Abstract: A reader card for use in densitometric test analysis wherein a film having data recorded as spots thereon is supported by and retained on a base card, the reader card further having an area for use in establishing initial conditions for the optical system of the densitometer and a series of borders for indicating the relative position of the film on the card to the optical system of the densitometer. In a preferred embodiment, the reader card includes a base card having an opening therethrough, and an overlay thereover. The overlay retains the film in place and includes a black band covering the film, the black band having windows therethrough for observing and measuring the spots.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in the diagnostic analysis of a liquid specimen through binding assays. The apparatus includes a rigid body having an elongated, shallow well formed in it, with a plurality of elongated strips, preferably in the form of cotton threads, stretched across the well in spaced relationship and generally perpendicular to the well's longitudinal axis. Each thread is coated with a separate binding conjugate such as an antigen or allergen. A cover plate that includes a thin plastic layer and an overlaying thin metallic layer covers the well to form an enclosed chamber having a specific volume. The metallic layer includes a separate elongated aperture in alignment with each coated thread. A liquid specimen is introduced into the chamber through one of two ports, for incubation with the coated threads, after which the specimen is removed and the reaction that occurred on each thread is determined.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for use in accurately measuring the binding reactions occurring between a predetermined class of components in a liquid specimen and their corresponding binding conjugates coated on separate test regions of a carrier. The carrier further includes a reference region that is uncoated, and the carrier is adapted for simultaneous contact of all of its regions with the liquid specimen. Any resulting binding reaction on each test region indicates both specific binding to the coated component as well as non-specific binding, and any resulting binding reaction on the reference region indicates merely non-specific binding. The measurements for the test regions are all reduced by an amount determined in accordance with the measurement for the reference region, to reduce the effects of non-specific binding on those measurements and thereby provide accurate measurements of the specific binding on each coated component.

Abstract: A portable photo chamber for photographically recording the extent of a chemical reaction such as in an immunological test, wherein a substrate emitting radiation such as gamma radiation is supported in facing contact with a film and with intensifying means, so that exposure time is reduced as a result of emission of further radiation such as a visible light from the intensifying means and its recording on the film. The photo chamber includes retaining means for supporting the substrate, which itself is preferably enclosed in a container such as a pipette, and translating means for moving the substrate into closely facing relationship to the film and also to a spaced-apart position within the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the photo chamber utilizes an instant photographic system with film processing means attached to the chamber, so that the photo chamber is both portable and self-contained for use in remote locations.