Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and reagents for determining ligands in biological fluids such as serum, plasma, spinal fluid, amnionic fluid and urine. In particular, this disclosure relates to a fluorescence polarization immunoassay procedure and to a novel class of tracer compounds employed as reagents in such procedures. The procedure disclosed combines the specificity of an immunoassay with the speed and convenience of fluorescence polarization techniques to provide a means for determining the amount of the specific ligand present in a sample.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes two spacedly positioned flexible supports which support an elongated rod, with one end of the elongated rod contacting a pressure detector section on a disposable pumping cassette; the pressure sensor assembly can detect pressures in the cassette both above and below atmospheric (i.e., zero psig); when pressure changes in the cassette, the pressure detection section causes axial movement of the rod and the rod, in turn, flexes the two flexible supports. Position detection means associated with one of the two supports monitors the flexural movement of the one support, providing an indication of the pressure within the cassette.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring fluid pressure and controlling fluid flow in a fluid line. The apparatus (10) includes a base (36) and a cover (38), between which is captured a membrane (42). The base includes an inlet port (18), a first outlet port (20), and a second outlet port (34). Channels formed within the base and covered by the membrane connect the inlet and outlet ports in fluid communication. The apparatus includes a flushing flow control valve (30) formed by a flow control projection (70), which projects outwardly from the base through the cover, and separates an inlet channel (62) from an outlet channel (64). A capillary flow passage 88 for restricting flow through the apparatus is disposed between the inlet channel and outlet channel comprises a capillary groove (86), formed across the flow control projection, adjacent the overlying membrane.

Abstract: An article for washing automated immunoassay apparatus probe is provided in the form of a plug member with first and second chambers. The first chamber is defined by a inner wall and a bottom surface which when positioned below a probe of a clinical analysis apparatus provides for recirculation of liquid dispensed from the probe back along the outer surface of the probe to remove residual sample from the probe surface prior to conducting subsequent tests with the probe. In the preferred embodiment of the plug, the second chamber is provided with a plurality of passages for drainage of fluid to a reagent waste container which, in the preferred embodiment, incorporates the plug member at the orifice thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sound generator and receiver are spaced apart from each other so as to receive a projecting portion of a cassette in which a liquid carrying passage is defined by a flexible membrane. The liquid carrying passage in the projecting portion fits between the ultrasonic sound generator and receiver, with opposite sides of the flexible membrane in contact with the sound generator and sound receiver. The sound generator and sound receiver each comprise a substrate having a layer of conducting material. Two electrically isolated regions are defined on the conductive layer, and a piezoelectric chip is electrically connected between the two regions. An electrical signal applied between the first and second regions excites the piezoelectric chip on the sound generator, causing it to generate an ultrasonic signal, which is transmitted through the liquid carrying passage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: An electronic data storage, transmission and retrieval apparatus and method wherein a combination power and data signal is received by a preferably portable and miniature data storage means which in turn modulates the combination signal in acordance with available data signals. Substantially simultaneous and bi-directional data communication can be achieved between a data link means and a data storage means without physical contact between the devices.

Abstract: A two-part test cartridge for use in a centrifugal analyzer for measuring the concentration of different electrolytes in blood or blood serum samples has one part which is disposable and which is characterized by a sample entry port, one or more filled calibrant chambers, a waste chamber and passages between various chambers; and a second, mating part which is reusable and which is characterized by an ISE, a power supply and circuitry therefor, and a series of chambers and passages adapted for communication with the series of chambers and passages in the disposable part.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fluorescence polarization assay for opiate alkaloids and their metabolites, to the various components needed for preparing and carrying out such an assay and to methods of making these components. Specifically, tracers, immunogens and antibodies are disclosed, as well as methods for making them. The tracers and the immunogens are made from substituted opiate alkaloids. A fluorescein moiety is included in the tracers, while a poly(amino acid) forms a part of the immunogens. The assay is conducted by measuring the degree of polarization retention of the fluorescence resulting when a sample mixed with antiserum and tracer is irradiated with plane-polarized light.

Abstract: Improved flexible ratchet teeth are provided for allowing relative rotational movement of one peripheral surface relative to an encompassing peripheral surface. Such teeth allow relative rotational movement in one direction of rotation only during which the ratchet teeth of one peripheral surface slide over the ratchet teeth of the other. The flexible teeth which may be disposed on either or both peripheral surfaces prevent distortion of the encompassing peripheral surface obtained in the prior art when ratchet teeth of solid construction are employed.

Abstract: A valve for selectively controlling flow within a fluid line between a relatively low capillary flow rate and a flushing flow. A flush valve (10) comprises a base (14) and a cover (16) that secures an elastomeric membrane (18) in place over a flow path (32) formed in the base. The flow path includes an inlet passage (34) connected in fluid communication to an outlet passage (50) by a capillary groove (38). The membrane seals over the capillary groove to define a capillary passage (48), which restricts fluid flow through the flush valve to the capillary flow rate. A user may selectively enable the relatively greater fluid flow through the device by deforming the membrane away from the capillary groove, thereby creating a relatively larger flushing flow passage (66). The flushing flow of fluid through the region of the capillary groove serves to carry away any obstruction that may be present in the groove or downstream of the flush valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides for polycationic buffers for the gel electrophoresis of and methods for obtaining improved separation and resolution of nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides for a buffer consisting essentially of histidine for the gel electrophoresis of oligonucleotides ranging from a few to about 70 nucleotides in length. Polycationic buffers may be used for both analytical and preparative purposes and result in a nearly two-fold improvement in both separation and resolution of the nucleic acid bands. Furthermore, the use of polycationic buffers reduces the electrophoresis time by a factor of about three due to the low conductivity of the buffers.

Abstract: A closure containing an internalized microbial filter for use in enteral delivery set assemblies. The closure comprises a generally cylindrical side wall, a planar top surface having first and second projections, the first projection being associated with the spikable membrane while the second projection is associated with a filter and with means to limit air access to the filter. The closure also includes a bottom surface having an aperture which extends through the closure to the top surface thereof with the filter being secured to the bottom surface and extending across the opening of the aperture.

Abstract: A device and method for permitting the separation of plasma or serum from whole blood. The device comprises a matrix of hydrophilic sintered porous material to which at least one red blood cell agglutinating agent has been applied. According to a first method of using the device, a sample of whole blood is applied to a first end of the matrix and the red blood cells within the sample come in contact with the agglutinating agents present in the matrix. The blood cells agglutinate, and are entrapped in the interstices of the matrix, while substantially blood-cell-free serum or plasma accumulates near the outlet of the device. A filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the matrix functions to wick the serum or plasma from the matrix.According to an alternative aspect of the invention, a filter means in liquid receiving relationship with the outlet of the matrix functions to retain any blood cells which pass through the matrix is the filter means wicks the plasma or serum from the matrix.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus for performing an assay to determine the presence or amount of a substance in a test sample, which apparatus comprises means for dispensing one or more reagents from containment means therefor into a reaction vessel and means for dispensing the sample from a sample container into said vessel for reaction with the reagents during performance of the assay, are disclosed. The improvements reside in the apparatus further comprising containment means for the reagents integral and in combination with the sample container and the reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a matrix comprising a hydrazine compound coupled to an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to produce a hydrazone reaction product with a characteristic color. Methods are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject by means of contacting said breath with a device comprising an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to which a hydrazine compound has been coupled and correlating the breath acetone concentration to a standard reflecting the effect on breath acetone of fixed rates of fat metabolism.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition containing quinolones and parabens provides surprising fungicidal and bactericidal activity when used in serum or protein-based in-vitro diagnostic kits. Also, a method of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi in in-vitro diagnostic kits by adding the new antimicrobial composition to the kit components.