Abstract: An opto-electronic device utilizes a band of polychromatic light for quantitative analysis of a target molecule within a mixed specimen. A movable polarizer produces a segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light from the band of partially polarized polychromatic light. A specimen cell adapted for receiving the mixed specimen transports the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light to the mixed specimen. A movable polarizing analyzer is optically coupled to the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light exiting the mixed specimen. The segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light before entering the mixed specimen is compared with the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light after exiting the mixed specimen. The movable polarizer is synchronized with the movable polarizing analyzer.

Abstract: An opto-electronic device utilizes a band of polychromatic light for quantitative analysis of a target molecule within a mixed specimen. A movable polarizer produces a segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light from the band of partially polarized polychromatic light. A specimen cell adapted for receiving the mixed specimen transports the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light to the mixed specimen. A movable polarizing analyzer is optically coupled to the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light exiting the mixed specimen. The segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light before entering the mixed specimen is compared with the segmented band of partially polarized polychromatic light after exiting the mixed specimen. The movable polarizer is synchronized with the movable polarizing analyzer.

Abstract: Immunoassays are performed with two different ligands tagged with two different tagging constituents which are independent of each other and the two tagged ligands are immunologically bound together. The two different ligands may be detected independently through their independent tagging constituents for quality control, internal calibration (standardization), determination of viability and shelf life and the like.

Abstract: A new surface immunoassay method is performed with two test surfaces. The method is used where serum samples may contain both an antibody for which it is desirable to test, and also competing sera constituents which may be present in indeterminate amounts. In accordance with the method, two different test surfaces are contacted with the same serum sample, and preferably the same aliquot of the serum. The first surface is treated to bind a broad spectrum of serum components including both the component to be tested for and also the competing components. The second surface is designed to bind the competing components but no substantial amount of the serum component to be tested for. The immunoassay is conducted with a labeled antibody, and quantitative measurement of the immunoassay is obtained by detecting the quantitative difference in the amount of labeled antibody on the two surfaces which have been subjected to the same serum sample.

Abstract: A reagent holder for fluoro immunoassays with two examination surfaces on opposite sides and a resiliently deformable detent operable to retain the reagent holder in an examination location regardless of which side is being examined.

Abstract: A combined test for quantitating immunoglobulin and identifying the presence of abnormal homogeneous immunoglobulin usually of myeloma origin. In a direct test, a first fraction of serum sample is adsorbed to a solid surface and the adsorbed immunoglobulin is reacted with labeled antibody and the quantity of labeled antibody on the surface is measured. A second fraction of the serum sample is subjected to a competitive test in which normal immunoglobulin is adsorbed onto a second solid surface. Then, specific labeled antibody is competitively immunologically reacted with the immunoglobulin adsorbed on the surface and sample immunoglobulin. After washing, the labeled antibody on the second surface is measured to provide a quantitative measurement of sample immunoglobulin. Abnormal immunoglobulin is indicated if the ratio of immunoglobulin content of the sample as found by the competitive test to the quantity found by the direct test is 2:1 or greater.

Abstract: A fluorometric system to determine the kind and amount of substances derived from a biological fluid (e.g., serum or urine) or tissue in which the substances to be detected (e.g., antigen, antibody, hormone or enzyme) are coated onto a substrate surface in fluorescent form. Multiple coating areas of different samples may be employed. The fluorometric system includes a source of filtered light to excite fluorescence, an optical system for conducting the excitation light to such coating, and optical systems for receiving emitted fluorescence and for detecting the same. The system efficiency and optical characteristics disclosed avoid photo-bleaching; limit fading; and are especially adapted to provide accurate surface reading fluorometry.

Abstract: A body suitable for use in the quantitative detection of an unknown quantity of a biologically derived sample suitably by radioimmunoassay, fluorometric detection, or by spectrophotometry. The body includes a handle attached to a nonparticulate, nonswellable, impermeable continuous surface region. A diagnostic reagent (e.g., an antibody) is covalently attached to the surface region. The surface region is stirred by the handle in a solution of sample substance (e.g., antigen) for reaction with the diagnostic reagent. In a competitive binding technique, a labelled substance (e.g., fluorochrome labelled antigen) is simultaneously contacted with the sample. Thereafter, the surface region is washed, and the label is measured as by a fluorometer. The technique is also applicable to the so-called "sandwich technique" in which the labelled substance (e.g., labelled antibody) is reacted with the sample substance after it has been reacted with the diagnostic reagent.

Abstract: An indirect method for the quantitation of an antigen or antibody in a liquid sample. In the antigen assay, antigen of the same type as the sample antigen is adsorbed onto a solid support surface. Then, specific labelled antibody is immunologically reacted in solution with the sample antigen and the adsorbed antigen. The quantity of reacted labelled antibody on the solid support surface is then determined, as for example, fluorogen label by a fluorometer. The procedure is employed for detection of antibody by reversing the antigen and antibody components in each instance.

Abstract: An improved method for the fluorometric measurement of a fluorescent label on a solid support surface in which the surface is read while coated with a continuous aqueous layer. For reading in a horizontal position, the surface is coated by immersion into a contained aqueous solution, and removed and read prior to evaporation to discontinuity. For reading in a vertical position, a layer of humectant is deposited on the surface to retain the water content.

Abstract: A method for quantitation of antigens or antibodies from a liquid sample on a solid surface. The sample is first sorbed directly to a nonimmunological surface. Then the surface is exposed to antibody or antigen labelled preferably with a fluorogen, to cause an immunological reaction to occur. After removal of unreacted reagent from the surface, the quantity of reacted labelled reagent is determined, as for example, fluorogen by a fluorometer. When the sample includes significant quantities of protein other than the antigen or antibody to be quantitated, buffer protein unreactive with the labelled antigen or antibody is added in concentrations sufficient to minimize the dependence of sorbed antigen or antibody upon variations in the concentration of such other protein.

Abstract: A fluorometric system to determine the kind and amount of substances derived from a biological fluid (e.g., serum or urine) or tissue. The substances to be detected (e.g., antigen, antibody, hormone or enzyme) is coated onto a substrate in fluorescent form. Multiple coating areas of different samples may be employed. The fluorometric system includes a source of light to excite fluorescence, a fiber optic cable to conduct the excitation light to such coating, and a second fiber optic cable to conduct emitted fluorescence to a detector device. The system minimizes any gap distance in the path from the sample to the detector which permits the loss of excessive fluorescence. A branched fiber optical cable with the main trunk terminating adjacent the sample with one branch for transmitting light to the sample and the other for transmitting fluorescence light to the detector.