Immunoassay probe
AssigneeInstrumentation Laboratory Company
InventorsEugene K. Achter, Hartmut Richard Schroeder, Stephen S. Trotta
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Abstract
An analytical instrument for the immobilization of antigens to be detected in an immunoassay using mangetizable beads. The instrument includes a probe containing magnetizable particles and a plurality of magnetic devices for applying a magnetic field gradient to the particles in the probe reservoir. The probe is movable between the plurality of magnetic devices and at least one of the probe positions may be used to immobilize the magnetic particles in the fluid medium and at least another position may be used to resuspend the particles in a fluid medium.
Claims29
A device for manipulating a magnetizable particle in a solution, comprising:
- a probe for holding and transporting said magnetizable particles, said probe is transportable in a plurality of positions;
- a first magnet for generating a first magnetic field;
- and
- a second magnet for generating a second magnetic field, wherein said plurality of probe positions comprises positions between said first and second magnets.
A method for washing a magnetizable particle, comprising the steps of:
- aspirating a fluid sample comprising magnetizable particles into a probe, wherein said probe is transportable to a plurality of positions and joined to a transportation stage;
- transporting said probe joined to said transporting stage to a magnetic washing station, said magnetic washing station comprising a first magnet for generating a first magnetic field and a second magnet for generating a second magnetic field and washing said magnetizable particle.
A method for manipulating a magnetizable particle in a solution, comprising the steps of:
- introducing said particles into a probe;
- immobilizing said particles in said probe by a first magnetic field;
- and
- resuspending said particles in said probe by a second magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.