Abstract: A chemical sensor includes a patterned layer having discrete sections, a -dimensional detector array, and a two-dimensional lens array that focuses an optical signal from the patterned layer onto the two dimensional detector array. Typically, the two-dimensional detector array is a charge-coupled device array and the lens array is a graded index of refraction lens array. The chemical sensor maintains good resolution throughout its field of view.

Abstract: Apparatus for detection one or more analyte in a fluid sample. The apparatus includes one or more fluid including the fluid sample to be tested for the analyte(s) and one or more vessels for holding the fluid(s). The vessel includes a base at a first end, side walls extending generally perpendicularly from the base to a second end, an opening in the vessel defined by the side walls and the second end and a central axis extending from the center of the base to the center of vessel opening. The apparatus further includes a single matrix sheet including at least one capture site for capturing a specific analyte which is inserted in vessel and spaced from the central axis opposite the side walls and at least one apparatus for detection of a captured specific analyte.

Abstract: Panels which consist of individual members, said members comprising proteins, wherein at least one of the members of the panel is a protein other than an immunoglobulin (Ig) or fragment thereof and wherein the presence of said non-Ig protein enriches the panel are described herein. These panels can be tested for reactivity with an analyte to create a profile. Such profiles can be used in pattern matching, analysis of samples and other analyses. Illustrated herein using such panels is a method to determine reactivity of a candidate compound with a target "receptor" which method does not require the physical presence of the receptor. By providing a formula for treating data obtained from a reference panel of this type which is predictive of reactivity with the target receptor, the compound to be tested can be physically assessed with respect to the reference panel, the formula applied, and reactivity with the actual target receptor may be predicted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing to screen antibiotics in a few hours instead of days by conventional methods. This method can also be used to identify susceptible antibiotics to treat mycobacterial infection in a few days instead of the usual six to eight weeks. Fast screening of antibiotics is achieved by a short period of specimen incubation in different antibiotics embedded media to create differential bacterial counts. The differences of bacterial counts among antibiotics embedded media are subsequently amplified by DNA amplification methods for detection. Following DNA amplification, rapid quantitation and minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) determinations for a panel of antibiotics are achieved in less than one minute by fluorescence quantitation methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the running of multiple simultaneous solid phase reactions for mounting on a temperature controllable water bath and a method of using this apparatus in the presence or absence of paramagnetic beads to perform chemical syntheses resulting in separation and recovery of a final desired reaction product is provided. The apparatus comprises a reaction plate, a reaction vessel for mounting in the reaction plate, a reaction plate holder, a screw-like rod, a mounting block attached to the reaction plate holder for operably receiving the screw-like rod, a motor, a sonication region in the water bath and a magnetic separation region in the water bath. Paramagnetic beads having reaction sites are introduced into the reaction vessels along with the appropriate solvent and one or more reactants.

Abstract: A vessel for conducting blood cell agglutination assays is disclosed. A barrier retains reactants in an upper chamber during incubation, then, in response to a force, permits reagents to enter a lower chamber containing a matrix for separating agglutination.

Abstract: A system to reduce moisture in a device having at least one integrated desiccant housing to hold desiccant materials. The integrated desiccant housing protects a desiccant bag or tablet from being damaged in the process of packaging, transporting and storing the device. In particular, an diagnostic assay tray assembly having sample wells with active biochemical coatings can be better preserved by implementing one or a plurality of integrated desiccant housing therein.

Abstract: An assembly and components therefor are disclosed for use in the field of cell and tissue culture. The assembly includes a base having one or more wells, and a cell culture insert which is mountable to the base such that the bottom wall of the insert is suspended within the well. Each well has a generally rectangular configuration such that openings are provided at each corner of the well for introducing fluid to the well. A cover is provided for protecting the assembly and maintaining the position of the cell culture insert.

Abstract: The present invention method may be practiced with many different types of biological cells. Biological cells may be either eucaryotic or procaryotic cells. The cells may be in the form of tissue slices or tissue homogenates or may be in the form of suspensions of intact single cells. The intact single cells may be grown in cell culture, as described in the previous examples, or may be obtained from blood, other body fluids, or from tissue biopsy. The cells may be cells containing receptors transfected by recombinant DNA techniques, or alternatively may be cells naturally responding to cell-affecting agents. The cells may be fresh or may have been previously preserved by dehydration, refrigeration, or freezing. When the cells have been preserved, preservative agents (for example dimethylsulfoxide in the case of frozen cells) may be removed prior to measurement of the effect of cell-affecting agents on rates of extracellular acidification. The cells may be either plant cells or animal cells.

Abstract: A chromatographic assay test device for use with immunoassays. The test device has a sample collection member pivotally coupled to a test strip receiving member. The sample collection member has a window for applying a test sample to a pad accessible through the window and the pad is repositionable to an inverted position to contact a chromatographic member inserted into the test device. The chromatographic member is then brought into opposition to the sample collection member thus improving test performance by reducing the manipulation of samples. The test device is constructed from five interconnected panels which are die cut from SBS cardboard. The first panel has a window for inserting a test strip and the second panel has a window for viewing the test strip during the test procedure. The third panel has the repositionable pad section. The fourth panel has a window for applying the test sample and the fifth panel covers the test sample window.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate the rapid, accurate analysis of a sample having cells characterized by their motility. The devices feature a solid substrate microfabricated to define a flow system including one or more ports or chambers, connected by elongate channels of various shapes having a mescoscale cross-sectional dimension on the order of 0.1 .mu.m to 1000 .mu.m. In one embodiment, the devices are fitted with various flow-regulating features to facilitate unimpeded movement of the motile cells of interest along the flow channels. In another embodiment, devices are provided for conducting replicate motile cell assays, or for conducting a series of different assays using a single test sample. In another embodiment, preparative devices are provided for separating and collecting selected motile cell types of interest.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: A cuvette based testing device for use in testing or otherwise analyzing a fluid sample. A cuvette is provided that defines at least one conduit, wherein the fluid sample is introduced into the various conduits. Reagents are disposed within the conduits that are intended to be mixed with the fluid sample. The fluid sample is drawn into the conduits by the force of a pneumatic pump. As the fluid sample contacts the various reagents, the reagents mix with the sample. Mixing is further conducted by moving the fluid sample back and forth across an obstruction in the conduit. The obstruction causes turbulent flow in the fluid sample, thereby mixing the sample with any reagent also present. The conduit is preferably transparent. The fluid sample is brought to a point in the cuvette where it is disposed below a detector. The detector is used to measure a characteristic of the fluid sample such as optical density, nephelometry, fluorescence, chemical luminescence, photoemittions or the like.

Abstract: A test kit for a chemical test or microbiological test, which comprises at least one independent sample-receiving part on a support is disclosed. The test kit of the present invention is usable for various chemical and microbiological tests which have been conducted with a plastic microplate and which have necessitated many reaction and culture steps in the prior art. The test kit of the present invention can be produced at an extremely low cost because of its structure. The test kit can previously contain a reagent necessitated for the test to remarkably facilitate the test.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for performing an assay which determines the presence or quantity of an analyte in a fluid sample by detecting binding of the analyte to at least one immobilized analyte capture reagent and washing unbound material from the immobilized analyte capture reagent. The devices and methods an elongated solid phase flow matrix, including capillary channels capable of driving capillary fluid movement, and further including (i) a first region adapted for receipt of the fluid sample, (ii) a second region at which the analyte capture reagent is immobilized, (iii) a third region for application of a wash reagent capable of removing unbound substances from the second region; and (iv) an absorbent reservoir of high volume capacity. The second region is positioned intermediate to the first region and the third region and intermediate to the absorbent reservoir and the third region. The device also includes means to detect analyte bound at the second region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical devices for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample. The analytical devices comprise an inlet port, a vent, a channel, and an array of structures. The structures have immobilized reagent covalently or non-covalently attached to the surface of the structures. The immobilized reagent captures analyte in the test sample where it is detected by a detection system. The present invention also provides methods and reagents for performing assays utilizing the analytical devices of the present invention. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the analytical devices of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring antigens or antibodies in biological fluids in appropriately designed reaction cells in an automated analytical apparatus. The method includes the steps of contacting, in the reaction cell, the biological fluid with antibodies specific for a desired analyte antigen, which antibodies are coated on magnetic particulate carrier, under conditions such that binding of the antibody to the desired analyte antigen occurs, and detecting the presence or absence of an immunocomplex formed between the antibody and the desired analyte antigen. The automated analytical apparatus includes a closed circuit transfer path having means for transferring cells around the entire transfer path, and a thermostating period for each analysis to be performed with the automated analytical apparatus. The transfer path includes a loading station, a reagent delivery station, a mixing and washing station, a separating station and a discharging station.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed employing a full thickness skin model for determining minimum sun protection factors (SPFs) of various sunscreen formulations by measuring the release of an inflammatory mediator in the skin model.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target substance which includes collecting a substance sample; introducing the substance sample into a substance card having at least one reagent responsive to the presence of the target substance and having a light-transmissive chamber; inserting the substance card into a substance detector device having a photosensor and adapted to receive the substance card; mixing the substance sample with the reagents for a preselected mixing period, thus producing a measurand having a target substance reaction; streaming the measurand through the light-transmissive chamber and illuminating the measurand with a quantity of light for a selectable analysis period, an optical characteristic of the measurand can be measured with the photosensor; and selecting the target substance reaction as a positive reaction or a negative reaction, responsive to the optical characteristic. If the target substance reaction is a negative reaction, the device operator is signalled thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide with an integral semi-cylindrical lens, and has multi-analyte features and calibration features, along with improved evanescent field intensity. A preferred embodiment of the biosensor and assay method have patches of capture molecules each specific for a different analyte disposed adjacent within a single reservoir. The capture molecules are immobilized to the patches on the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling of thiol groups on the capture molecules to photo-affinity crosslinkers which in turn are coupled to the waveguide surface or to a non-specific-binding-resistant coating on the surface. The patches of different antibodies are produced by selectively irradiating a portion of the waveguide surface during the process of coupling the photo-affinity crosslinkers the selective irradiation involving a mask, a laser light source, or the like.

Abstract: An assay system for detecting the binding of a mobile reactant to an immobilized reactant on an assay plate. The assay plate includes a substrate having an assay spot deposited thereon. The assay spot includes the immobilized reactant. In the present invention, a carrier dye is included in the assay spot, the amount of the carrier dye indicating the amount of the immobilized reactant that is present in the assay spot. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the assay spot is generated by depositing liquid on the assay plate at a location corresponding to the assay spot. The carrier dye is dissolved in the liquid and remains after the liquid evaporates. The amount of carrier dye in each spot may be measured spectroscopically and provides a means for identifying defective assay plates.

Abstract: Immunoassays of psychoactive drugs including psychotomimetic drugs, narcotic drugs, and tetrahydrocannabinols and treatment methods based on the antigenic properties of protein conjugates of these drugs. These methods are based upon treating the psychoactive substances as haptens and utilizing their protein conjugates to produce antibodies to the psychoactive materials themselves. The immunoassay methods include both agglutination and agglutination-inhibition reactions. The treatment methods include treatment of both exogenous, administered drugs (such as cannabinols, LSD, heroin and morphine) and endogenous substances (such as N,N-Dimethyltryptamine and 5-Methoxy-N,N-Dimethyltryptamine), by active immunization and also passive immunization.

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 method and apparatus for identifying molecular structures within a sample substance using an array having a plurality of test sites upon which the sample substance is applied. Each test site includes a probe formed therein to bond with an associated target molecular structure. An electrical signal is applied to the test site and the electrical properties of the test sites are detected to determine which probes have bonded to an associated target molecular structure.

Abstract: A system for incubating sample liquids is proposed where the incubating vessels are placed into the bores of an incubator block with the aid of a rack. The rack has bores in which the incubating vessels are hanging. The bores of the rack and the ones in the incubator block are adjusted to one another so that the incubating vessels fit into the bores of the incubator block when the rack is placed onto the incubator block.

Abstract: The assay device of this invention provides for very simple assay procedures leading to rapid, sensitive, specific detection of an analyte in a solution. The device is inexpensive and easily manufactured, particularly if automated manufacturing processes are used. The assay device is a test strip having an elongated support sheet of solid non-porous material attached to a similarly shaped sheet of absorbent material. The absorbent sheet has perforations, preferably of circular shape, forming sample receiving wells. Forming the bottom of the sample receiving wells is one surface of the support sheet, and attached to this surface are moieties which specifically bind the analyte (anti-analyte moieties). A liquid sample for assay is placed in the wells, and the liquid is drawn into the absorbent material. As the liquid is absorbed, it flows tangentially across the surface of the support sheet, and across binding moieties specific for the analyte which are attached to the bottom of the wells.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus useful for the detection of bloodgroup antigens and antibodies. There are two preferred embodiments of the method: a direct assay and an indirect assay. The direct assay comprises adding a sample of erythrocytes to a reaction tube charged with a column of immunoreactive particles having an immunoglobulin binding ligand selected from the group consisting of Protein A, Protein G, Protein A/G or a universal kappa light chain binding protein coupled to the surface of the particles. Antibodies specific for bloodgroup antigens tested for are coupled to the ligand on the particles. The reaction tube is then centrifuged for a time sufficient to force to the bottom of the reaction tube erythrocytes that do not attach to the antibodies on the particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for synthesizing on a single substrate a plurality of chemical compounds having diverse structures. The process involves the use of a bilayer photoresist to build up selected regions of the array in a step wise fashion.

Abstract: An assay device for detecting the presence of analytes in an unknown sample includes a reaction system wherein resilient storage reservoirs containing reagents are fluidly connected to a track containing the sample. An actuation mechanism forces the reagent from each of the reservoirs into the track where the reagents mix together and with the sample. The mechanism produces a first flow rate and the mechanism is operable to reverse the pressure applied to the reservoirs to reverse the direction of flow of the fluids in the track for a predetermined period of time after which the flow is again reversed. The mechanism then reduces the force applied to allow a second flow rate less than the first flow rate so that reaction can occur whereby a determination may be made as to whether the target analyte is present in the sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously performing at least two assays using certain reagents for a plurality of liquid samples on a continuous analytical system is disclosed. The method comprising the steps of combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one reagent in a first reaction container to form a first assay reaction for each liquid sample, and combining an aliquot of each liquid sample with at least one of the other reagents in a second reaction container to form a second assay reaction for each liquid sample. The method further comprises the steps of incubating the assay reactions of each assay being conducted at least one time, and performing other activities associated with each assay and using the first and second assay reactions to complete each assay, including analyzing the incubated assay reactions.

Abstract: A portable fertility tester for identifying days during the menstrual cycle when a woman is most likely to conceive has a circular disc, with transparent regions indexed to each of the days of the cycle, rotatably mounted within a housing and cover. The housing and cover form a window for exposing a transparent region on the disc for depositing a saliva specimen. An ocular is provided with a magnifying lens for examining the appearance of the saliva which is indicative of fertility, and a light emitting diode is provided for backlighting the specimen during examination. The cover may be removed to allow replacement of the disc for each menstrual cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for detecting the presence of a preselected analyte in a fluid sample. The devices comprise a substrate microfabricated to define a sample inlet port, and a mesoscale flow system that includes a sample flow channel extending from the inlet port. The mesoscale flow system further includes an analyte detection region in fluid communication with the flow channel comprised of a binding moiety for specifically binding the analyte. The detection region is constructed with a mesoscale dimension sufficiently small to enhance binding of the binding moiety and the analyte. The binding moiety may be immobilized in the detection region. The mesoscale detection systems of the invention may be used in a wide range of applications, including the detection of cells or macromolecules, or for monitoring reactions or cell culture growth.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for analyzing a fluid cell containing sample. The devices are composed of a solid substrate, microfabricated to define at least one sample inlet port and a mesoscale flow system. The mesoscale flow system includes a sample flow channel, extending from the inlet port, and a cell handling region for treating cells disposed in fluid communication with the flow channel. The devices may further include a component for inducing flow of cells in the sample through the flow system. In one embodiment, the cell-handling region may include a cell lysis component to enable the lysis of cells in the sample, prior to, e.g., the detection of an intracellular component in the cell sample. In another embodiment, the cell handling region may have a cell capture region, with binding sites which reversibly bind to a specific population of cells in the cell sample, to permit the isolation of the specific cell population from the sample.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided to present a biological sample for analysis by an imaging instrument. The cartridge of the invention utilizes a series of channels, capillaries, reservoirs and stop junctions to precisely move a sample, reagent and diluent through the cartridge as a function of the sum of capillary, gravitational and low centrifugal forces. The operator applies a precise amount of sample to the cartridge; therefore, the cartridge fluidics need not meter the sample prior to dilution. A practical and cost effective cartridge and assay process is disclosed which overcomes many of the limitations of the prior art. Such a cartridge is especially useful with fixed volume assays which permit low centrifugal accelerations to move the fluids within the cartridge.

Abstract: A diagnostic device is provided that determines the activity of CETP by the use of a new synthesized donor particle. The method in the diagnostic device for measuring the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein comprises: adding a prepared sonicated particle to a buffer to form a buffered solution, adding an Intralipid emulsion to the buffered solution for the purpose of accepting the transfer of neutral lipid, adding cholesteryl ester transfer protein to the buffered solution incubating the buffered solution, and reading the fluorescence of the buffer solution to measure the activity of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein. The synthesized donor particle is representative of a high density lipoprotein and comprises a fluorescent group, N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl) amino-covalently bound to a cholesteryl ester to form a NBD-CE core, a monolayer of phospholipid that surrounds the NBD-CE core and an apolipoprotein apoA-I associated with the monolayer and an aqueous phase.

Abstract: A reagent pack for keeping fluids with or without suspensions mixed or suspended upon rocking. The reagent pack has at least one chamber divided into separate sub-chambers with a throat region between them defined by baffles for agitation of suspended reagent during rocking of the reagent pack. A continuous lid sealable to the pack has membrane sealed apertures in the lid for allowing access to the underlying chambers and sub-chambers by withdrawal needles. A tray is configured to hold multiple side-by-side reagent packs on respective slides that slide in and out for insertion and withdrawal of the packs. During operation, the tray and associated packs are rocked such as by being periodically inclined with respect to horizontal, providing reagent agitation.

Abstract: An apparatus, for simultaneously separating multiple samples into their constituents, includes a column manifold which has a plate with a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of support tubes extend from the plate and each support tube has a passage in communication with one of the apertures. The column manifold also includes a fitting to which a vacuum source can the connected, thus enabling the apparatus to be used with both a centrifuge and a vacuum source. A separate separation column is removably received in each support tube and projects through the associated aperture. A collection plate has a plurality of wells arranged so that each well is aligned with a different support tube when the column manifold is placed against the collection plate. This alignment enables each well to receive material expelled from the separation column received in the corresponding support tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for spotting a biological probe onto an array. A micropipette containing a quantity of the biological probe in solution is manipulated to a position above a selected location within the array. The micropipette is pressurized sufficiently to produce a droplet of the biological probe at an open tip of the micropipette. Formation of the droplet is simultaneously visually monitored during the pressurization of the micropipette in order to estimate a volume measurement of the droplet. Upon reaching a predetermined volume for the droplet, the pressurizing of the micropipette is discontinued. The droplet of the predetermined volume is then dispensed onto the selected location.

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: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A self-aligning mechanism for positioning analyte receptacles comprises a loading carriage which bears a tray. In one embodiment, the carriage is slidingly mounted in a structure and includes three guide pins and a stop pin. In this embodiment, the tray has a leaf spring attached at the rear thereof, a lateral protuberance for contacting the structure, and two frontal and one lateral oblique slots. A pair of vertical contact planes, orthogonally disposed with respect to each other, are formed on the top surface of the tray.

Abstract: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography includes chromatographic columns which are mounted in a rack. A drop removal mechanism system shakes the rack to transfer the last drop of eluate from the tip of a chromatographic column to a receptacle below the tip before the column is repositioned over another receptacle and another fluid or operation is introduced into the column. This prevents one eluate from contaminating another. The chromatographic column may have an upper end which is sealed by a foil member. During use, the foil member is ruptured by lowering a pressure cylinder with a seal-punching head against it. The pressure cylinder, which is part of the pressure tip unit, is then withdrawn so that fluid can be introduced into the column via the ruptured foil member. The pressure tip unit is then lowered into sealing engagement with the column so that pressure can be applied via a bore in the pressure cylinder.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the activity of cholesteryl ester transfer protein or MTP. The method comprises the steps of: adding a prepared emulsion particle to a buffer to form a buffered solution simulating physiological conditions, adding an emulsion of lipid to the buffered solution of prepared sonicated particle, adding a source of CETP or MTP to the buffered solution, adding a compound to the buffered solution for the purpose of testing the compound's effect on the neutral lipid transfer protein (CETP or MTP) activity, incubating the buffered mixture, reading the fluorescence of the solution, and calculating the effect of the compound on the emission spectra of the transfer label so transfer activity can than be accurately determined. A device that determines the activity of CETP or MTP by the use of a newly synthesized donor particle without regard to the presence of colored or otherwise interfering factors.

Abstract: The analytical dipstick of the present invention facilitates analyte testing with reduced liquid reagent volumes and provides improved mixing. The dipstick includes an elongated member having a fluid displacing member at one end thereof and a ligand attached to a portion of the elongated member in a region adjacent to the displacing member. The displacing member has a configuration that substantially conforms with the inner side wall of an analytical well in which the dipstick is placed to displace fluid therein. When the displacing member is substantially centered at the bottom of the well, the portion of the dipstick supporting the ligand preferably is spaced from the inner side wall by a distance of at least about twice that between the displacing member and the inner side wall, measured along a line passing through the greatest lateral dimension of the displacing member.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of binding proteins and double-stranded DNA to the same membrane matrix. The DNA bound to the membrane matrix remains in double-stranded form. The subject invention further concerns an assay procedure for detecting antibodies, such as autoimmune antibodies, in a biological sample that are immunoreactive with the proteins and double-stranded DNA attached to a membrane matrix. The subject invention provides a single assay system that allows for the determination of antinuclear antibody specificities which can be used to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in assays for the detection of a bindable target substance in a liquid sample. The apparatus comprises an elongate reaction membrane strip which is porous and liquid-permeable, the upper surface of the membrane strip having receptors thereon capable of binding to the target substance; an absorbent material located adjacent to the lower surface of the reaction membrane strip; and a container means for the reaction membrane strip and absorbent material, including a top wall defining a fluid port in the form of an elongate slot adjacent the membrane strip and including a fluid seal means disposed at the periphery of the fluid port defining a seal between the container top wall and reaction membrane strip. In one embodiment, the receptors on the membrane strip correspond to Western blot proteins. An assay for the detection of bindable target antibody in a liquid sample employing the apparatus is also described.

Abstract: A magnetic capture rack is disclosed for holding a plurality of tubes, the magnetic capture rack including a primary housing member having a stepped upper surface, a substantially planar base surface, and a longitudinal bore formed in the primary housing. The longitudinal bore is open at least at one end thereof, and a plurality of linearly arranged wells are formed in the stepped upper surface of the housing on opposing sides of the longitudinal bore and along substantially an entire length of the primary housing. A slidable magnetic member is provided which conforms in outer surface shape to an inner surface shape of the longitudinal bore, the magnetic member being selectively slidable into and out of the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A device for conducting biological analysis, such as cell culture, is disclosed having improved contamination prevention features. In a preferred embodiment, a microwell membrane plate for cell analysis is adapted to be inserted into a shallow rectangular tray with elevated side walls which form a single large reservoir for holding an appropriate liquid used in cell growth and analysis. The side surfaces of the tray include a raised ridge extending about the entire periphery of the tray. A series of uniform-height steps formed on the ridge serve as support for the microwell membrane plate when inserted into the tray and also create a narrow capillary gap between the plate and the tray. A ledge extending laterally from the base of the ridge forms a second, wider gap when the microwell membrane plate is inserted into the tray.

Abstract: A moist unitary non-laminar chromogen agar color reactive test sheet for use in a simplified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic diseases. The diagnostic test is designed for use in non-laboratory settings where the usual equipment and supplies, including running water, may not be available. The test sheet comprises chromogen agar paper (CAP) impregnated with an enzyme substrate, and electron acceptor, if needed, in agar. It is applied over a conjugate in the form of a species specific enzyme-linked anti-immunoglobulin bound to an antibody-antigen coating of a previously prepared test plate. After incubation to cause a color reaction, the results are read and interpreted in comparison with known standards.