Abstract: A hand-held portable diagnostic assay system for conducting and recording luminescent reactions for generating and recording luminescent read-out signals generated by a testing assembly and recordable on an image recording medium. A carrier assembly receives the testing assembly and is operable between first and second conditions. An assembly prevents unintended insertion of the testing assembly into the carrier assembly when in the first condition, and a mechanism prevents unintended removal of the testing assembly from the carrier assembly when in the second condition.

Abstract: Swabbing and assaying structures, and selected methods of use, enable a test surface to be swabbed, and subsequently facilitate a quantitative determination of the quantities of analyte collected from the test surface. The swabbing structures include a pre-wetted swabbing pad having a first surface for contacting and suitably swabbing the test surface to collect the analyte. Dried reagents that are impregnated within or upon a porous pad are then brought into pressure contact with the swabbing pad, within a suitable light-tight environment. If sufficient analyte was collected by the swabbing of the test surface, an assaying reaction will commence that produces detectable and quantifiable low level luminescent emissions.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a binding assay for an analyte of interest in a sample based upon measurement of clectrochemiluminescence at an electrode surface comprising: (a) a cell defining a sample; (b) an electrode adjacent a portion of the sample containing volume; (c) a voltage control device for impressing electrochemical energy upon the electrode sufficient to generate luminescence; (d) means for magnetically collecting particles along the electrode surface; and (e) a light detection device for measuring the luminescence.

Abstract: An analytical element can be used to sensitively and rapidly detect a wide variety of specific binding ligands in either a competitive or sandwich assay format. The assays are carried out using a vanadium bromoperoxidase-labeled immunoreactant and a chemiluminescent signal-providing wash composition which comprises a 2,3-dihydro-1,4-phthalazinedione derivative; a halogen, pseudohalogen, halogen-providing source or pseudohalogen-providing source; and a peroxide or a peroxide-generating reagent composition.

Abstract: A hand-held assay device measuring chemiluminescence generated by as ample of ATP or other entity capable of chemically reacting to generate photoluminescence includes a photodiode detecting light which is emitted from the sample to produce a sample signal, another photodiode generating a reference signal in response to environmental changes, switched integrators amplifying the sensor signal over a controllable integration time to detect an output signal indicative of the presence of the sample.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting base contamination at low concentrations in gas, for instance to protect a sensitive process, characterized in that the detection system is constructed to examine multiple amines in gas to produce a reading stoichiometrically related to the proton bonding characteristic of the multiple amines present, the detection system comprising at least two channels through which a gas to be examined passes, an amines remover located in one of the channels, at least one thermal/catalytic converter which discharges NO for each channel, and at least one chemiluminescent NO detector, whereby the total amine concentration is determined from the difference between the detected signals for the channels.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.

Abstract: A composition suitable for use in an ECL assay and kits therefor wherein electromagnetic radiation emitted by said composition is detected, which composition comprises (a) a metal-containing ECL moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, is capable of being converted to an excited state from which electromagnetic radiation is emitted upon exposure of the excited ECL moiety to conditions sufficient to induce said emission; (b) an amine or amine moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, forms a strong reducing agent in said composition; and (c) an electrolyte capable of functioning as a medium in which said ECL moiety and said amine or amine moiety can be oxidized by exposure to electrochemical energy.

Abstract: Apparatus for the conduct of electrochemiluminescence measurements includes an ECL chamber having a transparent window defining one wall of the chamber and a photodetector mounted closely adjacent thereto. An assay fluid is subject to a magnetic field and is electrically energized. Electrochemiluminescence induced in the fluid is measured by the photodetector.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus for detecting the presence of a chemical in a gaseous state, having:

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: A method for reading out data from microlocations of a microelectronic array involves activating multiple microlocations in parallel and simultaneously detecting the responses from the activated microlocations to determine concentrations of molecular biological material at each microlocation. In a preferred embodiment, the microelectronic array includes electronically addressable electrodes at each microlocation which can be individually activated via a control system. An electrochemiluminescent detection technique is used to detect the presence and determine the concentration of bound molecular biological material that is located at each microlocation. Electrochemiluminescent material is utilized because it gives off light when excited by an applied electrical field. With an addressable microelectronic array, electrical fields can be applied to various combinations of microlocations simultaneously to allow readout of several microlocations in parallel.

Abstract: The invention comprises a multi-color, comparative hybridization assay method using an array of nucleic acid target elements attached to a solid support for the simultaneous detection of both gene expression and chromosomal abnormalities in a tissue sample. The method of the invention employs a comparative hybridization of a tissue mRNA or cDNA sample labeled in a first fluorescent color, a tissue chromosomal DNA sample labeled in a second fluorescent color, and at least one reference nucleic acid labeled in a third fluorescent color, to the array. The fluorescent color presence and intensity at each of at least two target elements are detected and the fluorescent ratios (i) of the first and third colors and (ii) the second and third colors determined. Gene expression and chromosomal abnormalities are thus simultaneously detected.

Abstract: A microparticle light scattering agglutination assay is disclosed. The assay comprises a mixture of particles having strong light scattering properties with particles having weak light scattering properties. The particles having strong light scattering properties carry a binding partner of high reactivity with the analyte. The particles having weak light scattering properties carry a binding partner of low reactivity with the analyte. Reagents useful in the assay are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improvement is described to disposable devices for performing chemical or biological tests on a sample of fluid, and the method by which such devices perform tests. The power for the device comes from an electrochemical battery, where a portion of the fluid sample itself provides the electrolyte for the battery. Furthermore, the time of diffusion of the fluid into the battery provides the timing signal for activation of the system. Communication between the improved device and an information system is provided by a transponder system built into the device which requires no direct electrical connection. Rather, the device is placed in proximity with a reader which can interrogate the device, obtain the results of the test and if necessary provide power for the device to perform the test, and/or communicate the information. The improvements and methods are particularly applicable to devices for performing in vitro diagnostic tests on a sample of body fluid.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces for use in diagnostics. The invention provides for electrochemiluminescence methods for detecting or measuring an analyte of interest. It also provides for novel electrodes for ECL assays. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use multiply specific testing procedures.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.

Abstract: Apparatus for the conduct of electrochemiluminescence measurements includes an ECL chamber having a transparent window defining one wall of the chamber and a photodetector mounted closely adjacent thereto. An assay fluid is subject to a magnetic field and is electrically energized. Electrochemiluminescence induced in the fluid is measured by the photodetector.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the detection of an analyte in a sample liquid by luminescence measurement according to the principle of a ligand-receptor assay, e.g. an immunoassay or a hybridization assay or a combination thereof, wherein a sample liquid is incubated with at least one receptor which carries a luminescent label and the presence or/and the amount of the analyte to be detected is determined in the sample liquid by measuring the luminescence in a measuring medium containing dispersed components.

Abstract: A self-contained and highly portable assaying system includes a luminometer and a detector cap assembly. The detector cap assembly, which is structured with a first portion and a second portion, is capable of collecting a specimen, and causing a bioluminescent or chemiluminescent assaying reaction to be conducted in a light-tight environment within the detector cap assembly (devoid of any available ambient light). The luminometer is structured to be removably fixed to the detector cap assembly to sense low level luminescent emissions produced by the assaying reaction. A quantified result is subsequently provided to a user or operator that indicates the outcome of the assay activities.

Abstract: A device for detecting chemiluminescence from a sample. The device may include a stage for supporting a sample and one or more of the following elements: (1) an optics head, (2) an optical relay structure for transmitting chemiluminescence from the sample to a detector, (3) a drive mechanism, (4) a sensor for detecting proximity of the optical relay structure to the sample, (5) a mask structure for selecting an effective diameter of the optical relay structure, and (6) a baffle for blocking extraneous light from entering the optical relay structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a diagnostic agent for detecting hemostasis disturbances, wherein, as a consequence of blood platelet aggregation, clot formation and/or clot dissolution, substances are brought to a distance from each other which permits or prevents an interaction, in particular an energy transfer, between the substances, and the extent of the interaction is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic device for the colorimetric detection of an analyte in a test fluid. The device is a dry reagent layer which is overcoated with a transparent, fluid permeable membrane. The membrane is made up of a combination of a water dispersible and a water soluble polymer. The membrane may contain a surfactant and a thickener.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent assay methods for determining an analyte of interest, which methods include forming one or more compositions which include, in the aggregate, (a) a sample to be tested for the analyte of interest, (b) a component capable of specifically binding with the analyte, (c) a label reagent which, when oxidized, is capable of electrochemiluminescence, (d) an amine which, when oxidized, forms a reducing agent, and (e) an electrolyte solution; subjecting such a composition containing the sample to conditions sufficient for specific binding to occur between the analyte of interest, if present, and one or more of the other components in the composition; thereafter, a composition containing the label reagent and amine, and reflecting the outcome of applying the aforementioned binding conditions, is exposed to conditions, such that both the label reagent and the amine are oxidized, the amine forms a reducing agent which interacts with the label reagent, electrochemiluminescence occurs, and the lumine

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the near simultaneous detection of light emitted from ozone induced chemiluminescence of nitrogen and sulfur species capable of undergoing ozone induced chemiluminescence in a single instrument. A sample containing sulfur and/or nitrogen is first subjected to an oxidative/reductive process which generates ozone reactive nitrogen and sulfur species which are then forwarded to an specially designed ozone/detector chamber. The ozone relative species are brought in contact with ozone in the special chamber and the chemiluminescence of the nitrogen species and the sulfur species are measured and quantitated.

Abstract: Materials and methods are provided for producing patterned multi-array, multi-specific surfaces which are electronically excited for use in electrochemiluminescence based tests. Materials and methods are provided for the chemical and/or physical control of conducting domains and reagent deposition for use in flat panel displays and multiply specific testing procedures.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a light-emitting compound. An electric pulse is applied to a pair of current-delivering electrodes immersed in an electrolyte having positioned between the electrodes a conductor not in electronic contact with electrodes. As a result of the applied electric pulse, the light-emitting compound in electronic contact with the conductor luminesces in which the emitted light is measured and used to quantify the light-emitting compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring electrochemiluminescence from a sample composition are described wherein magnetically responsive electrochemiluminescent active species are captured on the electrode with the aid of a capture magnet having a configuration such that the magnetic flux lines (or the magnetic field gradient) of at least one magnetic field source therein are compressed and/or dispersed. This capture magnet improves the distribution of the magnetically responsive electrochemiluminescent active species on the electrode surface and reduces interference with the photomultiplier tube, thereby enhancing the ECL signal and improving sensitivity. The improved capture and distribution also allows for shorter assay times.

Abstract: Devices and methods for generating electrogenerated chemiluminescence, using an electrode which is coated with an immobilized layer of a compound capable of generating ECL. The coated electrode can be immersed along with a second electrode into an electrolyte solution containing a reactant which can react with the immobilized compound to generate ECL.

Abstract: An apparatus is used to determine whether a container moving along a conveyor is suitable for storing water. The apparatus includes a sampler that obtains a sample from the interior of the container as the container moves along the conveyor. A PID is connected to the sampler to receive the sample and produce a signal corresponding to contents of the sample. A controller is connected to the PID and receives and analyzes the signal to determine whether the container is suitable for storing water. The apparatus may include a vacuum source connected to the PID that produces a reduced pressure for drawing the sample through the PID. A flow restrictor may be positioned between the sampler and PID. The flow restrictor may provide variable resistance to set a desired clearance time through the PID and sensitivity of the PID.

Abstract: This invention provides a measuring apparatus that allows measurements of light in various inspections based on different light generating principles to be performed by a single measuring apparatus and thus widens the range of reagents that can be used, increasing the versatility of this single measuring apparatus and significantly enhancing its usefulness for users and reagent manufacturers. The measuring apparatus of this invention comprises: a light receiving unit and/or a light receiving unit holder connected to a light measuring device; a nozzle holder holding a nozzle for injecting reagents including luminescent reagents into a container; and a container containing a specimen and/or a container holder; wherein the container or container holder and the light receiving unit or light receiving unit holder, and/or the nozzle holder are coupled together to form an enclosed space shielded from external light.

Abstract: An improved biological aerosol chemiluminescent (CL) detection system having optimal sensitivity and a method for using the same in detecting the presence of biological materials in an aerosol sample. The detection system comprises a cyclone aerosol sampler, a CL reagent injector, and a luminometer, wherein the CL reagent injector is mated with the cyclone aerosol sampler so as to deliver/introduce CL reagent thereto. The inner surface of the cyclone aerosol sampler and the inner surface of the CL reagent injector are fabricated from materials that are free of metals that would initiate a CL-based reaction with a CL reagent to be employed therein so as to provide a CL reagent path free of these metals. The entire CL reagent path in the biological aerosol CL detection apparatus is comprised of these materials. A method for determining the suitability of materials for use throughout the CL reagent path of the biological CL detection system is also taught.

Abstract: A system for detection of base contamination at low concentrations in air comprises a detector that provides a single reading that is stoichiometrically related to the aggregate proton-bonding characteristic of various base contaminants present in the air. The system can operate as a "total amine detector" for air-borne amines, and in important implementations is employed in semiconductor manufacturing, e.g. in respect of incoming or exhaust air from a cleanroom or in respect of the stepper or coat and develop track of a photolithographic process. The system comprises a converter for converting all amines present in the air to a common detectable compound detected by the detector. In various implementations additional features are shown. The converter is located near a sample region of a process and the detector is remotely located with sample lines extending between converter and detector to conduct a sample flow. Filters provide air free of amine contaminants to various stages of a process.

Abstract: A portable high-throughput liquid-absorption air sampler [PHTLAAS] has an asymmetric air inlet through which air is drawn upward by a small and light-weight centrifugal fan driven by a direct current motor that can be powered by a battery. The air inlet is so configured as to impart both rotational and downward components of motion to the sampled air near said inlet. The PHTLAAS comprises a glass tube of relatively small size through which air passes at a high rate in a swirling, highly turbulent motion, which facilitates rapid transfer of vapors and particulates to a liquid film covering the inner walls of the tube. The pressure drop through the glass tube is <10 cm of water, usually <5 cm of water. The sampler's collection efficiency is usually >20% for vapors or airborne particulates in the 2-3.mu. range and >50% for particles larger than 4.mu..

Abstract: A high-throughput light detection instrument and method are described. Confocal optics structure enables exclusive light detection from a sensed volume in a composition.

Abstract: A method for detecting nitro-containing compositions (e.g. nitrate/nitrite materials) in water samples and on solid substrates. In a water sample, ultraviolet light is applied to the sample so that dissolved nitro compositions therein will photolytically dissociate into gaseous nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.2(g) and/or NO.sub.(g)). A carrier gas is then introduced into the sample to generate a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas combined with any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The carrier gas is thereafter directed into a detector. To detect nitro-compositions on solid substrates, ultraviolet light is applied thereto. A detector is then used to detect any gaseous nitrogen oxides which are photolytically generated during ultraviolet illumination. An optional carrier gas may be applied to the substrate during illumination to produce a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas and any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The gaseous stream is then supplied to the detector.

Abstract: A compact optical instrument for performing various laboratory measurements utilizing different technologies of spectroscopy, i.e., photoluminescence, absorption and chemical luminescence, from liquid and solid samples. The measuring head of the instrument includes a continuous wave lamp unit (cw-lamp unit), a photometric detector unit and an emission unit and further includes an optomechanical coupling unit having at least one movable or replaceable mirror for allowing the optical path of the measurement or optimizing the optical path of the measurement. A controller including electronics and computer interface are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method employing a plurality of light emitting devices which each can get light through a respective optical fiber toward a respective fluid sample of a plurality of fluid samples in a time-staggered manner. Light is generated in each of the fluid samples at different times consistent with the times at which light is irradiate onto the sample. A single detector is used to detect the lights emitted from the plurality of samples at these different times. A plurality of bifurcated optical cable are coupled to the light emitting devices and single light detecting device, and the integrated end of each bifurcated cable acts as the light emitting port and light detecting port.

Abstract: A remote measuring method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of an aqueous solution, particularly useful in monitoring the temperature of a reaction in a microwell, is provided by introducing a dye target and a dye into an aqueous solution; wherein the dye, when bound to the dye target, emits a detectable signal and reproducibly exhibits a temperature dependent signal when appropriately stimulated, stimulating the dye, measuring the resultant signal, and determining the temperature by comparing the measured signal with predetermined temperature related values therefor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a measuring device for carrying out of chemiluminescence and/or fluorescence measurements of fluid samples, which in sample containers (22) of a sample plate (24) are contained. For analysis of a measurement light exiting from an upper measurement opening (26) of a sample container (22) found in a measurement position, a photo-multiplier (12) is provided, which for achievement of a flat device construction is provided lying down. In order that the measurement light is redirected into the entry window (36) of the photo-multiplier (12) there is provided a reflector (16) before the photomultiplier (12) in the carrier body (14) which covers over at least the measurement opening (26) of the sample container (22) to be measured, at a distance (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Methods for the isolation and identification of a toxicant in a sample are disclosed. Luminescent biological agents (i.e., bacteria) having sensitivity to a toxicant or an isolatable component in a sample are used to provide visually discernable zones of luminescent inhibition in the presence of a toxicant (or) in the presence of an isolatable sample component as separated by paper or thin layer chromatography. Kits for use in conjunction with the identification of a toxicant in a sample are also described, which include a luminescent biological reagent as the visualizing agent. Particular examples of luminescent agents include photobacterium leoganthi, photobacterium phosphoreum, Vibrio fischeri, Vibrio harveyi a luminescent fungi, a luminescent fish extract, a luminescent dinoflagellate and fluorescent microorganisms, such as Cypridina. Potential toxicants in a liquid sample, a solid sample, or in a gaseous sample may be identified and further chemically characterized using the described methods.

Abstract: Magnetic particles are used as the solid phase to carry out immunoassay. In a reaction vessel, the magnetic particles are mixed with a sample containing TSH as an analyte and a labeled antibody. A chemiluminescent label material is bound onto the magnetic particles with an immunoreaction. A fluid including the above mixture is introduced to a chamber inside a flow through cell, the chamber being sized to have a width greater than a depth. The magnetic particles in the fluid are trapped by a magnet so as to be spread in the planar form over a predetermined area within the chamber, while useless materials are discharged outwardly of the chamber. The chamber is then filled with a buffer solution containing an attractant. By applying a voltage to electrodes disposed in the chamber, the label material on the magnetic particles is excited to emit an electro-chemiluminescence. The luminescence is detected by a photomultiplier.

Abstract: There is disclosed a diagnostic sensor device comprising a plurality of sensor probes, a detection device, and a computer for analyzing the signals generated from each sensor probe by multivariate statistical analysis. The plurality of sensor probes comprise a substrate that allows transmission of a signal and a partially selective surface coating the substrate wherein the partially selective surface binds proteins from a biological fluid by multiple, noncovalent interactions, and with the proviso that the partially selective surfaces of each sensor probe in the diagnostic sensor device be different. The diagnostic sensor device can be used as a method for diagnosing disease states in humans and animals, wherein the disease states are characterized by altered protein character and behavior of a biological fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting NO.sub.x by chemiluminescence. The apparatus includes a sample gas line having an inlet port for receiving a sample gas, a NO.sub.x converter connected to the sample gas line, a N.sub.2 diluting gas line connected to the sample gas line upstream from the NO.sub.x converter, a bypass exhaust lie connected to the sample gas line, and a chemiluminescence analyzer connected to the NO.sub.x converter. The sample gas, which contains a NO.sub.x component, is introduced to the sample gas line through an inlet portion. The sample gas is diluted with nitrogen gas from the nitrogen diluting gas line, and the NO.sub.x component in the sample gas is converted to NO by the NO.sub.x converter. The chemiluminescence analyzer detects the NO.sub.x component.

Abstract: The invention concerns a test apparatus for the testing of a test sample on or in a material, such as body fluids or food, particularly adapted to a bioluminescent test, such as for the detection of ATP or phosphatase or other materials. The test apparatus includes a transparent tube having at one end a sample unit and at the other end a detachable or nondetachable test unit which are connected, and which includes a cover with a probe containing a swab at one end. The test apparatus includes probe positioning marks on the exterior of the sample unit, so that the probe may be moved between selected test positions, and as it moves from a non-use to a use position, various test reagents which are sealed within the test unit are punctured by the probe, and the test sample and the test reagents are reacted together in the test unit.

Abstract: A method for assay of an analyte by use of a material labeled with a chemiluminescent substance, which comprises adding a quencher and/or decreasing the specific activity of a chemiluminescent substance labeled probe, thereby decreasing the quantity of chemiluminescence.

Abstract: The invention is a method for conducting an electrochemiluminescent assay that includes contacting a sample containing an analyte of interest with a first electrical waveform, followed by contacting the sample with a second electrical waveform that has been modulated in an amount derived from a pre-determined gain extension factor.

Abstract: A light generating dry disposable device for determining the presence of analytes in a test sample is disclosed. The device comprises a first zone containing conjugated ligand which is capable of reacting with analytes in the test sample. The ligand is conjugated with a photoprotein or related enzyme. The device further comprises a second trapping zone comprising immobilized analyte. The device also includes a third zone containing a reporter system that activates light generation by the conjugate. The conjugates are maintained in the first zone such that they are removable from the first zone when reacted with the soluble analytes from the test sample passing through the first zone, but not removed from the second trapping zone in the absence of such analytes. The third zone contains material capable of reacting with the photoprotein- or enzyme-linked ligand to produce a light-emitting reaction which indicates the presence of the analyte being tested. The present invention provides dry flow through zones.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the detection and measurement of sulfur in both organic and inorganic sulfur-containing compounds. The process includes admixing a sample including a sulfur-containing compound with oxygen, and then exposing the mixture to a source of combustion causing heat in the presence of a combustion supporting reducing agent at a combustion site. The resulting gaseous combustion products are vacuum extracted from the combustion site, and then directed into a darkened low pressure chamber. The combustion products in the low pressure chamber are then contacted with ozone, with the result that the sulfur combustion products are converted to chemiluminescent sulfur dioxide. The emitted chemiluminescence is then detected, and may be measured to provide a quantitative indication of the amount of sulfur in the original sample. The preferred source of oxygen is air, the preferred form of combustion heat is a flame, and the preferred form of reducing agent is hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A holder for fluorometric analysis of PCR reaction tubes comprises a longitudinal block, the block being sized to fit within a fluorometer; a cavity disposed along a longitudinal axis of the block; at least one test well within the cavity, the test well having an internal wall sized to closely receive and maintain intimate contact with a substantial portion of a single PCR reaction tube therein; the internal wall having at least one optical port therein; and a cover movably connected to the block.