Abstract: The present invention provides an optics assembly, a reflectometer, and a diagnostic device for providing quantitative measurement of optical radiation reflected from a sampling area on an assay matrix. The reflectometer includes an optical radiation source and a detector. The optical radiation source and the detector are mounted in a single plane. An optics assembly is configured to direct the illumination from the optical radiation source to the sampling area on the assay matrix and to direct the radiation diffusely reflected from the sampling area to the detector. The optics assembly is positioned over the face of the circuit board having the optical radiation source and detector mounted directly thereto. The present invention also provides a method for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample employing a plurality of sampling areas on one or more assay matrixes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optics assembly, a reflectometer, and a diagnostic device for providing quantitative measurement of optical radiation reflected from a sampling area on an assay matrix. The reflectometer includes an optical radiation source and a detector. The optical radiation source and the detector are mounted in a single plane. An optics assembly is configured to direct the illumination from the optical radiation source to the sampling area on the assay matrix and to direct the radiation diffusely reflected from the sampling area to the detector. The optics assembly is positioned over the face of the circuit board having the optical radiation source and detector mounted directly thereto. The present invention also provides a method for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample employing a plurality of sampling areas on one or more assay matrixes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optics assembly, a reflectometer, and a diagnostic device for providing quantitative measurement of optical radiation reflected from a sampling area on an assay matrix. The reflectometer includes an optical radiation source and a detector. The optical radiation source and the detector are mounted in a single plane. An optics assembly is configured to direct the illumination from the optical radiation source to the sampling area on the assay matrix and to direct the radiation diffusely reflected from the sampling area to the detector. The optics assembly is positioned over the face of the circuit board having the optical radiation source and detector mounted directly thereto. The present invention also provides a method for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample employing a plurality of sampling areas on one or more assay matrixes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay device for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area. A sample receptor receives the sample. A sample treatment strip reacts the sample with a reagent to yield a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in the sample. A detector responds to the physically detectable change and produces an electrical signal which correlates to the amount of the selected analyte in the sample. A processor converts the electrical signal to a digital output. A starter automatically activates the processor and detector upon the application of the sample to the device. A display visually displays the digital output external to the housing and is connected to the processor.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a machine for performing nucleic acid amplification under computer control. The machine utilizes any one of a number of heating and cooling systems under control of a host computer which directs the heating and cooling systems to heat and cool a reaction-chamber-containing heat exchanger at appropriate times in the process. The reaction chambers are pre-loaded with the nucleic acid(s) to be amplified, a thermostable enzyme to catalyze polymerization, specific oligonucleotide primers, and four different nucleotide triphosphates. Also disclosed is the process for the amplification chain reaction implemented by the machine, which utilizes a thermostable enzyme.

Abstract: A host computer controls a plate reader which optically reads the results between donor samples and reagents. The system provides the user with the ability to change the position of off-center light absorbance readings to maximize the power of the machine to discriminate between positive and negative agglutination reactions. In addition, the user can tailor thresholds for absorbances used to distinguish between positive, negative and "no type determined" reactions.

Abstract: An improved liquid handling device used for transferring a selected quantity of liquid from one receptacle to another. The device includes a meniscus tracking feature which minimizes mixing in a liquid sample and contact between the sample and a sample-handling pipette during a liquid-transfer operation. Further included is a volume-correcting feature for improving the accuracy of volume withdrawn into or dispensed from the pipette during a liquid handling operation.