Abstract:
The structure embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path (10). The process path (10) comprises a process lane (28) including a process step performance lane (62) where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane (64) where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover (24) is operatively connected with the process path (10) for moving a container (15) holding the sample along the process path (10). A first pipetting system (198) is operatively associated with the process path (10) for introducing the sample to the container (15). A second pipetting system (132, 134) is operatively associated with the process path (10) for introducing a reagent to the container (15). A device (86) is operatively connected with the process path (10) and is selectively engagable with the container (15) for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container (15). A second prime mover (44) is operatively connected with the process path (10) for selectively positioning the container (15) in a selected one of the process step performance lane (62) and the process step avoidance lane (64). A reader (138) is operatively connected with the process path (10) for determining the item of interest in the sample based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent. The method embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. In one method, a process path (10) comprising a process lane (28) including a process step performance lane (62) where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane (64) where the process step is avoided is provided. A container (15) holding the sample is moved along the process path (10). The sample is introduced to the container (15). A reagent is introduced to the container (15). The sample and the reagent are mixed in the container (15). The container (15) is selectively positioned in a selected one of the process step performance lane (62) and the process step avoidance lane (64). The item of interest in the sample is determined based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.
Abstract:
A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays for himan IgE class antibodies specific to a panel of preselected allergens in each of a plurality of biological samples. A carousel is provided to position and hold a plurality of reaction cartridges. Each reaction cartridge includes a plurality of isolated test sites formed in a two dimensional array in a solid phase binding layer contained within a reaction well which is adapted to contain a biological sample to be assayed. The carousel and cartridges contain structures which cooperate to precisely position the cartridges in each of three separate dimensions so that each cartridge is positioned uniformly. An optical reader operating on a principle of diffuse reflectance is provided to read the results of the assays from each test site of each cartridge. Also provided is a subsystem which provides predetermined lot-specific assay calibration data which is useful for normalizing the results of various assays with respect to predetermined common standard values.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, including a plate rotatable about an axis, and at least one holding means mounted on the plate for rotation therewith, the holding means being adapted to receive an article to be subjected to centrifugal force and being rotatable relative to the plate member to permit the direction of centrifugal force acting on the article to be changed.
Abstract:
Method and apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, including a plate rotatable about an axis, and at least one holding means mounted on the plate for rotation therewith, the holding means being adapted to receive an article to be subjected to centrifugal force and being rotatable relative to the plate member to permit the direction of centrifugal force acting on the article to be changed.
Abstract:
A sample processor card for use with a centrifuge in which the direction of centrifugal force can be altered at will, wherein the card includes a supply of chemical reagent and inlet means for supplying a chemical sample to the card. The sample is advanced under centrifugal force through capillary means to sample measuring means, and the measured sample is then mixed with reagent to permit a chemical test to be carried out on the reagent, all under centrifugal force.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a structure for performing a process for determining an item of interest in a sample, the structure comprising: a process step performance lane (62) accepting a container (15) for the sample where at least a process step for determining the item of interest is performed on the sample in the container (15); and a process step avoidance lane (64) accepting the container (15) where the at least one process step for determining the item of interest is avoided. Also disclosed there is a method of performing a process for determining an item of interest in a sample, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a container (15) for the sample in a process step performance lane (62) where at least a process step for determining the item of interest is performed on the sample in the container (15); and positioning the container (15) in a process step avoidance lane (64) where the at least one process step for determining the item of interest is avoided.
Abstract:
Embodiments described herein provide methods of performing a process for determining an item of interest in a sample. In one embodiment, a container for holding the sample is accepted in a process lane where a process step is selectively automatically performed on the sample in the container. The process step is selectively automatically performed on the sample in the container. A physical length of the process lane is selectively varied.
Abstract:
A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays for himan IgE class antibodies specific to a panel of preselected allergens in each of a plurality of biological samples. A carousel is provided to position and hold a plurality of reaction cartridges. Each reaction cartridge includes a plurality of isolated test sites formed in a two dimensional array in a solid phase binding layer contained within a reaction well which is adapted to contain a biological sample to be assayed. The carousel and cartridges contain structures which cooperate to precisely position the cartridges in each of three separate dimensions so that each cartridge is positioned uniformly. An optical reader operating on a principle of diffuse reflectance is provided to read the results of the assays from each test site of each cartridge. Also provided is a subsystem which provides predetermined lot-specific assay calibration data which is useful for normalizing the results of various assays with respect to predetermined common standard values.