Abstract: A dye binding method for protein analysis is disclosed. The method includes the steps of preparing an initial reference dye solution of unknown concentration from an initial reference dye concentrate and creating an electronic signal based upon the absorbance of the initial reference dye solution. Thereafter, an electronic signal is created based upon the absorbance of a dye filtrate solution prepared from the initial reference dye solution and an initial protein sample. The absorbance signals from the reference dye solution and the dye filtrate solution are sent to a processor that compares the respective absorbances and calculates the protein content of the protein sample based upon the difference between the absorbances.

Abstract: A protein analysis kit is disclosed. The kit includes a sample cup for mixing a protein sample with a dye-binding solution and a filter holder for being positioned in the sample cup. The filter holder includes a filter media and a depending spout below the filter media that reaches bottom portions of the cup when the filter media is positioned above the cup.

Abstract: A protein analysis instrument and method are disclosed. The method includes mixing a binding dye composition and a protein sample using a homogenizer, measuring a parameter selected from the group consisting of the speed of the homogenizer and the resistance of the mixture to the homogenizer, adjusting the speed of the homogenizer based upon the measured parameter, pumping unreacted dye composition from the mixture and to a calorimeter, and measuring the absorbance of the dye composition in the calorimeter. Aspects of the invention also include inserting a spout into a sample cup at a position where the spout opening is positioned to avoid foam and precipitate generated by the mixing step and above the bottom of the sample cup and thereafter pumping the dye composition from the mixture in the sample cup through the spout and to a colorimeter.

Abstract: A direct rapid automated protein analyzer is disclosed. The protein analyzer includes means for reducing protein samples to small particles, a reaction vessel in material transfer communication with the homogenizer, a reservoir for binding dye composition in fluid communication with the reaction vessel, a metering pump in fluid communication with the reservoir and the reaction vessel for distributing discrete predetermined amounts of a binding dye composition to the reaction vessel, a filter in fluid communication with the reaction vessel for separating solids from filtrate after a dye binding reaction has taken place in the reaction vessel, and a calorimeter in fluid communication with the filter and the reaction vessel for measuring the absorbance of the filtrate from the reaction vessel and the filter. The rapid analyzer can be used in conjunction with a kit that includes a sample cup for mixing a protein sample with a dye-binding solution and a filter holder for being positioned in the sample cup.