Abstract: A slotted pin tool, a delivery system containing the pin tool, a substrate for use in the system and methods using the pin tool and system are provided. The slotted pin tool contains a plurality of pins having slotted ends designed to fit around each loci of material deposited on a surface, such as a microarray, without contacting any of the deposited material. Sample is delivered by contacting the pin tool with the surface; the amount delivered is proportional to the velocity of the pin tool as it contacts the surface or the velocity of the liquid when movement of the pin is halted.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating cytological or histological specimens has numerous treatment stations in the form of containers, and a transport device by which the specimens to be treated are transported and deposited in the treatment stations. The transport device has a pivotable unit that can be brought under the specimens while the specimens are being transported. This pivotable unit is provided with a suction underlay on which the specimens or specimen holders are deposited, and by which treatment fluids that run out of the specimens or the specimen holders are received. Carryover of liquid residues from one treatment container to the next is thereby greatly reduced. The individual treatment containers are provided with covers, and the pivotable unit is designed to remove covers. Since the treatment containers are covered for most of the time, evaporation of the treatment liquids and release of fumes is greatly reduced.

Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.

Abstract: It is discovered that a composition comprising at least one amine and at least one stabilizer may be useful in detecting the presence of an adulterant in a urine sample. Such adulterant includes an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.

Abstract: Sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 200 or 820 for analyzing a biochemical analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 202 or 840 which uses a repetitively used pipette nozzle, and sample sampling to an analysis apparatus 100 or 810 for analyzing an immune analysis item is performed by a pipetting device 102 or 830 which uses a disposable nozzle tip. A sample bottle containing a sample to be analyzed on both of a biochemical analysis item and an immune analysis item is sample-pipetted by the nozzle tip first, and then transported so as to be sample-pipetted by the pipette nozzle.

Abstract: A method of assembly of a fluid dispenser of an apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A compact assay system having a solid support has at least one capture binding agent on the support surface. By applying a combination of different binding agents on the support surface, the present invention can conduct multiple chemical reactions on the support solid support to detect analytes of interest. The specific reagents, or capture binding agents, are preferably immobilized on the solid support by means of a computer controlled, miniaturized printing system. Specifically, the reagents can be applied onto the solid support using a commercial available printhead of an ink-jet printer. In addition, the support surface also includes areas adapted to be digitally readable by laser to store information concerning binding between capture agents and analytes. The assay system is useful as a sample array holder for performing a variety of chemical analyses, such as matrix assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry analyses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a slide loading/unloading system is described. A slide storage cassette is provided to store slides in which the slides are stored with an end protruding from the slide storage cassette. A slide feeder is described having grippers, which grip the end of a slide and transport the slide to a sample holder. The sample holder receives and retains the transported slide.

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: Test strip device for accepting a liquid sample and forming an even fluid front across the test strip. When the sample is applied to a contacting surface, it runs down the surface where it collects between the contacting surface and a slope surface. As the sample collects, it evenly reaches fluid flow contact with an absorbent membrane. As a result, the sample forms an even fluid front across the membrane, improving the performance of the test strip device. Methods for using the device to accept a sample and to detect an analyte in the liquid sample are also provided.

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 invention provides an apparatus for preparing chemical libraries. The apparatus includes (1) a carousel comprising a plurality of reaction mounts having at least one reaction well; (2) a rotator that rotates the carousel step-wise; (3) a fluid delivery system; (4) a drain system; and (5) a programmable computer that controls the operation of the apparatus, including the rotator, the fluid delivery system, the drain system and other systems in the apparatus. The preparation-of chemical libraries involves rotating the carousel through a plurality of stations. At each station, a physical step in a reaction protocol is carried out on the reaction wells of the mount docked at the station.

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 automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: In order to provide an automatic analyzer which ensures accurate absorbance measurement even when ultrasonic wave intensity for agitation of the sample and reagent or the like becomes excessive, multiple reaction vessels 8 are placed as follows: As viewed from the top of the reaction disk 15, the reaction disk 15 is divided into four parts, and the side wall of the reaction vessel 8 does not intersect with two light beams 20 which intersect with each other at right angles. Herein multiple reaction vessels 8 are located at an inclined position approximately at an angle of about 45 deg. This layout allows the reaction vessel 8 to have the surface exposed to ultrasonic wave 22 intersecting to the applied ultrasonic wave appropriately at right angles, and absorbance measuring surface 21 intersecting to the applied measurement wave appropriately at right angles.

Abstract: An automated immunostaining apparatus having a reagent application zone and a reagent supply zone. The apparatus has a carousel slide support supporting a plurality of slide supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel slide support for consecutively positioning each of a plurality of slide supports in the reagent application zone. The apparatus also has a carousel reagent support having a plurality of reagent container supports thereon, and drive means engaging the carousel for rotating the carousel and positioning a preselected reagent container support in the reagent supply zone. The apparatus also has a reagent delivery actuator means positioned for engaging a reagent container positioned on a container support in the reagent delivery zone and initiating reagent delivery from the reagent container to a slide supported on a slide support in the reagent receiving zone.

Abstract: A biological specimen preparation system for processing and depositing a portion of a biological specimen from a specimen vial onto a slide. The biological specimen preparation specimen includes a specimen processing unit and an external actuation unit. The specimen vial is connected to an input port on the specimen processing unit and the slide is coupled to an output port. A portion of the biological specimen is injected into the specimen processing unit and prepared by sequentially passing the biological specimen under the control of the external actuation unit through a number of specimen conditioning chambers and a specimen enrichment chamber in the specimen processing unit. The specimen is then deposited on the slide through the output port. To prevent sample to sample contamination, the specimen processing unit is manufactured as a disposable component using injection moulding techniques.

Abstract: Whether or not there remains a frameless chemical analysis film in a cartridge in which a plurality of the frameless chemical analysis films are stacked is judged by a film presence detector disposed in a second position different from a position where a film takeout mechanism takes out the frameless chemical analysis films from the cartridge so that the film presence detector does not interfere with the film takeout mechanism.

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: A method for reading out data from microlocations of a microelectronic array involves activating multiple microlocations in parallel and simultaneously detecting the responses from the activated microlocations to determine concentrations of molecular biological material at each microlocation. In a preferred embodiment, the microelectronic array includes electronically addressable electrodes at each microlocation which can be individually activated via a control system. An electrochemiluminescent detection technique is used to detect the presence and determine the concentration of bound molecular biological material that is located at each microlocation. Electrochemiluminescent material is utilized because it gives off light when excited by an applied electrical field. With an addressable microelectronic array, electrical fields can be applied to various combinations of microlocations simultaneously to allow readout of several microlocations in parallel.

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: A method for treating a human or animal cell sample (4) arranged on a slide (2) comprises dispensing treatment liquid onto the slide between the sample and the leading edge (5) of a cover tile (1) having a recess or cavity (6). The leading edge is bevelled and has an opening (13) into the cavity. Once dispensing is completed the method involves moving the tile over the slide to trap the liquid in the cavity. A small volume of sealing liquid in the form of evaporation inhibitor liquid, preferably mineral oil, is then applied to the slide preferably at the leading and trailing edges of the tile in a manner causing the evaporation inhibitor liquid to wick around the entire perimeter of the tile to form an airtight seal between the tile and slide around the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting a reagent strip (14) having a fluid sample disposed thereon is provided with a conveyor system (80) adapted to move the reagent strip (14) from a first reagent strip inspection location to a second reagent strip inspection location, a first readhead (60) associated with the first reagent strip inspection location, and a second readhead (62) associated with the second reagent strip inspection location. Each of the readheads (60, 62) has a light source (64, 68) and a light detector (66, 70) associated therewith, each light source (64, 68) being adapted to illuminate the reagent strip (14) at one of the reagent strip inspection locations and each light detector (66, 70) being adapted to detect light from the reagent strip (14) when the reagent strip (14) is disposed at one of the reagent strip inspection locations.

Abstract: This invention describes a cartridge pump and dispensing assembly for applications where cartridges containing liquid reagents are interchanged often. The cartridge pump has a reagent reservoir which directly empties into a metering chamber. A valve is at each end of the metering chamber. The two valves are aligned in the same direction so as to allow unidirectional liquid flow. The metering chamber is made of a compressible material, such as flexible tubing, so that when an external compression is applied to the chamber, the liquid contained therein is forcibly expelled. As the compression is removed, the metering chamber resumes its former shape and draws liquid into the chamber from the reagent reservoir. A dispensing assembly with electromechanical actuators for compression of the metering chamber and a sensor for sensing the amount of liquid contained within the reagent reservoir are also shown.

Abstract: A cytofunnel arrangement, for use in preparation of slides for microscopic examination, comprises in combination, a specimen funnel 14, a microscope slide 12 and a slide holder 10 which holds the slide against a port 36 in a base portion of the specimen funnel 14, the slide holder being integrally connected with the specimen funnel and being adapted for destructive separation from the specimen funnel along predetermined lines or regions to allow extraction of the slide 12 undamaged. The specimen funnel and the slide holder may be of compatible plastics and may be connected by adhesive or may be welded together. A tear strip or separation filament 50 located between the specimen funnel and slide holder may be provided to assist separation of the two components. The tear strip 50 may be formed by an electrical resistance wire utilized initially to bond the specimen funnel and slide holder together by electrofusion welding.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (5) for handling measurement strips (1) needed for taking liquid samples, such as blood samples, the measurement strips having porous material for absorbing and analyzing a liquid sample. The apparatus (5), according to the invention, is formed of a store (6) of measurement strips that receive samples, the store having a compound construction, a store (7) of used measurement strips and a measurement strip feeding mechanism (8,9). The apparatus has preferably been integrated into a casing, which can be connected as part of a mobile phone or a corresponding device.

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: A body 300 having a cavity 310 for mounting a substrate 120 fabricated with probe sequences at known locations according to the methods disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,143,854 and PCT WO 92/10092 or others, is provided. The cavity includes inlets 350 and 360 for introducing selected fluids into the cavity to contact the probes. Accordingly, a commercially feasible device for use in high throughput assay systems is provided.

Abstract: An incubation station has a carousel for receiving a plurality of test sample cards. An even temperature and air flow distribution inside the carousel and incubation of the cards over time at the proper temperature was found to be critically dependent upon air flow characteristics within the incubation station. To optimize air flow, the carousel was given an open rear side that is exposed to an air distribution table having a cover plate placed adjacent to the rear surface of the carousel. The cover plate has a plurality of elongate slots positioned in a symmetrical ring-shaped pattern in registry with the carousel. The elongate slots are positioned at an angle relative to the slots in the carousel such that each carousel slot receives air from more than one slot. An extra fan was also added to the system to increase the flow of air into the air table. Scallop features on the carousel walls also promote even distribution of air flow over the cards.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved analyte systems which are able to compensate for interfering signals and to provide accurate detection and/or quantification of analytes in a sample. In particular, the invention describes new methods, systems, and devices for indirectly determining the presence of one or more analytes in a multi-component medium.

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 method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of liquid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of liquid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood smearing cassette that quickly, efficiently and reliably prepares peripheral blood smears. The cassette holds two glass slides, a spreader slide and a smear slide, at specific angles to each other. The blood smearing cassette allows untrained personnel to make consistent and proper blood smears. The user slips a smear slide into the smear slide receiver, and a spreader slide into the spreader slide receiver. A small amount of blood is placed on the smear slide, which is then pulled up to the spreader slide until the drop of blood is in contact with the spreader slide. The blood is allowed to spread across the bottom of the spreader slide. The smear slide is then pulled back out of the cassette, leaving a thin film of blood on the smear slide. The length and thickness of the film are controlled by varying the speed at which the smear slide is pulled and varying angles between the two slides.

Abstract: A liquid-processing apparatus for processing vital specimens, such as an automatic staining apparatus for staining specimens of vital tissues or the like for microscopic examination, has a cabinet (7) internally provided with a lower plate (8) and an upper plate (9). Rinsing vessels (10) and chemical solution vessels (11) are placed on the lower panel (8), and chemical solution vessels (11) are placed on the upper plate (9). A hanger arm (24) supporting a staining basket (13) containing glass slides carrying specimens affixed thereto moves longitudinally in a lower space (26) extending over the lower plate (8) or an upper space (28) extending over the upper plate (9). The staining basket (13) can be moved between the spaces (26, 28) through a passage (29) formed in the upper plate (9). The liquid-processing apparatus requires a small floor space for installation and can be installed in a small place.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: An improved receptacle or holder for microscope slides used in scientific, medical or medically related procedures, with the receptacles being configured to positionably receive, hold and index microscope slides either vertically or horizontally by means of an articulated array of individual holders. The design further minimizes slide-to-cradle contact, with the configuration allowing for rapid drainage of liquids from the slide surfaces. The cradle is also configured to facilitate manual grasping of the edge surfaces of slides being held within the cradle.

Abstract: A staining apparatus for staining of tissue specimens placed on microscope slides comprises a number of staining stations (4) and other working stations (1, 2, 3), where the staining stations (4) receive vessels (5) having liquid baths for receiving baskets containing microscope slides with the topical specimens, and a transport mechanism (17-20) having a hoisting device (17) arranged to be moved over the vessels (5) and to place baskets in or take these up from the vessels, and to transfer the baskets between the working stations (1-4) in accordance with a programme-controlled staining process. The vessels (5) are transparent and are arranged in a number of horizontal rows placed above one another on a stepped base like a tribune, the tribune having a gradient allowing visual inspection of the individual vessels (5) at the working stations (4) from a place of view in front of the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting patient sample quality, and/or analytes, in the tip used to aspirate the patient sample liquid and then dispense it onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis is done on the liquid while still in the tip, by scanning the tip for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure, using NIR and adjacent visible radiation, and detecting the absorbance spectra of the liquid. Thereafter, or prior thereto, the liquid is dispensed onto a dried slide test element for assaying analytes that are not assayed spectrophotometrically, thus enhancing throughput.

Abstract: A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism lifts a sample vial from the storage section, moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism is movable in x, y, and z directions to capture and move a selected vial. The autosampler has a series of valves operable under central control to selectively introduce two different standards into the sample, and after obtaining the sample, for rinsing and purging the conduits or lines and needles to reduce sample carryover. The modular vial autosampler includes controls to selectively sample either a gas or a liquid using many of the same components.

Abstract: A test meter of the type which receives a disposable test strip and a sample of bodily fluid from a patient and performs an electrochemical analysis of the amount of an analyte such as glucose in the sample includes a receptacle for receiving a container in which disposable test strips are provided, and a mechanism for reading information about the disposable test strips that is affixed to the container. For example, calibration values can be applied to the container in the form of a machine readable bar-code, a magnetic stripe, a memory chip or as a resonant wire loop. By automatically obtaining calibration values from the container in which the strips are provided, the chances of using the wrong calibration information are greatly reduced. The container may also contain information readable by the meter including the expiration date, and the number of test strips in the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for treatment of human or animal cell samples on a microscopic slide includes an element having a recessed face defined by rails which are adapted to slide on surface of the slide. An opening at the leading edge of the element has a bevelled edge and provides access to a cavity formed between the face and the surface of the slide when the rails bear on the slide. The slide is tilted slightly and a vacuum nozzle is arranged at the lower edge of the slide. An end stop may be clamped to the end of the slide opposite to the end where the nozzle is located and has a bevelled edge complimentary to the bevelled edge of the element for closing the opening.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of temperature sensitive diagnostic assays which are carried out using reflectance spectrometers to detect color changes in a solid test system which has been contacted with a fluid test system suspected of containing an analyte whose presence and/or concentration is being sought. The method involves determining the temperature of the solid test material by measuring the reflectance of a thermochromic liquid crystal in close proximity to the solid test material and correcting the result of the assay for a change in temperature from a pre-selected nominal temperature.

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for transferring biological material samples from the point of collection to a chamber for placement into a centrifuge for processing and analysis. A container is used to hold the sample from the point of collection and during transport to a sample chamber which is placed into the centrifuge. The container is provided with a threaded open end, the threads being complementary with screw threads on a lid and also with threads around a port in the chamber. Thus, the user collects the sample, places it within the container, and engages the lid to close the open end of the container. The container is transported to the laboratory, where the lid is removed, and the threads on the container engaged with the threads on the chamber to attach the container to the chamber. The container is then inverted to permit the sample to pass from the container into the chamber. The chamber may then be placed into a known centrifuge for processing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated staining apparatus including an arm moveable in three dimensions, and a hollow tip head located on the arm including integral reagent tip head, wash tip and blow tip for selectively dispensing gas and liquid onto microscope slides. Also disclosed are various sub-components of the apparatus that are specifically adapted to the processing of specimens on slides.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated method for reading a test strip for the analysis of one or more analyte in a liquid test sample. The method involves the spectrophotometric reading of a test strip which bears at least two marker fields on its surface which are capable of reflecting light at different spectral regions from each other. The reading means of the spectrophotometer is programmed to discern information concerning the strip, such as what analyte the strip is designed to detect, from the sequences of spectral classifications by spectral reflectancy measurements of the strip's marker fields.

Abstract: A dry analytical substantially flat film chip for use as an analytical element composed of a support, at least one reagent layer and a spreading layer laminated in this order. The chip is suitable for use as is as an analytical element for liquid samples. The chip further has means for restraining a liquid sample applied to its surface from spreading beyond a predetermined area of the surface. The restraining means may be a fused nonporous area of the spreading layer or may be a portion or area of the spreading layer which has been clogged with a hydrophobic or lipophilic material to render it nonporous. The inventive film chip, in addition, provides means for preventing fraying of the edges of the porous spreading layer as well as the prevention of the generation of fiber dust during cutting of the chip.

Abstract: A chemical analysis film chip is prepared by integrally laminating a reagent layer and a spreading layer on a support sheet in this order, or by integrally laminating a water absorbing layer having a hydrophilic polymer as a major component and a porous outermost layer containing therein a reagent on a support sheet in this order, or by superposing a porous layer containing therein a reagent on a support sheet.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and a process for containing and handling liquids in a thin capillary space. Two opposing walls positioned at a first and a second distance apart define a thin space having at least two different heights and two different regions of capillary liquid attraction. Enclosing the thin space with side walls defines a reaction chamber. A liquid receiving area, entry and exit ports and features projecting from, or encircling, at least one wall allow coatings on the internal surface of either of the two opposing walls to react with multiple microvolumes of reagents and wash treatments in series. Liquids flow into, or are withdrawn from, the thin space in a way in which bubbles are not introduced into the thin space. Bubbles that may arise in the thin space move along a sloped feature out of the thin space into an annular enclosure.