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:
An assay carrier for carrying and positioning a plurality of reaction cells each carrying a single assay, and for carrying and positioning a plurality of reagent packs, for use in selectively performing any one of a plurality of immunoassays on each of the plurality of cells in the carrier.
Abstract:
A plurality of disposable cartridges (20), each having a plurality of wells including at least one assay reaction well, are loaded in a plurality of openings arranged radially around a rack (30) of a carousel (10). Securing of the cartridges in a predetermined orientation and position in said openings is ensured by means of alignment and securing means on the cartridges and corresponding means on the rack. A locking hub (40) with tangs is mounted on the rack and is rotated to cause the tangs to contact locator tabs on each cartridge to force locator nubs on each of the cartridges radially into corresponding notches on the rack, and to accurately wedge the cartridges against the outer periphery of the rack. The carousel indexes for positioning the cartridges under a variety of stations, one of which generally contains an optical reader such as a fluorometer.
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 reagent bottle and cap assembly includes a bottle which may be positioned in current apparatus in such a manner that the removal of fluids is maximized. The cap has a flip-top with a live hinge and live over-center spring for holding the cap in an open position and includes a conical core which is in communication with a wiper blade for breaking the meniscus or fluid seal between the core and the neck to enhance the flow of fluids which have collected on the cap back into the bottle for minimizing evaporation.
Abstract:
A disposable cartridge suitable for performing automated solid-phase diagnostic assays which employs microparticles to complex an analyte and where the microparticle complex becomes retained and immobilized on a fibrous matrix such that the presence of analyte on the microparticles can be detected by optical means. A cartridge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of wells at least one of the wells comprises an entrance port and holding means for receiving and holding a quantity of sample and assay reagents, a fibrous matrix for retaining and immobilizing microparticle/analyte complexes for detection, the fibrous matrix positioned below the holding means, and having an average spatial separation of fibers greater than the average diameter of said microparticles, and an absorbent material positioned below the fibrous matrix to absorb any sample or assay reagents that flow through said fibrous matrix.
Abstract:
A reagent pack for carrying a plurality of individual reagent containers which are required for performing a specific immunoassay is suitable both for transportation of the assays from the manufacturer to the instrumentation site and for use at the instrumentation site during the running of the specific immunoassays on an assay specimen.
Abstract:
A disposable cartridge suitable for performing automated solid-phase diagnostic assays which employs microparticles to complex an analyte and where the microparticle complex becomes retained and immobilized on a fibrous matrix such that the presence of analyte on the microparticles can be detected by optical means. A cartridge is disclosed which comprises a plurality of wells at least one of the wells comprises an entrance port and holding means for receiving and holding a quantity of sample and assay reagents, a fibrous matrix for retaining and immobilizing microparticle/analyte complexes for detection, the fibrous matrix positioned below the holding means, and having an average spatial separation of fibers greater than the average diameter of said microparticles, and an absorbent material positioned below the fibrous matrix to absorb any sample or assay reagents that flow through said fibrous matrix.