GB2021766A - Method and apparatus for conducting reactions - Google Patents

Abstract

A process for conducting a reaction for example an assay reaction which reaction involves one or more steps requiring the introduction of a metered quantity of a liquid to a reaction zone (4) in a reaction container (2) having an inlet conduit (6) of a non-wettable material, the interior of which is substantially narrower than the interior of the reaction zone, the reaction zone being in communication with metering means (10) e.g. a syringe, comprises: (1) introducing the or each liquid into the reaction container by inserting the end of the inlet conduit into a reservoir of the liquid and operating the metering means, e.g. by withdrawing the plunger 14 of the syringe (10) to apply to a reduced pressure to the reaction container whereby a predetermined quantity of liquid is introduced into the reaction chamber, (2) sealing the inlet conduit for example with wax after all the desired liquids have been introduced into the reaction zone and allowing the reaction to take place and (3) breaking said seal and venting the reaction products from the reaction chamber for assay if required. A series of reactions may be conducted simultaneously using a number of reaction containers and syringes, the syringes being simultaneously operable by control means. The reaction zones may optionally initially contain reactant adhered to the walls. There is reference to determination beta-N-acetyl-D-gluco- saminidase. <IMAGE>