Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Mark W Bailey

Joseph P Donohue

Christopher N Mattimiro

Myrna G Ulanday

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.

Apparatus and method for providing assay calibration data

A reagent system for determing the hemoglobin content of whole blood comprising an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone of molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 360,000 at a pH greater than about 8.0 to denature hemoglobin in whole blood. A method is also provided wherein a blood sample is treted with an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone of molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 360,000 at a basic pH sufficient to denature the hemoglobin present in the whole blood to form a stable product whereafter the absorbance of the stable product of the blood sample and polyvinylpyrrolidone of molecular weight from about 10,000 to about 360,000 polymer reagent system is measured at a wavelength of approximately 575 nm to determine the hemoglobin contentration.

Growing community of inventors

Highland Park, IL, United States of America

Mark W Bailey