Abstract: A chromatographic test device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample and incorporating at least two liquid-conductive zones (3, 4) which form separate liquid flow paths which deliver separate liquid streams to a region (8) in the test device during the test procedure, wherein control of the relative liquid flows in the separate flow paths is achieved, at least in part, by ensuring that at least one of the liquid flow paths is enhanced or made and/or broken or restricted during the course of the test procedure. Preferably such control is achieved by incorporating a liquid-swellable material (11) which is arranged to swell by contact with liquid sample and/or reagent and thereby to make or break contact between two liquid-conductive zones.

Abstract: A dry analytical element for the determination of serum cholinesterase (CHE) activity is disclosed. The element analyses undiluted body fluids and employs butyrylthiocholine as the substrate for CHE. Butyrylthiocholine is hydrolyzed by serum cholinesterase and liberates butyric acid and thiocholine. The thiocholine liberated then reduces ferricyanide to ferrocyanide and the rate of change is measured by reflectance densitometry.

Abstract: The number of bacteria in a cell population comprising bacteria and somatic cells is determined by concentrating the bacteria and the somatic cells on the surface of a substrate of a filter material, such as a membrane filter, rupturing the somatic cells by treatment with a medium which is not in osmotic balance with the medium inside the cells, such as water which here constitutes a hypotonic medium, and removing or inactivating their ATP, establishing an extraction chamber having an inner wall which is partly defined by the bacteria-bearing surface of the filter material and therein extracting the ATP from the bacteria with a medium containing a surfactant, such as a quaternary ammonium compound, capable of perforating the cell walls of the bacteria, adding luciferin and luciferase and transferring the medium to a measuring chamber, determining the amount of ATP by measuring the light emitted as a result of the luciferin/luciferase reaction and expressing the amount of ATP as the number of bacteria present

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for collecting and transporting biological specimens. The device provides an environment for maintaining substantial validity of a specimen during transport. The device comprises a tubular housing with an ampoule containing medium, a specimen collector and a sleeve positioned over the tubular housing. The sleeve is used to effectively break the ampoule so as to release medium into the tubular housing so as to keep a specimen substantially viable during transport.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dipstick test device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample by treating the analyte with at least one liquid reagent to form a detectable reaction product. The device includes: a) an aqueous impermeable, aqueous insoluble reaction zone, adapted to retain the detectable reaction product; and b) a control absorbent above, and in liquid-transferring relation with, the reaction zone. The control absorbent has a predetermined, limited liquid-absorbing capacity, and the dipstick is sized and configured for insertion into a vessel containing the sample, with the control absorbent oriented above the reaction zone, so that the control absorbent fills to capacity with sample and the reaction zone incubates with the sample. The device may further include an absorbent reservoir which can be moved into liquid transferring contact with the reaction zone.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic sensor, sensing apparatus, and methods for making optical detections are provided. The fiber optic sensor employs a fiber optic strand to convey light energy, an immobilized polymeric reaction matrix, and at least one controlled release polymeric carrier within said reaction matrix comprising a controlled release polymer material and a releasable reagent formulation able to react with the analyte of interest. The optic sensors and sensor construction have been demonstrated to be both functionally useful and long serving in duration.

Abstract: A method disclosed for studying the interaction in solution of two molecules of the type such as a ligand and a receptor that are capable of reacting or binding with each other. The method comprises preparing an aliquot of a solution containing the first of the molecules. The second of the molecules is then added to the aliquot. A fluorescently labeled molecule is added to the aliquot, wherein the fluorescently labeled molecule is also capable of reacting or binding with the second of the molecules. A porous matrix that is optically transparent is immersed into the aliquot containing the two molecules being studied and the fluorescently labeled molecule, wherein the second molecule and any fluorescently labeled molecule bound thereto is sterically hindered from permeating the porous, optically transparent matrix, while any unbound fluorescently labeled molecule permeates the matrix.

Abstract: A swab device, method, and kit for collecting and analyzing a sample for an analyte (antigens or antibodies) on the swab. The device includes a narrow rod or stick-like support in combination with an assay medium which is positioned adjacent to the support. The assay medium is extended longitudinally down the support a length sufficient to permit an immunoassay to be carried out within it. The assay medium and the support may include a capillary medium. A collection medium may also be attached to the capillary medium to enhance sample collection. The method includes collecting a sample suspected of containing the analyte in a sample collection area at the end of the swab. A liquid containing a labelled component is applied to the swab and allowed to immunochemically react with the sample. If the analyte is present, an immunocomplex is formed and retained on the swab. A wash solution is subsequently applied to the swab to effect the separation of the immunocomplex from excess free label.

Abstract: A liposome reagent encapsulating a molecule to be targeted to a body site or used as an assay reporter has a ligand and a sulfonate-containing group on the liposome surface. Preferred ligands are antibodies or antibody fragments and preferred encapsulants are enzymes or dyes. In the most preferred reagents, the antibody and sulfonate-containing group are covalently bonded to the liposome surface through a connecting group which includes a succinimidyl group resulting from addition of the ligand or sulfonate-containing group to a maleimidyl group. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing an assay using the reagent of the invention as the tracer.

Abstract: A rotor assembly for carrying out an assay includes a rotor body which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, and has a central chamber and first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chambers which are in communication with and radiate from the central chamber. The rotor assembly further includes a shuttle which is movable through the central chamber and insertable into any of the chambers, the shuttle including a reaction cup carrying an immobilized antigen or an antibody for transport among the chambers. A method for carrying out an assay using the rotor assembly includes moving the reaction cup among the six chambers by passing the cup through the central chamber between centrifugation steps in order to perform the steps of: separating plasma from blood cells, binding plasma antibody or antigen, washing, drying, binding enzyme conjugate, reacting with enzyme substrate and optically comparing the resulting reaction product with unreacted enzyme substrate solution.

Abstract: A device for concentrating liquid specimens and the process of using the device. The device has a receptacle containing a membrane. The sample to be concentrated is placed in the receptacle on the upper surface of the membrane. A piston is then screwed down toward the upper surface of the membrane increasing the pressure above the membrane. The process for using the device involves supporting the device at a small angle from the vertical so that once the specimen has been concentrated to a given volume, the tilted membrane is exposed allowing air to reach the membrane and equalizing the pressure thereby rapidly decreasing any further concentration.

Abstract: A test card incorporates a colorimetric indicator test to determine the presence of a minute amount of a specific substance in a liquid medium. The test card includes top and bottom sheets adhesively secured to an intermediate frame member which, together with the top and bottom sheets, defines a filter chamber having a flat filter therein which incorporates a test portion. The test portion of the filter has a binding substrate to which antibodies of the specific substance have been bound. This binding substrate is in communication with a test port. In the method of the invention a substance to be tested is administered through the test port and contains an unknown amount of antigen. After the sample is administered an aqueous solution of enzyme labelled antigen is administered and, subsequently, a liquid substrate is added to cause a color change in the filter below the test port inversely proportional to the amount of antigen contained in the sample administered at the test port.

Abstract: An analytical device for fluid samples includes a fluid sample well means connected to a sample initiation area in such a fashion that the assay will not commence unless sufficient sample is introduced into the sample well means to conduct the assay. Once sufficient sample has been deposited into the sample well means, the sample flows into an initiation area and the assay commences.

Abstract: A method for measuring target substance contained in a liquid sample is disclosed. The measurement is carried out by using a device having at least one reaction area comprising a solid phase, and the liquid sample is applied onto the reaction area through a porous member to allow for a reaction of predetermined volume of the liquid sample on the reaction area. A device used for such measurement is also disclosed. A device comprises a body having at least one reaction area comprising a solid phase, and a porous member disposed on or above the reaction area. The porous member allows for the liquid sample to be permeated therethrough.

Abstract: A method for detecting blood analytes with a sample volume as low as 2 microliters in the hematocrit range of 0% to 60%, or higher. This is accomplished by using a diagnostic device comprising a housing with various chambers and compartments for processing the blood. A sample application port in the housing is used to introduce blood into a metering chamber. From the metering chamber, the blood flows to a reaction chamber for analyzing blood analytes. Blood entering the metering chamber flows into a fluid capillary which indicates that an adequate amount of blood has been received in the metering chamber. The reaction compartment includes a reagent and a filter, the latter of which is disposed between the metering chamber and the reagent so that the reagent reacts with the filtered blood.

Abstract: A method for performing a microparticle diagnostic assay in a device having a shallow sample well for receiving a sample and reagents for forming a reaction mixture, a read well positioned adjacent to said sample well and separated from said sample well by a wall which is constructed and arranged such that when wash fluid is injected into said sample well, sample and reaction mixtures are washed from said shallow sample well, over the wall and into said read well. The steps of the method comprise forming microparticle analyte complexes in said shallow sample well; washing said microparticle analyte complexes from said shallow sample well over the wall and into said read well where a fibrous matrix retains and immobilizes said microparticle analyte complexes; adding to said read well an indicator substance capable of forming an assay signal when said microparticle analyte complexes are present; and detecting said assay signal produced by said indicator substance.

Abstract: An automatic analytical apparatus in which a series of operations ranging from the sampling into a treating receptacle, pretreatment, analysis and discharge of a fluid sample to the preparation for the next analysis are repeated automatically in order, wherein the time-dependent variation of the composition is traced successively. This permits the presence of the composition variation or the course of the composition variation to be confirmed or the composition variation to be controlled, automatically.

Abstract: In a simultaneous marking specific binding assay for an analyte is a liquid sample, such as urine during pregnancy or fertile period test, wherein the liquid sample is simultaneously incubated with a first specific binding reagent immobilized on a solid phase carrier surface and with a second specific binding reagent dissolved or dispersed in the liquid sample and which bears a label by means of which the result of the assay can be determined, the improvement that prior to the incubation the second specific binding reagent is contained within a layer (2a) of readily soluble or dispersible solid material superimposed on the solid phase carrier surface (2a) on which the first specific binding reagent is immobilized.

Abstract: A dipping element for immunoassay or quantitative analysis of an immunoreactive analyte is disclosed having a first matrix having a carrier therein containing an immobilized antibody capable of an immunochemical reaction with a sample antigen. The immobilized antibody is not released into the aqueous liquid sample upon contact. The element further comprises a second matrix which contains labelled antigen which does dissolve in the aqueous liquid sample upon contact. On dipping, the marker-labelled antigen reacts with the immobilized antibody in competition with the antigen-antibody reaction between the analyte antigen and the immobilized antibody. if the analyte is an antibody, then the second matrix contains a marker labelled antibody and the first matrix contains an immobilized antigen. Methods for the quantitative analysis of an analyte antigen or antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: Assay apparatus is provided which includes a filter such as a porous membrane, a volume that can contain an absorbent and flexible means for reducing the volume in order to effect passage of liquid sample through the membrane and into the volume. The assay apparatus can be produced by a continuous manufacturing process.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus wherein carriers sensitized by an antibody or an antigen are caused to react to a specimen sample and the condensation of the carriers caused by the antigen-antibody reaction is optically detected by the use of flow cytometry, thereby measuring the antigen or antibody in the specimen sample, a plurality of kinds of carriers differing in optical characteristic are sensitized by different kinds of antibodies or antigens, respectively, whereby a plurality of kinds of antigens or antibodies in the specimen sample are measured at a time.

Abstract: An automatic immunoassay apparatus utilizes cartridges each having at least two wells, a first well containing solid phase material carrying antigen or antibody, and a second well containing antibody or antigen labelled with labelling compound. The wells may be sealed with a suitable sealing film before use and the sealing film is broken when the cartridge is to be used. The cartridges are transported to a predetermined position on a steppingly movable reaction line and conveyed thereby at a predetermined interval. While the reaction line steps, a sample, labelled antigen or antibody contained in the second well and substrate, if necessary, are added to the first well and stirred at predetermined timings, and reactions between the sample and a reactive solution are measured under control of a control device having a memory storing operator selectable programs for various measuring methods.

Abstract: An evanescent wave sensor for use in analyzing a medium, the sensor including a shell having a radiation port at a first end and a base at a second end. The base has a dimension greater than that of the radiation port, and inner and outer wall surfaces of the shell extend between the radiation port and the base. The shell is formed of a material having an index of refraction greater than that of the medium. An apparatus and method for analyzing the medium using the sensor may include a receptacle which defines a chamber about a portion of the shell for contacting the medium to the shell for analysis, optical elements for guiding radiation from a radiation source to the radiation port, and optical elements for guiding fluorescent radiation from the shell to a detector of fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: A technique for passaging liquid through a membrane putatively containing, in its interstices, at least one substance for which detection is desired, comprises positioning donor and acceptor bibulous matrices onto either surface of the membrane and squeezing the resulting sandwich. This technique permits the application of small volumes of reagents or wash to the membranes and the facile recovery of the waste. The subject membranes are obtained, for example, by blotting developed electrophoresis gels or directly by their use as supports for specific binding assays.

Abstract: Separation of anionic oligosaccharides on a preparative scale with high resolution can be achieved by anionic exchange chromatography using PEI-derivatized supports.

Abstract: Means for the detection of free ligand analogue conjugate in fluids from competitive ligand-receptor assay processes. Ligand analogue antibodies that bind the ligand analogue conjugate with substantially greater affinity than their affinity for target ligand are selected and used in competitive ligand-receptor assay processes to bind the free fraction of the ligand analogue conjugate. This means permits the detection of the free fraction of ligand analogue conjugate even in the presence of substantially higher concentrations of free target ligand. For the purposes of the present invention, ligand analogue antibodies are antibodies that exhibit at least 100.times.greater affinity for the ligand analogue conjugate compared to their affinity for the target ligand.

Abstract: Polypeptide arrays can be synthesized on a substrate by attaching photoremovable groups to the surface of a substrate, exposing selected regions of the substrate to light to activate those regions, attaching an amino acid monomer with a photoremovable group to the activated regions, and repeating the steps of activation and attachment until polypeptides of the desired length and sequences are synthesized. The resulting array can be used to determine which peptides on the array can bind to a receptor.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for conducting an assay method. The device comprises a housing, means enclosed in the housing for capturing a member of a specific binding pair in a zone and for allowing liquid to be transported by capillary action away from the zone, one or more self-contained liquid reagents enclosed in the housing for conducting an assay method for the determination of an analyte in the sample, and means in the housing for introducing the sample into the device. Preferably, the self-contained reagents are liquid reagents which are contained in a breakable container. The device of the invention finds use in assay methods for the determination of an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. Kits for conducting an assay method are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved assay device and assay for detecting or quantitating the presence or absence of a substance in a sample. The device has multiple layers comprising a permeable layer (a) having a capture reagent attached to less than the entire membrane, a selectively permeable layer (b) which does not allow assay reagents to pass through (b) and an absorbent layer (c). Layer (b) is in communication with layers (a) and (c). Layer (b) has at least one hole extending therethrough and the hole or holes are directly below the capture reagent in layer (a). The area of the hole or the combined area of the holes is less than the area covered by the capture reagent. This invention also relates to a method of reducing background color development in an absorbent layer of an assay device.

Abstract: A solid phase immuno-assay system for assaying at least one analyte, in the form of a solid support having a plurality of receptors bound thereto. At least two of the receptors conjugate with the same analyte.A reaction container comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged individual compartments, and a longitudinally extending single compartment.A card for assaying a plurality of samples for the same analyte, having a plurality of receptors for the analyte at different locations on the card.A method of performing an assay for the same analyte in more than one sample, by providing a receptor for the analyte at more than a single location on a solid substrate; exposing each of the receptors to different samples; and developing each of the receptor locations to indicate the presence of the analyte in each of the samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay methods, kits and devices utilizing chromatographically mobile specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles. Specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles such as gold and selenium may be subjected to rapid chromatographic solvent transport on chromatographic media by means of selected solvents and chromatographic transport facilitating agents. Further, impregnation of solid substrate materials with labile protein materials including colloidal particle and enzyme labelled reagents in the presence of meta-soluble proteins provides for the rapid resolubilization of such materials which have been dried onto such substrate materials.

Abstract: A method for the multiplex sequencing on DNA is disclosed which comprises the electroblotting or specific base terminated DNA fragments, which have been resolved by gel electrophoresis, onto the surface of a neutral non-aromatic polymeric microporous membrane exhibiting low background fluorescence which has been surface modified to contain amino groups. Polypropylene membranes are preferably and the introduction of amino groups is accomplished by subjecting the membrane to radio or microwave frequency plasma discharge in the presence of an aminating agent, preferably ammonia. The membrane, containing physically adsorbed DNA fragments on its surface after the electroblotting, is then treated with crosslinking means such as UV radiation or a glutaraldehyde spray to chemically bind the DNA fragments to the membrane through said smino groups contained on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for interrupting capillary flow of a liquid between two pieces of bibulous material which, prior to actuation, are in a capillary flow relationship to each other. In particular, the capillary flow relationship of two pieces of bibulous material is interrupted by utilizing a liquid expandable piece of bibulous material.

Abstract: An improved, copolymer-based immunoassay system, method, and apparatus is highly sensitive and effective in accurately measuring extremely low concentrations, such as 10.sup.-6 to 10.sup.-12 grams per milliliter, of biologically active substances, such as monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies and antigens, cancer markers, proteins, bacteria, viruses, therapeutic drugs, drugs of abuse, and food and water contaminants in fluid samples. The system requires no sample preparation, and is reliable, easy to use, sufficiently low in cost to be readily usable in doctors' offices, small labs, and other low-volume facilities, but is also readily adaptable to hospital and high-volume use. The new system, method, and apparatus for agglutination immunoassay systems includes novel and coordinated carrier particle technology, light application and measurement and chemistry, coacting to provide the multiple advantages of simplicity and accuracy in use, and extreme sensitivity in application, in quantifying immunoassays.

Abstract: The histamine in a sample is determined by contacting the sample with a histamine binding agent, such as glass, which has been treated, e.g., with a polar organic polymer, to reduce the affinity of the agent for an interfering component of the sample while substantially retaining the agent's histamine-binding capacity. Such an agent facilitates determination of histamine in whole blood samples. Preferably, the agent is provided as a conglomerate of histamine-binding bodies, such as glass fibers, in a binder. Preferred binders are polyvinyl acetate, a vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer, and polyvinyl alcohol or combinations thereof.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a ligand-receptor assay for determining the presence or amount of at least one target ligand, capable of competing with a ligand analogue conjugate for binding sites available on a ligand receptor, said ligand analogue conjugate comprising at least one ligand analogue coupled to a signal development element capable of emitting a detectable signal, in a fluid sample suspected of containing said target ligand, comprising the steps of:a. contacting said fluid sample with ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor to form a reaction mixture, the relative amounts of ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor being such that in the absence of target ligand, and subsequent to substantially equilibrium binding, substantially all of the ligand analogue conjugate is bound to ligand receptor;b. detecting the unbound ligand analogue conjugate;c. relating the detectable signal to the presence or amount of target ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention is a self-contained, chromatic quantitative analyzer that quantitatively detects an analyte in a biological fluid. The invention includes a base having a first open reservoir for receiving the biological fluid. A means for separating solids from the biological fluid is provided in the first open reservoir. A channel is provided which draws, by capillary and/or wicking action, the biological fluid from the first open reservoir to a second open reservoir. The second open reservoir draws the biological fluid from the channel and, when the second open reservoir is full with the biological fluid, the capillary and/or wicking action terminates. A membrane is provided in the channel which is permeable to the biological fluid. There is at least one chromatic chemical indicator immobilized in the membrane in a predetermined concentration. The membrane enables the biological fluid to interact with the chromatic chemical indicator.

Abstract: A scatter signal is produced from light scattered by a precipitate formed by a chemical reaction and non-specific scatter sources. A blanking signal is produced from light scattered only by the non-specific scatter sources that contribute to the scatter signal, and the blanking signal is subtracted from the scatter signal to dynamically produce a signal indicative of the difference between the scatter signals to reduce the effects of non-specific scattering sources in determining the rate of change of the light scattered by the precipitate. One of the scatter signals may be stored and then combined with the other, or the signals may be measured simultaneously and then combined.

Abstract: An agent or device for the determination of antigen or antibody comprising capsules of a water-insoluble, dye-permeable polymer or a liquor-pool covered by said polymer, an antien, antibody or hapten immobilized on the surface of said polymer, and a dye solution enclosed or held in said capsules or liquor-pool, and a method for determining antigen or antibody using said agent or device, which can be conveniently used for the serodiagnosis of various diseases.

Abstract: The invention comprises a prefilled and presealed apparatus for carrying out chemical, particularly immunochemical, analyses in non-laboratory environments. The apparatus comprises a test base containing therein wells, into which are introduced all the reagents necessary for performing the assay reaction in question. The apparatus further comprises a reagent stick having at one end a sharp reactive point onto which a sample to be assayed can be adsorbed. The base and wells are covered with an impervious foil layer which can easily be pierced with the sharp reactive end of the testing stick included in the apparatus, thereby allowing the adsorbed sample to contact the reagents used in carrying out the assay.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the quantitative determination of an analyte in a liquid employs a liquid-permeable solid medium defining a liquid flow path. The medium includes a number of reaction-containing reaction zones spaced apart along the flow path and in which reaction occurs with the analyte or an analyte derivative (e.g., a labeled analyte) to result in the formation of a predetermined product. Detector means are employed to detect analyte, analyte derivatives, reactant or predetermined product in the reaction zones, the number of such zones in which such detection occurs indicating the amount of analyte in the liquid.

Abstract: Molecular binding partners such as antibodies and haptens are immobilized to support materials that have the property of contact activation of blood protein coagulation. A binding partner is attached to a surface-active protein carrier and the resulting conjugate non-covalently adsorbs onto the surface of the support. The method provides for diagnostic assays of greater sensitivity and convenience.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for conducting an assay for an analyte. The method comprises causing a specific binding pair member in a first aqueous medium to become bound to a first bibulous member by contacting a portion of the first bibulous member with the medium. The first bibulous member is in liquid receiving relationship with an absorbent member. The contacting is carried out under conditions wherein the first medium traverses the first bibulous member and at least a portion of the absorbent member by capillary action. The method further comprises causing the first bibulous member to come into liquid receiving relationship with a second bibulous member. A reagent in a second aqueous medium is absorbed by and preferably becomes a non-diffusively bound to the second bibulous member in relation to the presence of analyte in the first medium.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a ligand-receptor assay for determining the presence or amount of at least one target ligand, capable of competing with a ligand analogue conjugate for binding sites available on a ligand receptor, said ligand analogue conjugate comprising at least one ligand analogue coupled to a signal development element capable of emitting a detectable signal, in a fluid sample suspected of containing said target ligand, comprising the steps of:a. contacting said fluid sample with ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor to form a reaction mixture, the relative amounts of ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor being such that in the absence of target ligand, and subsequent to substantially equilibrium binding, substantially all of the ligand analogue conjugate is bound to ligand receptor;b. detecting the unbound ligand analogue conjugate;c. relating the detectable signal to the presence or amount of target ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Provided is a test kit for conducting a membrane sandwich immunoassay of a multivalent antigen, optionally including reagents, the test kit includes a hollow container for reception of a fluid specimen, containing in series fluid absorbent body, a fluid pervious layer, and a fluid pervious solid membrane layer on which antibody is immobilized such that fluid added (e.g., labeled antibody and fluid specimen) to the container migrates through the membrane and in the presence of unlabeled scavenger antibody on the reactive surface of the membrane forms a multiple-site immunospecific antibody-antigen-antibody sandwich immobilized and labeled thereon, preferably in the form of a visible positive or negative indicator of the presence and/or amount of the analyte antigen in the specimen sample. The scavenger antibody serves to prevent false positive or other spurious reactions due to antigen analogs, antigen interference substances, or circulating human immnoglobulins.

Abstract: A method of estimating a cumulative exposure to a component of a gas which comprises contacting a liquid reagent held by surface tension in a reservoir with a body of the gas through a conduit into which substantially only diffusional migration of the component from the body of gas occurs.

Abstract: A solid phase binding member for the detection of an analyte in a test sample is described. The binding member comprises: (1) a solid support having micropores; (2) a polymer reversibly water-soluble before its application to the solid support; and (3) a ligand covalently attached to the polymer, the ligand interacting specifically with the analyte. The solid support can have micropores throughout or on its surface, and can be rayon, paper, fabric, plastic, agarose or polyacrylamide beads, glass, microcrystalline cellulose, or acid-treated plastic. The polymer can be carrageenan or sodium alginate. The ligand can be an antibody, a univalent antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, an antigen, a hapten, an enzyme, a hormone, or a single-stranded nucleic acid. Methods of use of the binding member are also described involving incorporation into a test device. The test device can be a dip stick, a hollow vessel, a slide, or a porous bead.

Abstract: The method described coats the interior of a tube-like support with the binding partner of the analyte. Analyte and anti-analyte-label conjugate are added. When the tube-like support is rotated end-over-end, the thin layer of analyte and conjugate readily react with the binding partners to form an immobilized label complex. When rotation stops, the reaction quenches to provide precise timing. The label complex is released and measured.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing an optical detection of a binding reaction between a ligand and an antiligand, including, a pattern formed by a spatial array of microscopic dimensions of antiligand material, ligand material interacting with the antiligand material to produce a binding reaction between the ligand and the antiligand in the pattern, a source of optical radiation including energy at at least one wavelength directed to the pattern at a particular incidence angle to produce scattering of the energy from the pattern in accordance with the binding reaction and with a strong scattering intensity at one or more Bragg scattering angles, and at least one optical detector located relative to the pattern and aligned with a Bragg scattering angle to detect the strong scattering intensity at the Bragg scattering angle to produce a signal representative of the binding reaction.

Abstract: The detection of toxins through the use of an optical sensor having a fiber upon which is coupled one or more physiological receptors.