Nonliquid reagent systems

Nonliquid reagent systems can be regarded as complete analytical packages and typically take the form of either thin pads or films. They are complete in the sense that all the reagents required are distributed in a dry form either throughout the supporting element, as in the case of the Seralyzer (80) or compartmentalized into specific layers as in the case of the Kodak Ektachem system reagent slides. 

There are a many reports that evaluate the performance of the nonliquid reagent systems however, owing to proprietary constraints, there are relatively few articles that describe the actual preparation or detail the characteristics of these analytical devices. This veil of secrecy is particularly true of the Drichem (82) and Konica nonliquid reagent systems information on these systems is confined almost exclusively to the patent literature. Very few clinical or performance evaluations have been reported. Therefore, these systems will not be dealt with in this overview. The OPUS (83) and the Stratus II (84) Immunoassay Systems are also nonliquid reagent systems that deal with the immunoassays of therapeutic drugs, fertility hormones, thyroid function, and other metabolites. The Stratus II can also be used to measure CK-MB as the protein rather than the enzyme. An excellent review by Chan (85) describes the hardware and performance of the OPUS, Stratus, and other such systems. 

The principles and applications of nonliquid reagent systems have been reviewed (86,87,88). Particularly useful are the reviews by Zipp and Homby (89) and by Campbell and Price (90). 

The terminology used to describe this technology is diverse enough to include such descriptions as nonliquid or dry reagent systems or solid-phase or film technology. In the context of this review, we will refer to the technology as... 

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