Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant-free reagent spheres useful for biological tests particularly those involving antigen/antibody reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant-free reagent spheres useful for biological tests particularly those involving antigen/antibody reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant-free reagent spheres useful for biological tests particularly those involving antigen/antibody reactions.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfactant-free reagent spheres useful for biological tests particularly those involving antigen/antibody reactions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing dry beads of a liquid reagent for use in various methods of analysis. The beads are formed by use of an x-y table that can be translated along both the x and the y axis. An insulated tray containing liquid cryogen is positioned atop the x-y table. A metal grid forms a plurality of cells in the tray so that the cryogen is free to enter the cells up to the level of the cryogen in the tray. The frozen drops form into beads and freely amass on the bottom of the tray. A drop forming device dispenses individual drops to fall by gravity into an individual, discrete cell. The table then translates to position another discrete cell for receiving the subsequent drop of reagent. The movement of the x-y table causes a agitation of the cryogen to enhance the freezing process.

Abstract: A viability test device wherein the viability of a test composition for the determination of an analyte of interest can be determined by simply wetting the device with ordinary water. The viability device can be prepared in three formats: a control or calibrator device, an internal control device and a self indicating device. Unreacted analyte, or an analog thereof, can be incorporated in a limited defined portion of a dried carrier matrix incorporated with a test composition to provide an internal control test device. When wetted with water, a positive optical response, usually color, indicates the test composition can provide a viable test for the analyte. The internal control test device is particularly advantageously used by diabetics in their own homes where a negative test response could be due to the desired control of the user's condition or due to deterioration of a test composition because of unfavorable storage conditions.

Abstract: A viability test device wherein the viability of a test composition for the determination of an analyte of interest can be determined by simply wetting the device with ordinary water. The viability device can be prepared in three formats: a control or calibrator device, an internal control device and a self indicating device. Unreacted analyte, or an analog thereof, can be incorporated in a limited defined portion of a dried carrier matrix incorporated with a test composition to provide an internal control test device. When wetted with water, a positive optical response, usually color, indicates the test composition can provide a viable test for the analyte. The internal control test device is particularly advantageously used by diabetics in their own homes where a negative test response could be due to the desired control of the user's condition or due to deterioration of a test composition because of unfavorable storage conditions.

Abstract: A test means for determining the presence of an ion in an aqueous test sample, a method for preparing it and a method for using it. The test means comprises a hydrophilic carrier matrix incorporated with finely divided globules of a hydrophobic vehicle. The hydrophobic vehicle contains an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the ion and a reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. The test means of this invention is useful for clinical determinations of serum potassium. The test means forms the reagent layer in a multilayer format which is particularly suited to whole blood electrolyte determinations and does not require washing or wiping before use.

Abstract: A test means, test device and method for use for determining the presence of an ion in a test sample are disclosed. The test means comprises a substantially nonpolar, nonporous carrier matrix incorporated with an ionophore capable of forming a complex with the specific ion and reporter substance capable of interacting with the complex of ionophore and ion to produce a detectable response. The test means disclosed is particularly useful for serum potassium determinations. The test means forms the reagent layer in a multilayer format particularly suited to whole blood electrolyte determinations.