Abstract: A system and method for high throughput screening of fluid samples. A reduced pressure is applied, via an injection valve, to a sample aspiration tube. A first fluid and a second fluid are alternatively aspirated, via the sample aspiration tube, the first fluid for filling a sample loop with samples, the second fluid for flushing the sample aspiration tube. Excess fluid aspirated from the first fluid source and all fluid aspirated from the second fluid source is captured in an inline trap.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically selecting test types for an analytical meter system based on the insertion into the meter of a test element. The test element can be an analytical element, formed by a test strip with a fluid such as blood applied thereto; a control element, formed by a test strip with control fluid applied thereto; or a standard element, or a standard strip exhibiting known optical properties. By inserting the test element into the analytical meter system, optical properties are measured and the existence of relationships between the measurements are ascertained. Based on the existence or nonexistence of certain relationships, the proper test can be automatically selected by the meter without the need for user interaction. Advantageously, the results of the test can be classified and stored according to test type.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using arrays of polymers each having a pattern of features over a corresponding array region on a surface of a flexible elongated web. In this method each array region may be exposed to a corresponding continuous volume of a sample fluid. A method and apparatus are also provided for reading arrays disposed along a surface of a flexible elongated web. In one such method the web with the arrays thereon may be transported in a lengthwise direction past a reading location at which a characteristic of the features is read, while restraining the web on both surfaces on either side of the reading location to assist in maintaining the reading location flat.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system and method includes a pump to aspirate and expel sample fluid, a fluid dispensing tip, and a metering station. The fluid dispensing tip includes a working fluid and an air gap where the air gap separates the working fluid from the sample fluid. The metering station receives a drop of sample fluid that is at least twice as large as the predetermined volume to ultimately be dispensed. The fluid dispensing tip then withdraws the predetermined volume of fluid from the sample fluid. Precise volumes are ascertained by prior knowledge of the geometry of the fluid dispensing tip and by using an imaging device to monitor an interface of either the sample fluid or working fluid with the air gap within the fluid dispensing tip. The system and method are capable of accurately dispensing very small volumes of sample fluid on the order of 10 picoliters. In addition, the system and method do not require large volumes of sample fluid to prime a pump mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically selecting test types for an analytical meter system based on the insertion into the meter of a test element. The test element can be an analytical element, formed by a test strip with a fluid such as blood applied thereto; a control element, formed by a test strip with control fluid applied thereto; or a standard element, or a standard strip exhibiting known optical properties. By inserting the test element into the analytical meter system, optical properties are measured and the existence of relationships between the measurements are ascertained. Based on the existence or nonexistence of certain relationships, the proper test can be automatically selected by the meter without the need for user interaction. Advantageously, the results of the test can be classified and stored according to test type.

Abstract: A method for screening a plurality of compounds is used in conjunction with microfluidic devices for performing high throughput screening assays. A conveyor system is used to transport and dispense libraries of compounds into one or more sample port of a microfluidic device. The microfluidic device accesses the compounds in order to screen large numbers of different compounds for their effects on a variety of chemical and biochemical systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: The method measures hydrogen sulfide concentrations in hydride gases in a sealed vessel. The sealed vessel has a gas inlet to receive a stream of hydride gas, a gas outlet to remove the stream of hydride gas and a metal acetate substrate. The stream of hydride gas contains a concentration of hydrogen sulfide gas. Introducing the stream of hydride gas through the gas inlet contacts the acetate substrate with the stream of hydride gas. Reacting the hydrogen sulfide gas contained in the stream of hydride gas with the acetate substrate modifies optical properties of the acetate substrate. Then measuring the optical properties of the acetate substrate determines the concentration of the hydrogen sulfide gas contained in the stream of hydride gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support for substances for detection, an apparatus for processing same, a method of processing same, an apparatus for making same, and a method of making same. The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and high quality technology that can perform a series of processes, consistently, automatically and easily. A support for substances for detection of the present invention is constructed so as to comprise a flexible base member formed to be slender like a thread, string or tape, a variety of substances for detection having predetermined chemical structures and being fixed side by side along the length of the base member, and a supporting member for supporting the base member in a manner that enables expansion, wherein a fixed location of each substance for detection corresponds with the chemical structure thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for mixing two or more liquids and detecting light emitted by the mixture. The method comprises forming a liquid droplet containing two or more liquids on a substantially planar surface in containerless containment on the surface and causing the droplet to deform in an essentially zero air flow environment thereby mixing the liquids and surrounding the planar surface with a reflective housing and photodetector. An apparatus of the invention comprises (a) a substantially planar support, (b) means for dispensing liquids onto the support to form a droplet, and (c) non-evaporative means for causing the droplet to deform without deforming the support thereby mixing the liquids and a two part reflective housing and photodetector which is moveable. The drop can be deformed by, for example, application of acoustic energy or a variable electrostatic field. The methods and apparatus have particular application to the determination of an analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically detecting the presence of a reagent strip (14) having a body fluid sample disposed thereon and for inspecting the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) is detected is provided with a detection system adapted to automatically detect the presence of a reagent strip (14) at a reagent strip receiving area (12), a light source (64 or 68) adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) after the presence of the reagent strip (14) at the reagent strip receiving area (12) is detected, and a detector (66 or 70) adapted to receive light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is being illuminated by the light source.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of selected substances, such as biological reagents or samples, onto substrates. According to one general embodiment, a plurality of spaced, tandemly-arranged substrates are advanced, e.g., by way of a conveyor, along a transport pathway extending over a reagent-supply location, such as a reservoir supported at a fixed position in a base. From a position over the reagent-supply location and the pathway, a reagent-transfer instrument, or tip, is extended along an axis through an intervening region, e.g., an opening defined by a surface of the conveyor, separating an adjacent pair of advancing substrates to contact reagent held at the reagent-supply location. The reagent-transfer instrument is then withdrawn, along with a portion of such reagent, through the intervening region to a position above the transport pathway.

Abstract: This device discloses a portable sequential contaminant detection system which can test samples for contaminants at predetermined timed intervals. The detection system has a motor to advance a matrix, a motor to raise and lower syringes holding liquefied samples of air to be tested, and a motor to raise and lower plungers within the syringes to draw up fluids or expel fluids into reservoir wells of the matrix to test air or other samples for contaminants. The system relies upon a "matrix" which will hold reagents with which the air samples will be mixed. The matrix is stepped to move into precise registration with the "read" module where the relative reflectance of each capture membrane reads statically by a fixed LED, silicon photodiode and amplifier associated with each channel.

Abstract: An on-site monitor is disclosed for providing automatic measurements of chemical concentrations in a liquid or gaseous environment. The opto-electronic monitor has an extended probe, which can be inserted into the liquid or to be in contact with the ambiance, comprising a indicator chamber for continuously supplying fresh indicator material, a light source, and a detector. The light source and the detector are either embodied outside of liquid or into the extended plastic probe inside the liquid. A delivery unit, which is activated by a timer, delivers a small amount of indicator material into the liquid or a sampling cavity. The indicator material reacts with the ions in the liquid automatically. The light source has a wavelength which matches with the indicator's absorption wavelength and the detector measures the transmission (or reflection) through the indicator material or solution.

Abstract: A blood smear slide outloader including a platen for transferring a succession of slides from a dryer to a slide storage basket. The slides are sequentially discharged from one end of the dryer onto a platen and held firmly in place by a gripper. A single stepper motor then rotates the platen to a vertical position as it lowers both into alignment above a slot in the storage basket. A linear actuator causes the gripper to release the slide and deposit it into the slot. The platen then returns to the discharge end of the dryer to receive the next slide.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus and method is provided for accurately and precisely dispensing various desired patterns of reagent onto a substrate or other receptive surface or receptacle. The invention provides high-speed on-the-fly dispensing of various desired reagent patterns as provided by the operator in the form of a graphic bit map file. In one embodiment the dispensing apparatus comprises a dispensing head having an inlet end and an outlet end. The dispensing head is responsive to a first signal to dispense droplets of liquid reagent onto a substrate. The substrate or dispensing head are secured in association with a table or carriage. The table is responsive to a second signal for providing for relative X, X-Y or X-Y-Z motion between the substrate and the dispensing head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for calibrating a sensor for determination of analyte concentration. The meter includes a sensor for receiving a user sample to be measured and a processor for performing a predefined test sequence for measuring a predefined parameter value. A memory can be coupled to the processor for storing predefined parameter data values. A calibration code is associated with the sensor and read by the processor before the user sample to be measured is received. The calibration code is used in measuring the predefined parameter data value to compensate for different sensor characteristics.

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: The invention is directed to a method for determining the portion of a gaseous or vaporous component in a gas mixture utilizing a detecting substance which can enter into a chemical reaction with the component to produce a coloration of the detecting substance and utilizing a device for evaluating the coloration. The method includes the steps of: passing the gas mixture at a constant volume flow through a channel containing the detecting substance; detecting a reflectance signal I(t) within a defined spatially fixed length segment of the channel; determining a slope .DELTA.I/.DELTA.t at the start of the chemical reaction during a time interval .DELTA.t in which the detecting substance is present in excess; determining a saturation reflectance signal I.sup.100% toward the end of the chemical reaction which corresponds to an almost complete chemical conversion of the detecting substance within the length segment; and, determining a normalized slope in correspondence to the formal relationship: .DELTA.I/(I.sup.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for enriching a sample in tumor cells and determining the DNA ploidy and proliferative index of the tumor cells present in the sample. The method uses a pan-leukocyte monoclonal antibody conjugated to a separable substrate such as magnetic microspheres to conjugate and remove leukocytes from the sample. A fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibody specific to a tumor associated antigen or an antigen arising from the presence of the tumor and a DNA staining reagent are added to the leukocyte depleted sample. The sample is then analyzed by dual color flow cytometry to determine cells having an abnormal DNA content by gating on fluorescently labelled cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to an immunoassay cassette useful for carrying out multistage immunoassays in an automated manner. In operation, the cassette assumes different operational positions in which solutions are transferred sequentially across an absorbent pathway containing assay reagents.

Abstract: A meter is used in conjunction with a hollow, frustum-shaped disposable device to measure the concentration of an analyte in a sample of a biological fluid. The smaller end of the frustum has a porous membrane, to which a sample of the fluid may be applied. Preferably, a reagent in the membrane reacts with the analyte to cause a color change. The meter has a frustum-shaped distal section that mates with the device. The meter measures the color change and computes from the change the analyte concentration in the sample. The meter and disposable device permit remote dosing of the device, which minimizes the likelihood of cross-contamination between the user and the meter. Devices can be mounted on the meter and released from the meter without touching them, to further protect against contamination.

Abstract: A frameless chemical analysis film includes a reagent layer formed on a support sheet. When the frameless chemical analysis film which has been held on a resilient suction pad under a suction force supplied to the suction pad is transferred to a predetermined member, the suction force supplied to the suction pad is gradually released taking at least a time which the suction pad, which has been deformed under the suction force, takes to be restored to the original shape.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of analyzing sample liquids with the aid of test strips and addresses an evaluation instrument for test strips where test strips are transported by a grabber. The grabber is attached to a guide arm that is moved in one spatial direction. A redirecting mechanism serves to apply the movement of the guide arm to the grabber such that a movement in at least two spatial directions is carried out.

Abstract: A storage container for analytical test elements includes a guide mechanism thereupon. The storage container holds a plurality of test elements attached to a tape, with each of the test elements including a test zone thereupon. The storage container is configured to expel individual test elements by passing the tape over the guide mechanism, thereby changing a direction of movement of the tape by the guide mechanism. This action detaches a test element from the tape.

Abstract: The invention lies in the field of analyzing sample liquids with the aid of test strips. A test strip to be analyzed is located between a test element support and a spacer. A measuring head for evaluating the test strip rests on the spacer thus ensuring a defined distance between the test field surface and the measuring head.

Abstract: A sensor for use in a sensor dispensing instrument so that fluids can be tested when the sensor is ejected from within a sensor cavity of a sensor pack sealed by a foil. The sensor has a generally flat, rectangular shape, is formed by a base and a lid, and has perpendicularly extending longitudinal and transverse axes. A notch in a rear end of the sensor is engaged by a knife blade within the sensor dispensing instrument as the sensor is being ejected through the foil. A front testing edge of the lid overhangs a front testing edge of the base of the sensor. One side edge of the sensor adjacent the front edges of the base and lid is beveled at about a 25.degree. angle. The front base edge extends from the beveled side portion across the entire remaining width of the sensor at an angle of approximately 10.degree. with respect to the transverse axis. A portion of the front lid edge extends from the beveled side portion across a significant portion of the width of the sensor at an angle of about 15.degree.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus, a chemical analysis element is taken out from a chemical analysis element cartridge, spotted with sample liquid and transferred to an incubator. After incubation, the optical density of the chemical analysis element is measured, and the concentration of a component to be analyzed in the sample liquid is determined. A test element which is substantially equal to the chemical analysis element in size and shape and has a density pattern for detecting shift of the position of the test element from a predetermined position is taken out from a cartridge and is transferred to the incubator in the same manner as the chemical analysis element.

Abstract: In a biochemical analysis apparatus a frameless dry chemical analysis film having a reagent layer formed on a support sheet is taken out from a cartridge storing therein a plurality of the frameless chemical analysis films, applied with a sample liquid, inserted into an incubator and taken out from the incubator and at least a part of these steps and film transferring steps between these steps is effected with the film held by a suction pad. A change of pressure in the suction pad when it attracts the film under a suction force is measured and the attracting state of the suction pad is judged on the basis of the result of the measurement. The part of the steps which is effected with the film held by the suction pad is controlled on the basis of the judgment.

Abstract: System for the analysis of sample liquids with test elements. The system comprises an instrument with a storage container for test elements and a measuring device. Test elements are located inside the storage container which have a test zone on the front side of a transparent pin.

Abstract: A test strip overturning mechanism in an automated analyzer for arranging test strips such that the right sides thereof may face in one direction, which comprises: an overturning device having an arm portion with suction holes being formed thereon; and a motor connected to the overturning device via a rotary shaft, wherein the suction holes formed on the arm portion are aligned in a straight line with suction holes formed on a transportation stage, arranged in the direction orthogonal to the direction that the test strips are moved; and a turntable is disposed at the position corresponding to the location of the arm portion when the overturning device is turned 180.degree. around the rotary shaft.

Abstract: A system for high performance automated chemical analysis includes a video camera photometer with a computer-controlled interference filter wheel. A fluidics system delivers ultramicro sample and reagent volumes in the 0.05 to 5.0 microliter range to a supporting analytical media. The media is precisely positioned relative to the photometer by an x-y axis reaction media holder capable of accurate and precise positioning of the ultramicro reaction spots. The reaction media can consist of absorbent cellulose sample/reaction strips or microscopic sized multiple wells. A data and reduction system monitors multiple simultaneous reactions within a common test area of the analytical media to provide final quantitative reports. The method for conducting multiple chemical assays involves placing small volumes of sample/reagent combinations at discrete locations about a common test area on the analytical media and simultaneously measuring resulting optical changes at each discrete location.

Abstract: A test strip supply apparatus comprises a cylindrical container having an elongate test strip fitting penetration slot formed in its side wall, a container support having a semicylindrical concave surface formed in its upper portion and a test strip take-out hole formed at the center of the concave surface for allowing a test strip dropped from the penetration slot of the container to pass therethrough, and a test strip transfer stage for receiving the test strip dropped from the penetration slot and transferring it. A test strip reversing function is also provided such that during the transfer of the test strip by the transfer stage, optical means determines whether the test strip is placed facing properly or not and, if the back surface is on the upper side, the test strip is reversed upside down before further transfer.

Abstract: One or more reaction zones, formed as channels into a carrier, are each lined with a color indicator. This carrier is improved so that the reaction zones can be coated with the required indicators with uniform coating thickness. The coating can be individually changed and can be easily provided. The above is achieved with a carrier which is subdivided into an upper part and a lower part and a sandwich-like composite foil is held between these parts. A reagent carrier foil of the composite foil is provided with the reaction zones and is covered with a channel foil which delimits the reaction zones to have a channel-like shape. An especially advantageous configuration for the reaction zones is provided by an aperture matrix in which carrier spherules are accommodated. The carrier spherules are impregnated with the indicator.

Abstract: Method for handling blood samples (32) wherein a blood sample is absorbed into a filter paper (30) and a sample piece (36) is taken from the filter paper from the opposite side of the absorption side. The sample piece is placed in a sample well of an uncoated micro titration plate (45) and is dissolved in a liquid so that a sample solution is formed in the well. The sample solution is transferred to a second micro titration plate (52-54) coated for the analysis. The apparatus comprises a camera (43), which identifies the filter paper (30), locates the blood sample (32), and informs the punch (47) of the location of the sample. The filter paper (30) is placed in a package, (22) having openings (25) for absorbing and punching of the sample and the covering (23) is provided with a bar code (29).

Abstract: A high speed analyzer for a dry analytical element comprising a movable sample tray onto which the dry analytical element is placed, a sample-pipetting apparatus which spots a plurality of samples onto the dry analytical element placed onto the movable sample tray, an incubator which dries the dry analytical element onto which the samples have been spotted, a reagent-pipetting apparatus which spots a plurality of measuring reagent solutions onto the dry analytical element which has already been dried and a measuring part which measures a plurality of the dry analytical elements wherein reaction proceeds or has already been finished, and evaporation-preventing members which are attached to the dry analytical element onto which the reagents have been spotted to prevent evaporation of moisture from the spotted parts, and a method for measuring a plurality of analytical items of samples using the same.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing various solutions which are used in the production lines of various industrial fields. Particularly, in the case where the ingredients of a solution is to be analyzed, the test sample is taken in an automatic manner, and carried over a long distance. The carried test sample is subjected to an automatic pre-treatment and an automatic ingredient analysis. Thus the ingredients of a solution can be analyzed in a speedy and accurate manner. Further, the results of the analysis are treated with an on-line real time to be fed back in a speedy manner, and therefore, it is made possible to strictly control the solution ingredients, thereby contributing to the improvement of the quality of products. Furthermore, the expensive analyzing instruments can be protected from corrosion.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing between strips for different assays in an automated instrument, wherein characteristics to which the instrument is sensitive are selectively introduced in microwells of individual microstrips which are pretreated with a specific antigen or antibody for a particular test. On each microstrip, the wells having the characteristic collectively define a multi-bit code which corresponds to a particular condition or disease to be tested for. The automated instrument reads the characteristic from the selected wells and thus determines what test is to be conducted. The marks may have optical, radioactive, luminescent, fluorescent, or magnetic characteristics, in accordance with the test to be conducted.

Abstract: An analyzer and an elevator therein for moving a slide element from a distributor operating preferably in a single horizontal plane, to one of plural incubators disposed at different vertical levels. A drive mechanism is provided for raising and lowering the elevator, and a pusher is provided, such as a pusher blade within the elevator, to push a slide element from the distributor to a support in the elevator, and then into one of the incubators.

Abstract: A liquid sample automatic analyzer is achieved in which if any test strip is not placed at a photometric position for such a reason that a test strip automatic supply device has failed to supply the test strip, this failure is detected to enable automatic judgment on that the measured results of examination correspond to which samples. A presence/absence detector is provided in the test strip automatic supply device, and a pressure detector for detecting whether the test strip is gripped or not is provided in a grip device. Detection signals from the presence/absence detector and the pressure detector are supplied to a control unit. Based on those detection signals, the control unit determines a failure in taking out or gripping the test strip, if occurs.

Abstract: A diagnostic device in the form of a blood glucose monitoring strip of the dip-and-read variety, and which has a first, outer test area which is chemically identical with a second, interior test area. A blood sample is tested in the first area. The first area is torn off and discarded. Then, another, similar test is conducted employing the remaining, second, interior test area. A line of perforation divides the first and second areas. Notches may be defined in the outer ends of both test areas to facilitate reading of the blood impregnated samples with the use of a suitable photometric machine, for example.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus for optically evaluating colorimetric coloration zones automatically wherein not only a single testing tube but also a plurality of reaction zones applied one behind the other to a common carrier can be evaluated. The least quantity of indicator substances for the coloration zones is used and an adequate signal intensity with the least possible consumption of power for the optical signal evaluation is attained. At the same time, the sensitivity to faults is reduced. Such an apparatus includes transmission as well as receiving units on a common mounting carrier. The light of the transmitting unit is conducted via a light conductor through the region of the reagent carrier which is transmittent and the coloration of the channel-shaped reaction zones of the carrier is detected in transmission and reflectance.

Abstract: A method for the metered application of a biochemical analytical liquid to a target, wherein the liquid is ejected in small quantities on to the target through a jet from a jet chamber by a procedure in which a partial volume of the liquid in the jet chamber is evaporated and expanded for a short time whenever a quantity of the liquid is to be ejected. The invention further relates to a device with a disposable jet element which contains prepackaged analytical liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for verifying the operating accuracy of an instrument (10) for detecting the concentration of a medically significant component of a body fluid. The instrument (10) operates by determining the remission of a reacted chemistry contained on a substrate (106) after the chemistry has reacted with the medically significant component of the body fluid. The instrument (10) includes a radiation source (182), a radiation detector (300) and a pathway (164) from the radiation source (182) to the chemistry (106) and from the chemistry (106) to the radiation detector (300) when the substrate (106) is properly inserted into the instrument (10). The remission of the chemistry (106) determines the radiation detected by the radiation detector (300).

Abstract: For collecting a batch of liquid samples, such as in the laboratory testing of body fluids, there is provided a collecting sheet having an array of resiliently deflectable fingers formed in the sheet. The fingers can be deflected out of the plane of the sheet to dip into respective liquid containers such as wells in a microtiter plate so as to absorb liquid samples therefrom. When released, the fingers snap back into the plane of the sheet retaining the liquid samples therein.

Abstract: A method for applying a droplet of a liquid sample from a sample applying nozzle, which is movable between a retracted position and a sample applying position, to a test film which contains a reagent which will react with a liquid sample and give rise to a change in optical density, includes providing the leading edge of the sample applying nozzle with a test film sensor. Prior to the application of the droplet of the liquid sample to the test film, the sample applying nozzle is moved down until the test film sensor comes into contact with the test film, and the distance by which the sample applying nozzle was moved down is stored. At the time the liquid sample is applied to the test film, the distance by which the sample applying nozzle is moved down is adjusted in accordance with the stored distance so that the sample applying nozzle is moved down to a sample applying position spaced a predetermined distance from the test film.