Abstract: An apparatus comprising a passageway for accepting a strip for determining the presence or quantity of an analyte is provided. The passageway has a serpentine shape to maintain the strip against an optical aperture in the passageway wall, insuring that a constant optical reading is obtained.

Abstract: The multilayer test devices of this invention comprise, in order, (a) an absorbent layer; (b) a waterproof barrier layer; and (c) a quickly absorbent reagent layer having a determinate volume. The absorbent and barrier layers each include an aperture functionally aligned for application of a test sample through the absorbent and barrier layers and onto the surface of the reagent layer. The reagent layer contains one or more reagents which produce a detectable species in the presence of an analyte. The reagent layer preferably comprises an asymmetrical filter, which localizes cellular components of the test sample at or near the surface of the filter, while facilitating saturation of the filter by non-cellular sample components. Preferred embodiments of the test devices include devices for testing glucose, alcohol, cholesterol, or other analytes in whole blood.

Abstract: A modular multi-channel automated medical analyzer device is disclosed, characterized by use of an ion selective electrode and/or enzymatic electrode/wash cell system which permits rapid analysis of various substances of interest contained within undiluted body fluids such as whole blood, serum and/or plasma. The ion selective electrode and/or the enzymatic electrode are disposed upon a probe which automatically axially reciprocates downwardly in a simple manipulative motion between an open-ended reference wash cell and a sample cup bearing the body fluid specimen to be analyzed. The wash cell includes an inlet port and one or more outlet ports through which is circulated an aqueous solution bearing a known concentration of the substance to be measured to provide a reference calibration medium as well as a probe washing medium.

Abstract: A modular multi-channel automated medical analyzer device is disclosed, characterized by use of an ion selective electrode and/or enzymatic electrode/wash cell system which permits rapid analysis of various substances of interest contained within undiluted body fluids such as whole blood, serum and/or plasma. The ion selective electrode and/or the enzymatic electrode are disposed upon a probe which automatically axially reciprocates downwardly in a simple manipulative motion between an open-ended reference wash cell and a sample cup bearing the body fluid specimen to be analyzed. The wash cell includes an inlet port and one or more outlet ports through which is circulated an aqueous solution bearing a known concentration of the substance to be measured to provide a reference calibration medium as well as a probe washing medium.

Abstract: A flow cell for optical analysis of a fluid sample has a cell chamber whose volume is not limited by considerations of fluid residue carryover. A piston movable within the viewing region and having a conduit through its face is used to collapse the volume of the viewing region to substantially zero while maintaining a flow path between inlet and outlet conduits so that residue can be removed from the flow cell and its conduits with a minimum of cleaning fluid.