Abstract: The present invention provides various methods for detecting errors in a blood analysis system. The system includes a blood analyzer and a molded plastic rotor with a series of chambers and capillary channels through which blood is processed and distributed to cuvettes which contain lyophilized reagents. The rotor is placed in the analyzer which spins the rotor, and an optical system reads the cuvettes as light is flashed through the cuvettes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of analytes. A polyunsaturated polymerized lipid layer is employed, which is anisotropic, has a member of a specific binding pair bound to an end of the lipids, and whose optical characteristics are modified upon complex formation between the specific binding pair member and its complementary member. By providing for polarized light, linear and/or circular, one can detect the presence of complex formation by the change in the optical characteristics of the film. Polarizers, analyzers, and wave plates are employed for providing for a light signal which can be analyzed and related to the presence of an analyte in a sample.

Abstract: Diagnostic assays are provided comprising complementary enzyme fragments of .beta.-galactosidase, where one of the fragments is bound to a support and the other fragment is conjugated to an immunologically cross-reactive epitope of the analyte or complementary to an analyte receptor. Binding to the receptor allows for discrimination between complexed enzyme fragment conjugate and uncomplexed enzyme fragment conjugate. The assay medium is then allowed to wick onto a support to which the complementary fragment is substantially uniformly bound in the detection region. The support is then developed, where color formation from the substrate in the detection region is used as a measure of the presence of analyte in the sample.

Abstract: A .beta.-galactosidase complementation assay for determining the presence of an analyte which is a member of a specific binding pair (sbp) in a sample is provided, which assay permits visual discrimination between those samples wherein the analyte is present above a predetermined, threshold concentration. The method comprises combining the sample with a hydrophobic enzyme donor- (ED-) analyte conjugate and the complementary member of the sbp to form an sbp complex-containing assay medium. A small volume of the assay medium is spotted onto an enzyme acceptor (EA) affixed to a bibulous, solid support, followed by development with enzyme substrate solution. A substantially larger area is detectable when analyte in the sample is below as compared to above a threshold concentration. The assay is particularly useful in field testing applications such as determining the presence of antibiotics in milk, toxins in water, or drugs in serum or urine. Kits facilitating the method are also provided.