Abbott Laboratories Corporation

James T Holen

Patrick P Fritchie

David Charles Arnquist

Gregory E Gardner

Chadwick M Dunn

Cass J Grandone

Robert C Gray

Jack F Ramsey

Neal T Sleszynski

Richard C East

Jimmy D McCoy

Grady Barnes, Iii

David W Murray

Adrian John Murray

Robert Paul Luoma, Ii

Charles Michael Galitz

James E Mitchell

Julius J Toth

Richard D Button

Robert Case

Tung-Ming Huang

Steven G Schultz

Enrique Hicaro, Jr

James F Mitchell

Carl W Merkh

Vidas P Kazlauskas

Caryn G Putterman

Charles R Burke

Julius S Becker

The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. One embodiment relates to a structure which comprises a process path. The process path comprises a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided. A first prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for moving a container holding the sample along the process path. A first pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing the sample to the container. A second pipetting system is operatively associated with the process path for introducing a reagent to the container. A device is operatively connected with the process path and is selectively engagable with the container for mixing the sample and the reagent in the container. A second prime mover is operatively connected with the process path for selectively positioning the container in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane. A reader is operatively connected with the process path for determining the item of interest in the sample based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.

Structure for determination of item of interest in a sample

The embodiments disclosed relate to determination of an item of interest in a sample. In one method, a process path comprising a process lane including a process step performance lane where a process step is performed, and a process step avoidance lane where the process step is avoided is provided. A container holding the sample is moved along the process path. The sample is introduced to the container. A reagent is introduced to the container. The sample and the reagent are mixed in the container. The container is selectively positioned in a selected one of the process step performance lane and the process step avoidance lane. The item of interest in the sample is determined based upon a reaction between the sample and the reagent.

Method for determination of item of interest in a sample

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. An effective length of the process lane is maintained constant while a physical length of the process lane is selectively varied.

Method of performing a process for determining an item of interest in a

A semi-automated biological sample analyzer and subsystems are provided to simultaneously perform a plurality of enzyme immuno assays for human 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.

Reaction cartridge and carousel for biological sample analyzer

Test card carousel for a biological analyzer

Sample test card for a biological analyzer

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.

Sample processor card for centrifuge

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.

Centrifuge for two-dimensional centrifugation

Sample processor card for use in chemical analysis apparatus

Apparatus for generating centrifugal forces, preferably used in carrying out chemical testing, which includes counterweight means on a rotating plate of the apparatus to automatically balance the rotating plate wherein the counterweight means is displaced in response to centrifugal force and can automatically adjust for the weight, mass or absence of a sample processor card placed in a holding means which is free to rotate independently of plate member.

Automatic centrifugal balancing mechanism

Reagent cassette (or the like)

Sample cup or the like

Growing community of inventors

Mundelein, IL, United States of America

James T Holen