Automated instrument for the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test and other immunofluorescence tests.

An automated diagnostic test instrument and its development program are described. The instrument automates the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test for syphilis to the extent that only 4 hr of technician time is required to conduct approximately 200 tests daily. Evaluation to date suggests its efficacy. In addition, preliminary studies indicate the feasibility of detecting antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, Plasmodium malariae, and nucleoprotein (antinuclear factor). The instrument would seem to have broad application for routine and research immunofluorescence testing. Two elements comprise the instrument: a slide processor and a microscope attachment. The slide processor is an electro-pneumatically actuated device which automatically feeds special laboratory slides, on which antigen or other reagents are prefixed, through a series of operations which provide reagent application, incubation, washing, drying, and stacking of the finished slides for readout. The instrument provides flexibility in that incubation time and temperature as well as point, sequence, and duration of reagent application can be varied to accommodate a variety of immunofluorescence techniques. The microscope attachment can be fitted to all conventional dark-field fluorescence microscopes and makes possible the reading of three to six slides per minute. The reacted slides from the processor are injected sequentially onto the stage of the microscope by movement of a lever. As injected, slides are automatically in visual focus; fine focus is occasionally required. Scanning of the reacted field is accomplished by means of the normal microscope controls. A buffered glycerol coupling is maintained between the darkfield condenser substage lens and the slide cover glass by means of a pushbutton-actuated feed system.