Bio-rad Laboratories, Inc.

Beckman Instruments, Inc.

Robert K Likuski

Tong Le

Anthony F Prestigiacomo

Kurt D Kramer

Donald J Bartling

Roger P Walker

Steven R Binder

Yabin Lu

Caroline Scolari

Scott N MacDonald

Kent Matsumoto

Don Bartling

Yao Kunquan

Methods and systems for analyzing ratios of analytes within a flowing sample are provided. The flowing sample can be processed in real-time to determine a time interval over which a predetermined amount of a group of analytes passes by a fixed point in a flow cell. The predetermined amount can be routed to a sample container for future processing. The sample can comprise diluted blood and the analytes can comprise a component of hemoglobin, such as A1c, and the total amount of hemoglobin, of which the predetermined amount is metered.

Measuring multi-analyte samples using an in-line flow cell

An automated analyzer for biological samples that contain particulate matter is adapted to be able to process a large number of samples without changing the analytical cartridge, and in many cases without changing the internal switching valves, by including a filter in the low-pressure section of the analyzer, and preferably configuring the analyzer to be able to perform backflushing on the filter between sample injections.

Automated analyzer with low-pressure in-line filtration

The ratio of analytes is determined directly from the responses of the analytes using a conversion method. Individual analyte responses are obtained by using a selected measuring technique, and these individual responses are used as the independent variables in a conversion method. The dependent variable of conversion method is the desired analyte ratio. The resulting conversion method is then used to directly calculate the desired ratio of analytes as a function of the measured responses. No intermediate conversions, such as using a calibration curve to convert individual measured analyte responses to concentration values, are needed to obtain the desired ratio.

Calibration surface method for determination on of analyte ratios

Identification and quantification of constituents of a sample is achieved by mobility-based electropherograms obtained from capillary electrophoresis, the mobilities being normalized by zero correction followed by division by the mobility of a selected marker. Zero correction is achieved either relative to a separate marker or by calculation based on the same marker. The resulting electropherograms are more recognizable since they more closely resemble the scanned separation patterns obtained with planar gels, and individual constituents of the sample are more easily and reliably identified since their positions in the electropherogram are substantially constant from one electropherogram to the next and hence reproducible to a high degree of accuracy.

Mobility-based and normalized capillary electrophoresis

Identification and quantification of paraproteins in a sample is achieved by Fourier analysis of mobility-based electropherograms obtained from capillary electrophoresis. The use of a computer algorithm to analyze capillary electrophoresis data, provides the clinician with methods of detecting levels of paraproteins in serum as low as 0.05 g/dL. Additionally, an individual paraprotein can be located on an electropherogram and used to monitor its increased or decreased production in an individual.

Computer-directed detection of paraproteins

Method and apparatus for compensating for the deficiency in fluid flow occurring during the refill and piston chamber pump-up cycle of a single piston fluid pump are disclosed. The period of time during which the outlet valve is closed and no fluid is being delivered to the system is determined and the pump is driven at a speed greater than the normal delivery speed for a period of time such that the quantity of excess fluid delivered approximates the quantity of fluid that would have been delivered during the refill and pump-up period had the pump been delivering fluid at its normal delivery rate.

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Walnut Creek, CA, United States of America

Robert K Likuski