Abstract: A disposable assay device for assaying a sample has a body (10) including a reaction chamber (12) which contains or is adapted to receive an assay reagent sensitive to a component (e.g. nicotine metabolite) being assayed for in the sample. A sample collector/dispenser (20) has a sample collecting chamber (22) closed by an elastic membrane (24) and a downwardly projecting sampling and piercing tube (28), to enable a predetermined quantity of sample to be dispensed into the reaction chamber (12). The body (10) and the collector/dispenser (20) are non-detachably engageable together by engagement of rib (34) on collector/dispenser (20) with lip (18) on the body (10). A seal (32) seals the assembly to prevent leakage of the contents after use.

Abstract: Capillary flow liquid transfer device having first and second flow channels, the first leading from a first channel end to a volume determination site and the second flow channel leading from a second channel end and crossing the first channel in fluid connection therewith in an interception area bordering the volume determination site directly upstream thereof relative to the flow in the first channel. The liquid flow in the second channel reaches the interception area before that in the first channel upon simultaneous application of liquid from the liquid supply to the first and second channel ends such that excess substance is received in a waste reception area separate from substance received in the volume determination site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing biochemical diagnostic assays. The device, which is preferably provided in a self-contained disposable form for use in extra-laboratory conditions, comprises two liquid flow channels of porous material which transfer liquid by capillary flow to a common site in sequentially timed manner following simultaneous application of the liquid to the ends of the channels. The channels interconnect at a certain point and then both continue in an arrangement analogous to an electrical bridge circuit. By selecting the hydraulic resistances of the arms of this circuit the flow can be controlled across the bridge. Balancing the circuit will produce null flow across the bridge and prevent the flow from one channel from dominating that from the other when the channels are saturated. Alternatively the arrangement can be such as to produce oscillating flow across the interconnection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for performing biochemical diagnostic assays. The device, which is preferably provided in a self-contained disposable form for use in extra-laboratory conditions, has two liquid flow channels of porous material which transfer liquid by capillary flow to a common site in sequentially timed manner following simultaneous application of the liquid to the ends of the channels. The channels are formed by superposed layers of porous material separated by an impervious layer except for one or more areas over which the layers are engaged for liquid flow therebetween. A number of channel pairs can be formed in the layers for simultaneously performing plural test procedures.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device of disposable one-time use form to conduct a biochemical diagnostic or other assay comprises two liquid flow channels (10,110,210; 20,120,220) leading from a respective pair of channel ends to a common site (30,130,230) and operable to deliver liquid to this site in sequentially timed manner following simultaneous application of such liquid to the channel ends. Typically respectively different reagents (11,111,211; 21,121,221) are incorporated in the two channels, and a third reagent (31,131,231) at the common site, whereby a sample to be assayed in respect of a particular content can be applied to the site, immobilized by the third reagent, subsequently subjected to one channel reagent to detect any of the content of interest, and finally subjected to the other channel reagent to exhibit for the user any detected content.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device of disposable one-time use form to conduct a biochemical diagnostic or other assay comprises two liquid flow channels (10,110,210; 20,120,220) leading from a respective pair of channel ends to a common site (30,130,230) and operable to deliver liquid to this site in sequentially timed manner following simultaneous application of such liquid to the channel ends. Typically respectively different reagents (11,111,211; 21,121,221) are incorporated in the two channels, and a third reagent (31,131,231) at the common site, whereby a sample to be assayed in respect of a particular content can be applied to the site, immobilized by the third reagent, subsequently subjected to one channel reagent to detect any of the content of interest, and finally subjected to the other channel reagent to exhibit for the user any detected content.

Abstract: A light absorption analyzer can work in either a reflection or a transmission mode, according to which probe head is fitted to it.Light is caused to be of a desired wavelength for the analysis by passing non-monochromatic light from a high-intensity flash tube source (which is not a point source) to an interference filter. Only parallel light emanating from the filter is focused by a concave parabolic mirror on a point where at least one fibre-optic collector is positioned. This light can then be passed directly to the probe for passage through the sample, since it is only light of a specified wavelength which will have travelled parallel from the filter and will therefore be focused at the point. Some of the light is taken off a reference detector to provide a reference signal for comparison with that derived from a test detetor fed by a return fibre-optic from the probe. A comparator is programmed to give a quantitiative readout of the absorption by the test sample.

Abstract: A recording apparatus has a holder for a plurality of reaction vessels including a support plate (11) having an array of holes (15) therein for receiving an array of reaction vessels (16), a housing (10) for receiving the holder and being sealed to prevent entry of stray light, an openable cover (24, 249) for the housing, a film back (12) for holding a photographic film adjacent the underside of the plate (11), and a removable shutter (13) for interposition between the film and the support plate.

Abstract: A dispensing device, for dispensing reagent into an array of reaction wells (16) in a photographic recording apparatus, comprises an array of tubes (28) which are mounted in a support (23). The support (23) contains a common chamber (29) into which the tops of all the tubes (28) open. The chamber (29) is connected with atmosphere via an opening (32) which is sealable manually to retain liquid in the tubes (28) when the latter are immersed in a reservoir (40) and which is unsealed to dispense the liquid. The recording apparatus has a housing (10) closable at the top by part of the support (23). A plate (11) having an array of holes (15) therethrough rests on a shutter (13) disposed above a photographic film holder (12). The plate (11) carries the reaction wells (16) in the holes (15).

Abstract: A support means for supporting more than six objects is disclosed. The surt means comprises a substantially planar member having more than six siting means therein; and fixed thereto, one to each siting means, cage-like structures extending from said planar member substantially normal thereto, each cage-like structure being at least constricted at its end remote from said planar member; so that in use an object inserted in any one of said cage-like structures, and allowed to fall therein, is retained at the end thereof remote from said planar member. The planar member may be a substantially flat plate and each siting means a hole in said flat plate. The cage-like structure may, for example, be of helical form or of basket form.

Abstract: Pipette means having aspirating and expelling means and a substantially cylindrical tube connected to a pipette tip for fluid flow therebetween; the expelling means being arranged to apply pressure to the outer surface of the cylindrical tube, the diameter and wall thickness of which being chosen so that said tube is compressed elastically and substantially uniformly and circumferentially to reduce the internal volume thereof, tending to expel any liquid from the pipette tip; and the aspirating means being arranged to relieve pressure from the outer surface of said tube, allowing the tube to expand substantially circumferentially and uniformly so that liquid may thereby be drawn into the pipette tip.

Abstract: Pipette means having aspirating and expelling means and a substantially cylindrical tube connected to a pipette tip for fluid flow therebetween; the expelling means being arranged to apply pressure to the outer surface of the cylindrical tube, the diameter and wall thickness of which being chosen so that said tube is compressed elastically and substantially uniformly and circumferentially to reduce the internal volume thereof, tending to expel any liquid from the pipette tip; and the aspirating means being arranged to relieve pressure from the outer surface of said tube, allowing the tube to expand substantially circumferentially and uniformly so that liquid may thereby be drawn into the pipette tip.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a movable member (10) which carries a plurality of cuvettes (11) containing material under test. Control means cause the member (10) to be moved to bring the cuvettes (11) successively into register with a photomultiplier (16), and in that position reagent is automatically added to a cuvette, giving rise to a luminescent reaction. Light from the reaction is detected by the photo-multiplier (16) and the resultant signal processed and recorded. The control means is triggered to stop the member (10), add reagent, record the signal from the luminescent reaction, and restart the member, from a photocell (28) which is illuminated through the member (10) only when a cuvette (11) is in register with the photomultiplier (16).According to the method, sample material containing the analyte for determination is mixed with a known amount or concentration of the same analyte labelled with a substance which is capable of taking part in a luminescent reaction.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing at least one liquid sample, by immersion therein of a probe for coaction between said probe and sample, having a reloadable sample carrier for at least one sample container; a reloadable probe carrier for at least one probe; a frame having locating means for relatively locating the sample carrier and the probe carrier laterally in the frame, parallel motion means for guiding the probe longitudinally into the sample container and stop means for locating the probe at a predetermined distance into the sample container, locking means preventing the probe from being withdrawn more than a predetermined distance in the outward direction from the sample container, timing and control means for releasing said locking means after a predetermined time, and self acting withdrawal means for withdrawing the probe and probe carrier to a position clear of the sample container; the said sample carrier and probe carrier being arranged so as to be severally removable away from the said frame.

Abstract: In testing for cleanliness a cuvette having translucent wall portions, the cuvette is preferably partially filled with pure water and then a beam of optical radiation is directed at a said wall portion, the intensity of radiation which has passed through the cuvette by direct transmission or by scattering is detected, and the state of cleanliness of the cuvette is determined from a comparison between the detected optical intensity and a criterion indicative of cuvette cleanliness.The invention finds particular application to testing cuvettes for cleanliness which have been washed in a laundry of an automatic blood analysing machine.