Abstract: A cocktail reagent preparation for the rapid production of serum contains thrombin, snake venom, and protamine sulfate. The preparation employs very small quantities of clot promoting substances which behave in a synergistic manner such that rapid clotting of highly heparinized blood is achieved without altering the chemical analysis of the blood enzymes, proteins, sugars, or electrolytes. Thus, clinicians who rely upon the results of such tests can more closely monitor organ and tissue function and adjust patient therapies accordingly.

Abstract: A blood sampling and transferring device including a disposable auto-pricking lancet and a reservoir integrated together for creating a skin incision and collecting a blood sample therefrom in a one-step operation. The reservoir is preferably funnel shaped with a large opening at one end for receiving the blood sample from the patient, and a small opening at the other end which is small enough to prevent unassisted passage of the collected blood therethrough. The blood sample can then be temporarily stored until such time as the sampling device is engaged with a blood testing device that has an aperture to accommodate the small opening of the reservoir and a pump to draw the blood from the reservoir for testing.

Abstract: A stopper assembly for a test tube or similar article comprised of an inner elastomeric stopper and an outer semi-rigid cap member that protects the inner elastomeric stopper and assists in the manual manipulation of the inner elastomeric stopper and provides enhanced visible color coding through the combination of colored stoppers and caps. The elastomeric stopper is dimensioned to fit within the open end of a test tube with an interference fit. The lower end of the elastomeric stopper has grooves disposed across its outer surface. When the lower end of the stopper is inserted into the open end of the test tube, gases are permitted to pass through the grooves, and the test tube is vented to its surrounding environment. The upper end of the elastomeric stopper does not include venting grooves.

Abstract: A standard whole blood composition is disclosed, which is useful as a pooled human hemostasis reference standard in blood coagulation assays including Activated Clotting Time (ACT), Whole Blood Prothrombin Time (WBPT), Whole Blood Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (WBAPTT) and Whole Blood Thrombin time (WBTT). Also disclosed are methods for determining the human standardized potency of heparin and protamine.

Abstract: A finger stick device for making a skin incision includes a blade pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a housing and a second end having an upper sloped surface and a lower surface. A blade is affixed to the second end such that its cutting edge extends away from the lower surface. A resilient bias member when actuated traverses the upper surface and depresses the second end of the blade pivot arm, such that the blade exits the housing and incises the skin. The incising operation is complete upon the bias member traversing the sloped upper surface of the blade pivot arm. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the finger stick device, in which the bias member and blade pivot arm are molded as a monolithic unit. A blade is attached to the blade pivot arm, and the blade and monolithic unit are inserted into the housing. Further disclosed is an embodiment in which the housing is formed of two uniformly shaped halves, which when joined, provide an internal space for the monolithic unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubing means coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold means contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic means which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A cocktail reagent preparation for the rapid production of serum contains thrombin, snake venom, and protamine sulfate. The preparation employs very small quantities of clot promoting substances which behave in a synergistic manner such that rapid clotting of highly heparinized blood is achieved without altering the chemical analysis of the blood enzymes, proteins, sugars, or electrolytes. Thus, clinicians who rely upon the results of such tests can more closely monitor organ and tissue function and adjust patient therapies accordingly.

Abstract: A sample of whole blood or blood plasma is dispensed into two or more zones. The zones are separated and brought together repeatedly such that the blood sample is divided into multiple parts each associated with a zone. The parts are then rejoined into a single part and the process of separation continues. During the process, a liquid bridge between the separating parts is initially supported by surface tension but eventially collapses at the point of maximum zonal separation. When a fibrin clot is entrained within the rejoined part, it will align in a direction parallel to the direction of the relative motion between the zone. In this manner a thread appears between the parts as they are being separated. This thread is indicative of a clot which clot is capable of being detected by visual or electrical conductivity means. The apparatus depicted performs the above noted operations and automatically provides an output signal upon detection of the fibrin clot.

Abstract: There is shown a cartridge assembly which is used to analyze the coagulation of blood when subjected to an additive reagent. A base plate is divided into two sections as a right and left section by means of a longitudinal groove. Located on the right side of the groove is a plurality of first cylindrical chambers. Located on the left side of the groove is a second plurality of cylindrical chambers. The chambers on the right side of the groove have a top depression with sloping sidewalls which are adapted to receive extending tapered flanges associated with the chambers on the left side of the groove. In this manner upon folding or pivoting the cartridge about the groove, the chambers on the left and right side coact with one another. In operation the chambers on the left side of the groove receive a blood sample while the chambers on the right side of the groove receive a suitable reagent.

Abstract: A sample of blood is divided into a plurality of isolated test chambers. The blood is mixed with additive reagent having previously been measured into each test chamber. A clot detector and analyzer system determines the time required for the blood-reagent mixture in each chamber to form a clot. In a first mode of analyzer system operation there is recorded the time required for a selected number of clots to be detected. A second mode of operation identifies those chambers in which clots have been detected within a specified time interval.