Abstract: This invention relates to stabilized formulations comprising a glycopeptide antibiotic immobilized on carrier particles, and more particularly stabilized vancomycin bidentate conjugate formulations for assaying the concentration of vancomycin in a test sample. The invention also relates to assay formats that utilize such stabilized formulations. The invention further provides a test kit for detecting the presence of vancomycin in a test sample, wherein the test kit includes a stabilized vancomycin conjugate formulation. The invention further provides a novel rate enhancer for immunoassays for enhancing the rate of binding of an anti-analyte antibody to the analyte.

Abstract: A method and system of sample aliquot storage for automated immunochemistry or chemistry instruments are provided. The method and system provide a sample aliquot storage unit having a sample storage wheel for storing sample vessels containing sample aliquots in a chilled enclosed environment, which are accessible by both a sample pipettor of a sample aliquoting station and a pick-and-place gripper. The pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels containing sample aliquots to multiple independent reagent pipetting stations respectively for sample aspiration of subsequent assay, and thereafter transports the sample vessels containing remaining sample aliquots back to the sample storage wheel to be stored in the chilled environment for reflex testing. When all the tests are completed, the pick-and-place gripper transports the sample vessels to a waste storage area.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer is set forth. In accordance with one embodiment, the mass analyzer employs a unique mass filter design that comprises an ion selection chamber in which ions are selected for detection based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/Q) by subjecting them to a non-rotating, oscillating electric field that, ignoring any fringing effects, oscillates principally in a single coordinate plane (i.e., the y-z plane). The ions may be injected into the ion selection chamber at a significant angle with respect to the inlet of the chamber and in the single coordinate plane to raise the m/Q resolution to the desired level. In accordance with a further embodiment of the mass analyzer, an ion detection surface is arranged at the outlet of the ion selection chamber so that ions falling within a predetermined exit angle range are detected to the general exclusion of ions having other exit angles.

Abstract: A sample presentation unit (SPU) for an automated analyzer is provided. The SPU has a sample rack onload section having an elongated rail, and an onload moving mechanism movable along the rail for moving the sample racks placed on the rail towards a sample rack presentation section. The sample rack presentation section of the SPU has a transfer area connected to the proximal end of the rail of the sample rack onload section for receiving the sample racks from the sample rack onload section, a sample presentation area adjacent to the automated analyzer for presenting sample racks for aspiration, and a presentation moving mechanism movable between the transfer area and the presentation area for moving sample racks from the transfer area to the presentation area for a sample aspiration and subsequently moving the sample racks from the presentation area back to the transfer area after sample aspiration.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer capable of parallel processing one or more analytes is set fourth. The mass analyzer comprises a mass filter unit having a plurality of ion selection chambers disposed in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of ion selection chambers respectively includes an ion inlet lying in an inlet plane and an ion outlet lying in an outlet plane. The mass analyzer further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed in the ion selection chambers and at least one RF signal generator connected to the plurality of electrodes to produce a non-rotating, oscillating electric field in each ion selection chambers. A plurality of ion injectors are each coupled to inject an ion beam into the ion inlet of a respective ion selection chambers. The ions meeting predetermined m/Q requirements pass through the ion selection chambers to contact corresponding detection surfaces of an ion detector array.

Abstract: An improved mass analyzer capable of parallel processing one or more analytes is set forth. The mass analyzer comprises a mass filter unit having a plurality of ion selection chambers disposed in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of ion selection chambers respectively includes an ion inlet lying in an inlet plane and an ion outlet lying in an outlet plane. The mass analyzer further includes a plurality of electrodes disposed in the ion selection chambers and at least one RF signal generator connected to the plurality of electrodes to produce a non-rotating, oscillating electric field in each ion selection chambers. A plurality of ion injectors are each coupled to inject an ion beam into the ion inlet of a respective ion selection chambers. The ions meeting predetermined m/Q requirements pass through the ion selection chambers to contact corresponding detection surfaces of an ion detector array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the level of red blood cells, plasma or serum, and organic separation gel in a test tube covered with multiple labels is provided. Visible and infrared light beams are projected onto a test tube. The portions of the light beams that pass through the test tube are detected as a function of position along the vertical axis of the test tube. The levels of the interfaces are then calculated from the detected portions.

Abstract: A new method and system for transporting and sorting multiple reagent packs used in conjunction with an immunodiagnostic instrument is provided. The new system includes a multiplicity of reagent packs; a gantry movably mounted on a rack structure for carrying a gripper mechanism, wherein the gripper mechanism has gripping jaws for engagement with the reagent pack; a power assembly for actuating the respective movement of the gantry, the gripper mechanism and the gripping jaws; a storage nest having a multiplicity of compartments, each adapted for storing a one of the respective reagent packs; and a pipetting nest having a multiplicity of compartment, each adapted for retaining a respective one of the reagent packs for simultaneous pipetting. Methods of using the system and a novel reagent pack used in connection with the new system are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular fluorescence sensor having the following general formula: Where Fl is a fluorophore, N is a nitrogen atom, Bd1 and Bd2 are independently selected binding groups, Sp is an aliphatic spacer, and An is an anchor group for attaching the sensor to solid substrates. n=1 or 2, m=1 or 2, x is an integer, and y=1 or 2. The binding groups are capable of binding an analyte molecule to form a stable 1:1 complex. In a preferred embodiment, the Bd1 is R1—B(OH)2 and Bd2 is R2—B(OH)2. R1 and R2 are aliphatic or aromatic functional groups selected independently from each other and B is a boron atom. The present invention also provides methods of synthesizing a modular fluorescence sensor and its use in labeling solid substrates.

Abstract: A bucket is capable of holding a sample container in a rotary centrifuge. The bucket has a receptacle to receive the sample container and a trunnion joined to the bucket. The trunnion has a plurality of cutouts that each define a flexible span that is sufficiently thin to flex under application of a centrifugal force generated by the rotary centrifuge, and pivot pins to that allows the bucket to pivot under the application of the centrifugal force. The receptacle has an open end having an internal surface with a tapering groove and a self-seating cap having pegs sized to fit in the tapering groove.

Abstract: A software architecture includes a router that receives all messages from modules in a software system. Each message is associated with one of several pre-defined message translations, including message attributes, which are maintained by a Keeper database. Individual modules may send messages to the Router requesting that they receive messages having message attributes that match specified criteria. A common messaging control is encodes each message according to a hierarchical format so that any module receiving a message can decode the message and receive data elements from it without knowledge of the precise structure or sequence of data elements in the message.

Abstract: The invention provides compounds for detecting sacchharides by electrochemistry. The compounds have a structure that includes a first boronic acid group attached by a first linker group to a first tertiary amine. The first tertiary amine is attached to a reporter group that includes an organometalic reporter moiety. A spacer group attaches the first tertiary amine to a second tertiary amine. The second tertiary amine is attached to an R group and a second linker group. The second linker group is attached to a second boronic acid group. In preferred embodiments, the compound selectively detects glucose and has a higher relative stability constant for glucose than for other saccharides.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a target biomolecule in a sample where there is a robotic arm to move a pipette adaptor to the desired reagent locations to facilitate the detection.

Abstract: A modular multiple lane or capillary electrophoresis (chromatography) system that permits automated parallel separation and comprehensive collection of all fractions from samples in all lanes or columns, with the option of further on-line automated sample fraction analysis, is disclosed. Preferably, fractions are collected in a multi-well fraction collection unit, or plate (40). The multi-well collection plate (40) is preferably made of a solvent permeable gel, most preferably a hydrophilic, polymeric gel such as agarose or cross-linked polyacrylamide.

Abstract: The gene for Streptococcus pyogenes DNase B has been cloned and vectors incorporating the cloned DNA have been used to transform Escherichia coli, allowing efficient and rapid production of the DNase in E. coli without the necessity of growing large quantities of S. pyogenes. The enzyme can be produced with a leader peptide at its amino terminus. An improved method for the purification of naturally occurring S. pyogenes DNase B enzyme is also provided. The DNase B enzyme produced, either by purification of naturally occurring enzyme or by recombinant DNA techniques, can be used to generate antibodies and can also be used in immunochemical assays to detect the presence of anti-DNase B antibodies in serum as a marker of infection by S. pyogenes.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a preliminary test on a neat serum sample contained in a primary collection tube is provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning of an optical probe near the primary collection tube and monitoring the neat serum sample in the primary collection tube to determine whether an interferant, such as hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. From this test, a hemolytic index, an icteric index and a lipemic index can also be established for the neat serum sample. Based upon these serum indices, the neat serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional testing or to waste receptacle because the sample is compromised. Additionally, a volume test can be performed on the serum sample in the primary collection tube so that the serum sample can be properly allocated during subsequent testing.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved systems and methods for verifying accurate test performance of monitoring systems, particularly for point-of-care service. Such monitoring systems typically include a test element containing the test reagent(s), and an electronic analyzer device. A blood or other patient sample is applied to the test element, which is introduced to the analyzer. As the reaction proceeds, the analyzer stores the data and outputs the testing result. Accuracy in the result is dependent upon proper functioning of both the test element and the analyzer. The systems of the present invention provide indicators to evaluate the integrity of the test elements and a verification device to evaluate the performance of the analyzer. Such systems may be provided as kits with instructions for use.

Abstract: A piercing station for piercing sample container caps or thick stoppers. The piercing station has a structural frame with two vertical guide rods. A carriage assembly is slidably mounted on the guide rods and is further driven to move up and down along the guide rods. The carriage assembly carries a blade holder, which in turn holds a piercing blade assembly. The blade assembly includes a center blade and two cross blades interlocked together, such that the blade assembly has a generally modified “H”-shaped cross section for piercing a cap on the sample container. Lubricant left in or on the sample container cap by the piercing station reduces the force required by the sample probe to penetrate thick stoppers for sample aspiration and level sensing. The “H”-shaped cut helps to equalize the pressure in the sample container during sampling, so that clot detection is more effective.

Abstract: A centrifuge container transport rack designed with symmetrical opposing sides located over a central pivot. The pivot enables the rack to be utilized in the balancing of centrifuge containers.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes, kits, and methods useful for detecting a polynucleotide target in a sample are provided. The method, a mixture is formed by combining a polynucleotide target sample, a first probe that is complementary to the polynucleotide target and having a first fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor; and a second probe that is partially complementary to the first probe and having a second fluorescent donor or fluorescent acceptor. The second probe competes with the polynucleotide target for binding to the first probe and the first probe preferentially binds to the polynucleotide target rather than to the second probe. The-first fluorescent donor or acceptor and second fluorescent donor or acceptor form a donor/acceptor pair capable of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) with each other in response to activation of the fluorescent donor by light of a predetermined wavelength or band of wavelengths.