Manifold vacuum biochemical test method and device

• US 4,427,415 A
• Filed: 01/29/1981
• Issued: 01/24/1984
• Est. Priority Date: 01/05/1979
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Patrick H. Cleveland
• Original Assignee: Patrick H. Cleveland
• Inventors: Cleveland, Patrick H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Turk, Arnold
• Application Number:
  US06/229,502
• Time in Patent Office: 1,090 Days
• Field of Search: 422/101, 23/230 B, 23/920, 23/230.3, 23/230.6, 210/456, 210/767, 210/232, 210/455, 210/416.1, 210/406, 210/230
• US Class Current: 436/57
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50255 Multi-well filtration
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/40 Concentrating samples
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/2873 Cutting or cleaving
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/288 Filter punches
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/25375 Liberation or purification of sample or separation of material from a sample [e.g., filtering, centrifuging, etc.]

Abstract

A device and method for simultaneous multiple analysis of biochemical substances is described. A manifold plate containing numerous small wells for receiving fluid test media contains a small hole in the bottom of each well; the plate is mounted on a vacuum chamber base which draws the fluid through each well hole leaving suspended solids entrapped on pieces of filter paper inserted in each well. The entrapped substances can then undergo active combination with a series of other reagents added to the wells and again removed via an applied vacuum. After reactions are complete the filter paper and entrapped solids are removed for further analysis.

Claims

1. A laboratory test device for capturing substances suspended in a liquid comprising:

a. a plate formed to define a plurality of wells to contain the liquid samples to be tested,

b. a drain in each said well consisting of a hole of a diameter such that surface tension of the liquid will maintain the liquid above the hole,

c. a filter medium placed within the well to cover the drain hole,

d. an enclosed vacuum chamber joined to the bottom of said plate,

e. gasket means sealing the joined surfaces of the plate and vacuum chamber to prevent loss of vacuum pressure,

f. connecting means from said vacuum chamber to a vacuum source of sufficient size to draw the liquid of the test sample through the filter and drain hole leaving suspended solids of the test sample deposited upon said filter medium.

2. A method of entrapping a substance suspended in a liquid medium for sequential reaction and washing steps comprising:

a. placing a filter medium in a manifold test container consisting of a plurality of wells, each with an outlet hole at its lower surface, said hole of such size that surface tension of the liquid medium will prevent flow at normal atmospheric pressure,

b. placing a liquid test sample in each said well,

c. applying a vacuum to the outlet hole sufficient to break the surface tension of the liquid carrier drawing the liquid through the filter medium and the outlet hole depositing suspended particles on the filter medium,

d. placing reactive agents in each said well for test operation on each said test sample,

e. again applying a vacuum to withdraw liquid and deposit particulate matter on the filter,

f. placing cleansing agents in each said well for washing operation of each sample,

g. again applying a vacuum to withdraw the liquid and deposit particulate matter on the filter medium,

h. analyzing the particulate residue on the filter medium following the final vacuum withdrawal of liquid.

3. The method of claim 2 in which the analysis is accomplished by radio-isotope detection.

4. The method of claim 2 in which the analysis is accomplished by spectrophotometry.

5. The method of claim 2 in which the analysis is accomplished by microscopy.

6. The method of claim 2 in which the analysis is accomplished by chemical reaction.

7. Apparatus for use in laboratory testing procedures to capture substance suspended in a liquid, comprising:

a. a first plate element formed to define a plurality of elongate passages sufficiently open to permit substantially unobstructed fluid flow therethrough,

b. a second plate element formed to define a plurality of drain apertures adapted to register with said passages, each of said apertures being sized such that surface tension of the liquid will prevent the liquid from flowing through the aperture freely,

c. a sheet of filter medium positioned between said first and second plate elements,

d. means sealing said first and second plate elements together with said passages and said drain apertures in registry with one another,

e. means defining a vacuum chamber sealed to the bottom of said second plate,

f. connecting means for connecting said vacuum chamber to a vacuum source, whereby said liquid may be drawn through said filter medium and said drain hole, leaving said substances deposited upon said medium.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said sealing means includes a hinge element joining said first and second plate elements to permit replacement of said sheet and reuse of said apparatus, while maintaining registry of said passages and said drain apertures.