Profile analysis pack and method

Abstract

A profile analysis reaction pack and related apparatus are disclosed, along with a method for simultaneously mixing, heating and reacting selected test reagents with multiple dilutions of a sample of body fluid to obtain a profile of the physiological condition of a given organ system. Each pack takes the form of a laminated card having a relatively rigid flat panel of transparent material secured to an opaque resilient panel, the resilient panel being preformed to define a plurality of generally semi-cylindrical reaction chambers disposed between the respective panels. During a profile test procedure, a sample of the body fluid to be tested is withdrawn from a storage chamber in the same pack and each reaction chamber is then injected with a diluted portion of the sample fluid. Temperature control is achieved by bracing the rigid panel of the pack against a fixed heated platen and by contacting the generally semi-cylindrical wall portion of each reaction chamber with a movable heated platen. Because of the shape of each movable platen, the configuration and resilience of the reaction chamber wall which it engages, and the limited reciprocation of the movable platen, the reagent in each reaction chamber is rapidly dissolved (if originally in powder or tablet form) and the reactants are agitated and circulated to insure thorough mixing and complete reaction. Thereafter, with the pack held between heated platens, the extent of reaction in each chamber is optically determined by directing an oblique light beam towards the transparent wall of each chamber and then measuring the front surface fluorescence emitted through the same wall. Indicia representing the results of each test are applied directly to a card portion of the pack (which also bears indicia identifying the test, patient, etc.) and such card portion is then separated from the rest of the pack to provide a permanent record of the profile results.