Abstract: This invention relates to blood collection and diagnostics. More particularly, the invention relates to blood collection and diagnostics utilizing techniques such as magnetic separation and photodetection. The present invention also relates to methods and an apparatus for detecting the presence of antigens displayed on the surface of cells. More preferably, the present invention relates to the detection of cells infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and related viruses. In accordance with the present invention, HIV-infected cells can be detected and separated from uninfected cells. In a preferred embodiment, separation is achieved by a magnetic field. By coating the infected cells with magnetic particles, transfer of the cells to a precise location is facilitated. A novel aspect of the present invention is a cartridge antigen test which allows for the collection and mixing of blood with reagents in one package, which can be viewed on a fluorescent microscope.

Abstract: A microorganism detecting apparatus comprising a fluorescence microscope section which is furnished with a motor-driven xyz stage assembly for placing thereon a slide sample subject to fluorescent staining. An illumination subsystem for projecting excitation light of predetermined wavelength on the sample and a filter assembly for emission, which limits the band of frequencies emitted to a video camera which captures the images of fluorescent stained microorganisms from the sample slide mounted on the xyz stage assembly. A computer reads the output value of the band-limited signal from the video camera and processes the read output. A subsystem device has controllers which drive the xyz stage assembly so as to permit the microorganism sample to be scanned over its whole area. Each image is displayed on a video display monitor and detected microbes in the sample are stored on a hard drive and in an imaging archive system to permit verification or reexamination.

Abstract: Fluorometric immunological assay method for detection of HIV-1 infection in which Murine anti-gp120 monoclonal antibodies coupled to paramagnetic microspheres (14) and Fluorescein conjugated anti-gp120 polyclonal antibodies IgG (16) are incubated in a few drops of whole blood diluted in 0.5 cc phosphate buffered saline (10). After incubation for 5 minutes, the HIV-infected peripheral blood lymphocytes (18) will be coated with both the Murine anti-gp120 monoclonal antibodies coupled to paramagnetic microspheres (14) and Fluorescein conjugated anti-gp120 polyclonal antibodies IgG (16) at exposed gp120 antigens (20) binding sites. At the time of measurement said HIV- infected peripheral blood lymphocytes (18) will be pulled against the wall of the measurement vessel by means of a magnetic gradient (26). The cells adhering to the vessel wall are illuminated at 488 nm monochromatic light by a focused light source (28) and the resultant emitted fluorescence is imaged, measured and recorded.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for collecting samples mixing the samples with test reagents, and acting as a container in which the mixture can be incubated and the test reaction viewed by microscope or imaging device. This device enables an entire test to be performed in one simple step without complicated handling procedures. The device consists of a cartridge with a well with micro-lances imbedded in the bottom of the well and an overlying micro-baggy containing a mixture of reagents. There are two reagents present in the micro-baggy: the first consisting of antibodies coupled to paramagnetic microspheres and the second consisting of antibodies coupled with a fluorochrome. A test subject presses down onto the micro-baggy and at the same time punctures his/her finger or thumb on the micro-lances. Once the finger has been lanced, breaking the micro-baggy, the reagents mix with the test subject's blood. The well is then covered by a clear mylar strip.