Coating line promotes rapid fluid transfer.

A line of hydrophilic coatings and hydrophilic pressure-sensitive, heat-sealable adhesives is suitable for bending in vitro diagnostic medical devices. ARflow products, from Adhesives Research Inc. (Glen Rock, PA; 717/235-7979), also enhance flow and the wicking of biological fluids. By providing a hydrophilic surface that can reduce surface tension of biological fluids, the products facilitate the rapid transfer of fluid from an inlet area to a remote reagent area, thereby reducing analysis time. Device design flexibility is also enhanced with smaller sample volumes. ARflow products can reduce the risk of chemical interference by providing a wicking surface that allows increased separation between the sampling port and test reagents. Components are bonded securely by the products, which include hydrophilic thin-film and ultra-thin-film coatings, heat-sealable hydrophilic thin films, and hydrophilic PSA tapes.