station, for a run of the ribbon past a portion of the substrate. Further steps include introducing a relatively small quantity of the aforementioned substance between the aforementioned ribbon surface portion and the substrate at the substance-applying station to spread by capillarity in a direction transversely of the ribbon, and moving the substrate in a direction to smear the substance on the substrate.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for treating substances carried or affixed to a surface of a continuous substrate, e.g., a ribbon or tape, with successive treating fluids including liquids contained in a series of treating chambers, adjacent chambers being separated by a high surface tension liquid, e.g., mercury. The chambers may be defined by hollow walls having slots located below the level of the treating fluids in the adjacent treating chambers, such slots being dimensioned to allow passage of the tape between the adjacent treating chambers and to prevent dislocation of the high-surface tension liquid, which is located in the hollow walls and serves to wipe excess treating fluid from the tape during passage between the adjacent treating chambers, so as to prevent carryover therebetween.

Abstract: An aspirating probe which has a travel from a lower position in which it is immersed in a liquid in a receptacle to an upper position in which it clears the receptacle, carrying with it in its movement to the upper position a washing device to wash the interior and exterior thereof when in the last-mentioned position.