Rapid bead counting and dispensing device for radioimmunoassays and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

A simple time- and labor-saving device is described for counting and dispensing beads used in solid-phase radioimmunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In parallel radioimmunoassays, the data obtained with beads prepared by this device indicate an equivalent or superior sensitivity as compared with beads handled in the more tedious, conventional manner. The rapid handling of beads not only facilitates the processing of larger numbers of specimens, but also has the advantage of exposing up to 60 beads simultaneously to reactants in the same reaction tray.