The Anagen system for automated fluorometric immunoassay

We describe a new discrete microprocessor-controlled analyzer, the AN2000, which fully automates fluorometric immunoassays by using a magnetic separation of the solid phase and an alkaline phosphatase label. It can operate in random-access or batch mode with a dwell time typically less than 20 min. The analysis rate is 75 samples per hour and the system can hold refrigerated reagents for as many as 20 different analytes. The substrate and wash buffer are common to all analytes. The system can hold as many as 80 samples at once. The operator can select from the menu-driven operator interface any combination of the available analytes to be run for each sample, using either the touch screen or the keyboard. Results are calculated from a stored calibration curve that is stable for greater than or equal to 1 month. The AN2000 is capable of automating most assay formats because the available timings, volumes, incubations, and wash cycles can be used in any combination.