Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a vial-loading mechanism for a system that prepares and delivers one or more IV drugs to a patient. The vial-loading mechanism is used to load a vial onto a cassette spike and includes a vertical support member located adjacent to the spike. A holding assembly holds at least one vial. The holding assembly is mounted to the support member so as to be positionable between an upper position for loading a vial and a lower position for piercing the vial with a spike. The holding assembly has an arcuate-shaped holding member for holding the vial. A catch is provided with an engagement unit for securing the holding assembly in the lower position. This arrangement provides an easy way to add, retain, and remove vials from the system and protects the clinicians that do this from contacting the spikes and hurting themselves.

Abstract: A device and method for its use in diagnostic assays are provided. The device comprises at least one assay path, where an assay path includes a main flow path and at least one side reagent channel. The main flow path begins at a sample addition port, continues through a main reagent area into an incubation area and ends in a waste area. In fluid communication with the main flow path is at least one side reagent channel that begins at a liquid addition port, continues through a side reagent area and ends in said main channel at a region between the main reagent and waste areas, usually upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. At least one fluid interruption means located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area provide for control over reagent interaction and fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: A disposable diagnostic assay device and method for its use are provided. The device comprises a sample addition port in fluid communication with at least one main channel. The main channel comprises, in the direction of fluid flow, a main reagent area in fluid communication with an incubation area and a waste area. In fluid communication with the main channel is at least one side reagent channel. The side reagent channels comprise, in the direction of fluid flow, a liquid addition port and a side reagent area in fluid communication with the main channel at a region of the main channel upstream from the incubation area. Agitation means may be included in the at least one of the main and side reagent areas and/or the incubation area. Capillary valves may be located at various positions along the main and side reagent channels upstream from the incubation area, providing for control over fluid flow through the device.