Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention involves apparatus and methods for use in collecting bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, from the epidermal layer of an animal. A preferred apparatus includes a pressure head and, optionally, a holder therefor for supplying a positive pressure to the head. The methods include the application of a positive pressure to the area surrounding an epidermal site from which stratum corneum has been breached, such as by laser ablation, to cause bodily fluids, such as interstitial fluids, to exude from the site and collecting the fluids exuding therefrom.

Abstract: An article and a method for monitoring the concentration of an analyte, e. g., glucose, in blood. In one aspect, the invention involves an article comprising a multiple-layer element. In one embodiment, the article comprises: a multiple-layer element comprising: (a) a base layer (b) a cover layer, the cover layer having a first opening for venting the multiple-layer element and a second opening for receiving a biological sample; and (c) a core layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the core layer disposed between the base layer and the cover layer, the core layer comprising a sample introduction chamber and a optical reading chamber, the first major surface of the core layer in face-to-face contact with the base layer, the second major surface of the core layer in face-to-face contact with the cover layer.

Abstract: An article and a method for monitoring the concentration of glucose in blood. In one aspect, the invention involves an article comprising a multiple-layer element utilizing reagents capable of reacting with an analyte of interest. In a preferred embodiment, the element comprises:(a) a core layer having two major surfaces, an optical reading chamber extending from a first opening in one of the two major surfaces to a second opening in the other of the two major surfaces, the core layer further having a third opening therein and a flow channel, one end of which flow channel communicates with the third opening and the other end of which flow channel communicates with the optical reading chamber;(b) a base layer in face-to-face contact with one major surface of the core layer; and(c) a cover layer in face-to-face contact with the other major surface of the core layer, the cover layer having an opening therein to vent the element.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed involve methods and constructions for metering, and in some instances combining, fluids. One such method includes fluidly connecting a source of first fluid to be metered with a pressure source capable of moving the first fluid with a first valve and a conduit. The first valve is operated such that first fluid moves in the conduit. The conduit is fluidly connected with a source of second fluid that has a fluid flow rate greater than the first fluid with a second valve. The second valve is operated such that the second fluid moves into the conduit. One construction for metering a fluid comprises a source of first fluid to be metered, a pressure source for moving the first fluid to be metered, and a first valve. A conduit fluidly connects the source of first fluid, the pressure source for moving the first fluid and the first valve such that operation of the first valve causes movement of the first fluid responsive to the pressure source.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a valve construction. One embodiment comprises a first valve and a second valve. A first fluid conveying conduit fluidly conveying a first fluid is fluidly connected with the first valve. A second fluid conveying conduit fluidly conveying a second fluid is fluidly connected with the second valve. A third fluid conveying conduit is fluidly connected with the first valve and the second valve. The first valve is movable between a first position where first fluid flows between the first fluid conveying conduit and the third fluid conveying conduit, and a second position where first fluid does not flow between the first fluid conveying conduit and the third fluid conveying conduit.

Abstract: A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays for human IgE class antibodies specific to a panel of preselected allergens in each of a plurality of biological samples. A carousel is provided to position and hold a plurality of reaction cartridges. Each reaction cartridge includes a plurality of isolated test sites formed in a two dimensional array in a solid phase binding layer contained within a reaction well which is adapted to contain a biological sample to be assayed. The carousel and cartridges contain structures which cooperate to precisely position the cartridges in each of three separate dimensions so that each cartridge is positioned uniformly. An optical reader operating on a principle of diffuse reflectance is provided to read the results of the assays from each test site of each cartridge.

Abstract: Improvements in apparatus for performing an assay to determine the presence or amount of a substance in a test sample, which apparatus comprises means for dispensing one or more reagents from containment means therefor into a reaction vessel and means for dispensing the sample from a sample container into said vessel for reaction with the reagents during performance of the assay, are disclosed. The improvements reside in the apparatus further comprising containment means for the reagents integral and in combination with the sample container and the reaction vessel.