Ventana Medical Systems, Inc.

Paula M Rodgers

Joseph G Utermohlen

Kimberly Christensen

Noemi Sebastiao

Ethel R Macrea

Penny Towne

Chad Wilkinson

Ron Zeheb

Jerome W Kosmeder

Jennifer Wong

Christopher Bieniarz

Jerome W Kosmeder, Ii

Casey A Kernag

Kimberly K C Christensen

The invention is directed to novel compositions of matter and methods of detecting in situ an immunohistochemical epitope or nucleic acid sequence of interest in a biological sample comprising binding an enzyme-labeled conjugate molecule to the epitope or sequence of interest in the presence of a redox-inactive reductive species and a soluble metal ion, thereby facilitating the reduction of the metal ion to a metal atom at or about the point where the enzyme is anchored. Novel phosphate derivatives of reducing agents are described that when exposed to a phosphatase are activated to their reducing form, thereby reducing metal ions to insoluble metal.

Enzyme-catalyzed metal deposition for the enhanced in situ detection of immunohistochemical epitopes and nucleic acid sequences

Provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning of biological samples wherein the cells or tissues are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample. Also provided herein are reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The reagents include, but are not limited to, components optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample.

Automated immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization assay formulations

The present invention provides reagents for use in an automated environment for cell conditioning of biological samples wherein the cells or tissues are predisposed for access by reagent molecules for histochemical and cytochemical staining procedures. The components of the reagents are optimized to facilitate molecular access to cells and cell constituents within the biological sample. The present invention also provides reagents for use in an automated environment for removing or etching embedding media by exposing a biological sample to be stained in histochemical or cytochemical procedures without the dependence on organic solvents. The components of the reagents are optimized to facilitate removal or etching of the embedding media from the biological sample.

A test glass slide for an automated biological reaction apparatus is disclosed. The test slide monitors to operational temperature of the apparatus for maintenance/quality control purposes by means of at least two temperature-sensitive indicators, which change visual states once a predetermined temperature threshold is reached. The thresholds correspond generally to the specified temperature range for the protocol performed by the apparatus.

Temperature monitoring system for an automated biological reaction apparatus

The present invention provides a liquid evaporation inhibitor which is suitable for use in high temperature applications; e.g., above 70.degree. C. The evaporation inhibitor liquid comprises a mixture of an alkane, a non-volatile oil, preferably a vegetable oil and a surfactant. The alkane is present in the mixture in an amount sufficient to provide a density which promotes floating on an aqueous medium and to cover an aqueous medium. The non-volatile oil is present in the mixture in an amount sufficient to inhibit evaporation of the mixture at temperatures above 70.degree. C. The surfactant is present in the mixture in an amount sufficient to maximize the contact surface area between the evaporation inhibitor liquid and the aqueous medium.

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Paula M Rodgers