Abstract: A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel.

Abstract: A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel.

Abstract: A method for verifying that an assay methodology is properly performed, that assay reagents employed possess the necessary potency for accurately performing such assay methodology, and whether or not test samples or assay reagents have been tampered with or are adulterated, is described. The method is performed by employing an assay verification sample, comprising a positive analyte component and the test sample under analysis, wherein the assay verification sample is analyzed employing the same assay reagents and essentially the same assay methodology employed to analyze the test sample. The method is particularly useful for performing heterogeneous immunoassays on an automated continuous and random access analytical system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing clinical apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus is a device for washing clinical apparatus, wherein the clinical apparatus is employed, at different times, to contain a first test substance during a first testing step and a second test substance during a second testing step subsequent to the first testing step. The apparatus comprises a device for supplying a wash solution to the apparatus, and for varying the quantity of the wash solution supplied to the apparatus. The apparatus further comprises a control unit for controlling the device for varying quantity to vary the quantity of the wash solution in proportion to the potential for contamination between the first test substance and the second test substance contained in the apparatus.

Abstract: A reaction vessel having a platform and a plurality of wells extending below the platform from openings in the platform. A support skirt extending below the platform by an opening therein, secures a cuvette to the reaction vessel. At the rear of the reaction vessel, a reaction vessel tab is disposed below the reaction vessel for facilitating transport of the reaction vessel through the automated analytical system.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for opening and closing a cap pivotally mounted on a container for storing reagents for use in an automated analytical instrument. The cap has one end for sealing the container and a tab extending from the other end for pivoting the cap. The method comprises the steps of positioning a closed container adjacent an actuating device mounted on the analytical system. The method further comprises the steps of projecting the actuating device against the top of the tab to pivotally open the cap to a position sufficiently vertical for aspirating reagent from the container, and retracting the actuating device from the cap to a position above the pivotal mounting thereof. The method comprises the final step of causing relative motion between the cap and the actuating device so that the actuating device drags along the top of the cap pivotally closing the cap to provide a sufficient seal on the container preventing evaporation of the reagent therefrom.

Abstract: A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel.

Abstract: The present invention is a capped-closure mounted on a container for storing reagents for use in an automated analytical instrument having an actuating device mounted thereon. The capped-closure comprises a base being generally cylindrical, wherein the base has one end opening to the container and the other end having an opening through which the reagents can be aspirated. The capped-closure further comprises a lever assembly pivotally mounted on the base. The lever assembly has one end which forms a cap operable to seal the opening the base sufficiently tightly to prevent evaporation from the container. The other end of the lever assembly forms a tab operable to pivot the lever assembly to a substantially perpendicular position with opening of the base when depressed for exposing the opening of the base to a device for aspirating the reagent from the container.

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample and reagents to a reaction vessel without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing workstation, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample are achieved during incubation.

Abstract: A method for modifiying a liquid assay reagent to provide prolonged homogeneity thereof, particularly where the liquid assay reagent comprises microparticles for performing a heterogeneous immunoassay, is provided wherein the addition of an inert material to a liquid assay reagent achieves neutral density to thereby prolong the homogeneity thereof for extended periods of time. A method for the automated agitation of assay reagents to maintain the homogeneity thereof with an automated, continuous and random access analytical instrument is also provided. The automated mixing is accomplished by a back and forth motion of a carousel onto which assay reagent containers or packs are mounted with asymmetric pauses which can be completed within a short period of time. The carousel acceleration, velocity, distance moved, and pause-asymmetry are optimized to provide rapid assay reagent resuspension without foaming or bubble formation.

Abstract: A plastic assay cuvette having the desired optical properties for the analysis of a test sample or reaction mixture thereof, and a method for making such plastic assay cuvette, are described. The optical properties of the plastic assay cuvette are substantially the same as the optical properties of glass wherein low birefringence throughout the optical read region thereof is provided. When used for the analysis of a test sample or reaction mixture thereof, such as in fluorescence polarization assays and absorbance assays, the plastic assay cuvette provides accurate and reproducible results while, at the same time, provides a low-cost disposable assay cuvette which can be used in place of conventional glass assay cuvettes.

Abstract: An automated, continuous and random access analytical system, having apparatus and methodology capable of simultaneously performing multiple assays of liquid samples using different assay methodologies, and providing continuous and random access while performing a plurality of different assays on the same or different samples during the same time period, is disclosed. A method is also disclosed of operating an automated continuous and random access analytical system capable of simultaneously effecting multiple assays of a plurality of liquid samples wherein scheduling of various assays of the plurality of liquid samples is followed by creating a unit dose disposable and separately transferring a first liquid sample and reagents to a reaction vessel without initiation of an assay reaction sequence, followed by physical transfer of the unit dose disposable to a processing workstation, whereby a mixture of the unit dose disposable reagents and sample are achieved during incubation.

Abstract: An article for washing automated immunoassay apparatus probe is provided in the form of a plug member with first and second chambers. The first chamber is defined by a inner wall and a bottom surface which when positioned below a probe of a clinical analysis apparatus provides for recirculation of liquid dispensed from the probe back along the outer surface of the probe to remove residual sample from the probe surface prior to conducting subsequent tests with the probe. In the preferred embodiment of the plug, the second chamber is provided with a plurality of passages for drainage of fluid to a reagent waste container which, in the preferred embodiment, incorporates the plug member at the orifice thereof.