Abstract: An analytical biochemistry system featuring a substrate with reactants immobilized thereon at fixed, known locations, a holder supporting the substrate and a manipulator for transporting the holder to a fixed sample and to an inspection station. The reactants are binding agents for a target biomolecule in a sample which forms a bound substance having a detectable characteristic. The holder may be a standard pipettor, optionally carried by a robot arm or hand as the manipulator to contact the sample for detection of the presence of target biomolecules within the sample. In one embodiment, the holder is a pipette tip within which the substrate is housed, or it may be a pipette adapter which bears the substrate and fits within the sample wells of a standard microtiter plate.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a target biomolecule in a sample where there is a robotic arm to move a pipette adaptor to the desired reagent locations to facilitate the detection.

Abstract: A method for utilizing a filtration device for removing interferants from a test sample containing a mixture of a composition of interest and interferants in an automated apparatus is disclosed. The filtration device includes a microporous hollow fiber membrane having a plurality of pores sized to retain the composition of interest while allowing smaller diameter interferants to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: Minimally invasive methods for measuring an analyte, such as glucose, contained in tile interstitial fluid of a body are provided. The methods include the steps of. (a) providing at least one sensor particle capable of generating a detectable analyte signal in responding to the analyte concentration of the body, (b) placing the sensor particle into the skin of the body for allowing the sensor particle to be in contact with the interstitial fluid of the body to generate the detectable analyte signal, (c) detecting the generated analyte signal, and (d) determining the concentration of the analyte contained in the interstitial fluid. The sensor particles may be made to be responsive to an analyte such as glucose concentration contained in a body fluid by including a photo-induced electron transfer receptor specific for the analyte in the sensor particle.

Abstract: A holder (10) is provided for securing a capillary (30) having a window section (28) including first and second edges (46) (48) to a mount (80). The holder (10) comprises a retaining surface (14) for securing the capillary (30) to the holder (10) and a mounting surface (18) for detachably securing the holder (10) to the mount (80). The retaining surface (14) is attached to the capillary (30) proximate to the opposed first and second edges (46), (48), with a portion of the window section (28) exposed. Since the capillary (30) is secured proximate the opposed first and second edges (46), (48), the fragile capillary window section (28) is protected during manufacturing or installation into an electrophoretic system (32). The retaining surface (14) preferably is sized and shaped to retain a plurality of capillaries (30) to allow for the substantially simultaneous testing of multiple capillaries (30).

Abstract: A method for rapid separation of serum or plasma from cells in a whole blood sample uses a cylindrical sample tube having longitudinally-extending internal ribs. A separation gel and the sample are introduced into the tube, and the tube is axially centrifuged so as to form concentric shells of cells, gel, and serum or plasma. After centrifugation is stopped, the serum or plasma collects in the tube by gravity flow and the cells and gel remain affixed to the walls and ribs of the tube.

Abstract: A non-liquid scatter standard for use in nephelometry and turbidimetry systems which comprises a clear silicon rubber gel in which an effective light scattering amount of inorganic particles are suspended. The particles have an index of refraction greater than that of the silicon rubber gel.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the presence of hemolysis, icteris and lipemia in a serum sample are provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning a probe inlet of a probe in a sample container, aspiring at least a portion of the serum sample into a probe lumen of the probe from the sample container, and monitoring the serum sample in a probe lumen to determine whether hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. The serum sample is monitored with a detector which performs spectrophotometric analysis of the serum sample in the probe lumen through a substantially transparent section of the probe. From the spectrophotometric analysis, a hemolytic index, an icteric index and a lipemic index of the serum sample can be established. Based upon these serum indices, the serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional tests or can be disposed of because the sample is compromised.

Abstract: A salt bridge for a flow cell which includes a porous bridge element between fluid flow in the flow cell and in an internal reference fluid flow. The bridge element is surrounded by a body with a bore into which different tubes are located about the porous element. A cylindrical anchoring tube adjacent one end of the body is screw threaded into an aperture in the wall of the flow cell so that self-alignment of the salt bridge in the flow cell is effected. The salt bridge provides a conductivity path between the two flow paths without introducing another potential.

Abstract: A salt bridge for a flow cell which includes a porous bridge element between fluid flow in the flow cell and in an internal reference fluid flow. The bridge element is surrounded by a body with a bore into which different tubes are located about the porous element. A cylindrical anchoring tube adjacent one end of the body is screw threaded into an aperture in the wall of the flow cell so that self-alignment of the salt bridge in the flow cell is effected. The salt bridge provides a conductivity path between the two flow paths without introducing another potential.

Abstract: An analysis system including an ion selective electrode assembly, a sample container and a transport mechanism. The electrode assembly includes a reference electrode within a reference gel-filled well and ion selective electrodes disposed on an elongated portion of the electrode assembly. The sample container includes a body defining a plurality of reservoirs and a slot retaining an absorbant wiping and/or blotting material. The electrode assembly may be removably fixed relative to the transport mechanism. The transport mechanism includes a support table adapted to receive the sample container. The support table moves relative to the electrode assembly under the control of a cam to sequentially position the elongated portion of the electrode assembly within the reservoirs and the slot of the sample container.