Abstract: A process for making a support for an electrophoretic medium comprising the steps of: applying an agarose coating to a corona treated polymeric film by transferring a layer of agarose solution onto a surface of the corona treated polymeric film. The pH of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 8 and about 11 and the concentration of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 0.1 and about 0.4% agarose by weight. The agarose powder used to make the agarose solution can be pre-treated by introducing a fresh reducing atmosphere above the agarose powder and exposing the agarose powder to a reducing atmosphere. The reducing atmosphere treatment may be repeated at least three times.

Abstract: A process for making a support for an electrophoretic medium comprising the steps of: applying an agarose coating to a corona treated polymeric film by transferring a layer of agarose solution onto a surface of the corona treated polymeric film. The pH of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 8 and about 11 and the concentration of the agarose solution can be generally maintained between about 0.1 and about 0.4% agarose by weight. The agarose powder used to make the agarose solution can be pre-treated by introducing a fresh reducing atmosphere above the agarose powder and exposing the agarose powder to a reducing atmosphere. The reducing atmosphere treatment may be repeated at least three times.

Abstract: An improved fecal occult blood test having a matrix such as paper that is treated, imprinted or impregnated with a test reagent capable of undergoing a chromogen reaction is disclosed. The improvement relates to a novel developing solution in which the water to alcohol ratio is adjusted to enhance the sensitivity of the test.

Abstract: An improved fecal occult blood test having a matrix such as paper that is treated, imprinted or impregnated with a test reagent capable of undergoing a chromogen reaction is disclosed. The improvement relates to a novel developing solution in which the water to alcohol ratio is adjusted to enhance the sensitivity of the test.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for fluorescent analysis of serum proteins separated by electrophoresis. This assay allows for the immediate quantitation of resolved proteins in biological materials. The electrophoresed sample is treated with a fixative composition and stained using an ANS-based stain solution. No pre-stain washing or post-stain washing and drying is required. The fluorescent serum protein assay allows for automation of serum protein analyses.

Abstract: Novel apparatuses and methods for depositing or placing substances on substrates or plates are described. The invention relates to automated and semiautomated apparatuses and methods for controlled volume and precise placement of substances on substrates. Combinations of applicator tips, applicator tip assemblies, applicator reservoirs, applicator holders and movable racks precisely and accurately place samples and testing chemicals on substrates. Applicator tips particularly useful for dunk transfer and deposit processes and for carrying substances are disclosed. Apparatuses for precisely moving applicator holders, applicator reservoirs and tips are disclosed. The methods and apparatuses also have features for pre-loading substances on applicators and applicator reservoirs and precisely delivering the preloaded substances to substrates.

Abstract: An improvement in the immunofixation electrophoresis procedure for detecting proteins in serum, urine or cerebral spinal fluids. Samples are placed on a gel and subjected to electrophoresis for resolving or separating proteins. Thereafter, antisera are applied to the sample areas through openings located on a template. The template includes projections and, the template substantially precludes cross-contamination and the adverse effects of ambient conditions on the integrity of the fluid, such as by the projections contacting, depressing or cutting into the gel to form closed cavities.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An improved chromogen-reagent test system for a slide, test kit or the like has particular utility in the testing of fecal specimens for occult blood. The chromogen-reagent system may include the use of colorless guaiac which, in the presence of a developing solution and a catalyst, is oxidized to yield a predetermined color such as blue. Hydrogen peroxide is used as the developing solution and hemoglobin in the fecal specimen functions as the catalyst. The chromogen-reagent test system includes an indicator area for determining if the guaiac and the developing solution are functioning properly, i.e., the test system of the present invention verifies that the guaiac has not lost its activity nor been improperly catalyzed and that the hydrogen peroxide has not lost its activity. The indicator area includes a catalyst which has a greater stability than blood, in respect to adverse environmental conditions, such that a determination can be made if the reagents are functioning properly.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: An electrophoresis plate includes a substrate and an electrophoresis medium layer on the substrate. The electrophoresis plate may be used for medical testing by placing fluid specimens in wells on the electrophoresis medium layer so that the specimens can be separated into different fractions by applying an electric field across the electrophoresis medium layer. The electrophoresis medium layer includes liquid in a microporous gel such as agarose. The electrophoresis plate is packaged with a protective plastic film across the electrophoresis medium layer, but removal of the protective film prior to use of the electrophoresis plate leaves liquid that has been expressed from the electrophoresis medium layer on the surface of the electrophoresis medium layer.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus for automatically performing medical assays includes an electrophoresis platform which cooperates with a gantry assembly. The electrophoresis platform and the gantry assembly are movable along paths that are perpendicular to each other. An applicator assembly includes pipettes which transfer fluid samples from a specimen tray to an electrophoresis plate mounted on the electrophoresis platform. The electrophoresis platform then moves to a position into the gantry assembly, where electrophoresis is conducted to separate the samples into different fractions. The electrophoresis platform then moves beneath a reagent pouring station where a reagent is applied to make the separated fractions fluoresce under ultraviolet light. The electrophoresis platform is then moved beneath the gantry assembly again, and an air knife in the gantry assembly spreads the reagent.

Abstract: A chemical test kit for determining the presence of occult blood in a stool specimen is disclosed which includes an improved monitor system for verifying the effectiveness of the chemicals used in the test. A method of testing for occult blood is also disclosed which method includes verifying the effectiveness of the chemicals utilized in the test.

Abstract: A test sheet for the determination of the presence of a substance having peroxidase-like activity in a throw-in-the-bowl fecal occult blood test, includes a specimen test area and a positive control area. The test area has deposited thereon a test ink having at least one oxygen donor reagent and a chromogen reagent capable of being oxidized by the oxygen donor in the presence of blood or a substance having peroxidase-like activity, to provide a visually observable change of color. The test ink also includes a water soluble polymer for immobilizing the chromogen and oxygen donor. The positive control area has deposited thereon the test ink and a substance having the peroxidase-like activity.

Abstract: A test sheet for the determination of the presence of a substance having peroxidase-like activity in a throw-in-the-bowl fecal occult blood test, includes a specimen test area and a positive control area. The test area has deposited thereon a test ink having at least one oxygen donor reagent and a chromogen reagent capable of being oxidized by the oxygen donor in the presence of blood or a substance having peroxidase-like activity, to provide a visually observable change of color. The test ink also includes a water soluble polymer for immobilizing the chromogen and oxygen donor. The positive control area has deposited thereon the test ink and a substance having the peroxidase-like activity.

Abstract: A method of formulating a test ink for a fecal occult blood test product including the steps of: (a) providing at least one chromogen reagent in a first solution; (b) providing a moisture barrier which is a water-soluble polymer; (c) adding at least one oxygen donor reagent to the moisture barrier; (d) adding at least one color enhancer to the result of step (c) to thereby form a second solution; and (e) adding the second solution to the first solution.

Abstract: An improved gel formulation and method for high-voltage, short duration electrophoretic separation of isoforms of CK isoenzymes. The gel is an homogeneous mixture of agarose and a buffer having a molarity of about 0.05M. CK-MM and/or CK-MB isoforms are electrophoretically separated.

Abstract: A thermally conductive, electrically insulating interface adapted to be interposed between the heat conductive metal floor of an electrophoresis chamber and an electrophoresis plate for conducting heat from the plate to the chamber floor. The interface is preferably silicone or a silicone base, and demonstrates a preferential affinity to the electrophoresis plate. Optionally a support layer or backing layer may be included as part of the interface member.

Abstract: An electrophoretic gel container for protecting an electrophoresis plate during shipment and storage, the electrophoresis plate being the type including a substrate having a major surface and a gel layer adhered to a portion of the major surface with the substrate including a peripheral portion free of the gel layer. The container includes a top portion and a bottom portion which are sealingly engageable with one another. The top and bottom portions have cooperating projections such that the top and bottom may be interlocked together. The gel layer substrate includes alignment apertures and the container includes alignment sockets in the bottom portion and locking pins in the top portion. The alignment sockets extend through the alignment apertures in the electrophoresis plate and has locking pins engage the alignment sockets to further secure the electrophoresis plate against movement.