Abstract: Methods and materials detect ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.

Abstract: A test strip for analysis of analytes such as antigens, antibodies or polynucleotides employs a chromatographic medium and a solvent capable of transporting reagents and/or sample. Reagents are selected and disposed on the medium such that a labeled (first) reagent arrives at the detection (third) zone only after analyte is immobilized there and non-reactive sample componets have been transported beyond the detection zone. This sequential arrival is accomplished by the relative mobility of the reagent or sample; or by the site relationship of the zones. Preferably, the site relationship of the sample (second) zone and the label (first) zone is such that a plurality of pathways guide the sample and labeled reagent and any subsequent reagents to the detection zone in the recited order. Single and multiple pathway devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved specific binding assay devices comprising a chromatographic medium including a reaction site at which a specific binding reagent is immobilized, a sample application well located adjacent to the chromatographic medium and offset upstream from the reaction site, and a liquid absorption blotter offset downstream from the reaction site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a matrix comprising a hydrazine compound coupled to an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to produce a hydrazone reaction product with a characteristic color. Methods are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject by means of contacting said breath with a device comprising an H.sup.+ ion exchange resin to which a hydrazine compound has been coupled and correlating the breath acetone concentration to a standard reflecting the effect on breath acetone of fixed rates of fat metabolism.