Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Gibert Clift

William J Kanewske, Iii

David A Yost

Frederic L Clark

James E Mitchell

Richard R Martin

James A Vaught

Apparao Tayi

B Jane Smith

Peter A Lagocki

Kendall B Hendrick

Charles D Pennington

Edna S Walker

William J Raymoure

Larry E Moore

A method for modifiying a liquid assay reagent to provide prolonged homogeneity thereof, particularly where the liquid assay reagent comprises microparticles for performing a heterogeneous immunoassay, is provided wherein the addition of an inert material to a liquid assay reagent achieves neutral density to thereby prolong the homogeneity thereof for extended periods of time. A method for the automated agitation of assay reagents to maintain the homogeneity thereof with an automated, continuous and random access analytical instrument is also provided. The automated mixing is accomplished by a back and forth motion of a carousel onto which assay reagent containers or packs are mounted with asymmetric pauses which can be completed within a short period of time. The carousel acceleration, velocity, distance moved, and pause-asymmetry are optimized to provide rapid assay reagent resuspension without foaming or bubble formation. Accordingly, periodic removal of assay reagent packs by an operator in order to mix the reagents is not necessary.

Methods for providing homogeneous reagents

Growing community of inventors

Mesquite, TX, United States of America

Gibert Clift