Akzo Nobel N.v.

Akzo N.v.

Janet B Callahan

Paul Joseph Braun

Julie F Hoffman

William Chester Hulette

Timothy J Fischer

Thomas B Givens

John G Link

Joseph G Karp

C Hermas Swope

Michael L Bishop

Charles Hermas Swope

Benjamin Joseph Chemelli

Stephen G Richardson

F Diane Williams

A micro sample tube is disclosed which is of a standard size on the exterior, but which has a reduced internal volume. A slope of an inner wall of the sample tube is a second order or higher curve, and is preferably a circle. Dead volume is reduced, and standard barcode labels can be used, due to the restricted internal dimensions and standard external dimensions. The curved inner wall of the sample tube, and an internal length of the sample tube which is the same as a conventional tube, reduces the likelihood of a sample probe of an automated analyzer impacting on an inner surface of the sample tube and potentially gouging the tube and/or damaging the automated probe. In a preferred embodiment, fins extend around said tube for reduced weight and improved heat transfer of the micro sample tube.

Microsample tube with reduced dead volume and barcode capability

This invention relates to a novel, fully automated spectrophotometric analyzer and method used for testing blood samples in the clinical laboratory for thrombosis and hemostasis properties. The analyzer tests samples in a fully randomized format, and is fully automated in the areas of specimen handling, sample preparation, optical inspection, data analysis and total quality control for imprecision and bias.

Method and instrument for automatically performing analysis relating to

An arrangement is provided for temperature regulating a fluid sample in a cuvette transported through various stations of an automated system for optically monitoring the sample in the cuvette. A track guides the cuvette through the various stations of the optical monitoring system. The sample is in heat exchange relationship with the track by way of the cuvette. A drive unit drives the cuvette along the track. A cooling unit cools a first portion of the track. A heating unit heats a second portion. A heat flow restriction device restricts heat flow between the first and second portions of the track.

Temperature regulation in a sample handling system for an optical

An endpoint assay for measuring fibrinogen utilizing strong thrombin and weak plasma. In a preferred embodiment the assay is based on the direct conversion of a normalized signal from a sensor to fibrinogen concentration.

Direct fibrinogen assay

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Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America

Janet B Callahan