We describe a reaction tray for a heterogeneous chemiluminescence (CL) immunoassay having the following features: separate sample incubation and signal detection wells; a design that allows for noncontact transfer of the reaction mixture from incubation wells to detection wells; surface features to mate with a detector and create a light-tight seal for CL detection; and self-contained means for liquid removal. The reaction mixture is transferred by injecting a wash solution from a group of nozzles into the incubation well. Quantitative transfer of microparticles (transfer efficiencies greater than 95% and CV less than 5%) is achieved by injecting two 300-microL pulses of transfer solution at a rate of 2.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe describe a multichannel heterogeneous immunoassay analyzer in which a sample is split between disposable reaction trays in a group of linear tracks. The system's pipettor uses noninvasive sensing of the sample volume and disposable pipet tips. Each assay track has (a) a conveyor belt for moving reaction trays to predetermined functional stations, (b) temperature-controlled tunnels, (c) noncontact transfer of the reaction mixture between incubation and detection wells, and (d) single-photon counting to detect a chemiluminescence (CL) signal from the captured immunochemical product.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWe describe an apparatus for measuring signals emanated from two heterogeneous chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) configurations: antibody-coated polystyrene beads, in reaction tray wells, and microparticles captured by a porous matrix. An optics and fluidics design which allows the use of a common detection head for these two different assay configurations is described. The detection head moves along three Cartesian coordinates to create a localized light-tight compartment around each individual disposable reaction vessel.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIn a randomized study 30 patients (age 59 +/- 7) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease were treated with either gallopamil (15 patients) or diltiazem (15 patients). After a 48-h-run-in period of treatment with nitrates the gallopamil group was treated with 3 X 60 mg/day, and the diltiazem group was treated with 3 X 50 mg diltiazem/day. As criteria for the efficacy of therapy the anginal frequency, the nitroglycerin consumption, and exercise tolerance were monitored.
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