Abstract: An electrochemical analysis system includes a plurality of flow through analysis chambers and a valve connected in series between the outlet port of one analysis chamber and the inlet port of a second analysis chamber and has a first position connecting the two analysis chambers in series for flow of a sample to be analyzed therethrough and a second position in which the two analysis chambers are connected to separate sources of calibrating fluids. The valve includes a housing member with a recess in which a valve spool member is disposed. The spool member includes an array of ports in its cylindrical surface, two ports being interconnected by a through passage, and other ports being separately connected to individual sources of calibrating fluids.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for sensing fluid interface(s) in a complex fluid such as centrifuged blood, includes a sensing assembly with a microwave source and a microwave sensor positioned in spaced opposed relation, the microwave source and sensor defining a microwave propagation path. Relative motion is induced between the sample container and the microwave energy propagation path in the region between the source and sensor in a direction that intersects and is essentially perpendicular to the microwave energy propagation path; and processor apparatus responsive to the scanning apparatus and the modification in microwave energy sensed by the microwave sensor provides an indication(s) of the location(s) of a fluid interface(s) in the container.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like for a constituent of interest comprises structure defining a sample inlet port, structure defining an analysis region, a measuring system connected in sensing relation to the analysis region, and structure defining a reaction chamber that has an immobilized enzyme capable of modifying the constituent of interest. Control means operates liquid flow means in a unidirectional sample flow mode to initially flow a sample of material to be analyzed from the sample inlet port to the reaction chamber and to the analysis region for a measurement of unmodified sample material, and then operates the liquid flow means in a bidirectional sample flow mode to oscillate the sample material in the reaction chamber and facilitate modification by the immobilized enzyme of the constituent of material in the sample.

Abstract: An analysis system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like for a constituent of the interest includes metal body structure with sample flow path channel structure that serially interconnects heater chamber structure, recess structure for receiving a reaction chamber cartridge and an analysis region to which a measuring system is coupled. The reaction chamber cartridge preferably includes reaction chamber structure with an immobilized enzyme in the reaction chamber that is capable of converting the constituent of interest to a constituent detectable by the measuring system. Cooperating with the metal body structure is a transparent face plate structure which permits visual observation of the sample flow path in the metal body structure.

Abstract: Probe cocktails contain a nucleic acid probe and a sulfated polysaccharide as a volume excluding polymer to speed up hybridization rates. Exemplary sulfated polysaccharides are chondroitin sulfate A and C, which can be extracted from cartilage and similar tissues. Compared to synthetic anionic polymers such as dextran sulfate, the probe cocktails can have reduced viscosities and surface tensions, as well as reduced water loss when the cocktail is heated to denature DNA before rehybridization. The reduced viscosity and surface tension are of particular value when entering and exiting narrow spaces, as in some automated analyzers and in capillary gap methodologies.