Abstract: In an apparatus for purifying and concentrating DNA, from a crude mixture containing DNA, a unitary collection cup for collecting the DNA from a lysate sample is provided; also, a retainer member for retaining a gel matrix. Both the collection cup and the gel matrix, which is disposed above the collection cup, are adapted to be engaged with a lysate container. The container functions to receive the lysate sample, which sample typically is derived from human whole blood; rotation of the lysate sample container produces opening and closing of a pathway defined by slotted passages in the collection cup, thereby selectively controlling the flow of electrophoresis buffer solution through the interior of the collection cup at appropriate times.

Abstract: A hand-held radiation detector for measuring localized radiation at extremely low levels of the order of 1 CPM (counts per minute); an anode is provided in the form of a needle within a sealed chamber defined by a generally cylindrical housing having a metallized radiation window on one end; a focusing arrangement is utilized which enables efficient focusing of the electric field, such that avalanche and efficient electron multiplication occurs within the chamber responsive to the localized radiation entering the chamber, the focusing arrangement including (1) a needle point design to concentrate electric field lines on and in the immediate vicinity of the point, (2) a judiciously selected location for the needle at a sufficient distance from the radiation window such that the electric field lines emanating from the window are forced into the amplifying region (AR) of the needle, and (3) a suitably configured cathode defined by the radiation entrance window and the upper conducting tubular member of the housi