Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a sample of biologic fluid quiescently residing within a chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a light source, a positioner, a mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field, and an image dissector. The light source is operable to illuminate a sample field of known, or ascertainable, area. The positioner is operable to selectively change the position of one of the chamber or the light source relative to the other, thereby permitting selective illumination of all regions of the sample. The mechanism for determining the volume of a sample field can determine the volume of a sample field illuminated by the light source. The image dissector is operable to convert an image of light passing through or emanating from the sample field into an electronic data format.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for controlled surface plasmon resonance analysis having a surface plasmon resonance sensor (200) with a derivatized surface plasmon layer (116) in optical communication with the sensor, derivatizing the surface plasmon layer and placing an analyte detection chamber (102) in fluid communication with the derivatized surface plasmon layer. The chamber is adapted (118, 120) for the generation of a molecular interaction bias across the chamber. A conjugate is provided between an analyte and a bias responsive element, wherein the analyte is reactive with the derivatized surface plasmon layer and the bias responsive element changes the response of the analyte to the molecular interaction bias. A conjugated analyte may be introduced into the chamber, generating a molecular interaction.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: A method for measuring low levels of a substance in a sample includes the formation of a rotor from paramagnetic particles in a substantially uniform magnetic field. The rotor is rotated by rotating the substantially uniform magnetic field. A portion of the substance in a sample is bound to the paramagnetic particles, and a signal having a time-varying component is detected. The signal is then processed using a lock-in amplifier with a reference signal having a frequency twice that of the rotation of the magnetic field. This improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the time-varying component of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA base sequencing system having a compact, simple and convenient structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a reaction chamber module for pyrosequencing in which a multiple number of reaction vessels (reaction chambers) 10 and reagent-introducing narrow tubes 6 are integrated is formed in a device board 5. Reagents held in reagent reservoirs 1, 2, 3 and 4 mounted separately from this reaction chamber module are introduced into the reaction vessels 10 via reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6. The reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6 at the area of 2 cm from the reaction vessels 10 are structured with narrow capillaries having an inner diameter of about 0.1 mm and the conductance of these capillaries for the reagent solution determines the injection speed of the solution. Using the present invention, many kinds of DNAs can be analyzed simultaneously.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide molecules labeled with a plurality of fluorophores of one or more types embedded in the backbone of said oligonucleotide, wherein at least one of said fluorophores is not located at either the 3? or 5? terminus of said oligonucleotide. The invention further provide methods for using the subject labeled oligonucleotides in detecting biological molecules, sequencing DNA molecules and particularly generating cDNA molecules for characterizing the differential expression of genes.

Abstract: An optical-chemical sensor which is suitable for the continuous and discontinuous determination by luminescence optics of the concentration of chloride in an aqueous sample and which comprises a luminescence indicator (I) and a polymer (H) carrying the luminescence indicator (I) is characterized in that the luminescence indicator (I) is a non-lipophile acridine or bisacridine compound and the polymer (H) is a linear-chain hydrophile polymer soluble in an organic solvent, whereby it is possible to excite the sensor by commercially available LEDs, to manufacture very large numbers thereof at a moderate cost and in a reproducible way and, preferably, to use it for the determination of physiological chloride concentrations and the sensor furthermore has a wide dynamic measuring range for the determination of chloride; a high sensitivity, stability and reproducibility; a high selectivity for chloride; and a low pH cross-sensitivity.

Abstract: Arrays modified with chemiluminescent enhancing materials and methods of detecting chemiluminescent emissions on solid supports in the presence of chemiluminescent enhancing materials are described. The arrays include a solid support having a surface layer, a plurality of probes disposed on the surface layer in discrete regions and a chemiluminescent enhancing material. The array may be a high density array. At least some of the probes can be bound either directly or indirectly to an enzyme conjugate comprising an enzyme capable of activating a chemiluminescent substrate. The surface layer can be contacted with a composition comprising the chemiluminescent substrate in the presence of the chemiluminescent enhancing material and the resulting chemiluminescent emissions can be detected. The probes can be polynucleotide or polypeptide probes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting presence of an analyte in ambient air. The apparatus comprising a valve for admitting ambient air, a line for conveying the air to a sensing element, a housing for isolating the environment around the sensing element, an inlet port for flowing the air tho the sensing element in a turbulent flow in a direction substantially perpendicularly to the sensing element, an outlet port for conveying the air from the sensing element, and a pump in communication with the outlet port for providing suction for drawing the air to the sensing element. The method includes the steps of drawing in ambient air that may contain an analyte, projecting the air at a sensing element in a turbulent flow by flowing the air at the sensing element, the sensing element having on its surface a chemoselective material that selectively interacts with the analyte, and detecting the interaction of the analyte with the sensing element.

Abstract: Reagents and the use of the reagents in a microparticle light scattering agglutination assay are disclosed. The reagents comprise a mixture of particles having relatively stronger light scattering properties and particles having relatively weak light scattering properties with respect to one another. 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.

Abstract: A single pass analyzer includes multiple infrared sensors, a catalytic converter, a scrubber and a thermal conductivity cell all coupled in series to provide a single pass (i.e., one sample) analyzer which allows for fast analysis, allows for the speciation of hydrogen samples, requires no purging between different sample types, utilizes a single carrier gas, and eliminates molecular sieves and Shutze converters. The resultant analyzer provides improved quicker results with less plumbing (i.e., gas conduits and valving) in a single instrument.

Abstract: An analytical system is provided for determining nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone concentrations in air samples. An ultraviolet light source 4 is used to alter the equilibrium between nitrogen dioxide and oxygen on the one hand and nitrogen monoxide and ozone on the other. Dynamic measurement of ozone concentration with time whilst ultraviolet irradiation is pulsed enables each gas concentration to be calculated without requiring input gases to be scrubbed. An aApparatus 101 is further provided to provide a controlled flow of gas to a sensor 103 attached to a high altitude balloon whilst sheltering it from the elements and allowing for affects of temperature, said apparatus comprising a shield 104 and a gas conducting means which uses the venturi effect to control air flow or has a hole to allow water to drain without affecting air flow past the sensor.

Abstract: A composition for the chemiluminescent assay of the activity of a luciferase comprising (i) a substrate for the luciferase, which, upon enzymatic reaction with the luciferase in the presence of any required cosubstrate and/or cofactor, yields a detectable chemiluminescent singal, (ii) any cosubstrate and/or cofactor required or beneficial for enzymatic activity of the luciferase, and, as an improvement of the composition, (iii) a water-soluble, organic phosphine-containing compound, which enables the light output from the enzymatic reaction to be modulated. The composition can be used in applications designed to quantitate the presence of the enzyme(s) itself, either in single or dual format, or in applications designed to quantitate the presence of a required cosubstrate, such as ATP.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a gas detection system comprises a sample cell containing at least one aperture and a substrate. The substrate comprises a chemiluminescent material that produces photons upon exposure to a fluorine-containing compound. A photo-detector is positioned to receive at least a portion of the photons, wherein the photo-detector generates an electrical output signal relating to a concentration of the fluorine-containing compound.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening an array of test compounds for bioactivity by contacting an array of test compounds with a detector layer capable of detecting bioactivity, and detecting a detector layer response. The detector layer is comprised of physiologically viable cells. The method and apparatus allow a large number of test compounds to be simultaneously assayed in parallel without the need for complex fluidic devices.

Abstract: For analysis of total nitrogen, sulfur and/or chlorine, a solid, liquid or gas sample is combusted with oxygen in a high-temperature furnace to form a combustion gas which is then dried and passed over a heated graphite catalyst and thereafter passed through an electrochemical detector for each element to be measured, the detectors being arranged either in parallel or in series with either arrangement providing an individual determination of the content of the element in the sample. A control system provides a user interface for manipulating and controlling the introduction of the sample to the furnace and the operation of the furnace, dryer and electrochemical detector, and the system stores, records and displays data.

Abstract: A novel Ultra-trace Automatic Mercury Species Analyzer (AMSA) is a semi-automatic or automatic on-line dual-channel detection device. The principle of the methodology is on-line coupling of analytical stages (or set-ups) with cold vapor atomic detector using flow injection analysis technique. This analyzer can be fully automatic for fast and accurate monitoring Hg species of natural environmental samples in ultra-trace levels. Furthermore, the AMSA is well suitably used in laboratory or other field stations (e.g., shipboard uses etc.) It provides ease of operation, fast analysis, high analytical performance, and excellent data quality. There is no risk of contamination with ambient air and no need of ultra-clean class-100 room to obtain the high quality data on ultra-trace mercury species analyses (e.g., Hg0, Hg2+, monomethyl Hg, dimethyl Hg etc.) in natural environmental samples (e.g., air, water, sediment, soil, vegetation, bio-tissues and other sample types).

Abstract: In analyzing radiation from a sample, single-quanta counting can be used to advantage especially at low levels of radiation energy, e.g. in the detection of fluorescent radiation. Preferred detection techniques include methods in which (i) fluorescence-stimulating radiation is intensity-modulated in accordance with a preselected code, (ii) wherein it is the fluorescent radiation which is intensity-modulated with the preselected code, and (iii) wherein modulation with a preselected code is applied to a sample to influence a property which functionally affects emitted fluorescent radiation. For registration of the signals from a sensing element of a single-photon detector, time of arrival is recorded, optionally in conjunction with registration of time intervals. Advantageously, in the interest of minimizing the number of pulses missed due to close temporal spacing of pulses, D-triggers can be included in counting circuitry.

Abstract: Devices for measuring and detecting a wide variety of analytes, including polyatomic anions, such as organophosphorus pesticides and nerve agents are provided. The devices function by selectively binding an analyte to a luminescent functionality-imprinted copolymer. The copolymers possess a securely bound luminescent lanthanide ion, such as Eu3+, in a coordination complex that has been imprinted to bind the chemical functionality. Also provided are methods for producing the lanthanide-containing molecularly imprinted polymers of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the analysis of a gaseous component or of a component that can be transformed into gaseous form (23) of a sample (5) which provides that the sample (5) is filled into a sample receptacle (2) through a receptacle opening (4), and an analysis receptacle (7), which was previously supplied with a tracer reagent, is then by way of its receptacle opening (4) connected with the receptacle opening (4) of sample receptacle (2) via an adapter (10), after which step the component (23) is expelled from the sample receptacle (2) and into the analysis receptacle (7) wherein the analysis receptacle (7) is connected with the outside atmosphere in such a manner that a pressure compensation can take place. The invention further relates to a test kit, in particular, a test kit for implementing the method.

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: An automated chemiluminescence analyzer. A multiport selection valve has a common aspiration port for carrier solvent, sample, and reagent. A bi-directional pump is connected to the selection valve. A chemiluminescence cell is positioned between the selection valve and a T-block. One end of the cell is connected to the common port of the selection valve, and the other end is connected to the T-block. The T-block has a port connected to the pump, another port which communicates with the detector, and a third port connected to the other end of the cell. This unique arrangement enables the chemiluminescence cell to function as a chemical reactor, thus eliminating any delay between initiation and detection of emitted radiation, so that very rapid reactions can be viewed and high sensitivity attained.

Abstract: This invention relates a chemiluminescent gas analyzer for determining a concentration of a gaseous component (G1) in a sample gas mixture (2). The analyzer comprises a measuring chamber (3), an ozonizer (4) with ozone generating devices (44) for producing ozone-containing gas (G2), input conduits (24, 23) for delivering the ozone-containing gas and said gas mixture into the chamber and an outlet (18). A detector (7) receives radiation (E) emitted as a consequence of a reaction between the gaseous component and the ozone-containing gas. Said analyzer further comprises a flow delay device (41) in or upstream the input conduit for said ozone-containing gas and downstream from the ozone generating devices (44) of the ozonizer. The flow delay device has a delay volume (VD) causing a predetermined delay time (T) for the flow of the ozone-containing gas from said ozonizer to said measuring chamber (3).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory. More particularly the invention relates to the improved and more accurate instrumental features of equipment used as e.g. fluorometers, photometers and luminometers. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrument for photoluminescence and chemiluminescence measurements wherein there is chemiluminescence detector in such a proximity to the sample that the emission radiation from the sample may reach the detector via a direct path. This way it is possible to achieve an essentially improved accuracy of the chemiluminescence measurement as well as an improved overall efficiency of the optical measurements.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus has an infrared laser adapted to emit light. The light is delivered as a beam by an optical system to illuminate an interrogation area on the surface of an object being scanned. Such illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective desorption of molecules of the contraband substance, which are present on the surface, without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the desorbed molecules. At least a portion of the collected molecules is thermally decomposed to form NO2 and transferred to a reaction cell containing an aqueous, alkaline, luminol-containing solution. The NO2 reacts with the luminol to produce light by chemiluminescence. A light detector registers the presence of this light as indicative of the detection of the contraband substance, and activates a signaling device to provide an audible or visible alarm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition suitable for use in an ECL assay wherein electromagnetic radiation emitted by the composition is detected. The composition includes an amine or amine moiety which, when oxidized by exposure to an effective amount of electrochemical energy, forms a strong reducing agent in the composition; and an electrolyte capable of functioning as a medium in which an ECL moiety and the amine or amine moiety can be oxidized by exposure to electrochemical energy.

Abstract: An electrochemiluminescence apparatus comprises a reaction vessel; means for generating an electric field (140, 160) within at least a region (120) of the reaction vessel; and one or more reaction electrodes (180) disposed in the electric field region of the reaction vessel, the reaction electrodes being arranged to float in or on a solution in the reaction vessel.

Abstract: A nucleic acid purification method and purification apparatus characterized by high washing efficiency where contamination does not occur and liquid does not remain in the nozzle tip are disclosed. The present invention provides a tip containing the solid phase capturing a nucleic acid characterized in that washing solution is fed into the tip unidirectionally from head to end.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) for detecting ligands or substances in liquid or vapor media. The GPCR is based on in a cell or in a synthetic membrane or polymer system, and combined with means for obtaining a sample of a liquid or vapor medium, and with automatic optical detection system and monitoring system for detecting a ligand of interest. Methods are disclosed for detecting a ligand of interest using the GPCR apparatus.

Abstract: A method for displaying microarray information by which unknown but useful information is extracted from a mass amount of sample information obtained with microarrays. Luminescent intensity information of sample spots obtained with the microarrays is standardized for each microarray and displayed as a graph as a difference from the standardized luminescent intensity of a sample spot of interest. Accordingly, information can be compared without being influenced by a difference of experiment status between the microarrays or a difference of physical properties between the samples. A three-dimensional graph is displayed by sorting the set of samples and the set of microarrays to which the sample spots belong, under predetermined conditions, and assigning the set of sorted samples and the set of sorted microarrays to X-axis and Y-axis, and the accumulated luminescence intensity to Z-axis.

Abstract: Luminescence test measurements are conducted using an assay module having integrated electrodes with a reader apparatus adapted to receive assay modules, induce luminescence, preferably electrode induced luminescence, in the wells or assay regions of the assay modules and measure the induced luminescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for carrying out quantitative fluorescence immunoassays using evanescent field excitation. Light from at least one light source is directed onto the boundary between two media which have differing refractive indices. The light source emits practically monochromatic light with a wavelength suitable for exciting a marking substance. The light is directed onto a boundary surface disposed between an optically transparent base plate, the refractive index of which is greater than that of the material above the boundary surface, and a receiving region for the sample. The receiving region is covered with a covering plate on the side disposed opposite the base plate, there being arranged between the base plate and covering plate at least one functional layer. A detector for detecting the fluorescent light is disposed on the same side of the base plate as the light source.

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: Apparatus for calibrating a micro-array receiver comprising; a micro-array receiver including a substrate having coated a biologically active region with a composition including a first set of micro-spheres modified with a biological probe and containing an optical bar code generated from at least one colorant associated with the micro-spheres; and a calibration region associated with the substrate, the region being outside the biologically active region and having an area containing the optical bar code color.

Abstract: When a micro-heater heats fluid using an external driving current, an upstream thermopile 8 detects the temperature of the fluid before it is heated to produce a first temperature detected signal and a downstream thermopile 9 detects the temperature of the fluid before it is heated to produce a second temperature detected signal. The flow rate is computed based on the difference signal between both detected signals. A right thermopile 11 and a left thermopile 13, which are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the fluid, detect the temperature of the fluid to produce a right temperature detected signal and a left temperature detected signal. The property of the fluid is computed on these right and left temperature detected signals. The flow rate is corrected on the basis of the property thus computed. The flow rate of an object fluid for measurement can be accurately measured by a flow sensor whose output characteristic varies when the kind or composition of the fluid changes.

Abstract: A waveguide probe for the detection of pathogens in a sample which comprises a laser, a first and a second tubes that converge at a point to form a proximal end. A magnet is positioned in the end to configure to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled antibody complexes in the field of view. The proximal end is polished to form an aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to diagnostic assay systems and methods thereof that are capable of conducting and recording assays in a simple and reliable manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for evaluating catalysts, including a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating catalysts, in which a multicell holder, e.g., a honeycomb or plate, or a collection of individual support particles, is treated with solutions/suspensions of catalyst ingredients to produce cells, spots or pellets holding each of a variety of combinations of the ingredients, is dried, calcined or treated as necessary to stabilize the ingredients in the cells, spots or pellets, then is contacted with a potentially reactive feed stream or batch, e.g., biochemical, gas oil, hydrogen plus oxygen, propylene plus oxygen, CCl2F2 and hydrogen, etc. The reaction occurring in each cell can be measured, e.g., by infrared thermography, spectroscopic detection of products or residual reactants, or by sampling, e.g., multistreaming through low volume tubing, from the vicinity of each combination, followed by analysis, e.g., spectral analysis, chromatography, etc., or by observing temperature change in the vicinity of the catalyst, e.g.

Abstract: Electrokinetic devices having a computer for correcting for electrokinetic effects are provided. Methods of correcting for electrokinetic effects by establishing the velocity of reactants and products in a reaction in electrokinetic microfluidic devices are also provided. These microfluidic devices can have substrates with channels, depressions, and/or wells for moving, mixing and monitoring precise amounts of analyte fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemiluminescent assays which incorporate a second film or membrane which includes a solid chemical component for activation of a stable dioxetane. Decomposition of the stable dioxetane can be accomplished using a combination of heat and chemical treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of training a classification system for characterising a biological sample, a diagnostic classification system, as well as a method of characterising a condition in an animal or a human being by using parameters obtained from the sample. The invention relates to classification based on physical parameters obtained from luminescence spectroscopy on light emitted from the sample. The data obtained from a spectrofluorimetric analysis can be considered a finger-print of the sample. Each sample gives rise to a unique spectrofluorometric set of physical parameters. By analysing the fluorescence data, it is possible to classify samples into two or more classes based on the fluorescence spectra, such as classifying with respect to presence/absence of a specific disease, group of diseases or risk of later attaining a specific disease or a body condition, or concentration of a specific compound or medicine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a NOx-concentration measuring apparatus D for quantitatively analyzing the concentration of NOx contained in a sample gas. The measuring apparatus D comprises a sampling probe for obtaining the sample gas, a drain separator 2 for condensing moisture contained in the sample gas as a condensed water and separating the condensed water from the sample gas, an NO2 converter 3 for converting NO2 contained in the sample gas into NO, a secondary cooling device 7 for additionally cooling the sample gas, and an NO analyzer 1, arranged in this order with respect to a sample-gas line of the NOx-concentration measuring apparatus. The drain separator is a high-flow-velocity cooling type drain separator.

Abstract: Antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound. A glucuronide with 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) characterized in that it comprises the structure of the &bgr;-glucuronide between the 5-hydroxy group of 5-HTOL and D-glucopyranosiduronic acid. An immunoassay and a diagnostic method utilizing the ummunoassay wherein a 5-hydroxytryptophol (5-HTOL) compound is determined by the use of an antibody specific for a 5-HTOL compound is used.

Abstract: CO exposure is a serious public health problem in the U.S., causing both morbidity and mortality (lifetime mortality risk approximately 10−4). Sparse data from population-based CO exposure assessments indicate that approximately 10% of the U.S. population is exposed to CO above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard. No CO exposure measurement technology is available for affordable population-based CO exposure assessment studies. Two CO measuring devices, an occupational CO dosimeter (LOCD) and an indoor air quality (IAQ) passive sampler, were designed, developed, and tested both in the laboratories and field. Time-weighted-average CO exposure of the compact diffusion tube sampler containing a selective and non-regenerative palladium-molybdenum based CO sensor is quantified by using a simple spectrophotometer. Both devices are capable of measuring CO exposure precisely with relative standard deviation of less than 20% and with bias of less than 10%.

Abstract: A method of measuring the enzymatic activity of a luciferase includes contacting a luminogenic protein, such as a luciferase, with a protected luminophore to form a composition; and detecting light produced from the composition. The protected luminophore provides increased stability and improved signal-to-background ratios relative to the corresponding unmodified coelenterazine.

Abstract: A chemiluminescence analyzer determines the level of chemiluminescence of a specimen. The chemiluminescence analyzer includes a light detection chamber for containing the specimen to be analyzed. The light detection chamber includes a chamber access device, for allowing the positioning of the specimen within the light detection chamber, and a shutter device. The shutter device and the chamber access device are configured to each have an open position and a closed position. A light detector is positioned behind the shutter device. When the shutter device is in the open position, the light detector detects light within the light detection chamber. An interlock assembly is interfaced with the shutter device and the chamber access device, such that the interlock assembly prevents the shutter device and the chamber access device from being simultaneously opened.

Abstract: A silicon-based sleeve type chemical reaction chamber that combines heaters, such as doped polysilicon for heating, and bulk silicon for convection cooling. The reaction chamber combines a critical ratio of silicon and non-silicon based materials to provide the thermal properties desired. For example, the chamber may combine a critical ratio of silicon and silicon nitride to the volume of material to be heated (e.g., a liquid) in order to provide uniform heating, yet low power requirements. The reaction chamber will also allow the introduction of a secondary tube (e.g., plastic) into the reaction sleeve that contains the reaction mixture thereby alleviating any potential materials incompatibility issues.

Abstract: A method and device for fluorimetric determination of a biological, chemical or physical parameter of a sample utilize at least two different luminescent materials, the first of which is sensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity, and the second of which is insensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity and decay time. The luminescent materials have different decay times. The time- or phase behaviour of the resulting luminescence response is used to form a reference value for determination of a parameter.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a liquid test sample by electrochemiluminescence. The method includes at least one specific biochemical binding reaction that leads to the formation of a complex which contains a chemiluminescence marker and the binding of the complex to a magnetic microparticle. Detection is carried out in a measuring cell having a working electrode in order to determine the concentration of the marked microparticle. The detection cycle includes a purification step, a conditioning step, a recovery step and a measuring step. A specified potential profile is applied to the working electrode during these steps. Between the conditioning step and the recovery step, an additional potential pulse with an oxidizing and/or a reducing potential is inserted into the voltage shape of the detection cycle in order to improve the deposit of the microparticle.