METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR WASHING, RESUSPENSION, RECOLLECTION AND LOCALIZATION OF MAGNETIZABLE PARTICLE IN ASSAY USING MAGNETIC SEPARATION TECHNOLOGY

摘要

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and an apparatus for converging or localizing magnetizable particles between separation and washing in order to generate an enhanced signal in an assay using a magnetic separation technology. SOLUTION: The assay involves the step of moving a reaction vessel past a magnet that partially localizes the particles prior to passing a reduced-strength magnet, where washing is performed, with or without resuspension, after separating out the unbound particles and a liquid. A band of particles is subsequently resuspended in acid for chemiluminescent purposes. A variety of magnet configurations are employed to realize the reduced-strength magnet. The reduced-strength magnet adjacent to a full-width magnet prevents the band of magnetic particles from getting split. The localized particles enable more efficient resuspension by reagent. COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT