Abstract: A trifunctional conjugate is provided having three chemical moieties attached through a spacer moeity. At least two of the chemical moieties are relatively small molecules, usually less than about 7,000 Daltons in size. The spacer moiety is selected to impart certain steric properties to the conjugate. In one embodiment, the binding of a macromolecular specific binding partner to one of the chemical moieties sterically inhibits the binding of a different macromolecule to another chemical moiety. In another embodiment, the binding of a first chemical moiety to a macromolecule restricts the subsequent binding of a second chemical moiety to a proximate location on the same macromolecule. The three chemical moieties are preferably a nitrophenylazido residue, a phenyl boronic acid residue, and a solid support or a label such as biotin. The spacer is preferably cysteine, lysine, glutamic acid, pyroglutamic acid, S-acetylmercaptosuccinic anhydride or .omega.-carbobenzoxylysine.

Abstract: A method for making a preconjugate which includes immunogenic species of a polymorphic analyte. The method is carried out by reacting an activated binding moiety, and a polymorphic analyte at room temperature for between about 10 hours and about 60 hours. The attaching reaction results in an excess of the preconjugate which includes the immunogenic species of the polymorphic analyte. The preconjugate can be used to make an immunoreactive conjugate useful as a developer antigen in a competitive inhibition immunoassay for the polymorphic analyte.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay device for use with immunoassays allows rapid and convenient assays of analytes of biological interest, and permits extractions to be carried out in situ, avoiding the use of separate extraction vessels. The device has a wide dynamic range and avoids interference from particulates or colored components. In one form, the device comprises: (1) a first opposable component comprising a sample preparation zone adapted to receive a sample to be assayed; (2) a second opposable component comprising a chromatographic medium; and (3) a conductive barrier attached to the second opposable component. The first and second opposable components can be brought into opposition so as to cause the sample preparation zone to apply the sample to be tested to the chromatographic medium. Preferably, the analyte is detected with a visually detectable label. Other variations of the device vary the arrangement of components to provide optimal chromatography for a variety of analytes.

Abstract: A solid mass rotor for centrifuges of the type supporting sample containers in cells which are radially positioned apertures in the rotor body features a cross-sectional shape which is relieved by a plurality of apertures, a first subset of which defines cells and a second subset of which defines relief zones. The solid mass of the rotor disposed between the cells and the relief zones defines a plurality of spokes extending from a radially central spin axis. The relief zones reduce the mass and overall moment of inertia of the rotor, while maintaining the strength and high speed capability associated with solid mass rotors.

Abstract: An ion selective electrode assembly is provided having a sample injection cup, a flow cell analyzer and multiple module pump for simultaneously pumping liquids between the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer using a single motor. One of the pump modules is capable of pumping a reference solution directly to the flow cell analyzer. Flow through each pumping module is controlled by a pair of rocker valves. The sample injection cup includes a first diaphragm valve for allowing a mixture of sample and reagent to flow to the flow cell analyzer. The sample injection cup further includes a second diaphragm valve installed immediately downstream of the first diaphragm for allowing a flushing solution to flow throughout the sample injection cup and the flow cell analyzer.

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: A compound of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl of 1 to about 10 carbons and R' is selected from the group consisting of trityl and pixyl, for use in the synthesis of 2'-OMe RNA sequences. Fast cleavage and deprotection of oligonucleotides is facilitated by the use of a reagent comprising methylamine as active component in place of the traditional reagent ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: Oxidizing compositions particularly for use in automated oligonucleotide synthesis containing a mixture of KI and I.sub.2 in solution, in equilibrium with KI.sub.3. One preferred composition contains 1.75% KI.sub.3 (providing 0.69% KI and 1.06% I.sub.2) in tetrahydrofuran/pyridine/water (93/5/2, v/v). These formulations enable synthesis of oligonucleotides of significantly higher quality than the currently employed formulation comprising 3% I.sub.2 in tetrahydrofuran/pyridine/water (74/21/2, v/v).

Abstract: An assay for detecting in a test sample, an analyte that undergoes auto-oxidation is disclosed. The assay comprises the steps of forming a reaction mixture by combining in an aqueous medium (i) a sample containing the analyte and (ii) a stabilizer that reduces the rate of radical mediated auto-oxidation of the analyte. The reaction mixture is incubated for a period of time and the rate of auto-oxidation is detected. When the detected rate of auto-oxidation is substantially zero, a sufficient quantity of an enzyme is added, that catalyzes the oxidation of the analyte. In the presence of the stabilizer, the analyte can be oxidized to a product species. The product species, the analyte, or both can be detected.

Abstract: Discloses DNA isolation and purification methods which involve novel washing steps. The disclosed methods provide a means for isolating and purifying DNA from a homogeneous mixture of DNA of other cellular contaminants by treating silica with the homogeneous mixture containing DNA in the presence of a chaotropic salt solution and then washing and separating the washed and treated silica in successive wash steps with aqueous alcohol wash solutions. A first wash step involves washing the treated silica with a first wash solution of at least 95 wt % alcohol in water. A second wash step similarly involves washing the treated and washed silica with second wash solution of less than 95 wt % alcohol in water.

Abstract: Purification of synthesized oligonucleotides is achieved using novel processes and reagents. The novel processes involve adding certain salts to treated synthesized oligonucleotides prior to eluting the oligonucleotides from reverse phase purification cartridges. The novel processes also involve treating synthesized oligonucleotides using cleaving and deprotecting reagents containing methylamine and certain salts. Reagents comprising methylamine and certain salts can be used to rapidly cleave and deprotect oligonucleotides while obtaining high yields of purified oligonucleotides using reverse phase purification technologies.

Abstract: A centrifuge rotor overspeed protection system which can operate with rotors of at least two speed ranges. A set of coding elements are provided on the rotors coded to represent the actual maximum safe speed rating of the rotor. An additional set of coding elements coded to correspond to the maximum speed in the lower speed range are also provided such that the rotor can be operated at the maximum speed possible in a prior art centrifuge designed for operation in the lower speed range. The detection circuit for the coding elements automatically adjusts the detection threshold depending on the average values of the sensor output peaks corresponding to the codes.

Abstract: A composition, which has utility as a storage buffer and as a sample diluent before analysis by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), is comprised of water, a borate compound, a buffer compound and a pH modifier for maintaining a physiological pH. In addition, a conductivity adjusting compound is present so that the conductivity of the composition is about the same as a prospective capillary electrophoresis running buffer. Containers with storage buffer/sample diluent can be assembled in a kit for conducting serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) or immunosubtraction (IFE/s) analysis. Moreover, the storage buffer/sample diluent can be used in methods of preparing samples for CZE analysis, such as quantitative dilutions and enzymatic or immunological reactions.

Abstract: A reagent segment including a body and trough formed therein with the floor of the trough sloped towards a drainage zone. The reagent segment is adapted for transporting reagents within an automated analyzer by having at least two protrusions on the exterior wall of the trough that fit within corresponding cavities of a transport arm. The reagent segment is retained by a latching mechanism through a protuberance on the exterior surface of the trough that conforms with a hole in the latching mechanism. The reagent segment can also have a concave depression on the interior surface of the trough at the drainage zone. The depression can coincide with the protuberance on the exterior surface of the trough that associates with the hole in the latching mechanism. Further, the reagent segment may include at least one indexing rib, between the exterior surface of the trough and the rim of the body, that can be inserted within an indexing slot of a holding means.

Abstract: Bidentate reagents for rapidly and quantitatively assaying the concentration of pharmacological agents in biological samples are described. The reagents are used in an immunoassay format for determining the concentration of desired, preselected pharmacological agents, such as benzoylecgonine, cocaine, an opiate, PCP, digoxigenin, acetaminophen, carbamazepine, phenytoin, primidone, theophylline, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, vancomycin, quinidine or a cannabinoid.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay test device for use with immunoassays. The test device has a sample collection member pivotally coupled to a test strip receiving member. The sample collection member has a window for applying a test sample to a pad accessible through the window and the pad is repositionable to an inverted position to contact a chromatographic member inserted into the test device. The chromatographic member is then brought into opposition to the sample collection member thus improving test performance by reducing the manipulation of samples. The test device is constructed from five interconnected panels which are die cut from SBS cardboard. The first panel has a window for inserting a test strip and the second panel has a window for viewing the test strip during the test procedure. The third panel has the repositionable pad section. The fourth panel has a window for applying the test sample and the fifth panel covers the test sample window.

Abstract: An assay for detecting the presence or amount of a target polynucleotide sequence of interest in a test sample is disclosed. The assay comprises the steps of forming a reaction mixture by combining in an assay medium (i) a first reagent and (ii) an aliquot of the test sample suspected of containing the target polynucleotide sequence. The reaction mixture is subjected to denaturing conditions, and exposed to hybridization conditions allowing the first reagent to hybridize with any target polynucleotide present. A second reagent is then added, the reaction mixture undergoes hybridization conditions and the change in turbidity of the reaction mixture is detected, correlating with the presence of the target polynucleotide in the sample.

Abstract: A non-liquid scatter standard for use in nephelometry and turbidimetry systems which comprises a clear silicon rubber gel in which an effective light scattering amount of inorganic particles are suspended. The particles have an index of refraction greater than that of the silicon rubber gel.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the presence of hemolysis, icteris and lipemia in a serum sample are provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning a probe inlet of a probe in a sample container, aspiring at least a portion of the serum sample into a probe lumen of the probe from the sample container, and monitoring the serum sample in a probe lumen to determine whether hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. The serum sample is monitored with a detector which performs spectrophotometric analysis of the serum sample in the probe lumen through a substantially transparent section of the probe. From the spectrophotometric analysis, a hemolytic index, an icteric index and a lipemic index of the serum sample can be established. Based upon these serum indices, the serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional tests or can be disposed of because the sample is compromised.

Abstract: A compound of general formula ##STR1## wherein R is methyl R' is selected from the group consisting of trityl and pixyl, and R" is H or OMe. These compounds may advantageously be employed in the synthesis of oligonucleotides by conventional methods, such as automated solid phase synthesis. Use of ethylene diamine in the cleavage and deprotection procedure substantially eliminates the formation of undesirable side products.