Method and apparatus for automated analysis

Abstract

A method and apparatus for pretreatment of a desired sample in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprises automated means for handling and analyzing the sample and means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample. The means for pretreatment are used for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized. Usually, the apparatus further comprises means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis.

1 . Method for pretreatment of a desired sample in a discrete fluid analyzing apparatus wherein handling and analysis of the sample is automated, comprising at least the steps of:
 pretreating at least a subsample of said sample by retaining at least one substance or analyte from the sample via immobilization by a capture means wherefrom the substance or analyte is reversibly removable,   measuring at least one property of said subsample, and   simultaneously or consecutively directing any non-pretreated sample or any subsample directly to at least one measuring step.   
     
     
         2 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the measurements are performed with a discrete fluid analyzer that performs chemical reactions and at least photometric measurements in separate wells. 
     
     
         3 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least one measurement is performed electrochemically. 
     
     
         4 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein pretreated sample or sample aliquot is measured unaltered after pretreatment. 
     
     
         5 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least an aliquot of pretreated sample is obtained, at least one reagent is dispensed thereto, the sample aliqout is incubated and analysed photometrically. 
     
     
         6 . Method according to  claim 5 , comprising dispensing at least two reagents. 
     
     
         7 . Method according to  claim 1 , comprising providing at least a subsample of a sample before pretreatment. 
     
     
         8 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein at least one measurement is performed electrochemically. 
     
     
         9 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein the analyte in the pretreated sample or sample aliquot is measured unaltered. 
     
     
         10 . Method according to  claim 7 , wherein at least an aliquot of sample before pretreatment is obtained, at least one reagent is dispensed thereto, the sample aliqout is incubated and analysed photometrically. 
     
     
         11 . Method according to  claim 10 , comprising dispensing at least two reagents. 
     
     
         12 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein samples and subsamples are transferred and dispensed using washable dispensers. 
     
     
         13 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein at least two different measurements are performed on a same sample simultaneously or consecutively. 
     
     
         14 . Method accordsing to  claim 1 , comprising using an automated discrete photometric analyzing device for measurements and sample pretreatment wherein at least one substance of the sample matrix or analyte is retained. 
     
     
         15 . Method according to  claim 1 , further comprising elution of the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis. 
     
     
         16 . Method according to the  claim 15 , further comprising elution and discarding of an analysis interfering substance. 
     
     
         17 . Method according to  claim 1 , further comprising regeneration of the capture means. 
     
     
         18 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the capture means is chemically inactive in relation to the substance or analyte. 
     
     
         19 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one substance or analyte is immobilized on a surface of the capture means. 
     
     
         20 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one substance or analyte is immobilized by binding to an antibody or other specifically binding substance. 
     
     
         21 . Method according to  claim 20 , wherein said at least one substance or analyte is immobilized by binding to an antibody. 
     
     
         22 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said at least one substance or analyte is immobilized by a filter. 
     
     
         23 . Method according to the  claim 21 , wherein said filter is membrane filter for retaining molecules of determined size. 
     
     
         24 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said analyte is immobilized from a first volume and said substance or analyte is eluted in a second volume that is smaller than the first volume. 
     
     
         25 . Method according to  claim 1 , further including at least one of the following steps:
 separating analytes from complex forming or binding molecules,   separating analytes from cell debris,   separating analytes from substances interfering with analyte detection,   desalting the sample,   exchanging the sample solvent,   separating analytes from matrix substances.   
     
     
         26 . Method according to  claim 1 , wherein said immobilization of said substance or analyte is performed using at least one of following: reversible covalent bonding, ionic interaction, sieving or filtering (molecular size and shape, diffusion), polarity, hydrophobicity, molecule or group specific interaction and chiral recognition. 
     
     
         27 . Apparatus for pretreatment of a desired sample in a discrete fluid analyzing instrument comprising automated means for handling and analyzing the sample, said apparatus comprising:
 a means for performing a pretreatment step on the sample or a sub-sample of the sample,   a means for immobilizing at least one substance or analyte from the sample or sub-sample wherein the substance or analyte is reversibly immobilized,   a means for measuring at least one property of said sample or subsample, and   a means for simultaneously or consecutively directing any non-pretreated sample or any subsample directly to at least one measuring step.   
     
     
         28 . Apparatus according to the  claim 27 , further comprising means for eluting the substance or analyte from the capture means prior to analysis. 
     
     
         29 . Apparatus for performing the method according to  claim 1 , wherein means for immobilizing the substance or analyte is chemically inactive in relation to the substance or analyte. 
     
     
         30 . Apparatus according to  claim 27 , comprising means for at least one of electrical measurements of photometric measurements. 
     
     
         31 . Apparatus according to  claim 27 , comprising at least one washable dispensing means for transferring and handling an analyte.