Abstract: An automated microscopy system having a sample applicator configured to dispense a sample, a flexible ribbon having a surface configured to receive the sample, a light receiver, such as, for example, an automated microscope, and a ribbon controller configured to receive the flexible ribbon and guide the ribbon from the sample applicator to the light receiver. A monolayer of cells can be formed on a hydrophilic portion of the flexible ribbon and can be transported using the ribbon controller to the light receiver for analysis. The cell monolayer can be continuous.

Abstract: An automated microscopy system having a sample applicator configured to dispense a sample, a flexible ribbon having a surface configured to receive the sample, a light receiver, such as, for example, an automated microscope, and a ribbon controller configured to receive the flexible ribbon and guide the ribbon from the sample applicator to the light receiver. A monolayer of cells can be formed on a hydrophilic portion of the flexible ribbon and can be transported using the ribbon controller to the light receiver for analysis. The cell monolayer can be continuous.

Abstract: A measured amount of a first fluid is metered into a measured amount of a second fluid by a method where a fluid is confined within a first chamber and a plunger of predetermined volume is mechanically moved into the chamber to displace a first measured amount of fluid after which a second plunger is mechanically moved into a defined volume of the chamber to displace a second volume of fluid therefrom different from the first volume whereupon the first and second volumes can be mixed in predetermined proportions.

Abstract: A stable reference solution for calibrating and monitoring blood gas instrumentation is disclosed. The solution comprises an aqueous mixture containing a hemoglobin solution derived from a mammalian source which comprises at least about 95% reduced hemoglobin. The solution additionally contains a metal catalyzed methemoglobin reducing system, reference concentrations of selected electrolytes and an organic buffer. To provide a control element having a variety of properties similar to fresh, whole, human blood, the reference solution is stored in a sealed ampule under an inert atmosphere containing CO.sub.2 until just prior to use. The ampule is subsequently opened and the solution is equilibrated with a gas mixture having components which provide gasses in a physiological range to the solution. The solution is characterized by exhibiting properties similar to fresh blood subsequent to equilibration and an extended storage life prior to equilibration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for analyzing a sample to determine an analyte content has a sensor for sensing the analyte positioned between a first and second transducer. The analyte or derivatives thereof are reciprocated between the first and second transducer to reciprocate at the sensor and allow instantaneous sensing of an indication of the analyte's presence at a point between the first and second transducer. Rapid analysis can be carried out in many different systems including for example where the transducers are enzyme reactors and the analytes are body metabolites.

Abstract: A multi-mode, differential fluid displacement pump provides for at least two different measured doses. The pump has a chamber in which are mounted a first diameter piston and a second diameter piston defining first and second volumes for reciprocation in the chamber. Means are provided for reciprocating the pistons as desired to obtain predetermined volume changes corresponding to movement of either or both of the first and second pistons. A system of operation and a mixing chamber useful in connection with dosages from the pump are interconnected with the pump.

Abstract: An analysis system includes sample insertion module structure with structure defining a reduced pressure reservoir, structure defining a sample region, and structure defining a reagent circuit that includes metering chamber structure in series with the reagent circuit. First transfer valve structure is arranged to couple the sample region to the reagent circuit on one side of the metering chamber structure, and second transfer valve structure is arranged to couple the reagent circuit to the reduced pressure reservoir structure on the side of the metering chamber structure remote from the first transfer valve structure for inserting an intact metered quantity of sample liquid into a reagent stream.

Abstract: In a method for colorimetric determination of calcium, the sample to be analyzed is mixed with a dye reagent of pH value at which that reagent does not produce a predetermined change when complexed with calcium ions; a first colorimetric measurement is made on the mixture of the sample and dye reagent; a second reagent is added to the mixture of the sample and dye reagent to shift the pH and activate the dye reagent producing the predetermined change; and then a second colorimetric measurement is made on the resulting mixture, the difference between the two colorimetric measurements being a measure of calcium in the sample.

Abstract: An aqueous reagent for determining inorganic phosphate in a protein-containing liquid biological sample comprises a molybdate salt, an acid capable of reacting with the molybdate salt to form molybdic acid for complexation with phosphate to form phosphomolybdate complexes, a ferric salt in an amount sufficient to inhibit turbidity in the sample, and a nonionic surfactant reagent in an amount sufficient to further inhibit turbidity in the sample, the molybdate salt and the acid being present in amounts sufficient to form an amount of molybdic acid sufficient to produce a detectible color change when complexed with phosphate in the sample.