METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FULLY AUTOMATED NUCLEIC ACID AMPLIFICATION, NUCLEIC ACID ASSAY AND IMMUNOASSAY

摘要

A disposable, self-contained test unit is provided for use in carrying out an immunoassay or an integrated nucleic acid amplification and nucleic acid assay. The test unit includes sample, reagent and waste chambers, and the flow of sample and reagent liquids is controlled by centrifugal force. Different liquids may be caused to flow at different times by locating the chambers at different radial distances from the axis of rotation, and progressively increasing the speed of rotation during the assay procedure. An automated test instrument for receiving and rotating a number of such test units is also disclosed.