Abstract: A system for a clinical lab that is capable of automatically processing, including sorting, of multiple specimen containers. The system comprises a central controller, a workstation, one or more analyzers, and an automated centrifuge. The workstation has automatic detectors for detecting the presence of a holder holding specimen containers. The workstation has a bar code reader for reading bar codes on the containers. The system has a transport subsystem, preferably a workstation robotic arm and an analyzer robotic arm for transporting the specimen containers, moving them to and from the workstation, to and from the analyzers, and to and from the centrifuge. The centrifuge is loaded with buckets containing specimen containers. The workstation can be provided with a balance system for balancing the weight of the buckets used. The workstation can also have a decapper for automatically removing caps from the specimen containers.

Abstract: An automatic chemistry analyzer is provided having a high throughput and a high reliability. The analyzer uses nephelometric and turbimetric analyzers to analyze a wide variety of parameters within liquid samples typically generated in, for example, a large medical testing laboratory. The machine employs a unique probe and stirring rod assembly mounted at a slight angle with one another using rack and pinion assemblies so that the lower end of the probe and the lower end of the stirring rod are in very close proximity to one another. This feature allows the machine to be used in unusually small reaction cuvettes. The analysis machine also includes an onboard control sample so that the machine can be programmed to periodically calibrate its analyzing equipment during the course of normal operation.

Abstract: An improved method for detecting hybridized biomolecules is provided which comprises the steps of, providing a plurality of probe biomolecules on a solid support surface; pre-treating the plurality of probe biomolecules with an effective amount of a pre-treatment solution to produce a signal having an increased intensity of at least two (2) times, as compared to an identical detection method that does not include the pre-treating step; applying a buffer solution to the probe biomolecules; hybridizing the probe biomolecules with a plurality of target biomolecules to form a hybridized complex; and, developing and detecting the signal intensity. The developing step of the method may further include the steps of, treating the hybridized complex with a conjugating solution, and treating the conjugated, hybridized complex with a detection reagent.

Abstract: A solid support based hybridization assay is provided which allows for the systematic and reproducible analysis of repeat and tandem repeat oligonucleotide sequences of DNA and RNA by hybridization to a reverse dot blot array comprising strings of such repeats complementary to those found in particular nucleic acid targets (e.g., analyte PCR product). An addressable library (i.e., an indexed set) of complementary repeats is synthesized on a suitable support. Preferably, the support comprises a low fluorescent background support, thereby facilitating the use of non-radioisotopic modes of detection (such as fluorescence or chemiluminescence); particularly suitable in this regard is an aminated polypropylene support or similar material. Preferred arrays permit screening of DNA and RNA samples for complete sets of particular types of nucleotide repeat sequences (e.g., all nucleotide doublet or triplet repeats).

Abstract: A rate nephelometer of the type useful in automated chemical analyzers is provided. The nephelometer includes a laser for generating a polarized laser beam having an S-wave component and a P-wave component. The beam is split by a beam splitter specially constructed so that a known proportion of one of the two polarized portions of the beam is directed to a reaction container. In the reaction container, a first polarized component of the laser beam is used in a nephelometric chemical analysis. The remainder of the laser beam passes through the beam splitter to a laser control light detector. Before the remainder of the laser beam reaches the laser control light detector, however, the polarized component which is not used in nephelometric chemical analysis is filtered out. The laser control detector uses the non-filtered portion of the laser beam to control the output of the laser.

Abstract: The invention provides an automatic analyzing machine comprising a unique reaction cup combination for running high volume chemical analyses, such as analyses for sodium, potassium, glucose, creatinine and BUN (blood urea nitrogen). The reaction cup combination includes an aluminum body having at least one flat smooth side. A planar heating element is sandwiched between the flat side and a planar outer sidewall. Within the planar outer sidewall is disposed a reagent inlet conduit coiled or otherwise disposed in planar fashion. By this design, heating of inlet reagent is more efficient and control of the temperature within the reaction cup is more precise. In a preferred embodiment, the reaction cup assembly includes a pair of such heating element and inlet conduit combinations so that the reaction cup can be rinsed with heated water instead of heated reagent. Such a design not only reduces the use of expensive reagent, but minimizes toxic waste disposal needs.

Abstract: A polarographic sensor device to determine the partial pressure of a gas in a sample medium is disclosed. The device comprises a) a substantially hydroscopic electrolyte composition joining a pair of spaced apart electrodes, one of the pair of electrodes being a sensing electrode; b) a membrane permeable to gas but impermeable to the electrolyte, the membrane having a front section for separating the electrodes and the electrolyte from the sample medium; and c) a fastener comprising a sleeve having a body portion and a lip, the body portion retaining the fastener and a side section of the membrane, and the lip retaining a portion of the front section of the membrane and holding substantially the entire front section in a spaced apart relationship from the sensing electrode.

Abstract: An assay for determining the presence of an analyte of interest in a test sample containing an interfering substance that interferes with the assay is disclosed. The assay comprises the steps of forming a reaction mixture by combining in an assay medium (i) an assay system containing components for detecting the analyte of interest, (ii) a test sample containing the analyte and an interfering substance, and (iii) an additional amount of the interfering substance in a quantity sufficient to substantially mask the effect of the interfering substance in the test sample. This reaction mixture is incubated under conditions sufficient to allow complex formation. This resultant complex formation is detected and the presence of the analyte in the test sample is determined.