Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the quantitative analysis of sample liquids. A sample is dried and irradiated with visible and/or infrared light. Light that is diffusely or specularly reflected from the sample and sample carrier is detected and analysed. Furthermore the invention concerns a system for carrying out the method according to the invention and a sample carrier having a diffusely or specularly reflecting surface.

Abstract: A method is described for performing an affinity assay comprising contacting a sample to be assayed for the presence of an analyte with a dry reagent containing the analyte (hapten, antigen, antibody, receptor, or complementary polynucleotide) bound to a reaction cascade initiator, an antibody or other binding pair partner reactive with said analyte, and magnetic particles, to form an assay mixture in a reaction chamber, incubating the assay mixture, applying an oscillating or moving static magnetic field to the assay mixture, activating the reaction cascade initiator to initiate a reaction cascade, monitoring the response of the magnetic particles to the oscillating or moving static magnetic field to provide a time varying signal, and determining the analyte concentration of the sample by analysis of the time varying signal, as well as a kit for performing the assay and a diagnostic system for performing the assay.

Abstract: A chemical analysis film cartridge has a box-like cartridge body in which a plurality of chemical analysis films are stacked. The chemical analysis films are taken out one by one through a take-out port formed in one end of the cartridge body. The take-out port has a first opening portion which is opened through a first side wall of the cartridge body and through which one chemical analysis film can be passed and a second opening portion which opened through one end face of the cartridge body. A first engagement portion is formed on the outer surface of the first side wall near the first opening portion and a second engagement portion is formed on the outer surface of a second side wall opposed to the first side wall. A capping member having third and fourth engagement portions is removably mounted on the cartridge body to cover the first and second opening portions of the take-out port with the third and fourth engagement portions respectively engaged with the first and second engagement portions.

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 method for on-line assay in column chromatography of a property that requires appreciable time for sensitive measurement has the steps of separating the effluent into discrete fractions at equal time intervals, sequentially passing each fraction through each of a series of detectors, while preventing each fraction from mixing with another; and, for each fraction, calculating the assay from the information provided by each detector during the time interval the fraction passed through it.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention feature a multilchambered cuvette having a first movement pattern and a second movement pattern, the first movement pattern comprises a stationary position and a rotation about a circular path. The second movement pattern comprises a rocking motion. The cuvette uses the first movement of fluid between chambers and a second movement pattern to effect mixing and incubation. The cuvette features a unitary housing having an opening over the first and second compartments to allow viewing and access.

Abstract: Slide for the microscopic evaluation of liquid specimens comprising a base plate, at least one evaluation chamber and a cover foil. The evaluation chambers have a specimen application zone and an evaluation area. A capillary gap is located between the evaluation zone and the cover foil. An improved slide compared to known devices was achieved by using a foil to cover the evaluation chambers and by spacers which ensure a defined thickness of the capillary gap.

Abstract: Test strip supply apparatus includes a rotatable container which has guide part materials for holding a through groove and a weight. Under a supporting table having a take-out hole for the test strip dropped from the through groove of the container, a conveyance stage is provided for receiving the test strip dropped from the through groove and transferring it. The weight facing near both ends of the through groove lets the test strip descend and prevents a surplus number of the test strips from entering the through groove.

Abstract: Assays for liquid analytes are performed on a bibulous matrix containing dried reagents which produce a visibly detectable reaction product. Application of liquid sample to the bibulous matrix is detected by measuring a drop in resistance across the matrix. A preferred test article for performing the method includes the matrix and a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in electrical contact with a reaction zone on the matrix. The test article is used in combination with a detection unit having means for probing the electrodes to determine when electrical resistance in the matrix has decreased. The assay methods and apparatus are particularly useful for performing enzyme assays where signal developed as a function of time is critical.

Abstract: A test strip pick-up mechanism in an automated analyzer, which comprises: a bottle holder removably holding a test strip bottle containing a plurality of test strips and having a pierced groove formed in the peripheral direction and a test strip pick-up portion connected to the groove and formed in the longitudinal direction; a bottle turning motor connected to the bottle holder; a guide member extended from the inner part of the bottle holder in parallel to the central axis of the test strip bottle and having a L-shaped guide portion formed over the entire length of the guide member with suction holes for adsorbing the test strips being formed on the guide portion which is adjacent to the test strip pick-up portion; claws engaged with the groove of the bottle holder; an air chuck having suction holes for drawing out the test strips contained in the test strip bottle; a movable member on which the air chuck is mounted; a test strip drawing out motor connected to the movable member via a guide bar; depressing

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 chemical analysis element cartridge includes a box-like cartridge body in which a plurality of chemical analysis elements are stacked and are taken out through an element take-out port formed at one end of the cartridge body. A pressing member is slidably received in the cartridge body and is brought into contact with the stack of the elements on the side remote from the element take-out port to push the stack of the elements toward the element take-out port. The cartridge body is provided at least in one side wall thereof with a slit which extends in the direction of stack of the elements and the pressing member is provided with an external force receiving portion which is laterally interlocked with an urging member disposed outside the cartridge body through the slit and receives a force for urging the pressing member toward the element take-out port from the urging member.

Abstract: A chemical analysis film cartridge having a box-like casing body with opposing first and second end walls and in which dry frameless chemical analysis film chips are stored in a stack between the end walls. A first opening is formed in a side wall of the casing body near the first end wall so that only the film chip nearest the first end wall can be removed from the casing body through the first opening. A second opening in the first end wall permits a suction pad to hold the film chip nearest to the first end wall and to take the film chip out of the casing body through the first opening. The width of the first opening is larger than the thickness of one film chip and smaller than double the thickness of one film chip.

Abstract: A chemical analysis element supplier has a cartridge container for storing a cartridge in which a plurality of chemical analysis elements are stored. The cartridge is inserted into the container through a cartridge insertion port which is formed in the top of the container. An element take-out mechanism takes out the chemical analysis element in the cartridge through an element take-out port which is formed in the bottom of the container. The element take-out mechanism is provided with a lifting member which is operative to move upward through the element take-out port to lift the cartridge in the container so that at least a part of the cartridge projects upward through the cartridge insertion port.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a work station for conducting assays which comprises filtering assembly, a slide reading assembly, and a slide with a porous filter membrane wherein the slide has a means for aligning the slide within the filter assembly to filter reagents on predetermined portions of the porous filter membrane and also to position the slide in the slide reading assembly so that detection will occur in those same predetermined locations.

Abstract: A method for verifying the effectiveness of a washing operation on a clinical dry chemistry slide element in which wash liquid is dispensed onto the surface of the slide element and then detection devices are used to verify the effectiveness of the wash by making an initial detection at an on center site followed by making a second detection at a second and off-center radial position. A comparison of the two readings provides verification of the wash. In addition, rate measurements can be made at each of the read positions to measure the effectiveness of the wash and to verify sample application for immunological assays.

Abstract: An incubator assembly useful in a clinical analyzer having at least two incubators, each having a rotationally driven rotor assembly having a plurality of slide element holding stations, which incubators are stacked one above the other to define a substantially vertical arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, in which the incubators are of varying size, the smaller rotor assembly is horizontally offset so that the outside diameter of each rotor assembly is coincident in one location, preferably an input station, so that slide elements can be loaded into and removed more conveniently from either rotor assembly.

Abstract: A chemical analysis film cartridge with a box-like casing body having first and second end walls opposed to each other between which a plurality of dry frameless chemical analysis film chips are stored in a stack. A first opening is formed in a side wall of the casing body near the first end wall so that only the film chip nearest the first end wall can be taken out of the casing body through the first opening by moving the film chip in a direction perpendicular to the stack. A second openings which permits a suction pad to hold the film chip nearest the first end wall and to remove it from the casing body through the first openings is formed in the first end wall. The width of the first opening is larger than the thickness of one film chip and smaller than double the thickness of one film chip over at least a portion of the first opening.

Abstract: A plurality of dry chemical analysis films are stacked in a cartridge. A chemical analysis film supplier has a cartridge storage chamber in which a plurality of cartridges are stored so that the chemical analysis films in each cartridge can be taken out by a chemical analysis film removing device. In the the cartridge storage chamber, the cartridges are arranged in a circle, and a moisture-absorber holding portion is formed inside the circle of the cartridges, and a moisture absorber is loaded in the moisture-absorber holding portion.

Abstract: A sensor dispensing instrument includes a sensor magazine that contains a plurality of blood glucose sensors disposed in sensor slots. Each of the sensor slots is in fluid communication with a desiccant cavity in which desiccant material is disposed. The front and rear walls of the sensor magazine are sealed with burst foils so as to seal the sensor slots and the desiccant cavities. The sensor instrument has an outer housing with a laterally extending magazine opening adapted to receive the sensor magazine. A pivot rod is moved through the magazine and an indexing wheel into an operating position with a detent arm on the instrument housing engaging a detent groove on the magazine to position the magazine in a sensor feeding position. Once so positioned, a sensor push rod is pushed forward resulting in the push rod piercing the rear burst foil and engaging a sensor in one of the sensor slots to thereby push the sensor out through the front burst foil and into a testing position.

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 miniaturized biological assembly provides a miniature capillary environment in which a liquid medium containing microscopic-size particulate material can be placed for study under a microscope. The assembly includes components which do not wet relative to the liquid medium. A sample chamber and second chamber are disposed adjacent one another to allow a selective exchange of material, such as nutrients, between the two chambers. The assembly provides an environment that can contain the liquid medium and material for a period of time sufficient to enable observation while preventing deterioration of the medium and material.

Abstract: A dry frameless chemical analysis film includes a support sheet and a reagent layer formed on the support sheet. An incubator for incubating the film spotted with a sample liquid includes an incubator base on which the frameless chemical analysis film is placed, an incubator cell member which is movable up and down between a lower position and an upper position and presses a part of the upper surface of the frameless chemical analysis film against the incubator base while tightly enclosing a space around the frameless chemical analysis film in the lower position, and a first heater which heats the part of the incubator base with which the frameless chemical analysis film is brought into contact to a first predetermined temperature and holds the same at the first predetermined temperature, and a second heater which heats the incubator cell member to a second predetermined temperature higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An incubator and its cover are provided for an analyzer, and especially a mechanism for raising and lowering the cover. Such a mechanism includes a connector between the cover and incubator that allows the cover to be raised to a superimposed position, but not rotated. A pivot pin is mounted directly between the connector and the cover so that the cover can be pivoted relative to the connector to complete exposure of the incubator for access. A latch is provided on the connector for automatically latching the cover in the raised position as soon as the cover is pivoted in the plane at least part way from the superimposed position.

Abstract: A system for analyzing sample liquids using dry reagents which is particularly suitable for the determination of clinical parameters. The system includes an analysis instrument containing the individually sealed test elements to carry out an analytical test. Shape and nature of the test elements were designed to match the analysis system. The system is particularly suitable for analyses where the available test elements exhibit a low storage stability when brought into contact with the environment.

Abstract: Improved cytology centrifuge apparatus includes single or multiple well cell concentrators for being rotated by a centrifugal spinner. A rotor is removably supported by the spinner for rotation and is adapted to receive two or four cell concentrators. The rotor supports the cell concentrators in an unrestrained manner, thereby enhancing the ease of use and flexibility of the apparatus. Each cell concentrator includes a chamber having a top surface in which at least one fluid receiving aperture is disposed and a front surface in which at least one fluid expulsion aperture is disposed. A backing plate is provided with protruding top and bottom edges to vertically align a microscope slide with the chamber so that the fluid expulsion aperture is adjacent to a central portion of the slide. Retention clips secure the chamber to the backing plate with the slide sandwiched therebetween in horizontal alignment.

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: A sample container containing a urine sample is transferred by a sample positioning device to a liquid level sensing position. At this sensing position, the liquid level in the sample container is detected by a level sensor, followed by transfer of the sample container to a dipping position. A liquid level rising member is then inserted into the sample container. While being held by a handling device, a test strip is dipped into the sample in the sample container with the liquid level raised. Thereafter, the test strip is lifted out of the sample container and transferred to a measuring device. Color development in reagent sections on the test strip is measured by a photometer in terms of the reflected light strength. With the present invention, analysis using test strips can be implemented even when the sample volume into the sample container is small.

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 method of assaying analytes using a rate procedure is described where the change in density over time has a variable rate. The method features the steps of depositing the sample onto a dried slide-like test element, making an initial rate reading during an early time window, using the initial rate readings in a comparison study with rates from known low and high concentration results to predict whether the sample rate will be sufficiently low as to be ascertainable during a later time window or not, and then calculating a rate of reaction and concentration during either the early time window or the early time window with a portion of the later time window, respectively.

Abstract: A chemical analysis system has a chemical analysis film cartridge having a box-like casing for accommodating therein a plurality of chemical analysis films which are stacked in a predetermined direction. Each chemical analysis film is composed of a base and a reagent layer formed on the base. A spring is provided on the inner side of a first end wall of the casing and urges the stack of the chemical analysis films toward a second end wall of the casing, the first and second end walls being opposed to each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A dry reagent consisting essentially of (a) a protein having thrombin activity, (b) at least one additive selected from the group consisting of amino acid, a salt thereof and saccharide and optionally (c) magnetic particles, and a method of assaying fibrinogen in an assay sample using the above dry reagent. The dry reagent obviates the time required for preparing a reagent and warming an assay sample, and permits facile fibrinogen assay by only diluting an assay sample. The fibrinogen assay range being broad, the dry reagent substantially obviates the procedure of remeasuring plasma having a fibrinogen concentration outside the assay range of a liquid reagent. The assay result by the dry reagent and that by a liquid reagent well correlate with each other as compared with the result by any known thrombin-containing dry reagent, and the assay by the dry reagent can be performed with good reproducibility in achievement and reliability in measurement.

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: 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 process for producing a monolayer of cytological material on an optically-clear, cationically-charged substrate, includes the steps of separating the cytological material by centrifugation over a density gradient, producing a packed pellet of the cytological material, mixing the pellet of the cytological material, withdrawing an aliquot of a predetermined volume of the material from the mixed pellet of the cytological material, depositing the aliquot and a predetermined volume of water into a sedimentation vessel, which is removably secured to the substrate, allowing the cytological material to settle onto the substrate under the force of gravity, and after settlement of the cytological material, removing the water from the sedimentation vessel.

Abstract: Assays for liquid analytes are performed on a bibulous matrix containing dried reagents which produce a visibly detectable reaction product. Application of liquid sample to the bibulous matrix is detected by measuring a drop in resistance across the matrix. A preferred test article for performing the method includes the matrix and a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in electrical contact with a reaction zone on the matrix. The test article is used in combination with a detection unit having means for probing the electrodes to determine when electrical resistance in the matrix has decreased. The assay methods and apparatus are particularly useful for performing enzyme assays where signal developed as a function of time is critical.

Abstract: A diagnostic microbiological testing apparatus and method includes at least one test tray including a plurality of reaction chambers, a light source disposed proximate to the test tray for directing light, at an excitation wavelength of a fluorescence emitting agent contained within the reaction chambers, at the test tray, a filter for passing therethrough only light generated by a fluorescence emitting reaction resulting from the interaction of the fluorescence emitting agent and a sample, and an imaging mechanism for detecting only the light generated by the fluorescence emitting reaction at the emission wavelength simultaneously from the plurality of reaction chambers.

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 chemical analyzer includes a transport mechanism having a rotatable turntable adapted to hold a plurality of reagent test slides, a sample metering device, an incubator or temperature controller, a reflectometer and associated electronics and software. The rotatable turntable preferably holds up to twelve slides about its circumference, which slides are loaded onto the turntable by an inserter mechanism. The turntable positions the reagent test slides under the metering device, which device deposits a predetermined amount of sample onto each slide. The turntable also carries the slides above a reflectometer. After testing has been completed, an ejector mechanism automatically removes the reagent slides from the turntable.

Abstract: A pusher blade and its housing are described, in which the blade has a stiff front end for engaging slide-type test elements, and a flexible body portion and back end. The housing forces the blade to curve through an angle, preferably about 90.degree. C., to minimize the extension in one direction the blade would have if it were entirely rigid.The housing can provide for separate stacks of elements in separate environments to be engaged by the blade, since sealing means are provided for preventing substantial intermixing of the environments when the blade is activated.

Abstract: The centrifugation chamber serves in particular for liquor testing, the liquid to be tested being arranged in a vessel whose bottom area is formed by a slide retained in a bottom part, there being arranged at least at the outer circumference of the vessel a suction element which lies on the lower part. The upper part is clampable on the lower part by means of a clamping device, so that different size upper parts can be used with a single lower part.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for depositing reagent only on a specimen contained in a cavity utilizing reagent deposition apparatus under the control of imaging apparatus providing an image of the specimen within the cavity; and an analytic implement including a pair of opposed and spaced apart transparent plates mounted in a frame and providing the cavity therebetween for receiving the specimen.

Abstract: An incubator useful in an analyzer, and a method for locating a slide element properly in the incubator. The incubator and the method are provided with a referencing mechanism and step, respectively, effective to push back on the datum surface or edge of a slide element that has been inserted too far into a station of the incubator, to move the portion of the slide element that produces a detectable signal, back a distance which is predetermined for that station to be the one that gives the most effective reading of the slide element.

Abstract: Test carrier analysis system for analyzing a constituent of a body fluid, consisting of test carriers (2), code carriers (3) and an evaluation device (4). The test layers (5) of the test carrier (2) contain reagents whose reaction with the sample leads to a color change characteristic of the analysis in a detection layer. The code carriers (3) contain in machine-readable form an evaluation code with an evaluation curve required for the evaluation of the test carriers. The evaluation device (4) comprises a measuring device, a code reading device and evaluation electronics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing spotting of the undersurface of the evaporation caps of an incubator in a clinical analyzer. It has been discovered that the surprising cause of the problem was electrostatic attraction building up on the caps, due to the use of plastic parts. The solution to that problem is the provision, in a plastic cover plate mounting the incubator housing on its drive spindle, with carbon fibers rather than glass fibers, in an amount sufficient to provide a volume resistivity throughout the plastic of between about 10.sup.5 and about 10.sup.9 ohm-cm, and grounding the housing through the spindle on which it is mounted.

Abstract: A device for use in a centrifuge to automatically prepare microscope slide specimens from samples of body fluids. A centrifuge tube and specimen slide are formed integrally in a unitary device. A lens clearance section is provided as a planar surface to avoid interference between the device and the rotatable lenses of a turret microscope while the device is in viewing position on the microscope stage. The device is constructed to minimize packing of sediment and other constituent elements of the sample at the entrance to the slide member and is so configured as to admit of a step during the centrifuge process which flexes the slide member to enhance the distribution of cells deposited therein.