Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: The specification discloses a new method and apparatus for treating extruded teflon (fluoropolymer) tubing to significantly improve its dimensional and optical characteristics. Diameter tolerance is .+-.0.0002, concentricity rises to 95%, and optical clarity rises to the theoretical transmittance of the material. The tubing is first cleaned, and then heated to a transition temperature above 150.degree.C. to soften and further homogenize the tubing. The tubing is then drawn through a polished diamond die and then rapidly cooled. The cooled tubing may be further stabilized by an annealing step. Both a batch mode and a continuous mode of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: Integrated sampler apparatus and method are provided and include a sample liquid container support component which is operable to support both closed and open sample liquid containers thereon on a random basis. Sample liquids from the open sample liquid containers are presented directly to a sample liquid analysis system probe for access thereby; while sample liquids from the closed sample liquid containers, which take the form of sample liquid containers closed by sample needle-pierced stoppers, are transferred by virtue of a sampling needle assembly and connected sample liquid transfer conduits and transfer valve, to a sample liquid dispensing well for access by the same sample liquid analysis system probe.

Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed; and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.

Abstract: A heavy metal-free composition and its method of use in an ion selective electrode-based assay are disclosed. The heavy metal-free composition includes a borate compound and an alkalinity adjusting compound, and is used to dilute a test sample; buffer the test sample; and substantially reduce the effects of interferents present in the test sample on the ion selective electrode-based assay. The heavy metal-free composition and its method of use are especially useful in an ion selective electrode-based assay for carbonate ion concentration in a test sample, like blood serum, blood plasma, urine or cerebrospinal fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immiscible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of the liquids substantially encapsulating another of the liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immiscible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.

Abstract: A flow cytometry method for reproducibly detecting and counting a lymphocyte population of interest in a leukocyte suspension or whole blood sample in which the red cells are subsequently lysed. The suspension (or sample) is combined with a reagent comprising a primary antibody, either native, carrying an attached enzyme or biotin or other label, and a fixative reagent, in either order. Where the enzyme is not attached, an enzyme is coupled specifically to the primary antibody. The fixed suspension is reacted with a color-producing enzyme-cytochemical reagent. The suspension, now including stained and unstained fixed cells, is passed through a flow cytometer and the cells are characterized and counted on the basis of their light-scattering and light-absorbing properties.

Abstract: The analytical device includes a base adapted to support a porous member having dispersed throughout at least one analyte responsive substance which undergoes a detectable response to the presence and concentration of the analyte in the test sample. A cover integral with the base is provided with a reaction well adapted for storing a dried reaction component and for receiving the liquid test sample deposited on the analytical device whereby the liquid test sample and the reaction component form a liquid reaction mixture therein. A passage is included in the reaction well for selectively transferring the reaction mixture therethrough. This passage is normally spaced from the porous member and effectively closed to transfer therethrough of the reaction mixture, and is selectively movable toward the porous member to effectively open to passage therethrough of the reaction mixture whereby the analyte responsive substance will undergo a detectable response to the analyte present in the liquid reaction mixture.

Abstract: The slide analysis system includes a slide holding module spaced from an incubator module. A slide transfer device or pick and place mechanism withdraws slides from the slide holding module and inserts them into the incubator module. A metering device deposits serum onto a slide that is held in a spotting position by the slide transfer device. The metering device is movable to a sampling position in the slide holding module to aspirate serum from a serum source on the slide cartridge in the slide holding module and is also movable to a spotting position to spot serum on the slide held by the slide transfer device. The slide transfer device has rotational as well as transverse movement and includes jaws for gripping onto the sides of slides to withdraw a single slide from a cartridge, transport it to the incubator, insert the slide in the incubator and thereafter remove it from the incubator.

Abstract: Quaternized derivatives of acridine orange and reagents incorporating such derivatives and their use in quantitatively determining reticulocyte levels in whole blood specimen by fluorescence flow cytometry techniques are disclosed. The quaternized derivatives of acridine orange are of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein Y is bromide (Br.sup.-) or iodide (I.sup.-), andX may be R.sub.1 and/or R.sub.2 substituted benzyl group ##STR2## R.sub.1 is hydrogen or fluorine, and R.sub.2 is fluorine, trifluoromethyl or hydrogen, or X may be hydroxyl ethylene.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen.

Abstract: A substrate for .beta.-galactosidase having the general formula ##STR1## wherein X is halogen; Y is halogen, lower alkyl or hydrogen; W is lower alkyl or hydrogen; and Z is nitro.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the non-chromatographic purification of chromogenic cryptahemispherands of the following general formula (II) which are capable of selective binding of sodium ion in aqueous solution: ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, aryl or benzyl;Z is halogen;Y is electron withdrawing group, e.g. CN, NO.sub.2, CF.sub.3, COOR;m is 1 to 3;n is 1 to 3;a is 1 to 3;b is 1 to 3;k is 1 to 2;l is 1 to 2;k and l are not both 2; andx is 2 to 4.The compound of formula (II) is isolated from the reaction mixture by consecutive treatment of the crude reaction product with suitable solents in order to separate unreacted organic components, inorganic material, and polymers and provide a sodium-free final product.

Abstract: A method for filtering a whole blood sample using a filter element constructed and arranged to block the passage of fibrous and particulate matter which may be present in a liquid sample, such as a whole blood sample, while allowing the blood cells to pass is disclosed. In one embodiment, the filter element is part of an in-line filter assembly which assembly may include two complementary mating components. One component may take the form of a coupling provided with a male threaded portion adapted to be received into and engage the female threaded portion of the complementary mating component. This complementary mating component may be another coupling or an analysis system component, such as a valve. Each complementary mating component is adapted to receive a liquid sample carrying conduit therethrough. The coupling is also adapted to receive a filter mount which holds a filter element constructed and arranged as discussed hereinabove.

Abstract: An isolation fluid control device and water cup for use in an automated, random-access, isolation fluid-based, analytical instrument. The cup, in operation, contains two immiscible liquids. The cup is provided with inlets and outlets, and additionally comprises a liquid level control structure and structure operable to permit passage of one liquid therethrough to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid.

Abstract: A composition is disclosed of blood serum sample preparation for improved, more accurate and precise, electrooptical method for measuring erythrocyte volumes, individually and as an average.

Abstract: The invention is reagents and procedures for determining an amount of cations present in a sample, the reagent including one or more chromogenic cryptand compounds of formula I ##STR1## wherein k and j, either same or different, are equal to 1 to about 5;m and n, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 4;a and e, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 2;b and d, either same or different, are equal to 0 to about 5;R, either same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl, or aryl; and--Q-- is ##STR2## wherein X and CH, N, or COH; and Y includes ##STR3## except that when Q is ##STR4## wherein Y is p-nitrophenylazo, 3-phenylisothiazolyl-5-azo, isothiazolyl-5-azo, thiazolyl-5-azo, 2,4,6-trinitrophenylazo, p-nitrostyryl, p-benzoquinonemonoimino or bis-(p-dimethylaminophenyl)hydroxymethyl, then the following condition cannot be present: that simultaneously b is equal to 0 or 1, d is equal to 0 or 1, j is equal to 1, n is equal to 1 or 2, a is equal to 1, e is

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the substantial separation on a continuous flow basis of immisicible liquids flowing as a common stream, with one of said liquids substantially encapsulating another of said liquids, in a flow conduit. The conduit comprises an inner surface which is selectively "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids; and the liquid separator apparatus are disposed in the conduit and operate to substantially separate the liquids, or at least a portion of one of the liquids, from the common liquids stream as that stream flows into contact with the separator apparatus in the conduit.Apparatus and method for the introduction of a liquid on a continuous flow basis into a flowing stream of another liquid which is immisicible therewith and is flowing in a flow conduit are also provided.

Abstract: A method of immunoassay for analyzing a bodily fluid for the presence of an analyte relies on observing substantially the entire course of a precipitin reaction from initiation to substantial completion of the precipitation, defining a mathematical function which represents the amount of precipitation versus time and contains constants which can be adjusted so that the function matches the observed precipitation versus time curve, and fitting the observed data to the mathematical function by adjusting the constants so that the mathematical function matches the observed precipitation versus time curve as closely as possible. Values for the maximum rate of precipitation and for the time interval from initiation of the precipitation to the time of maximum rate of precipitation are calculated from the mathematical function. A reference curve is generated using standard containing known concentrations of analyte according to conventional analytical procedures.

Abstract: The present invention resides in the discovery of a new class of compounds defined herein as "chromogenic cryptahemispherands" useful for the measurement of ions, in particular, ions in aqueous solution, which have the structure ##STR1## wherein: R, same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R', same or different, is lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;R", same or different, is hydrogen, lower alkyl, lower alkylidene, lower alkenyl, allyl or aryl;Q is a chromogenic moiety capable of providing the appearance of or change in color, or which is otherwise capable of providing a detectable response in the presence of a particular cation;a, b, m and n, same or different, are 1 to about 3; and x, y, same or different, are 1 to about 4.A test device utilizing one or more of the compounds for performing such measurements is also disclosed.