Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument is adapted to receive a generally circular sensor pack containing a plurality of blood glucose sensors. Each of the sensors are disposed in sensor cavities, each of which is in fluid communication with a corresponding desiccant cavity and has a support wall that assists in directing the sensor as its being ejected from the cavity. The sensor pack is loaded on an indexing disk in the instrument such that when a slide actuator on the instrument is moved toward a testing position, a feed mechanism engaged by the slide actuator moves a knife blade thereon toward one of the sensor cavities. The knife blade pierces a portion of a foil covering the sensor cavity and engages the sensor disposed in the cavity to thereby eject the sensor from the sensor cavity.

Abstract: Test devices are disclosed which are useful for determining glucose or occult blood comprising a carrier matrix, glucose oxidase, an indicator system and a glucose derivative that upon addition of water hydrolizes to produce glucose.

Abstract: A test device and method of determining the presence or concentration of a predetermined ion, such as a cation of medical interest, like sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium or lithium, in an aqueous test sample are disclosed. The test device includes a test pad comprising a hydrophilic indicator reagent composition capable of interacting with a predetermined ion, or electrolyte, to produce a detectable or measurable response. The hydrophilic indicator reagent composition consists essentially of a hydrophobic ion specific ionophore, a hydrophobic reporter substance, and a stabilizer polymer such as gelatin. The hydrophilic indicator reagent composition, either as a film or layer, or after incorporation into a suitable carrier matrix, provides a test pad of sufficient sensitivity to the predetermined ion to achieve an accurate and trustworthy electrolyte assay of an aqueous test sample, such as plasma or serum, by a dry phase test strip assay.

Abstract: A method for detecting blood analytes with a sample volume as low as 2 microliters in the hematocrit range of 0% to 60%, or higher. This is accomplished by using a diagnostic device comprising a housing with various chambers and compartments for processing the blood. A sample application port in the housing is used to introduce blood into a metering chamber. From the metering chamber, the blood flows to a reaction chamber for analyzing blood analytes. Blood entering the metering chamber flows into a fluid capillary which indicates that an adequate amount of blood has been received in the metering chamber. The reaction compartment includes a reagent and a filter, the latter of which is disposed between the metering chamber and the reagent so that the reagent reacts with the filtered blood.

Abstract: An analytical method and test composition for determining whether an analyte is present in a test sample at a predetermined concentration level by measuring or observing a preselected level of indicator response, e.g., color generation. A subtractive reaction is carried out on the test sample prior to the indicator reaction in order to stoichiometrically and specifically consume a predetermined amount of analyte. The resulting indicator reaction generates the preselected level of indicator response only if the analyte is present at the predetermined concentration level or greater. The subtractive reaction is enzymatically specific for the analyte in the reaction mixture and the amount of analyte consumed can be closely controlled by the amount of a regulating coreactant present at initiation. The method enables the determination of analyte without the need for standards or comparators, e.g., color charts, and therefore is self-indicating.

Abstract: A diagnostic device detects blood analytes with a sample volume as low as 2 microliters in the hematocrit range of 0% to 60%, or higher. This is accomplished by employing a housing with various chambers and compartments for processing the blood. A sample application port in the housing is used to introduce blood into a metering chamber. From the metering chamber, the blood flows to a reaction chamber for analyzing blood analytes. Blood entering the metering chamber flows into a fluid capillary which indicates that an adequate amount of blood has been received in the metering chamber. The reaction compartment includes a reagent and a filter, the latter of which is disposed between the metering chamber and the reagent so that the reagent reacts with the filtered blood.

Abstract: Test compositions, indicators, and test device are provided which are capable of generating different hues at different analyte concentrations. The compositions are capable of generating a yellow hue in situ. Visual tests for clinically important analytes, such as glucose, are determined by use of two independent catalytic systems which are reactive with reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide to produce a range of hues; the particular hue produced depending on the concentration of the analyte. The invention provides a test device for the determination of analyte, e.g. glucose, in body fluid which exhibits a rainbow of hues, the particular final hue produced depending on the analyte concentration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining lithium ion concentrations in an aqueous sample are provided wherein the selectivity is improved by the addition of orotic acid. The orotic acid precipitates sodium and potassium ions which can interfere with the lithium ion determination.

Abstract: Test compositions and test devices are provided which are capable of generating different hues at different analyte concentrations. Visual results for clinically important analytes, such as glucose and cholesterol, are provided by use of compositions containing two independent catalytic systems which are reactive with a common substrate generated from the analyte of interest, to produce visual endpoints of different hues for different concentrations of analyte. Preferred formulations provide a RAINBOW of hues, the particular final hue produced depending on the concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: Test devices are disclosed which are useful for determining glucose or occult blood comprising a carrier matrix, glucose oxidase, an indicator system and a glucose derivative that upon addition of water hydrolizes to produce glucose.

Abstract: The invention involves visual determination of hydrogen peroxide with a multiple oxidative indicator system capable of generating different hues at different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or at different concentrations of an analyte from which hydrogen peroxide is generated by means of an analyte specific oxidase. A first indicator component of the multiple oxidative indicator system is oxidized from a particular hue to a different hue which is preferably essentially colorless. A second indicator component is oxidized to a hue which is visually distinct from the first indicator component in either of its hues. A third indicator component may also be present which is oxidized to provide a colorimetric response. Each component is oxidized only by hydrogen peroxide and peroxidase.

Abstract: A method of making a multilayer analytical test element comprises providing layers at least one of which is responsive to detect a ligand in a liquid sample, or to detect the ligand binding capacity of the sample, and at least one other layer that is fusible when subjected to sonic energy, arranging the layers one on top of the other together to form a composite blank of layers, subjecting the composite to ultrasonic or laser energy to cut the composite to the desired dimension of the test element and to simultaneously weld the layers at the edges thereof, said energy softening and fusing the fusible layer to thereby bond the layers together.

Abstract: A test means for detecting the presence of a specific ion in an aqueous test sample and for determining its concentration comprises a substantially nonpolar, nonporous carrier matrix which is incorporated with an ionophore capable of selectively forming a complex with the ion under analysis. In addition, a counterion reporter substance is provided separately, which is capable of producing a detectable response, such as a change in or appearance of color or fluorescence in the carrier matrix. In use, the test sample containing the counterion reporter substance is contacted with the test means, the test means is washed and any detectable response associated with the test means is determined.

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.

Abstract: A novel compound is disclosed having the structure ##STR1## in which R is H or lower alkyl, R* is intermediate alkyl, and X is halogen or pseudohalogen. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the compound, the method including the steps of reacting (intermediate alkyl)benzene (I) with succinic anhydride to form (intermediate alkyl)-benzoylpropionic acid (II), successively reducing and dehydrating (II) to form 7-(intermediate alkyl)-1-tetralone (III), alkylating (III) to form 2-hydroxy(lower alkylidene)-7-(intermediate alkyl)-1-tetralone (IV), acrylating (IV) to form 2-acyloxy(lower alkylidene)-7-(intermediate alkyl)-1-tetralone (V), reacting (V) in the presence of an cycloalkene to form 7(intermediate alkyl)-2-(lower alkyl)-1-naphthol (VI), reacting (VI) with a 2,6-dihaloquinone-4-haloimide to form the compound (I), and isolating it.

Abstract: A novel compound is disclosed having the structure ##STR1## in which R is lower alkyl and X is halogen or pseudohalogen. Also disclosed in a novel process for preparing the compound which comprises the steps of combining a compound having the structure ##STR2## in which X is a halogen or pseudohalogen, and a compound having the structure ##STR3## in which R is lower alkyl and A is lower alkylidene to produce a first reaction mixture; adjusting the pH of the first reaction mixture to at least about 8 to produce a second reaction mixture; and recovering the compound or its salt from the second reaction mixture.