Abstract: Species-linked diamine triacetic acids of the formula ##STR1## wherein T is an organic species containing at least one amine, hydroxyl, or thiol functional group, L is the residue of at least one of those functional groups and R is a two or more atom long covalent bridge, are disclosed. Methods for their preparation, for the preparation of metal chelates from them and for the use of the chelates are also disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the metal ions employed in the formation of the chelates are rare earth metal ions capable of forming fluorescent chelates which can in turn be employed in fluoroassay techniques.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: It is disclosed that aryl-substituted 2,6-bis[N,N-di(carboxyalkyl)aminoalkyl] pyridines in which the aryl groups are substituted with one or more electron-releasing groups are an advantageous ligand for forming fluorescent chelates with rare earth metals. The pyridine moieties can be linked to target molecules, especially biologically active target molecules to provide fluorescent tagging for use in fluoroassay techniques. The pyridine moieties are disclosed as tetraacids, as salts and as esters. Preparation processes and precursors including the corresponding aryl-substituted 2,6-dicarboxypyridines as acids, salts and esters, are disclosed as well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detection for serum antibody and/or microbial surface antigen by radial partition immunoassay. The method of this invention is applicable to (a) the evaluation of a clinical specimen for identification of a microorganism; (b) antimicrobial sensitivity assays for determination of an efficacious antibiotic for use against a specific microorganism; (c) a semi-quantitative determination of viral surface antigen; and, (d) a quantitative method for the determination of the presence of serum antibodies to microbial antigens. In each of the foregoing applications, the analyte of interest can be immobilized within a porous matrix (solid phase) by simple pipetting of the sample onto the prepared matrix. Appropriate reagents are subsequently applied to the matrix to effect immunochemical interaction of a labeled binding material to the surface antigen (or antibody) of the analyte of interest. The portion of the matrix within which such interaction takes place is termed the "reaction zone".

Abstract: A method of determining triglycerides in biological fluids according to an enzymatic reaction. In the reaction, a biological fluid is added to an enzyme reagent comprising a lipase, glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH), pyridine nucleotide (PN), a buffer, a tetrazolium compound and diaphorase, whereby the triglycerides are enzymatically hydrolyzed, and the resulting glycerol is oxidized to form a reduced pyridine nucleotide (PN) which reacts with said tetrazolium compound in the presence of the diaphorase to produce a colored formazan which is the reduced form of the tetrazolium, which color is measured at a wavelength ranging from about 475 to about 325 nm. The lipase is an enzyme obtained from Chromobacterium viscosum. In the enzyme reagent, there is from about 5.0 to about 15.0 I.U./ml of the glycerol dehydrogenase (GDH) present.

Abstract: A shipping container formed by joining a base member having a floor, sides, and top with a reinforcing member having front and rear panels joined by a vertical support panel. These two members combine to form a crush resistant container. Preferably, there is a pocketed insert overlying the floor and held in position as an integral part of the container by sealing together the base and reinforcing members. The container is highly crush resistant and suitable for shipping bottles of liquid, such as those containing sterile intravenous solutions or other medical liquids.