Abstract: The Prothrombin Time (PT) is used as a screening test for blood coagulation factor deficiencies and for monitoring oral anti-coagulant therapy using coumadin. Thromboplastin reagents activate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and are the basis for the Prothrombin Time (PT) test. This invention describes the use of barium sulfate and chaotropic agents, and nonionic detergents, for the extraction of sensitive thromboplastin reagents from tissue. Extraction with sodium thiocyanate alone also greatly enhances thromboplastin sensitivity. This invention should be useful for all thromboplastins and will improve their sensitivity for all PT-based tests and specific assays.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process of producing magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles comprising polymeric core particles coated evenly with a layer of polymer containing magnetically responsive metal oxide. A wide variety of polymeric particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns can be used a core particles and transformed into magnetically responsive polymer particles. The surface of these magnetically responsive polymer particles can be coated further with another layer of functionalized polymer. These magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles can be used for passive or covalent coupling of biological material such as antigens, antibodies, enzymes or DNA/RNA hybridization and used as solid phase for various types of immunoassays, DNA/RNA hybridization probes assays, affinity purification, cell separation and other medical, diagnostic, and industrial applications.

Abstract: A multi-layer blood culture sensor includes two matrices. The first matrix is a polymer that is permeable to carbon dioxide and water, but impermeable to protons. A pH sensitive absorbance based dye is encapsulated or isolated in the polymer. The second matrix is a polymer with a pH insensitive fluorescent dye encapsulated or isolated in the polymer. The matrices are spectrally coupled and are useful for the determination of microorganisms in a blood culture bottle.

Abstract: An improved control system for a stepper motor coil includes a flyback circuit that dissipates coil energy slowly while the coil is energized and operated in the chopping mode, while dissipating coil energy rapidly when the coil is switched to its de-energized phase.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing the characteristics of a plurality of samples. The analyzer includes a movable sample support for holding samples arranged in a first plurality of holders in a sequence for movement in a first direction. An indexing drive for the sample support advances the sample support in the first direction in a set of one or more increments, wherein one increment in the set is a net amount equal to a second plurality of holders greater than one holder and less than the first plurality such that the second plurality is relatively prime with respect to the first plurality.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the safe removal of blood from a supply vessel with an aperture holder in which a part having an aperture is held and to which a capillary is attached, whereby the supply vessel can be closed by a cover part. The cover part a region through which the capillary can be inserted into the supply vessel when the cover part is closed. Furthermore, the supply vessel and the aperture holder have a locking mechanism, so that the supply vessel can be locked to the aperture holder.

Abstract: An automated chemical analyzer includes an automated conveyor apparatus for receiving a variety of sizes of test tubes, cuvettes, and sample tubes in a standard carrier member receivable into the analyzer. The standard carrier members may be interlocked in ranks and placed side by side in file to replicate the size and handling convenience of conventional test tube racks. However, the conveyor apparatus also provides for receipt of the carriers either as individuals for stat handling, or in interlocked ranks, or as rank and file groups for routine handling. The interlocked ranks of carriers are automatically unlocked from one another and fed along with the carriers having stat samples therein to a recirculating endless loop conveyor device which conveys the samples to at least one chemical analysis module, as well as providing a storage capacity both for samples in testing, and those samples awaiting verification of test results.

Abstract: A system uses a photometer that establishes an optical channel between a light emitter and a light detector. The photometer analyses a specimen while it occupies a well in a tray. A movable platform transports the tray to the optical channel for analysis and removes the tray from the optical channel after analysis. The system calibrates the movable platform to assure proper alignment between the specimen and the photometric apparatus used to analyzed the specimen. The system also calibrates the optical channel without use of an external reference.

Abstract: A multiport equalization probe or needle includes an elongate body with a first and second end. The probe includes two or more lumens and an inlet and outlet for each lumen. It is closed at the first end which has a sharpened, conical configuration. Conduits provide separate connections between the lumens and a pump assembly which removes material through the lumens.

Abstract: A biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control and method of use. Additionally, this invention relates to the isolation and purification of stable liquid human prealbumin, a component in the biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control and method of use. Additionally, this invention relates to the isolation and purification of stable liquid human prealbumin, a component in the biosynthetic cerebrospinal fluid control.

Abstract: A chromogenic assay for determination of Protein S, using an indicator of Factor Xa as a measure of Protein S concentration. This technique utilizes the dependency of activated Protein C on Protein S in order to inactivate a known portion of Factor VIII. Residual Factor VIII is then activated and acts with Factor IXa to activate Factor X. The chromogenic substrate is then cleaved by Factor Xa and the rate of conversion of the indicator molecule is an indirect indicator of free Protein S.

Abstract: An impurity scavenger pillow or capsule and method for removing water or keeping water levels low in a solvent container with minimal particulate or chemical contamination, comprising a pillow consisting essentially of a porous bag containing a desiccant material, said pillow being formed through folding and sealing adjacent layers of the bag or comprising a capsule consisting essentially of a solid cylinder with the end or ends being a porous material.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel process of producing magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles comprising polymeric core particles coated evenly with a layer of polymer containing magnetically responsive metal oxide. A wide variety of polymeric particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 microns can be used a core particles and transformed into magnetically responsive polymer particles. The surface of these magnetically responsive polymer particles can be coated further with another layer of functionalized polymer. These magnetically responsive fluorescent polymer particles can be used for passive or covalent coupling of biological material such as antigens, antibodies, enzymes or DNA/RNA hybridization and used as solid phase for various types of immunoassays, DNA/RNA hybridization probes assays, affinity purification, cell separation and other medical, diagnostic, and industrial applications.

Abstract: The Prothrombin Time (PT) is used as a screening test for blood coagulation factor deficiencies and for monitoring oral anti-coagulant therapy using coumadin. Thromboplastin reagents activate the extrinsic pathway of coagulation and are the basis for the Prothrombin Time (PT) test. This invention describes the use of barium sulfate and chaotropic agents, and nonionic detergents, for the extraction of sensitive thromboplastin reagents from tissue. Extraction with sodium thiocyanate alone also greatly enhances thromboplastin sensitivity. This invention should be useful for all thromboplastins and will improve their sensitivity for all PT-based tests and specific assays.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measuring the procoagulant activity of platelets in blood by means of a chromogenic assay which is specific for procoagulant phospholipids. These methods include the determination of the resting activity and/or excitability of platelets, which determines the threshold at which activating clotting factors (circulating in blood) are dangerous. Also methods are provided for screening drugs for their potential inhibitory effect on the activation of platelets.

Abstract: A holder for storing a specimen tray with a removable cover member includes a frame with oppositely facing first and second access openings The first access opening receives the specimen tray and cover member. The holder supports the specimen tray and cover member within the storage area between a pair of oppositely spaced tray support ledges. The second access opening receives an external member that moves vertically in the storage area to lift the specimen tray from the tray support ledges and that moves horizontally out of the storage area to move the lifted specimen tray from the storage area through the second access opening. The holder pivots the cover member away from the specimen tray to retain the cover member in a tilted orientation within the storage area free of the removed specimen tray until its return.

Abstract: A class of fluorescent rare earth chelates and the ligands upon which they are based whose molecular structure incorporates a plurality of substituted arylpyridine diacid units attached to a central template structure is disclosed. These ligands function as efficient energy transfer groups in fluorescent tagging reagents and tracers.

Abstract: The performance of double receptor, specific binding assays is improved by use of a receptor complex having the structureA.sub.BL (BL).sub.n A.sub.1wherein BL is a binding ligand, A.sub.BL is a receptor specific for binding ligand, A.sub.1 is a receptor, BL is covalently bonded to A.sub.1 and A.sub.BL is reversibly bonded to BL. Generally A.sub.BL is absorbed onto an insoluble surface and A.sub.1 is an antibody to the substance being assayed. The complex has particular utility in coated tube and rechargeable radioimmunoassay systems.