Abstract: The invention relates to a reagents kit for the quantitative analysis of proteins or/and peptides, comprising a reagent A containing 0.7 to 2 mmol/l Cu.sup.2+ ions and 2 to 4 mmol/l tartrate in alkaline solution and a reagent B containing 1 to 1.5 mmol/l ascorbic acid and 0.5 to 0.8 mmol/l bathocuproine, with the proportion by volume of reagent A to reagent B being 1:8 to 1:12 and the joint volume of reagent A and reagent B being between 750 .mu.l and 3000 .mu.l.

Abstract: Described are immunoassay of insulin-like growth factors in a biological sample, which comprises prior to the immunoassay, treating the biological sample with an acid solution to liberate the insulin-like growth factors from insulin-like growth factor binding proteins and then neutralizing the so-treated biological sample with a neutralizing buffer containing a recombination inhibitor; and immunoassay kit for insulin-like growth factors.

Abstract: Methods of determining collagen degradation in vivo, by quantitating the concentration of a peptide in a body fluid, the peptide having the following structure: ##STR1## is hydroxylysyl pyridinoline or lysyl pyridinoline, and J is pyroglutamic acid or glutamine and (Leu) are optional leucines, are disclosed.

Abstract: An immunochemical method is provided for the detection and determination of an analyte. The zeta potential of a latex-particle loaded with an immunologically active substance is measured before and after bringing the loaded latex-particle into contact with an analyte. The difference in zeta potential is correlated with changes of zeta potential for known concentrations of the analyte in order to determine the presence and amount of the analyte.

Abstract: A new approach is proposed for sequencing by hybridization (SBH), which uses interaction to dramatically reduce the number of oligonucleotides used for de novo sequencing of large DNA fragments, while preserving the parallelism which is the primary advantage of SBH. In particular, a series of rounds is performed, starting from an initial fixed oligonucleotide array, of hybridizing a target sample against an array, and then designing a new oligonucleotide array in response to the results of the rounds to date, until the sequence is determined.

Abstract: The biological fluid analyzing device for analyzing biological fluid by measuring optical characteristics of a sample has a sample receiving port 1 and a pump connection port 5. Between the sample receiving port 1 and the pump connection port 5, the analyzing device has either a combination of at least one sample-treating chamber 2a, 2b, 2c and at least one optical-measuring chamber 3a, 3b, or a combination of at least one sample-treating chamber, at least one optical-measuring chamber and at least one waste liquid reservoir 4. The sample receiving port 1 is connected with one sample-treating chamber; the pump connection port 5 is connected with a pathway 6 or waste liquid reservoir 4; and the sample-treating chamber and optical-measuring chamber are interconnected with the pathway, or the sample-treating chamber, optical-measuring chamber and waste liquid reservoir are interconnected with the pathway.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target substance which includes collecting a substance sample; introducing the substance sample into a substance card having at least one reagent responsive to the presence of the target substance and having a light-transmissive chamber; inserting the substance card into a substance detector device having a photosensor and adapted to receive the substance card; mixing the substance sample with the reagents for a preselected mixing period, thus producing a measurand having a target substance reaction; streaming the measurand through the light-transmissive chamber and illuminating the measurand with a quantity of light for a selectable analysis period, an optical characteristic of the measurand can be measured with the photosensor; and selecting the target substance reaction as a positive reaction or a negative reaction, responsive to the optical characteristic. If the target substance reaction is a negative reaction, the device operator is signalled thereof.

Abstract: A method is described for performing an affinity assay comprising contacting a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte with a dry reagent containing the analyte (hapten, antigen, antibody, receptor, or complementary polynucleotide) bound to a reaction cascade initiator, an antibody or other binding pair partner reactive with said analyte, and magnetic particles, to form an assay mixture in a reaction chamber, incubating the assay mixture, applying an oscillating or moving static magnetic field to the assay mixture, activating the reaction cascade initiator to initiate a reaction cascade, monitoring the response of the magnetic particles to the oscillating or moving static magnetic field to provide a time varying signal, and determining the analyte concentration of the sample by analysis of the time varying signal, as well as a kit for performing the assay and a diagnostic system for performing the assay.

Abstract: The precision of identification of analyte composition in a sample, where the possible analytes each provide a series of values for characteristic parameters; in particular where the parameters are generated by cross-reaction with specific binding reagents, is enhanced by applying pattern recognition techniques. Samples to be tested are evaluated with respect to each survey parameter to obtain a pattern of parameter values with respect to each analyte at a given concentration. In the case of the use of a panel of specific binding reagents, the samples to be tested are reacted with this panel and the affinities at various analyte concentrations are determined. This results in a databank of "SC profiles" for known concentrations of each analyte. This databank is stored in a computationally accessible form, which then can be matched against SC profiles obtained by testing unknown samples.

Abstract: This invention presents novel assay devices employing capture reagents, involving a specific binding member attached to a charged substance, and porous material containing a capture or reaction zone that is oppositely charged with respect to the charged substance included in the capture reagent. In one embodiment, a test sample suspected of containing the analyte of interest is contacted with the capture reagent to form a charged capture reagent/analyte complex. The complex is then contacted to the oppositely charged capture or reaction zone to attract, attach, and immobilize the capture reagent/analyte complex. With an appropriate indicator reagent, both sandwich and competitive assays can be performed.

Abstract: A molded pick for handling biopsy specimens which includes an elongated shaft having a tapered blunt short barb at one end and a forked device at the opposite end of the shaft, the forked device having a blunt spatula prong as one fork and a sharp tapered point as the other fork.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus useful for the detection of bloodgroup antigens and antibodies. There are two preferred embodiments of the method: a direct assay and an indirect assay. The direct assay comprises adding a sample of erythrocytes to a reaction tube charged with a column of immunoreactive particles having an immunoglobulin binding ligand selected from the group consisting of Protein A, Protein G, Protein A/G or a universal kappa light chain binding protein coupled to the surface of the particles. Antibodies specific for bloodgroup antigens tested for are coupled to the ligand on the particles. The reaction tube is then centrifuged for a time sufficient to force to the bottom of the reaction tube erythrocytes that do not attach to the antibodies on the particles.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assay device and method for its use are provided. The device comprises a sample addition port in fluid communication with at least one main channel. The main channel comprises, in the direction of fluid flow, a main reagent area in fluid communication with an incubation area and a waste area. In fluid communication with the main channel is at least one side reagent channel. The side reagent channels comprise, in the direction of fluid flow, a liquid addition port and a side reagent area in fluid communication with the main channel at a region of the main channel upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in the at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. Capillary valves may be located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area, providing for control over fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a system and formulations for preparing cell culture medium useful for growing cells for the purpose of producing and isolating nucleic acids. Dry-concentrate culture medium compositions are described as packaged in unit dose form such as in dissolvable capsules.

Abstract: A disposable assay device for assaying a sample has a body (10) including a reaction chamber (12) which contains or is adapted to receive an assay reagent sensitive to a component (e.g. nicotine metabolite) being assayed for in the sample. A sample collector/dispenser (20) has a sample collecting chamber (22) closed by an elastic membrane (24) and a downwardly projecting sampling and piercing tube (28), to enable a predetermined quantity of sample to be dispensed into the reaction chamber (12). The body (10) and the collector/dispenser (20) are non-detachably engageable together by engagement of rib (34) on collector/dispenser (20) with lip (18) on the body (10). A seal (32) seals the assembly to prevent leakage of the contents after use.

Abstract: The invention pertains to dipstick immunoassay devices. The device comprises a base member and a single, combined sample contact zone and test zone, wherein the test zone incorporates the use of symbols to detect analytes in a sample of biological fluid. A first immunological component, an anti-immunoglobulin capable of binding to an enzyme-labeled antibody, is immobilized in a control indicia portion. A second immunological component, capable of specifically binding to a target analyte which is bound to the enzyme-labeled antibody to form a sandwich complex, is immobilized in a test indicia portion. The enzyme-labeled antibody produces a visual color differential between a control indicia portion and a non-indicia portion in the test zone upon contact with a substrate.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device for detection and/or determination of an analyte in a competitive immunoassay gives a semiquantitative or quantitative indication of analyte concentration in a single assay device while also giving a positive indication that flow has occurred properly through the device. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component including a sample preparation zone and an absorber; and (2) a second opposable component including a first chromatographic medium with capture and detection zones, a second chromatographic medium with a comparison zone, and a comparison label. In another form, the second opposable component includes one chromatographic medium with capture, detection, and control zones. Test kits incorporating the devices and methods for their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously performing at least two assays using certain reagents for a plurality of liquid samples on a continuous analytical system is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one reagent in a first reaction container to form a first assay reaction for each liquid sample, and combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one of the other reagents in a second reaction container to form a second assay reaction for each liquid sample. The method further comprises the steps of incubating the assay reactions of each assay being conducted at least one time, and performing other activities associated with each assay and using the first and second assay reactions to complete each assay, including analyzing the incubated assay reactions.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of imaging a colorectal carcinoma lesion in a human patient which comprises administering to the patient a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to a cell surface antigen associated with the colorectal carcinoma lesion and which is labeled with an imaging agent under conditions so as to form a complex between the monoclonal antibody and the cell surface antigen, imaging any complex so formed, and thereby imaging the colorectal carcinoma lesion.This invention also provides a monoclonal antibody designated AS 33 (ATCC Accession No. HB 8779) and the hybridoma which produces it.

Abstract: An improved assay for determining sensitivity to activated protein C in test samples has been developed to ensure rapid and accurate evaluations. This assay is based on measuring the conversion, by activated factor VIII within a test sample, of added factor X to an activated form. The activated protein C sensitivity of the test sample is determined by the relative inhibition of factor X conversion as compared to a control. A test sample that has decreased sensitivity to activated protein C will show relatively low inhibition, and vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed are materials and methods for detecting biomolecules in samples employing transponders having memory elements associated with particle(s) used as a solid phase in art assay, and information pertinent to the assay is encoded on the transponder memory elements. A dedicated read/write device is used remotely to encode or remotely to read the information encoded on the transponder memory elements. The invention can be used in direct or competitive ELISA-type assays, or in multiplex assays for the simultaneous assay of several analytes.

Abstract: A method of separating bound labeled indicator from free labeled indicator in a layer of a test element for immunoassay. The method comprisesa) depositing sample containing a target immunoanalyte capable of binding to the labeled indicator or to an immobilized antibody in competition with the labeled indicator, onto an exterior surface of a test element in the presence of the labeled indicator andb) adding an amount of wash liquid to the exterior surface to form a pool of the liquid having a meniscus on the surface, the liquid penetrating the surface over an area bounded by a closed intersect edge formed between the pool meniscus and the surface, so that penetrating liquid can push free labeled indicator away from bound labeled indicator in a volume of the layer below the bounded area.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for improved kinetics of light production from luciferase activity in beetle luciferase-luciferin reactions. Thus, the invention provides methods, compositions and test kits for assaying samples for the presence of a beetle luciferase or, using a beetle luciferase-luciferin reaction, the presence of ATP. The invention also provides the complex of the coenzyme, Coenzyme A, a beetle luciferase and oxyluciferin in its exited state in the luciferase-luciferin reaction and luciferyl-CoA, the thioester of Coenzyme A and luciferin (D-(-)-2-(6'-hydroxy -2'-benzothiazolyl)-.DELTA..sup.2 -thiazoline-4-carboxylic acid).

Abstract: Polymer or copolymer coated catalytic colloidal metal particles bound to a biomolecule such as an antibody, avidin, or streptavidin and kits containing such polymer or copolymer coated catalytic metal particles are useful for detecting the presence of the biomolecule in an assay such as an immunoassay.

Abstract: Method of increasing the light output and/or signal:background ratio of light output from a chemiluminescent reaction of a dihydrophthalazinedione, a peroxidase enzyme catalyst and an oxidant, by carrying out the reaction in the presence of an enhancer which is an aromatic organo boron compound. Kits suitable for use in diagnositc assays comprising such enhancers are also described.

Abstract: A chromogenic assay for determination of blood coagulation Factor IX (christmas factor) utilizes Factor Xa formed by the conversion of Factor X by activated Factor IX and Factor VIII to cleave a chromogenic substrate. The sample is combined into a mixture with Factor XIa in the presence of Factor IIa (thrombin), incubated, combined with Factor X and Factor VIII, and incubated. A thrombin inhibitor, and an indicator agent which reacts with Factor Xa, are added and the resulting signal measured and correlated to the level of Factor IX in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides lyophilized reagent spheres comprising reagents suitable for analysis of biological samples, in particular analysis of blood samples in centrifugal analyzers. Also provided are diluents which are conveniently used in such analyzers.

Abstract: Disclosed are assay apparatus, devices and methods that permit longitudinal capillary flow of liquid between two pieces of bibulous material which, prior to actuation, are in a non-capillary flow relationship to each other. In particular, the devices utilize a distortable member which when distorted, actuates the device by creating a capillary flow relationship between the two pieces of bibulous material. In an alternative embodiment the apparatus, devices, and methods include at least one additional piece of bibulous material.

Abstract: A diagnostic test, and a device for conducting the test, for assessing whether patient chest pain is cardiac in origin and for differentiating between unstable angina and myocardial infarction as a cause of patient chest pain is described. The diagnostic test comprises simultaneously detecting at least three selected cardiac markers with the use of at least three different monoclonal or polyclonal antibody pairs, each member of which is complementary to a different marker, which is released by heart muscle at varying stages after the onset of chest pain and is indicative of the cause of the chest pain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the rapid detection of Group A streptococci in clinical specimens, through the enzymatic digestion by a semi-purified Group C streptococcal phage associated lysin enzyme and the identification of the released antigens, through the reaction of a labelled ligand and its respective antigen or receptor. The labelled ligand can be included during the digestion of the bacteria, enabling the total assay time to be less than five minutes. The lysin enzyme is stabilized and can be lyophilized for in situ reconstitution.

Abstract: A method is described for performing an affinity assay comprising contacting a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte with a dry reagent containing the analyte (hapten, antigen, antibody, receptor, or complementary polynucleotide) bound to a reaction cascade initiator, an antibody or other binding pair partner reactive with said analyte, and magnetic particles, to form an assay mixture in a reaction chamber, incubating the assay mixture, applying an oscillating or moving static magnetic field to the assay mixture, activating the reaction cascade initiator to initiate a reaction cascade, monitoring the response of the magnetic particles to the oscillating or moving static magnetic field to provide a time varying signal, and determining the analyte concentration of the sample by analysis of the time varying signal, as well as a kit for performing the assay and a diagnostic system for performing the assay.

Abstract: An aqueous wash solution is buffered to a pH of from about 5 to about 9 and contains at least about 1.5 weight percent of a compound comprising a lower alcohol sulfate anion having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms and an alkali metal or ammonium cation, such as sodium decyl sulfate. This wash solution is useful in a method for the determination of an immunological ligand, and is not prone to crystallization at lower temperatures. Particularly, it is useful for washing the immunological complex formed between the ligand and a receptor molecule therefor. Unreacted materials can be readily separated from the complex by the washing, particularly if the separation is carried out using a filtration membrane in a test device. A test kit for ligand determination comprises the wash solution as well as one or more receptors for the ligand, at least one of which is labeled for detection. This kit is particularly useful for measuring human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as an early indicator of pregnancy.

Abstract: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies highly specific for human bone alkaline phosphatase, especially in the presence of human liver alkaline phosphatase, and their use in assays for human bone alkaline phosphatase are disclosed. A kit using the antibodies in an assay for human bone alkaline phosphatase is also disclosed.

Abstract: The analytical dipstick of the present invention facilitates analyte testing with reduced liquid reagent volumes and provides improved mixing. The dipstick includes an elongated member having a fluid displacing member at one end thereof and a ligand attached to a portion of the elongated member in a region adjacent to the displacing member. The displacing member has a configuration that substantially conforms with the inner side wall of an analytical well in which the dipstick is placed to displace fluid therein. When the displacing member is substantially centered at the bottom of the well, the portion of the dipstick supporting the ligand preferably is spaced from the inner side wall by a distance of at least about twice that between the displacing member and the inner side wall, measured along a line passing through the greatest lateral dimension of the displacing member.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of binding proteins and double-stranded DNA to the same membrane matrix. The DNA bound to the membrane matrix remains in double-stranded form. The subject invention further concerns an assay procedure for detecting antibodies, such as autoimmune antibodies, in a biological sample that are immunoreactive with the proteins and double-stranded DNA attached to a membrane matrix. The subject invention provides a single assay system that allows for the determination of antinuclear antibody specificities which can be used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for performing the Western Blot Assay and other assays. The invention includes a tray within which multiple samples can be assayed with a minimum of operator attention. The tray that is desirably used with the apparatus is multichambered and can be alternately agitated and drained according to drive cards and/or other controls such as electronic controls. The tray is designed in such a way that reagents and washing fluids, which are added sequentially and then cleared, do not back flow into the chambers of the tray.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that are radiolabeled scintigraphic imaging agents, comprising a polybasic compound covalently linked to a radiolabel binding moiety and the composition further comprising a polysulfated glycan. The invention also provides methods for producing and using such compositions. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprised of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) labeled scintigraphic imaging agents comprising a polybasic compound having at least 5 chemical functionalities that are basic at physiological pH and a radiolabel-binding moiety, the composition further comprising a polysulfated glycan, the composition being capable of specifically binding to inflammatory sites in vivo. Methods and kits for making such compositions, and methods for using such compositions to image sites of infection and inflammation in a mammalian body, are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out automatically in several successive steps an immunoassay of at least one biological substance in a plurality of biological samples, and the method and the reagents for the use of the said apparatus.

Abstract: Assays for liquid analytes are performed on a bibulous matrix containing dried reagents which produce a visibly detectable reaction product. Application of liquid sample to the bibulous matrix is detected by measuring a drop in resistance across the matrix. A preferred test article for performing the method includes the matrix and a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in electrical contact with a reaction zone on the matrix. The test article is used in combination with a detection unit having means for probing the electrodes to determine when electrical resistance in the matrix has decreased. The assay methods and apparatus are particularly useful for performing enzyme assays where signal developed as a function of time is critical.

Abstract: A method of monitoring compliance of a patient that has been placed on a medication maintenance program with a prescribed medication dosage by determining a normalized urine methadone concentration. An unadulterated urine sample is obtained from the patient. The urine methadone concentration and urine specific gravity are measured. The normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine and the urine specific gravity. The calculated normalized urine medication concentration is compared with an expected medication concentration value for the patient for the maintenance program prescribed to determine any significant differences therebetween as an indication of noncompliance.Alternatively, a urinary-parameter normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine, the urine specific gravity and at least one selected pharmacokinetic parameter of the medication.

Abstract: An antibody raised to type I collagen carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide isolated from decalcified human or animal bone, may be used in an assay to determine the concentration of liberated carboxyterminal telopeptide region of the type I collagen molecule in a sample. When the sample is a body fluid such as serum or urine the degradation product measured is resistant to further degradation, since it contains a multivalent intermolecular cross-link, and can thus be found in the body fluid. The assay may be used to assess the degradation of type I collagen, the major organic constituent of bone matrix.

Abstract: Monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies capable of recognizing at least one antigenic determinant located on the FR-900506 compound, are disclosed. FR-900506 isa compound having pharmacological activities such as immunosuppressive activity and antimicrobial activity, and has the following structure: ##STR1## Also disclosed are enzyme immunoassays for FR-900506 based on the antibodies of the invention and test kits for detection of FR-900506. A process for preparing a monoclonal antibody which selectively binds to FR-900506 is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed the use of prothrombin fragments, preferably of human prothrombin fragments, having a thrombin-like activity, in particular of meizothrombin, meizo thrombin (desF1), or mixtures thereof, for diagnostic purposes for assaying thrombin substrates as well as a reagent containing these prothrombin fragments.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies highly specific for human bone alkaline phosphatase, especially in the presence of human liver alkaline phosphatase, and their use in assays for human bone alkaline phosphatase are disclosed. A kit using the antibodies in an assay for human bone alkaline phosphatase is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for the collection and testing of a fluid specimen is disclosed and claimed. The invention is particularly useful for collecting and testing human urine specimens but may also be employed in the veterinary environment or any time a potentially hazardous fluid is to be collected and tested and isolation of the specimen from testing personnel is desired. The invention keeps the specimen enclosed and sealed during transport and testing to facilitate safe handling of specimen. Some embodiments of the invention are highly resistent to tampering by the patient or during transport.

Abstract: A medical specimen collection system includes a blood specimen collection subsystem including a blood specimen card. The blood specimen card comprises a blotter-type absorbent material with locations for receiving blood droplets. A humidity-indicating pouch comprising, for example, a cobalt chloride composition applied to blotter-type absorbent substrate is mounted on the blood specimen card in fluidic communication therewith. The humidity-indicating patch changes color in response to changing moisture levels. The blood specimen card must have less than a predetermined moisture content for processing of the samples thereon. The system can comprise a prepackaged kit which also includes a urine specimen collection subsystem and a labeling/mailing subsystem with adhesive labels and a mailing envelope.

Abstract: Contaminants in particulate materials may be separated and quantitated by contacting the particulate material with an immobilized biomolecule which specifically binds to the contaminant, separating the contaminant-immobilized biomolecule complex from the particulate material, and counting the bound contaminant. The method may be conveniently carried out when the biomolecule is immobilized on a magnetic particle. An apparatus for carrying out the method contains a receptacle for receiving a reaction vessel and magnets positioned such that magnetic particles contained in the reaction vessel will be drawn to and adhere to the sides of the reaction vessel when placed in the receptacle.

Abstract: A multipurpose reagent system for rapid analysis of a whole blood sample allowing the determination of at least five classes of peripheral white blood cells, nucleated red blood cells, and lymphocyte immunophenotyping on automated hematology instrumentation. The multipurpose reagent system lyses red cells rapidly, while it concurrently fixes white cells and preserves surface antigens on lymphocytes. The multipurpose reagent system comprises from about 3 to 7 grams per liter of a non-quaternary ammonium salt, from about 0.04 to about 0.10 percent by volume of an aliphatic aldehyde with one to four carbons, from about 10 mM to about 20 mM of a non-phosphate buffer which is inert to the aliphatic aldehyde, and a sufficient amount of water to give a pH between 5.5 and 7.5 and an osmolality of between about 160 to about 310 mOsm per liter.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic device and method of its use are provided. The device comprises a housing containing first and second flow paths orthogonal to each other. The first flow path commences at a sample addition port and continues through a transport channel which feeds sample to an incubation area by means of capillary flow. The incubation area comprises a signal producing system and is underneath an optically-clear window. The first flow path terminates in a top waste reservoir which receives sample and wash fluid. The second flow path begins on one side of the incubation area at an inlet port over a side reagent reservoir. Liquid flows along the second flow path from the side reagent reservoir across the incubation area into the side waste reservoir. The incubation area may comprise agitation means for homogenous dispersion of reagent into liquid.