Abstract: An assay device includes: a detection zone which includes a first set of projections which are capable of generating capillary flow. A wicking zone (WZ) has a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone and includes a second set of projections which are capable of generating capillary flow. The WZ is rectangular in shape and the longer side of the rectangle extends in the direction of flow to thereby reduce the pressure gradient in the assay device which increases the total flow time of liquid sample compared to a WZ having equal length sides and same volume. At least a portion of the second set of projections have at least one dimension selected from a diameter, a center-to-center spacing, or a gap between projections that is different from the first set of projections, and is selected to increase the total flow time of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a use of reaction kinetics to generate multiple dose-response curves from a single reaction, thus eliminating the need to run a second experiment with additional sample, reagents, and time to cover a broader measuring range than is available in a standard assay. Using a single protocol, the differences in the reaction kinetics for different sample concentrations yield different responses at different measurement times. Selection of the appropriate dose-response curve cross-section increases the measuring range and accuracy of the assay from a single reaction without substantially increasing imprecision. Several overlapping dose-response curves are pieced together to provide a standard curve to ensure continuity throughout the expanded measuring range.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample zone. The reagent zone includes at least two reagent cells containing a reagent material and arranged in the reagent zone such that each reagent cell experiences substantially the same flow conditions of sample from the sample zone. The reagent cells divide the sample flow from the sample zone into multiple flow streams. Also includes are: one or more flow control elements disposed downstream from the reagent zone which combine the multiple flow streams into fewer flow streams; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone; and a wicking zone in fluid communication with the detection zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone. The sample addition zone, the detection zone and the wicking zone define a fluid flow path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay device which comprises a liquid sample addition zone, a reagent zone, a detection zone, and a wicking zone, all defining a fluid flow path. The device further comprises a reagent addition zone along and in fluid communication with the fluid flow path downstream of the sample addition zone and upstream of the detection zone. An interrupting wash is added at this reagent addition zone in accordance with the method of the subject invention to control sample volume. The interrupting wash fluid is added at a predetermined fill volume on the chip device and also serves to wash the detection channel and fill the remaining chip volume.

Abstract: An assay device includes: a liquid sample zone; a reagent zone downstream and in fluid communication with the sample zone containing a reagent material; a detection zone in fluid communication with the reagent zone having capture elements bound thereto; and a wicking zone in fluid communication with the capture zone having a capacity to receive liquid sample flowing from the detection zone. The sample receiving zone, the reagent zone, the detection zone and the wicking zone define a fluid flow path and at least a part of the fluid flow path has a substrate and projections which extend substantially vertically from the substrate, wherein the projections have a height, cross-section and a distance between one another that defines a space between the projections capable of generating capillary flow parallel to the substrate surface. In addition, the fluid flow path having projections includes a corner section which changes the direction of the flow path.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an apparatus for acquiring, holding, and enabling the movement of a cassette-shaped article, such as a reagent or sample cassette, which may be part of an automated diagnostic analyzer, such that the apparatus can tolerate a significant degree of cassette misplacement and/or misalignment during the acquisition maneuver. The invention provides simultaneous two-dimensional movement of the acquiring gripper jaws such that the inter-jaw distance decreases at the same time as movement in an upward vertical direction is provided while the jaw movement is adequately smooth so as not to disturb the physical state of the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an apparatus and method that enables a very accurate initial setup of the coating gap for slot die coater and subsequent control of the coating gap during coating operations such that web splices and web defects do not interrupt the coating process. An highly accurate initial set up is achieved via the use of a tapered or wedge-shaped adjustment member mounted perpendicular to the axis of travel of the coating head where the movement of this tapered or wedge-shaped adjustment member in a direction perpendicular to the axis of travel of the slot die housing adjusts the coating gap in increments on the order of ten microns.