METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSTANT PHOTODETECTION OF CHEMILUMINESCENT IMMUNOASSAYS

摘要

Apparatus and methods are provided for the detection of chemiluminescence, e.g., the luminescent assay of an analyte in a sample, Apparatus and methods are provided in the production of a permanent photographic record of such chemiluminescence, e.g., by the use of a POLAROID film, The apparatus includes three interrelated elements. The first element comprises a supply of photographic film sensitive to chemiluminescence and a shutter to enable a source of chemiluminescence directly to contact a selected unit of the photographic film. The second element comprises a sample holder including clamp means to hold a test sample in a transparent container in selected positions, and holding means to hold such clamp in a first position where the test sample in the container is out of contact with the film supply, and to release the clamp to a second position where the test sample in the container is in contact with the film supply. The third element comprises an adaptor to provide a light-tight union between the first element and the second element, the adaptor including a central open window to permit the holding means to release the clamp to drop the sample holder to place the test sample in the container into direct contact with the film, The production of the permanent photographic record begins when the test sample in the container is placed in direct contact with the photographic film. The production of the photographic record is stopped when the test sample in the container is removed out (continued page 2) of direct contact with the photographic film and the sliding shutter is closed. Various test results can be observed by varying the time of direct contact of the test sample in the reactant container with the photographic film. This provides maximal analytical sensitivity. During the entire test, exposure to ambient light is prevented.