Abstract: This container storing a washing solution for a blood analyzer includes a container body made of thermoplastic resin resistant against a chlorine-based washing solution and provided with an opening on an upper portion, a chlorine-based washing solution stored in the container body, and a multilayer film covering the opening. The multilayer film includes a seal layer heat-sealed to the container body thereby blocking the opening and a gas barrier layer arranged on the outer side of the seal layer.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include methods for modifying a surface of a non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrate having a backbone containing electrophilic linkages. In practicing methods according to certain embodiments, a liquid composition having a nucleophilic reagent and a catalyst is contacted with the surface of the non-porous hydrophobic polymer substrate and maintained in contact with the surface of the polymer substrate in a manner sufficient to convert at least a portion of the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic while retaining the mechanical and optical properties of the polymer substrate. Substrates, including containers, having one or more hydrophilic surfaces and kits suitable for practicing the subject methods are also described.

Abstract: A test tube insert includes a flange having a width greater than a width of a mouth of a larger test tube into which the insert is to be inserted. The flange defines a first central opening. An annulus extends integrally downward from the flange. The annulus includes a fenestrated wall and a floor defining a second central opening. A small test tube body, smaller than the larger test tube, extends integrally downward from the floor of the annulus with the second central opening forming a mouth of the small test tube body. The test tube insert is disposed in the mouth of the larger test tube. Fluid is transferred through the central opening and the fluid fills the small test tube body of the test tube insert and flows through the fenestrated wall once the small test tube body is full into the larger test tube.

Abstract: Polymer compositions and articles formed therefrom are described herein. The compositions include a random copolymer and a radiation additive, wherein the random copolymer includes propylene and less than 2 wt. % ethylene and exhibits a melt flow rate of from about 30 to 100 dg/min., the polymer composition exhibits a flexural modulus of from about 160 kpsi to about 200 kpsi and the polymer composition is adapted to produce a polymer article exhibiting low plate out, a haze at 20 mils of no greater than 15%, radiation stability and autoclavability.

Abstract: A reagent tube configured with a stellated shaped pattern, on its bottom interior surface, configured to facilitate complete or near-complete withdrawal of fluid from the tube, via a pipette tip. The reagent tube may be used for transporting reagents and for carrying out processing operations on biological samples with the reagents, such as preparing polynucleotides extracted from the sample for amplification.

Abstract: Plastic test tube for taking blood samples, comprising a hollow tubular body and an adhesive protective film able to adhere to the tubular body. The tubular body is made of polyethylene terephthalate and has: a tubular wall which delimits a working volume and defines an outer surface; an open mouth for insertion of liquids at a first end of the wall; and a bottom for closing a second end of the wall. The adhesive protective film is able to adhere to the wall of the tubular body over at least a portion of the outer surface. The test tube is characterized in that the wall of the tubular body has a thickness in the range of 1 to 3 mm and in that the protective film is defined by a layer of polypropylene, polyethylene or copolymers thereof. The layer has a thickness in the range of between 40 and 60 ?m and is able to form a liquid barrier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a growth medium support plate including an essential planar body part extending therefrom. The growth medium support plate also includes a stem member for connecting a cap to the support plate. The stem member is connected to the body part so as to have a position co-planar with the body part and a position inclined to the plane of the body part. The support plate includes at least one fixed projection extending from and co-planar with said body part adjacently to the stem member and the stem member having in the position coplanar with the body part a releasable connection to the at least one fixed projection.

Abstract: A tube, preferably a centrifuge tube, molded of a blend of 25-35 weight percent of polystyrene and 75-65 weight percent of styrene-butadiene rubber block copolymer has improved performance compared to a tube of pure copolymer.

Abstract: A non-light penetrating phlebotomy tube comprising a dark colored hollow tubular housing having an elongated cylindrical member wherein one distal end of the elongated cylindrical member is rounded and the other distal end of the elongated cylindrical member is open. A hermetic sealing member is received in the other distal end of the elongated cylindrical member for sealing the hollow tubular housing. The non-light penetrating phlebotomy further comprises a temperature sensitive level indicator coupled to the elongated cylindrical member for detecting the level of a fluid entering the dark colored hollow tubular housing.