Abstract: An analytical device for the determination of the presence of free light chains (Bence Jones protein), and classes thereof (kappa/lambda) in a unconcentrated and undiluted urine sample is provided in which the sample is reacted with labeled binding reagent. The presence of the free light chains is revealed by improved specific binding assay methods, including kits and devices utilizing chromatographically mobile specific binding reagents labeled with colloidal particles. Specific binding reagents labeled with colloidal particles such as gold may be subjected to rapid chromatographic solvent transport on chromatographic media by means of selected solvents and chromatographic transport facilitating agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for transporting various volumes of fluids having different viscosities into and out of a slide assembly includes a database storing data for fluids, including duration of slide assembly filling, duration of slide assembly purging and duration of slide assembly rinsing, and a controller responsive to an input which corresponds to a fluid sample selected from body fluids and having an aspiration mode, wherein the controller monitors filling of the slide assembly, a purging mode, wherein the controller monitors purging of the slide assembly and a rinsing mode, wherein the controller monitors rinsing of the slide assembly over respective durations determined by the database.

Abstract: A system for handling a body specimen is described for particular use in the handling of fecal specimen which are to be treated with a stain for enhancing its visibility. The system includes dual optical viewing chambers mounted alongside of each other on a frame with appropriate tubing connecting ports of the viewing chambers to a liquid specimen supply and the satin supply. The stain supply is connected to one of the tubings leading to a viewing chamber so that the drawing action from a pump connected to ports on the other side of the viewing chambers can force an automatic mixing of the staining solution with one of the liquid specimen being drawn into one of the viewing chambers. Controls and techniques for operating the system are described.