Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel device and method for the detection of lithium ions in a biological fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a novel compound and a optical sensor which incorporates said compound for the detection of lithium ions. Additionally, the present invention provides a method of detecting lithium ions which comprises placing the novel optical sensor into communication with a biological fluid. Once the novel compound of the present invention encounters a lithium ion(s), a fluorescence is generated, the intensity of which is measured and allows for the determination of lithium ion concentration. The present invention provides a medical professional with the ability to selectively determine lithium ion concentration in a biological fluid thereby facilitating the treatment of various diseases, such as manic-depressive illness.

Abstract: A variable rate particle counter for adjusting the volumetric delivery rate of fluid to a flow cell based upon an initial particle count rate in order to effectively “tune” the final dilution of sample sheath flow to the particle concentration of the sample. A sheath fluid syringe pump and a test sample syringe pump are driven by motors which are adjusted by a data analyzer. The data analyzer compares a particle count rate measured by a detection assembly to a predetermined reference value and determines if the count rate is too high or to low. Accordingly, one of several pump profiles is initiated to adjust the flow rate of the sheath fluid or test sample or both. Advantageously, the low cell count precision is improved and the upper limit cell count is expanded.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the presence of haemostatic dysfunction in a patient from a time-dependent measurement profile include performing a time-dependent measurement on an unknown sample and measuring a respective property over time so as to derive a time-dependent measurement profile. The slope of the time-dependent measurement profile is computed prior to clot formation. A biphasic waveform is detected in the time-dependent measurement profile based on the computed slope. The presence of haemostatic dysfunction in the patient is predicted based on the detected biphasic waveform.

Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: A flow cell and flow cytometer in which a nozzle at the end of a flow channel is disposed on a removable substrate held at a registered location on a flow cell. Other elements including illumination optics, light collection optics, and the flow cell may then be positioned at fixed locations and would not require subsequent periodic adjustment. The registered location for positioning the nozzle allows removal and replacement of the nozzle key with the nozzle subsequently positioned in the identical location.

Abstract: Systems and methods for establishing and/or maintaining the accuracy of a multivariate calibration model designed for quantitative optical spectroscopic measurement of attributes or analytes in bodily tissues, bodily fluids or other biological samples, which are particularly useful when the spectral absorbance of the attribute or analyte is small relative to the background. The present invention provides an optically similar reference sample to reduce the effect of instrument or environment variation on the measurement capability of the model. The optically similar reference can be a gel composition having scattering particles suspended therein. The reference gel can be directly applied to a spectroscopic instrument sampler, or can be in a container specifically designed for optimal coupling to a spectroscopic instrument.

Abstract: A multichannel fluorosensor includes an optical module and an electronic module combined in a watertight housing with an underwater connector. The fluorosensor has an integral calibrator for periodical sensitivity validation of the fluorosensor. The optical module has one or several excitation channels and one or several emission channels that use a mutual focusing system. To increase efficiency, the excitation and emission channels each have a micro-collimator made with one or more ball lenses. Each excitation channel has a light emitting diode and an optical filter. Each emission channel has a photodiode with a preamplifier and an optical filter. The electronic module connects directly to the optical module and includes a lock-in amplifier, a power supply and a controller with an A/D converter and a connector. The calibrator provides a response proportional to the excitation intensity, and matches with spectral parameter of fluorescence for the analyzed fluorescent substance.

Abstract: There is a need within the medical community for non-invasive instruments to measure critical physiologic parameters at the point of care. Such a technique may be applicable to a wide variety of commonly monitored physiologic parameters during critical care patient management. The invention is directed to a method of measuring the pH of a patient's tissue. The method includes measuring the optical signal from a specie whose fluorescence is pH sensitive, such as nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and also measuring the optical signal from a second biological marker, such as FAD, the fluorescence from the second marker being substantially insensitive to pH. The method includes determining the patient's pH by using the first and second optical signals.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test process. The apparatus may have additional light source so that the photo sensor may monitor the test process by detecting the absorption light beam or fluorescent light beam from the flow cell at different phases of the test process.

Abstract: An enclosed chamber is used in a system for screening of a liquid specimen through binding assays. The enclosed chamber includes an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of discrete reactant containing wells communicated by a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A transparent member or coverslip defines on an inside thereof the plurality of wells. Each well has a bottom for receiving an allergent/antigen/reactant, which emits light upon reacting. The coverslip can optionally define at least one lens at each well. A bottom encloses the plurality of wells and defines between the inlet and the outlet a common reagent flow path between the inlet and the outlet. This bottom defines for each of the plurality of wells a flow-diverting member. An opaque partition is disclosed for surrounding the individual lenses and generally isolating the light path from each well.

Abstract: A method for controlling production process by performing near-infrared absorptiometric analysis by simple procedures in an accurate manner, in which control of production process step can be realized at a high accuracy by simple operation based on the thereby obtained analytical results, the said method comprising taking each absorbance spectrum for a plurality of standard samples in an analysis range including near-infrared region, calculating the average intensity and standard deviations for each of selected wave lengths to construct a data base, taking an absorbance spectrum in the said analysis range for each of analysis samples and comparing it with the data base in order to judge whether or not the intensity of the absorbance spectrum is within an assumed tolerance limit determined based on the stored standard deviations of the standard samples in the data base to thereby obtain control data by comparing, when wave lengths at which the observed intensity is outside the tolerance limit are present, thes

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for testing fluid samples includes a sensor, which can be light source, directed to a flow cell and a photo sensor for detecting a light beam reflected from the flow cell. The photo sensor monitors the fluid in the flow cell by sensing the reflected light beam from the flow cell, thereby monitoring the test.

Abstract: A microcantilever sensing system includes a waveguide cantilever that permits an optical signal to propagate through an endface of the cantilever. The propagated signal is received by a receiver waveguide across a gap from the cantilever. The receiver waveguide provides the optical signal to a differential beamsplitter. The signal is differentially split according to the position of the optical signal incident upon the receiving waveguide. A method of determining a deflection waveguide microcantilever is also disclosed. An optical signal is transmitted from the endface of a waveguide microcantilever and received by the receiver waveguide. The optical signal is differentially split and then each split signal is compared to determine beam deflection. A method of fabricating a microcantilever sensor provides a differential beamsplitter in optical communication with a waveguide cantilever.

Abstract: An analytical cell including a lightguide with a plurality of conduits filled with a migration medium. The medium, the lightguide and a surrounding medium have refractive indices selected such that light entering the lightguide is internally reflected within the lightguide to provide substantially uniform illumination of the conduits.

Abstract: A biochemical sensor apparatus having an optical radiation source, a sensor array, and a photodetector array is disclosed. Each sensor of the sensor array includes fluorophores for fluorescence (generating response radiation) when mixed with analytes of interest and exposed to stimulus radiation. An array of photodetectors, such as a CMOS imaging array is used to detect the response radiation. The detected response radiation is converted to digital values and the digital values used to analyze various properties of the analytes present in the sensors.

Abstract: Oil aging and particulate building in a lubricant other than one exposed to combustion products is monitored by detecting light transmitted through the lubricant at least one, and preferably, two or more preselected wavelengths over a pathlength greater than about 0.5 cm wherein one wavelength is in the near infra-red spectrum and/or one wavelength is in the visible or near infra-red spectrum. The detected light when compared to predetermined values provides an indication of the condition of the lubricant.

Abstract: A cell sorter system that includes a precision pump that causes fluid containing cells to enter an inlet port where the fluid is exposed to source light of one or more wavelengths and where cells scatter light or produce fluorescence by known means, and the scattered light and/or fluorescence is used to detect the presence and position of desired cells. The fluid is passed into a select gate that can be magnetostrictive where it is cause to exit one of a plurality of ports, at least one of these ports receiving the desired cells. A controller controls the precision pump, the detection system, and the select gate so that cells are selected from the fluid. An optional vacuum system can be used to pull fluid or cells out of the selected exit port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to optical bio-discs, methods, and optical disc drives for clinical diagnostics. The present invention is further directed to methods for determining the quantity of a specific type of blood cell in a biological sample including on-disc sample preparation and processing, providing a pre-processed sample onto a capture zone, removing portions of the sample that are not bound in the capture zone, and counting bound cells. Also disclosed are fluidic circuits for processing blood samples for use in a cluster designation marker assay in the optical bio-disc.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for facilitating medical diagnostic assays and reducing the time required for taking of such assays. The methods comprise initiating a reaction, obtaining at least three measurements, at three different time points, of a value or level of an observable associated with the reaction, and estimating an end point value for the observable from the measurements.

Abstract: A system for conducting an optical inspection of a biological, chemical, or biochemical sample supported by an optically transparent disc. The disc is mounted for rotation about its central axis while a light source and a plurality of radiation detectors are provided for scanning optically readable portions and tracking information encoded to the disc and scanning the sample. The source is arranged above the disc and the detectors are arranged above and below the disc. The optical properties of the sample can be automatically and rapidly inspected by analyzing the output of the light detectors including the use of a ratio of first and second detector output. A third detector output also may be used in the analysis.

Abstract: An analyzer characterized by comprising a chip and a detector, wherein the chip is an organic polymer member having a fine capillary through which a fluid sample or a fluid sample and a fluid reagent flow and can perform a chemical reaction on the sample in the capillary without using a separate weighing means, and the detector is a photothermal conversion detector for measuring a physical quantity change such as a refractive index change caused by a partial temperature change of the sample and the reagent by applying an excitation light to a substance to be measured produced by the chemical reaction, thereby providing a small analyzer excellent in chip waste-disposal, capable of analyzing inexpensively, simply and in a short time and being suitable for a POC analysis.

Abstract: Gas focusing flow cytometers are fabricatable employing simple and inexpensive manufacturing techniques. When such cytometers or conventional cytometers are combined with fiber optical light paths and laser diode and semiconductor photodetectors, light weight and handheld, optionally disposable devices which maintain high performance are possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the concentration of formaldehyde in an exhaust stream from turbines, internal combustion engines and the like, which apparatus includes a portable housing having a sample gas inlet through which a sample gas for analysis is introduced into the portable housing and an analysis system disposed in the portable housing suitable for analyzing the sample gas for the presence of formaldehyde in the sample gas.

Abstract: A method for separating microorganisms, especially infectious agents, from a mixture by two dimensional centrifugation on the basis of sedimentation rate and isopycnic banding density, for sedimenting such microorganisms through zones of immobilized reagents to which they are resistant, for detecting banded particles by light scatter or fluorescence using nucleic acid specific dyes, and for recovering the banded particles in very small volumes for characterization by mass spectrometry of viral protein subunits and intact viral particles, and by fluorescence flow cytometric determination of both nucleic acid mass and the masses of fragments produced by restriction enzymes. The method is based on the discovery that individual microorganisms, such as bacterial and viral species, are each physically relatively homogeneous, and are distinguishable in their biophysical properties from other biological particles, and from non-biological particles found in nature.

Abstract: Combining the approaches of cavity ring down spectroscopy with surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy allows creation of an ultra-high sensitivity apparatus to detect extremely low concentrations of chemicals and biomolecules.

Abstract: Arrangements for the detection of the presence and/or concentration of an analyte in a sample of bodily fluid include diffuse transmission, diffuse reflection and edge or waveguide illumination arrangements. A vertical flow assay arrangement and/or technique is also disclosed, and includes a detection component that can be in the form of an array of optical detection elements. A number of assay pad constructions are described which may include at least one or more of the following components: a prefilter component, a reflective component, a membrane component, a reagent component, a mesh component, and a component to prevent lateral spreading.

Abstract: Rapid spectrum assay of multiple samples with infrared light is made possible by devices and methods that increase total light throughput. Multiple wavelength scan with Fourier analysis is combined with large numbers of sample wells located within infrared light compatible solid materials. In particular, very large scale measurement devices and systems for their use are fabricated from lithography and other techniques used for semiconductor processing.

Abstract: A more efficient method for combustion or oxidation of samples containing nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur to their corresponding oxides is disclosed, where method uses multi-staged addition of an oxidizing agent to enhance oxidation and liberation of nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur oxides for subsequent detection. The method of the present invention allows for the injection of larger samples or the introduction of a greater amount of sample per unit of time which results in a larger amount of analyte being delivered to the detector per unit of time, thereby improving detection limits and detection efficiency.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods are provided for enhancing detection of a diffusion pattern formed by particles diffusing between at least two fluid streams in parallel laminar flow such that an interface is formed between them by increasing the dimension of the streams in the diffusion direction. This may be accomplished by flowing the streams through a transforming turn, or by flowing the streams through a channel having diverging walls. Devices and methods are also provided for enhancing diffusion between two streams comprising changing the interface between said streams from a narrow interface to a broad interface.

Abstract: A chemochromic sensor includes multiple bi-directional LEDs, each optically aligned with one or more test areas. Each LED is used as both a light emitter when driven in forward bias, and as a light detector when driven in reverse bias. By alternating the bias on the LEDs, multi-way light measurements of the test area can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical test element for the determination of an analyte in a liquid containing an inert carrier, a detection element and a channel capable of capillary liquid transport which has a sample application opening at one end and a vent opening at the other end of the channel capable of capillary liquid transport, wherein the channel capable of capillary liquid transport is formed at least partially by the carrier and the detection element and extends in the direction of capillary transport from the sample application opening at least to the edge of the detection test element that is nearest to the vent opening and wherein a notch is located in one of the surfaces forming the channel capable of capillary liquid transport at the edge of the test element forming the sample application opening so that one side of the edge of the test element forming the sample application opening is at least partially discontinuous and the surface opposite to the notch is exposed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to determine the speed of sedimentation of blood and other parameters connected thereto, said method being carried out by detecting the development over time of the optical density, or absorbance, of a sample of blood, said sample being sent in the form of a flow inside a capillary container, said detection being made in correspondence with a point of said capillary container and the relative data acquired being processed to obtain said speed of sedimentation and said connected parameters, said method providing to instantly interrupt the flow of the blood sample flowing inside said capillary container, in order to determine a thickening of the red cells in said blood sample and their consequent sedimentation, said detection being made substantially simultaneously with said instant interruption.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining a concentration of at least one analyte in a sample contained in a blood bag or in tubing in fluid communication with said blood bag, using an instrument comprising at least one calibration algorithm for the at least one analyte. The method comprises irradiating a sample in the tubing or the blood bag, using a near infrared and adjacent visible radiation source. Then measuring absorbance from the sample for the at least one analyte, and calculating a concentration of the at least one analyte using the absorbance and the at least one calibration algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for carrying out analysis of samples using semi-reflective beam radiation inspection in association with an optical disk and an optical reader has an optically transparent substrate having a semi-reflective layer which reflects a portion of the beam of light to form a reflected beam and transmits a portion of the beam of light to form a transmitted beam. The semi-reflective layer includes optically readable encoded information to be read by the reader for controlling the scanning of the reader relative the disk, the encoded information providing modulation of the reflected beam. The disk includes a sample support surface positioned to be scanned by the reader on which the biological, chemical or biochemical sample may be located for optical inspection with the transmitted beam.

Abstract: A method to collect a plurality of target zones from a plurality of channels. The method includes introducing a plurality of compound mixtures into a plurality of microchannels on a microfabricated chip or a capillary tube. Optical signal measured at a detector window provides a signal of the position of a target zone. When a target zone has migrated to the location of a detector window, the detector senses an optical signal from the target zone and signals the system to disconnect a driving force from that channel. Once a plurality of zones in a plurality of channels are aligned, the driving force is reconnected and the zones are coeluted into a collection container.

Abstract: A particle analyzer includes a detecting section for detecting respective characteristic parameters of a plurality of particles, a distribution map preparing section for preparing at least two kinds of two-dimensional frequency distribution maps of the particles by using the detected characteristic parameters, a classifying section for classifying the particles into particle clusters on the two kinds of distribution maps, a calculating section for calculating and comparing the respective numbers of particles in the particle clusters containing particles of common kind to the two kinds of distribution maps, and a judging section for judging a classification error on the distribution maps based on a comparison result.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: To investigate the flowability of a physiological fluid sample, an uptake passage (12) for the fluid sample (16), an actuator device (18) for the cyclic change in orientation of measuring particles (14) in the fluid sample (16), and a detector device (20, 22) for the preferably optical detection of the change in orientation of the measuring particles (14) are provided. In order to make reliable measurements possible with minimal instrument expense, it is proposed that the actuator device is formed by a pump unit (18) to produce a flow of the fluid sample (16) that travels back and forth along the uptake passage (12) and indicates the change in orientation of the measuring particles (14).

Abstract: A test kit for determining qualitatively or quantitatively the presence of one or more analytes in a fluid sample, comprising an assay device together with a reading device which engages with the assay device and wherein precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device is essential for accurate reading of the assay result, wherein precisely located engagement of the assay device with the reading device causes a ‘lock-and-key’ interaction, ie. a unique 3-dimensional interaction, between the assay device and reading initiation means of the reading device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.

Abstract: A method and device for assaying sperm motility in a forward direction and density of active sperm in a semen sample are disclosed. The device includes a microfluidics structure having a sample reservoir, a downstream collection region and a microchannel extending therebetween. The microchannel is dimensioned to confine sample sperm to single-direction movement within the channel, such that sperm in a semen sample placed in the sample reservoir enter and migrate along the microchannel toward and into the collection region. Also included is a detector for detecting the presence of labeled sperm in the microchannel or collection region, and an electronics unit operatively connected to the detector for (i) receiving detector signals, (ii) based on the detector signals received, determining sperm motility and density in the sperm sample, and (iii) displaying information related to sperm motility and density.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting light scattered by a small particle (e.g., a blood cell) irradiated by a light beam comprises one or more photodetectors and a plurality of optical fibers that serve to optically couple the scattered light and the photodetector(s). To enhance the efficiency of such optical coupling, a portion of each of the optical fibers in the vicinity of its light-collecting end is supported so that its optical axis extends towards the light-scattering source. By this arrangement, scattered light enters each fiber from a direction substantially parallel to the fiber axis. Preferably, the light-collecting ends of the optical fibers are supported on a concave surface and so that the respective optical axes of the fibers converge at a point representing the apparent position of the light-scattering source, taking into account the refractive effects of an optical flow cell through which scattering is detected.

Abstract: Improved microfluidic devices, systems, and methods allow selective transportation of fluids within microfluidic channels of a microfluidic network by applying, controlling, and varying pressures at a plurality of reservoirs. Modeling the microfluidic network as a series of nodes connected together by channel segments and determining the flow resistance characteristics of the channel segments may allow calculation of fluid flows through the channel segments resulting from a given pressure configuration at the reservoirs. To effect a desired flow within a particular channel or series of channels, reservoir pressures may be identified using the network model. Viscometers or other flow sensors may measure flow characteristics within the channels, and the measured flow characteristics can be used to calculate pressures to generate a desired flow. Multi-reservoir pressure modulator and pressure controller systems can optionally be used in conjunction with electrokinetic or other fluid transport mechanisms.

Abstract: A method for multiplexed detection and quantification of analytes by reacting them with probe molecules attached to specific and identifiable carriers. These carriers can be of different size, shape, color, and composition. Different probe molecules are attached to different types of carriers prior to analysis. After the reaction takes place, the carriers can be automatically analyzed. This invention obviates cumbersome instruments used for the deposition of probe molecules in geometrically defined arrays. In the present invention, the analytes are identified by their association with the defined carrier, and not (or not only) by their position. Moreover, the use of carriers provides a more homogenous and reproducible representation for probe molecules and reaction products than two-dimensional imprinted arrays or DNA chips.

Abstract: An integrated optical chip device for molecular diagnostics comprising a tunable laser cavity sensor chip using heterodyned detection at the juncture of a sensor laser and a reference laser, and including a microfluid chip to which the sensor chip is flip-chip bonded to form a sample chamber that includes exposed evanescent field material of the tunable laser cavity to which fluid to be diagnosed is directed.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing and using an apparatus for manipulating and analyzing a large number of microscopic samples of a liquid or materials, including cells, in liquid suspension. Parallel through-holes are formed in a platen and loaded with a liquid. Loading may be performed in such a way as to create a gradient, with respect to the position of the through-holes, of the concentration of a particular substance or of another quantity. Mixing of the contents of through-holes may be obtained by bringing filled microwell arrays into contact with each other with registration of individual through-holes.

Abstract: A total reflection cell has a total reflection prism on at least one surface thereof. A mixed solution containing a gold colloid labelled antibody which is adsorbed on a gold colloid is stored in the total reflection cell, and a sample solution containing an antigen causing antigen-antibody reaction with the antibody is added thereto for forming a gold colloid labelled immune complex. A measuring beam is introduced into the total reflection prism from an incident optical system at an angle ? of incidence causing total reflection and an outgoing beam from the total reflection prism is received by a measuring optical system, thereby measuring absorption by the gold colloid labelled immune complex and carrying out qualification and determination of the antigen.