Bio/data Corporation

Michael Sokol

Frederick M Kent

William E Coville

Hyman Grossman

James W Eichelberger

Eugene J Messa

Daniel E Lawson

An apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distant samples of biological fluids wherein a test sample is reacted with test reagents and tested for a change in optical characteristics. A memory stores a plurality of different test protocols. An operator-actuated keyboard is used to select one of the test protocols from the memory. Individual distinct samples of biological fluid to be tested are received in a sample cell. The cell is heated to a preselected temperature. The apparatus transports an individual sample cell to a first location adapted to filter unwanted nonfluid material from the fluid to be tested and to remove excess fluid to be tested from the sample cell to cause a precise accurate volume of fluid to remain in the sample cell for testing. After filtering and removal of excess fluid, the apparatus transports the individual sample cell from the first location to a second location for introducing a first reagent into the sample, and then transports the sample cell from the second location to a test location where a second reagent is introduced into the sample. An optical detector at the test location optically scans the sample in a vertical direction to detect a change in an optical characteristic of the sample. The apparatus provides an alphanumeric indication that a change in the optical characteristic in the sample has been detected. The invention includes a uniquely configured sample cell for receiving the samples of fluid to be tested and unique apparatus for delivering precise volumes of a liquid reagent. A liquid reservoir is pressurized with gas to a preselected pressure and is automatically regulated to maintain the pressure at a constant value. A valve in conjunction with a nozzle and a conduit adapted to impart a constant flow rate to reagent being delivered is opened for precise, predetermined time intervals so that a precise predetermined volume of liquid flows through the valve in the predetermined time interval.

Apparatus for receiving a test specimen and reagent

The invention herein is directed to an improved thromboplastin composition wherein the thromboplastin is supplied in a tablet separate from calcium salts in order to stabilize the thromboplastin.

Tableted blood plasma microconcentrated thromboplastin coagulation

An apparatus for automatically performing analytical testing of individual distinct samples of biological fluids wherein a test sample is reacted with test reagents and tested for a change in optical characteristics. A memory stores a plurality of different test protocols. An operator-actuated keyboard is used to select one of the test protocols from the memory. Individual distinct samples of biological fluid to be tested are received in a sample cell. The cell is heated to a preselected temperature. The apparatus transports an individual sample cell to a first location adapted to filter unwanted nonfluid material from the fluid to be tested and to remove excess fluid to be tested from the sample cell to cause a precise accurate volume of fluid to remain in the sample cell for testing. After filtering and removal of excess fluid, the apparatus transports the individual sample cell from the first location to a second location for introducing a first reagent into the sample, and then transports the sample cell from the second location to a test location where a second reagent is introduced into the sample. An optical detector at the test location optically scans the sample in a vertical direction to detect a change in an optical characteristic of the sample. The apparatus provides an alphanumeric indication that a change in the optical characteristic in the sample has been detected. The invention includes a uniquely configured sample cell for receiving the samples of fluid to be tested and unique apparatus for delivering precise volumes of a liquid reagent. A liquid reservoir is pressurized with gas to a preselected pressure and is automatically regulated to maintain the pressure at a constant value. A valve in conjunction with a nozzle and a conduit adapted to impart a constant flow rate to reagent being delivered is opened for precise, predetermined time intervals so that a precise predetermined volume of liquid flows through the valve in the predetermined time interval.

Analytical apparatus

A difference amplifier continuously generates a signal representing the difference between the optical densities of a platelet rich and a platelet poor sample of blood plasma. If this signal lies within a predetermined range, a variable gain amplifier multiplies the difference signal by a factor which is proportional to the initial difference signal. Electronic circuitry automatically determines the multiplying factor by comparing the initial difference signal to a predetermined magnitude. The multiplied difference signal is continuously recorded on a chart recorder and is displayed as a percentage of aggregation on a digital display. An optional filter circuit is provided for selectively filtering the difference signal.

Platelet aggregation monitoring device

The peak value of the first derivative of the optical density time curve is related to individual clotting factor levels, deficient or elevated. The relationship is logarithmic for all factors except fibrinogen and it is linear for fibrinogen. The apparatus and process disclosed herein apply the relationship to determine blood clotting factor levels.

Method and apparatus for determining deficiencies in enzymatic reactors

A difference amplifier continuously generates a signal representing the difference between the optical densities of a platelet rich and a platelet poor sample of blood plasma. A variable gain amplifier multiplies the difference signal by a factor which is proportional to the initial difference signal. Electronic circuitry automatically determines the multiplying factor by comparing the initial difference signal to a predetermined magnitude. The multiplied difference signal is continuously recorded on a chart recorder and an optional filter circuit is provided for selectively filtering the difference signal.

Growing community of inventors

Abington, PA, United States of America

Michael Sokol