Low carryover pipette probe
AssigneeCirrus Diagnostics, Inc.
InventorsRobert W. Holt, Thomas Palmieri
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved pipette probe in an automated chemical analysis system is provided, along with a pipette tip wash protocol to reduce carryover. The pipette tip comprises an elongated stainless-steel barrel which houses a polytetrafluoroethylene tube. The non-wettable properties of polytetrafluoroethylene inhibit fluid adhesion and thereby reduce carryover. The pipette tip is swaged at a fluid dispensing end to a restrictive diameter for good pipetting precision and accuracy. A novel wash protocol is also provided which includes a novel wash solution comprising quantities of Triton X-100 nonionic detergent, Diethanolamine, and NaCl.
Claims4
A pipette probe for an automated chemical analyzer which reduces carryover contamination, comprising:
- a rigid barrel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exterior surface being coated with a non-wettable material;
- a contiguous section of polytetrafluoroethylene tube positioned coaxial within said barrel, said polytetrafluoroethylene tube having a fluid dispensing end and a connection end, said polytetrafluoroethylene tube and said barrel having a restricted diameter at said fluid dispensing end;
- and
- a seal means for attaching said interior surface of said barrel to said polytetrafluoroethylene tube at said fluid dispensing end, said non-wettable material and said contiguous section of polytetrafluoroethylene tube forming non-wettable surfaces which reduce carryover contamination by preventing fluid from adhering to the probe.
A pipette probe for an automated chemical analyzer which reduces carryover contamination, comprising:
- a rigid, stainless steel barrel having an interior surface and an exterior surface, said exterior surface being coated with a non-wettable material;
- a polytetrafluoroethylene tube positioned coaxial within said barrel, said polytetrafluoroethylene tube having a fluid dispensing end and a connection end, said polytetrafluoroethylene tube and said barrel having a restricted diameter at said fluid dispensing end;
- and
- a seal means for attaching said interior surface of said barrel to said polytetrafluoroethylene tube at said fluid dispensing end, said non-wettable material and said continuous section of polytetrafluoroethylene tube forming non-wettable surfaces which reduce carryover contamination by preventing fluid from adhering to the probe.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.