Abstract: The present invention is a method useful for the detection of bloodgroup antigens and antibodies. The method of the present invention is envisioned for two types of assays: a direct assay and an indirect assay. The direct assay comprises adding a sample of erythrocytes to a reaction tube charged with two layers of immunoreactive particles, a first layer, preferably Sepharose, having Protein G coupled to the surface of those particles and a second layer, preferably Sephacryl S-200, having Protein A coupled to those particles in a buffer solution. Antibodies specific for the bloodgroup antigens tested for are coupled to the Protein G. The reaction tube is then centrifuged for a time sufficient to force to the bottom of the reaction tube erythrocytes that do not attach to the antibodies.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus useful for the detection of bloodgroup antigens and antibodies. There are two preferred embodiments of the method: a direct assay and an indirect assay. The direct assay comprises adding a sample of erythrocytes to a reaction tube charged with a column of immunoreactive particles having an immunoglobulin binding ligand selected from the group consisting of Protein A, Protein G, Protein A/G or a universal kappa light chain binding protein coupled to the surface of the particles. Antibodies specific for bloodgroup antigens tested for are coupled to the ligand on the particles. The reaction tube is then centrifuged for a time sufficient to force to the bottom of the reaction tube erythrocytes that do not attach to the antibodies on the particles.

Abstract: A biological fluid assay system and method for the determination of immunoreactive characteristics of biological specimen and more particularly for the qualitative determination of immunological reactions. The apparatus includes a centrifuge rotor, a disposable belt mountable on the centrifuge rotor, and a plurality of light transmissive chambers as components of the removable belt, each of the chambers having a vertical apex and a horizontal radial apex for accepting a sample comprising a specimen and an appropriate reagent. An illumination system projects an image of the sample while a linear photosensitive array detects the image of the sample for measuring the vertical dimension of the sample and a microprocessor analyzes the vertical dimension of the sample. A sample is radially accelerated to compress the particulate portion of the sample or reagent into a compact mass in the extreme radial portion of the transparent chamber.

Abstract: A biological fluid assay system and method for the determination of immunoreactive characteristics of biological specimen and more particularly for the qualitative determination of immunological reactions. The apparatus includes a centrifuge rotor, a disposable belt mountable on the centrifuge rotor, and a plurality of light transmissive chambers as components of the removable belt, each of the chambers having a vertical apex and a horizontal radial apex for accepting a sample comprising a specimen and an appropriate reagent. An illumination system projects an image of the sample while a linear photosensitive array detects the image of the sample for measuring the vertical dimension of the sample and a microprocessor analyzes the vertical dimension of the sample. A sample is radially accelerated to compress the particulate portion of the sample or reagent into a compact mass in the extreme radial portion of the transparent chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in qualitative and quantitative determinations of agglutination in immunoreactive systems. The apparatus comprises a carriage assembly having a plurality of spaced, axially-disposed compartments for receiving image cells which are uniquely designed for holding the biological fluid test specimen and the reagent therefor. Means are provided for partially lifting each image cell successively out of its compartment and into an optical path. A monochromatic light source directs beams of radiant energy through the reaction zone in each image cell and the light beams transmitted through the reaction zone are focused, by means of an imaging lens, on the surface of an image sensor such as a "Charge-Coupled Device". The dark areas formed on the image sensor are measured electronically and also displayed on a display cathode ray tube.