초록 ▼

Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device rel

Method and apparatus are provided for carrying out multiple simultaneous transfers of fluid. The method and apparatus are particularly directed toward immunoassays wherein immunologically active compounds, such as antigens and haptens, are detected through their associated antibodies. The device relies on the ability to transfer fluids, such as biological samples and reagents, between a reservoir and an associated receptacle. By providing a receptacle having a port at its lower end and which is otherwise hermetically sealed, such fluid transfer can be effected by immersing the port beneath the surface of the fluid in the reservoir and manipulating the pressure on the remaining surface area outside the port. The transfer of biological fluids at positive pressure provides enhanced fluids flow characteristics, particularly reduction or elimination of the tendency of these fluids to froth or bubble. Moreover, since the fluids can easily be manipulated, they can be agitated to speed up the reaction and reduce the overall reaction time and can be transferred from the reaction zone to allow interim measurements of the extent of reaction to provide for a rate mode assay. The method and apparatus also find use in preparing solid phase reagents for use in assay systems, as well as a highly accurate pipetting system in analytic applications not limited to immunoassays.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for determining an analyte which is a member of a specifically binding pair in a sample fluid, said method comprising: introducing into a reaction zone comprising one member of the specifically binding pair immobilized within the interior of a receptacle having a single port (a) the sample

A method for determining an analyte which is a member of a specifically binding pair in a sample fluid, said method comprising: introducing into a reaction zone comprising one member of the specifically binding pair immobilized within the interior of a receptacle having a single port (a) the sample fluid by immersing the receptacle port beneath the surface of the sample fluid and elevating the pressure surrounding the receptacle and (b) a labelling reagent comprising a detectable label conjugated to one member of a specifically binding pair by immersing the receptacle port beneath the surface of a solution of said reagent to entrap a fixed amount of gas in the receptacle, and elevating the surrounding pressure to introduce reagent into the receptacle and compress the gas until the pressure inside the receptacle substantially equals the surrounding pressure, whereby a portion of the labelling reagent becomes bound to the reaction zone, the extent of said portion being related to the amount of analyte in the sample fluid; expelling the mixture of said sample fluid and said labelling reagent from the reaction zone by lowering the surrounding pressure; and detecting the amount of bound label.