Abstract: A microscale binding assay, analyte binding array, and kits are disclosed, which exploit the mass action law to harvest analyte from a liquid sample. This is achieved by fabrication of sorbent zones having up to ten times the binding capacity per unit area generally obtained on polystyrene microtiter plates. The resulting arrays substantially deplete the liquid solution of analyte during incubation. Accordingly, the assays respond to total mass of analyte in the sample, not analyte concentration. This approach, coupled with direct fluorescence detection in the NIR, yields maximal signal intensity and low background for optimal sensitivity.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a preliminary test on a neat serum sample contained in a primary collection tube is provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning of an optical probe near the primary collection tube and monitoring the neat serum sample in the primary collection tube to determine whether an interferant, such as hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. From this test, a hemolytic index, an icteric index and a lipemic index can also be established for the neat serum sample. Based upon these serum indices, the neat serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional testing or to waste receptacle because the sample is compromised. Additionally, a volume test can be performed on the serum sample in the primary collection tube so that the serum sample can be properly allocated during subsequent testing.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a preliminary test on a neat serum sample contained in a primary collection tube is provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning of an optical probe near the primary collection tube and monitoring the neat serum sample in the primary collection tube to determine whether an interferant, such as hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. From this test, a hemolytic index an icteric index and a lipemic index can also be established for the neat serum sample. Based upon these serum indices, the neat serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional testing or to waste receptacle because the sample is compromised. Additionally, a volume test can be performed on the serum sample in the primary collection tube so that the serum sample can be properly allocated during subsequent testing.

Abstract: A device and method for performing a preliminary test on a neat serum sample contained in a primary collection tube is provided herein. The method includes the steps of positioning of an optical probe near the primary collection tube and monitoring the neat serum sample in the primary collection tube to determine whether an interferant, such as hemolysis, icteris and lipemia are present in the serum sample. From this test, a hemolytic index, an icteric index and a lipemic index can also be established for the neat serum sample. Based upon these serum indices, the neat serum sample can be transferred to a clinical analyzer for additional testing or to waste receptacle because the sample is compromised. Additionally, a volume test can be performed on the serum sample in the primary collection tube so that the serum sample can be properly allocated during subsequent testing.

Abstract: A microscale binding assay, analyte binding array, and kits are disclosed, which exploit the mass action law to harvest analyte from a liquid sample. This is achieved by fabrication of sorbent zones having up to ten times the binding capacity per unit area generally obtained on polystyrene microtiter plates. The resulting arrays substantially deplete the liquid solution of analyte during incubation. Accordingly, the assays respond to total mass of analyte in the sample, not analyte concentration. This approach, coupled with direct fluorescence detection in the NIR, yields maximal signal intensity and low background for optimal sensitivity.