Abstract: Administration by injection or infusion to patients of an injectable liquid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is provided by a syringe adapter connectable with an automatic syringe pump and a syringe containing contents to be dispensed. The syringe adapter includes an adapter body receivable by the syringe pump, a syringe retainer for retaining the syringe, and a syringe driver for agitating the contents of the syringe. More particularly the invention relates to an adapter connectable with a syringe pump and methods for delivery of an injectable liquid using such adapter. By connecting an adapter according to the invention to a syringe and a syringe pump, rotation of the syringe is achieved and homogeneity of the injectable is preserved. Particularly, the injectable liquid is an ultrasound contrast agent comprising an aqueous dispersion of gas-filled microbubbles or of particulate matter.

Abstract: A level of the type having parallel working surfaces and an interconnecting web is provided with an aperture having at least a pair of oppositely directed notches prearranged and configured relative to each other so that ends of a level vial accurately fit within the notches. The vial is provided at one end with a vial retaining tongue that extends from one end thereof and abuts one side of the web to laterally position and orient the vial within the plane of the web. The assembly includes a vial retainer cover that overlies the aperture and includes a vial engaging abutment that bears against the tongue of the vial to hold that member in retentive butting engagement against the side of the web and prevent lateral displacement or misorientation of the vial. The elongated vial may have a gradually tapered surface that not only permits rapid molding of the vial but also facilitates the use of a curved vial configuration with the proper degree of curvature accurately molded therein.

Abstract: Improved mounting means is provided for mounting a top viewable liquid vial in a level having an I-beam type frame provided with a through opening in the web communicating with a notch in the adjacent horizontal working surface, the mounting means including a transparent shroud for the vial having a bight portion extending around the vial below the notch forming a magnifying lens and side walls forming side windows protecting the vial. The shroud is clamped between a pair of identical mounting caps which also are clamped to the web around the periphery of the through opening thereby enclosing the shroud and vial assembly and positioning it in the through opening to permit viewing of the vial from the top and sides.