Apparatus and method using a new reaction capsule

• Main Authors: STONE; LINDA J, HARRIS; PAUL C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 03.10.1989
• Subjects: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ARTCOLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS; TRANSPORTING

A system and method for performing a clinical assay, both including the use of a reaction capsule having a hydrophobic membrane which may be repeatedly wetted and rendered hydrophobic. A pressure differential across the membrane causes liquid flow therethrough to be initiated and the hydrophobic state is then achieved by flowing gas through the membrane. The system includes a turntable supporting a plurality of reaction capsules and eccentric means for agitating the turntable and capsules. The turntable is rotated to position the capsules at various processing stations, including sample introduction, reagent introduction, wash, substrate introduction and read stations. A single cylinder two-inlet valve may be used, one inlet connected to liquid and a second inlet connected to a gas source, to provide both liquid and gas flow through the membrane.