JPH06509253A - Reusable seals for diagnostic test reagent packs - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Reusable seals for diagnostic test reagent packs The present invention generally The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing a plurality of containers arranged in close proximity. More details Specifically, the present invention provides an integrated trial for use with a medical analyzer. Reusable seals for sealing a set of reagent-containing bottles arranged in a medicine bag Regarding the assembly.

2. Description of prior art In many scientific fields, including biology, chemistry, physics, medicine and pharmacology, Fluid materials are often stored in small, necked containers, often referred to as taut. It is preserved. These bottles provide a safe, secure seal, but at the same time It is often necessary to provide a closure that provides easy access to the liquid in the bottle whenever necessary. do.

Traditionally, such bottles were usually threaded and fitted with screw-on lids or similar closures. It has been sealed with a chain device. However, such closure devices are unreliable.

Especially when the bottles are very small, they are quite difficult to handle and dispose of. be.

In many applications, multiple bottles containing related fluids are placed in close proximity to each other. It is maintained as such. For example, drugs, viral illnesses, bacterial pathogens, etc. In the field of testing to help diagnose biological fluids for the presence of other The samples are collected and reacted with reagents, and the reaction products are analyzed using well-known means. Ru. Reagents used in such tests are often purchased in bottles and are in a pre-formed pack containing multiple bottles containing all the reagents needed for the test. It is taken out from the bottles arranged in a row.

For diagnostic testing of biological fluids, samples of body fluids such as serum, plasma, and urine are , due to the presence of analytes such as drugs, viruses or bacteria. Select the sample to confirm the specific analyte according to the protocol It is analyzed by reacting with specific reagents. The protocol is The steps in which pulls and reagents should be introduced, the timing of sample and reagent introduction, and The amount used, and! Identify other conditions to be IINed. The resulting reaction mixture The specimen is usually incubated for a predetermined period of time and then scheduled for identification. optically or otherwise to determine the presence and concentration of specific analytes. read in law. Generally, instructions for preparing and reading immunoassays. The procedure and apparatus are well known and will not be described in detail herein.

Diagnostic testing of biological fluids often involves performing immunological tests on multiple samples simultaneously. The test is performed on a medical automated analyzer capable of performing standard assays. some automatic minutes In the analyzer, a batch of sample containers is placed around the periphery of a rotatable carousel. It is supported with a corresponding number of reaction vessels. The carousel is then placed inside the analyzer. In this analyzer, a carousel is installed with each corresponding sample container. Place the set of reaction vessels first in a position adjacent to the preparation area and then next to the reading area. The carousel is sequentially rotated to move to a second, tangent position. pipette hand Mechanical devices that have stages and usually operate according to program control are Perform a specific immunoassay on a batch of samples in a container near the area of compounding with a reagent pack containing the bottles of reagents needed for It is located.

At the counterfeit location, mechanical devices and pipetting means are activated for access and Sample volumes of large amounts of sample are collected according to established protocols for analysis. from the container and transfer the reagents from the reagent bottles to the reaction vessels. After preparation of the reaction mixture, the The carousel rotates to move the next corresponding set of sample and reaction vessels to the preparation location. Place them nearby and move the front pair toward the reading position.

Many analyzers perform only one analysis on a batch of samples at a time. It is possible to physically attach the reagent pack to the analyzer in order to perform different analyses. and replace this reagent pack with a different reagent pack for different analyses. It is necessary. Very recently, several different analyzes were performed on a batch of samples. An automated analyzer was provided that could perform the procedure. Such analyzers allow multiple different The reagent packs can be used to perform different analyzes on the same or different samples. It can be mounted on a carousel to provide medication on an ad hoc basis. deer At the same time, such as multiple types of administration reagent packs, multiple types of sample carousel racks, etc. The analyzer mounts the Nihack on a rotating rack to perform the necessary series of tests. Reagent packs are frequently replaced with other reagent packs for different tests. Further treatment is required. Typically, multiple dosing reagent packs are a sufficient amount to test a number of samples, e.g. up to 100 or more. Contains each reagent. Therefore, such a pack will last for its effective lifetime inserted into the analyzer for multiple uses and removed from the analyzer for storage. It is common knowledge that

Typically, the analyzer is configured to accept only one reagent pack or to receive multiple reagent packs. Once the reagent pack bottle is opened, If the reagents are removed, there is a problem that the reagents there may be contaminated or otherwise damaged. exist. For example, the nature of some reagents may require exposure to light or air or other May be affected by exposure to reagents or contaminants. A pattern like this Bottles usually have a separate threaded stopper, such as those found in such bottles. Has been used and reclosed individually. However, such individual stoppers They can easily be misplaced or lost when separated from their respective bottles. Ma Especially for analyzes that are designed to hold several different reagent packs simultaneously. In a container, it is possible to simultaneously remove multiple reagent-specific caps from a bottle. this The probability of mixing the caps and putting them back into the bottle by mistake is high; leading to cross-contamination of reagents. Furthermore, the bottles in the pack are close to each other. Make removal of these lids difficult.

Opening and closing each bottle with a separate stopper individually is time consuming and It is also inconvenient.

importance of invention This invention is useful for reagent packs of tests useful in diagnosis and in close proximity to each other. Reusable for other uses to seal the opening of multiple containers placed in provides a capable sealing assembly.

According to one aspect of the invention, the reusable seal engages a plurality of containers and A flexible seal with multiple spaced protrusions to seal an opening It has a flexible assembly that includes an element and a fairly stiff support element. This supporting element is to support the flexible closure element and to provide a front end when the closure assembly is attached to multiple containers. The plurality of protrusions provide substantially simultaneous sealing of the openings of multiple containers, and When the stop assembly is removed from multiple containers, approximately the same number of protrusions emerge from the opening. It brings about temporal withdrawal.

In use, the reusable closure assembly of the present invention has multiple closures aligned with the opening of the container. arranged for a plurality of containers with a number of protrusions. Therefore, the user should open each opening. The assembly is pressed against the container to close and seal. Each container is pressed only once The fairly stiff support elements are assembled so that they are closed and sealed almost simultaneously during the snapping operation. Give the body sufficient rigidity.

To move the sealing assembly closer to the container (so that the assembly is caught on its edges and the container Separated from the vessel. Furthermore, the stiffness of the support element is such that each protrusion is Opening each of multiple containers at approximately the same time by allowing the container to be pulled away from the container. Ru. In practice, the rigid support element may limit the natural tendency of the flexible sealing element to elongate. may cause liquid to splash from the surface of the container or protrusion during removal of the sealing assembly. reduce the possibility of

According to a presently preferred embodiment, the closure assembly of the present invention is adapted to a container having a necked opening. Specifically designed for use with. The protrusion of the flexible sealing element including a button portion positioned to reach the opening of the button. This container is of the container to achieve a radial seal between the button part and the inner wall of the container neck. Place an interference fit on the inner wall of the neck. moreover The protrusion preferably also includes an annular portion disposed around the outer wall.

The flexible sealing element is preferably thin, flexible, shaped, and extends downwardly from its lower surface. a rubber wafer having a plurality of spaced integral protrusions extending in the Contains bu. The support element is preferably made of molded hard plastic. and is attached to the top surface of the web. The support plate is preferably be sufficient to provide some flexibility to the assembly to facilitate opening and closing of the container. It is very thin.

The reusable sealing assembly of the present invention is suitable for multiple applications, particularly for medical analysis devices. Designed for reagent packs and also typically supported adjacent to each other in packs. Containing three or more protrusions for sealing the openings of three or more reagent bottles held nothing. A rigid support plate preferably also identifies the sealing assembly on each reagent bag. including a downwardly extending flange defining a surface to be marked for. this This feature is particularly useful for analyzers that can receive multiple reagent bags at the same time. Reloading the sealing assembly against the wrong reagent bag after removing the pack from the analyzer important to reduce the risk of injury.

According to another aspect of the invention, the sealing assembly is also arranged radially against the inner wall of the neck of the container. Shipping component to strengthen sealing Contains. More specifically, each button portion of the protrusion of the sealing assembly is , containing a tapered annular cavity extending downwardly into it from its tip. The shipping element consists of a series of spaced tapers extending downwardly. It includes a rigid board with a plurality of attached legs. This leg is used to ensure that the shipping element is assembled into the assembly. It is arranged to extend into the cavity when inserted. Shipping elements assembled When assembled into the body, the legs connect the button part to the neck of the container. outwardly against the inner wall of the neck of the container to strengthen the radial seal between the inner wall and the inner wall. Press more firmly.

Shipping factors are useful when reagent bags may be handled, especially roughly. It is specifically intended for use during shipment to customers. sealing element and supporting element The subassembly consists of an effective flexible seal for normal factory handling. As such, shipping elements are typically not required once the reagent pack is delivered to the user. stomach.

The sealing assembly of the present invention eliminates the need for shipping and use such as conventional threaded closures. leakage and contamination of multiple reagent-containing bottles during normal handling periods at the factory. It can definitely be avoided. The sealing assembly can be used repeatedly during the useful life of the reagent pack. Can be used. This invention also allows for alternating The risk of contamination or fitting the sealing assembly to the wrong reagent pack is reduced.

Further advantages and details of the invention are set forth below in connection with the detailed description of the preferred embodiments below. explained below.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 shows a multi-bottle reagent pack according to the presently preferred embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a partially exploded perspective view of a reusable sealing assembly.

2 is a side view, partially in section, of the reagent pack and closure assembly of FIG. 1; FIG.

Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing assembly of Figure 1 in assembled configuration and installation into a reagent pack; It is a diagram.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view similar to FIG. 3 with shipping elements removed.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing details of the sealing element of the sealing assembly of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment 1-4 illustrate a multi-bottle reagent pack 10 and a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention. A reusable sealing assembly 12 is shown therefor.

Although the reagent pack 10 does not originally form part of the invention per se, it typically A plurality of receiving holes or holes for receiving and supporting a plurality of reagent-containing containers or bottles 15. a generally wedge-shaped molded plastic case 14 having a cavity 16; Contains the package. Bottle 15 is identical (thin, made using conventional molding techniques). Even if it is made of flexible plastic, it may be made of glass or Other suitable materials may also be used. Bottles are usually cylindrical and access to the bottle is It has an upper neck portion 18 defining an opening 19 at its top for preparing for access. , and raise the neck and opening of the bottle above the case top surface 20 as shown in the figure. has sufficient vertical shape. The raised neck area makes it easier to use when the bottle is attached to the case. Provided to facilitate access to the bin. As shown, the bottle neck 1 The outer wall of the 8 is threaded so that the bottle can be closed with a conventional threaded stopper. Ru. However, as explained below, the reusable sealing assembly of the present invention , which usually does not require the use of a threaded stopper.

If desired, the bottle can be integrally formed with the reagent pack case, but Bottles are easy to fill; reagents in one bottle can be filled with reagents from adjacent bottles. The above two elements may be manufactured separately to avoid the risk of contamination during the process. Usually preferred. However, when the bottle is securely secured in the case The reagent pack becomes a single integral unit for use and handling.

When the reagents in the bottles are consumed, the individual bottles or reagent packs are disposable as a whole. It is now being used.

As is known to those skilled in the art, reagent suppliers provide specific Reagents for analysis are provided in a single reagent pack as illustrated at 10. therefore , for example, users can purchase reagent packs for over-the-counter drug testing; One reagent pack contains all the reagents needed for a particular analysis.

As shown in the figure, three reagent packs are typically included for each type requiring pretreatment reagents. most suitable for use in analysis. The pretreatment reagents are usually used for samples, unfixed Analyte capture agent to immobilize the analyte and indicate the presence of the analyte of interest from certain proteins in specially marked or labeled tracer reagents. Used to immobilize the analyte of interest.

Each of the required reagents is contained in one of the pack's three bottles.

For other types of analysis, a four reagent pack is suitable. For example, if one of the trials Particularly useful for transferring drugs from one reagent bottle to another, e.g. by pipetting means of an analyzer. In sensitive analyses, pipette heading means should be cleaned after reagent acquisition. Four bottles are advantageously provided to contain washing or buffering reagents that can be used for be done.

The closure assembly of the present invention is limited to use with three-bottle reagent packs. It is not sealed, but may contain other reagent packs or multiple bottles or other containers that require sealing. Will be easily designed for use with any assembly of vessels.

A multi-dosing reagent pack 10 such as that shown in FIGS. To be mounted with a pack on a carousel used in a medical automated analyzer. It has become. For example, in a typical application, eight or more different reagent packs are It can be mounted around the periphery of the rolling rack. This gives the analyzer operator the same or a series of drug tests and other tests that can be performed automatically on different samples. Provides the ability to perform a full range of biological fluid tests. Lots of sample combinations sequence, sample grouping, and reagent pack grouping. can be carried out in the equipment according to specific tests. With a large number of arrays like this , a reusable closure device for closing and sealing reagent bottles for periods of unused period. Necessity is required.

The reusable sealing assembly 12 of the present invention is highly effective in achieving the above objectives. It is true. The assembly consists of three elements: a flexible molded rubber-like seal; A stop element 21, a fairly rigid, molded plastic support element 22 and a molded Contains a rigid plastic shipping element 23. The sealing element 21 is a reagent back case. a thin, flat, generally wedge-shaped web 13 approximately coextensive with the top surface 20 of the base; and has three integral protrusions 26 extending downwardly from its lower surface 24. ing. This protrusion 26 is shown in greater detail in FIG. , a normally cylindrical button defining an annular space 31 with the outside of the generally type 1 annular portion 28; and the inside of the ring portion 29. The outer spine portion 28 is located on the outer surface of the bottle neck 18. The button part 29 on one side is sized to fit around the button and bottle neck. The opening of the bottle has an interference fit to achieve a radial seal between the inner wall 50 of the It is adapted to extend into the mouth 19. The button portion 29 preferably further includes: a relatively wide upper portion 32 of the jllll adjacent to its upper end, and at its bottom end; formed to define an adjacent reduced radius second, narrower portion 33; It is.

The sealing element 21 extends upwardly from the top surface 25 of the web and in line with the button portion of the projection. button from the top of the upwardly extending section. A centrally tapered cavity 37 extends into the button part near the bottom of the button part. There is.

The support element 22 typically has the same dimensions as the top surface 20 of the reagent pack case. It includes a thin, flat plate 40 which is always wedge-shaped. And above on web 13 Three round apertures or holes 38 are provided for receiving the elongate portions 36. Sara More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3-5, the upwardly extending portion 36 It is pushed up through the hole 38 in the plate 40 and then stretched onto the support plate. The attached web is stuck together with a support plate placed against the top surface 25 of the web. an annular flange 39 adapted to be flared outwardly for securing and retaining the including.

The rigid plastic plate 40 also has a downwardly extending flange 4 at its curved end. Contains 1. The flange 41 has a mark on it for identifying the reagent pack. defines a surface 42 on which landmarks may be placed to provide information or other important information. . For example, a label or the like may be affixed to surface 42 to provide a seal for a particular reagent pack. To identify the assembly, a visual aid that can be read by both humans and machines, as shown in Figure 1, is used. Contains mark 43. Incorrect reagent pack after reagent assembly is removed from analyzer Multiple reagent packs can be received simultaneously to reduce the risk of reloading Such information is particularly important when reagent packs are used in the analyzer.

As shown in Figure 1, the reagent pack typically has a sealing assembly that is easily mated to the reagent pack. It has a corresponding mark 44 for checking.

The support element 22 allows the user to attach the sealing assembly to the reagent pack and remove the reagent pack from the reagent pack. It works to help you get rid of it. In particular, the sealing assembly is attached to the reagent pack and When removed from the three reagent packs, the support element removes each of the three bottles at approximately the same time. A seal (1) provides sufficient rigidity to the assembly to allow it to be opened.The support element is , the natural extension of the flexible sealing element to avoid any non-negligible deflection of the protrusion. substantially limit the tendency to elongate. and, in particular, during the removal step, one or more The possibility that the contents of the reagent bottle will escape from the surface of the bottle or protrusion is reduced.

The shipping element 23 includes a rigid, round plate 47 that extends downwardly from its underside. It has three spaced apart tapered legs 48 extending in the direction.

The shipping element is mounted on a subassembly consisting of a sealing element 21 and a support element 22. and the three legs are attached to the tape in the button part 29 of the web, as shown in FIG. It extends into a hollow 37 with a par. When fully inserted, these legs , to increase and strengthen the radial seal between the button portion and the inner wall. Press the side walls of the bottle more firmly outwardly against the inner wall 50 of the neck of the bottle.

The shipping factor is that reagent packs are particularly susceptible to rough handling and shipping to users is difficult. Specifically designed for use during periods. Sealing element 21 and support element 22 The sub-assembly consisting of provides a completely effective sealing of the bottle at the factory , shipping elements are typically not required after delivery to the reagent pack user.

When using the closure assembly of the present invention, the reagent pack has one closure assembly attached to it. It is shipped to the user in a disposable container with a The sealing assembly is shown in Figure 3. including shipping elements incorporated into such an assembly. Use shipping elements in the correct position Ensure that the reagent pack is protected from any rough handling that may be encountered during the shipping process. A strong and reliable bottle seal is provided that can effectively withstand even the most extreme conditions. So As a result, in the present invention, a screw cap or similar for the bottle is It is unnecessary even during shipping.

After delivery and before the first use of the reagent pack, the user must remove the shipping elements. It will be disposable. The sealing element/support element subassembly is subject to normal handling within the factory. held in position over the reagent pack to provide a seal that is completely sufficient for It can be done.

When the subassembly is attached to the reagent pack, the button portion 29 and the inner wall 50 of the bottle neck a strong radial seal between them as described above, with an interference fit between give. A second seal is then similarly applied to the top edge of the bottle around opening 37. given to.

When the reagent pack is to be used, grasp the subassembly by the edges and pull it away from the reagent pack. At about the same time, pull out the protrusion from the opening of the bottle and open all three bottles. Ru. The subassembly is preferably used temporarily while the reagent pack is in the analyzer or in use. While in use, it is stored in a tray provided for that purpose.

After the desired test or series of tests is completed, the reagent pack is removed from the analyzer and A sealing subassembly is applied onto the seal and reagent pack for precise combination. Using the landmarks, it is repositioned onto the appropriate reagent pack. and needed again The subassembly has three buttons to close and seal the bottle for storage until ready. 29 is pressed downwards to insert it into the bottle. Since the supporting elements are rigid, the All containers are fitted with corresponding will be inserted into the opening of the bottle at about the same time.

The sealing assembly of the present invention can be used repeatedly over the life of the reagent pack in which it is used. It is designed to be used as A typical reagent pack can be used for 100 times or more. The sealing assembly can contain enough reagents for the above tests without losing effectiveness. It can be reliably attached to the reagent pack more than 100 times and removed from the reagent pack. Ru.

The closure assembly of the present invention is schematically illustrated in one bottle in each of Figures 2-4. As such, it is also particularly suitable for bottles containing small tubes 51. This tubule is known to those skilled in the art. Sometimes used to reduce the rate of evaporation of the contents of an open bottle, such as It is. In particular, the reduced radius portion 33 at the lower end of the button portion is shown in FIGS. As shown, acceptance of the canaliculi without interfering with the button's ability to seal (somehow Provide an expanded annular space for

While what has been described constitutes the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, The description and accompanying drawings are intended to be representative only and should not be taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. It shouldn't be accepted.

The invention is defined solely by the appended claims and their equivalents. preferable Various changes and modifications to the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and such changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. , may be done without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention It is understood that the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the claims set forth below. Should be.

FIG.3 FIG. 5

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Reuse for sealing the openings of multiple containers placed in close proximity to each other a possible closure assembly for engaging the plurality of containers and sealing an opening in the containers; a flexible sealing element comprising a plurality of spaced protrusions for providing; and supporting the flexible closure element, and the closure assembly being attached to the plurality of containers; when the plurality of protrusions close the openings of the plurality of containers substantially simultaneously. multiple protrusions from the opening when the closure assembly is removed from multiple containers. said sealing assembly including a substantially rigid support element for providing substantially simultaneous withdrawal of the parts; Three-dimensional. 2. The plurality of protrusions include a button portion, and the button portion and the container are connected to each other. an interference fit on the inner wall of said container to create a radial seal between the inner wall of said container and 2. The closure of claim 1, wherein the closure is arranged to extend into an opening of said plurality of containers having a assembly. 3. each said button portion includes an axially extending cavity therein, and said seal The assembly further includes a shipping element and includes a radial portion between the button portion and the inner wall of the container. The button part is made more rigid outwards against the inner wall of the container to strengthen the seal in both directions. When said shipping element is incorporated into an assembly for pressing, said shipping a plurality of spaced legs arranged such that the elements extend into the cavity; 3. The sealing assembly of claim 2. 4. The shipping element comprises a plurality of spaced apart elements extending from a surface thereof. 4. The sealing assembly of claim 3 including a rigid plate having legs. 5. The plurality of protrusions are arranged to extend around an outer wall of the container. 3. The sealing assembly of claim 2 further comprising an annular portion. 6. The flexible sealing element further includes a thin web portion and the spaced apart web portions a plurality of rounded protrusions extending from one side of the web portion and extending from one side of the web portion; 2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing assembly is integral with the bulb portion. 7. the support element is arranged against a side of the web portion opposite the one side; 7. The sealing assembly of claim 6 including a thin, rigid plate having a thin, rigid plate. 8. the rigid plate includes a plurality of spaced holes, the sealing element comprises: extending from the opposite side of the web portion and contacting the sealing element with the plate; 8. The sealing assembly of claim 7, including a plurality of elongated portions extending through said aperture. 9. 2. The assembly includes a surface thereon for retaining identifying indicia. sealing assembly. 10. A reusable assembly for a reagent pack used in a medical analyzer, A medicine pack is a compound housing a bottle with a necked opening giving access to the bottle. a number of reagents for engaging the necks of the plurality of bottles and sealing the openings of the bottles. a flexible sealing element comprising a plurality of protrusions spaced apart; and supporting the flexible sealing element and when the sealing assembly is attached to the reagent pack; The plurality of protrusions provide substantially simultaneous sealing of the openings of a plurality of bottles; Substantially simultaneous pulling of the protrusions from the opening when the stop assembly is removed from the reagent pack. A reusable assembly containing a fairly rigid support element for providing punching. 11. The plurality of protrusions are arranged in a radial direction between the button and the inner wall of the bottle neck portion. the plurality of extensions having an interference fit on the inner wall of the bottle neck portion to achieve a seal; 11. The sealing assembly of claim 10, including a button portion disposed to extend into the opening. . 12. each of said button portions including an axially extending cavity therein; The stop assembly further includes a shipping element, the button portion and the interior of the neck portion of the bottle. Place the button portion against the inner wall of the neck portion to strengthen the radial seal between the wall and the and the shipping element is incorporated into the assembly in order to force it more firmly outwardly. When said shipping element has a plurality of spaces arranged to extend into said cavity. 12. The sealing assembly of claim 11 having tapered legs arranged in parallel. 13. the shipping element has spaced tapers extending from its surface; 13. The sealing assembly of claim 12 including a rigid plate having said plurality of legs with . 14. the plurality of protrusions extending around an outer wall of the neck portion of the bottle; 12. The sealing assembly of claim 11, further comprising an annular portion disposed in a manner similar to that of claim 11. 15. The flexible sealing element further includes a thin web portion and the spaced apart a plurality of protrusions extending from one side of the web portion and arranged in parallel with each other; 11. The sealing assembly of claim 10, wherein the sealing assembly is integral with the ebb portion. 16. the support element is arranged opposite one side of the web portion; a thin rigid plate including a plurality of spaced holes; and extending through the hole to bring the sealing element into contact with the plate. The sealing element includes a plurality of elongated portions extending from opposite sides of the web portion to 16. The sealing assembly of claim 15, further comprising: 17. 5. The rigid plate includes a surface thereon for retaining identifying indicia. 16 sealing assemblies. 18. The button portion defines an annular space within the bottle for receiving the canalicule. 12. The sealing assembly of claim 11 including a lower portion of reduced radius to provide a lower radius. 19. A multi-type administration reagent pack for medical analyzers, comprising a case; a plurality supported by said case, each having an opening for providing access to a bottle; reagent-containing bottles; and a plurality of reagent-containing bottles for engaging said bottles and sealing the openings thereof. a subassembly including a flexible sealing element having a plurality of spaced apart protrusions; a reusable sealing assembly comprising; and supporting said sealing element; and said subassembly; The plurality of protrusions prevent the plurality of bottles from being opened when the plurality of bottles are attached to the reagent pack. effecting substantially simultaneous sealing of the mouth when the subassembly is removed from the reagent pack; a substantially flat surface for providing near simultaneous withdrawal of multiple protrusions from an aperture. Multiple dosing reagent pack 20 for said medical analyzer comprising a support element comprising a plate. The plurality of protrusions include a button portion, the button portion and the interior of the bottle. Before having an interference fit on the inner wall of the bottle to achieve a radial seal between the wall 20. The reagent pack of claim 19, wherein the reagent pack is arranged to extend into the opening of the bottle. 21. a shipping element wherein said sealing assembly is adapted to be attached to said subassembly; further comprising: enhancing a radial seal between the button portion and the inner wall of the bottle; In order to press the button part more firmly outward against the inner wall in order to , the shipping element is adapted to extend into an axial cavity within the button portion. 21. The reagent pack of claim 20, comprising a plurality of legs. 22. Both the case and the subassembly each have a reagent pack and a connection thereto. Claim including a surface thereon for retaining indicia identifying the mating sealing subassembly. 19 reagent packs.