Abstract: There is provided a biological diagnostic assay system wherein a phenoxy-substituted naphthalene compound, such as phenoxynaphthalene sulfonate, or a salt thereof, is utilized to prevent plasma proteins such as serum albumin from binding to other components of the assay and/or to displace plasma proteins which have become bound to other components of the assay.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay module for analytical procedures in which an optical signal developed by interaction between a component in a sample fluid, such as an analyte in a biological fluid, and one or more reagents in a resilient assay element is read by optical means. The module includes a first member having one open side and a second member adapted to close the open side of the first member against a resilient assay element. The area of the assay element to which the sample fluid is applied and wherein the optical signal developed by the interaction of the sample component and the reagent(s) in the assay element is read is maintained in a substantially horizontal orientation by flexure developed between complementing ramp surfaces on the respective first and second members.

Abstract: A low cost optical system which incorporates a low ultraviolet output tungsten halogen light source and solid state photodetectors and circuitry in such a way as to provide reliable fluorometric test results. The attainment of reliable results using such components is made possible by incorporating highly ultraviolet transmissive optics to maximize ultraviolet light throughput and by using solid state circuitry together with a filter wheel having both light blocking and light passing regions in a manner which fully accounts for noise and dark signals associated with solid state photodetectors.

Abstract: An element for analysis of a liquid sample including a capillary containing a fixed reagent in fluid communication with reagent reservoirs and a waste liquid reservoir. A sample introducing means is provided which permits analyte in a sample to interact with the fixed reagent. A labelled reagent is provided which interacts with either the fixed reagent or the analyte in a manner which permits detection of the concentration of analyte in the sample. The capillary, reagent reservoirs, waste liquid reservoir and the sample introducing means are arranged within a common housing so that reagent waste liquid need not be removed from the element.

Abstract: A biological diagnostic device and process for efficiently and accurately analyzing a sample of a biological fluid for in analyte of interest. The device, which is a preferred embodiment utilized for the analysis of whole blood samples, comprises a diagnostic test element and a sample application unit comprising a fluid delivery element and means for providing sample fluid to the fluid delivery element. The fluid delivery element comprises a layer having a plurality of grooves, or channels, in the surface thereof which is adjacent the test element. The fluid which is provided to the grooves is subsequently delivered to the test element.