Abstract: A rapid, competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for the determination of Bluetongue virus antibodies in serum is described. This method utilizes either a biotinylated monoclonal antibody to Bluetongue virus and streptavadin-enzyme in conjunction with synthetic substrate, or an enzyme-conjugated monoclonal to detect antibodies specific for Bluetongue virus.

Abstract: A superior and extremely rapid histological staining method is described in which frozen tissue is briefly immersed in an aqueous solution comprising trichloroacetic acid, zinc chloride and formaldehyde and then in a second solution comprising hematoxylin. The tissue can be further counterstained if desired. Also disclosed are improved fixatives useful in this and other histological techniques.

Abstract: A system for the transferral, freezing, storage and processing of liquids with a minimum of contamination is described. The components of the system include a hollow disc-shaped vessel of special construction which permits rapid freezing at extremely low temperatures, a pierceable, resilient sealing member on the ports of the disc-shaped vessel and a pointed cannular needle which is protected from contamination prior to use and operable to pierce the sealing member free of any contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating particles from a fluid comprising a housing, means for flowing a fluid through said housing, a plurality of parallel perforated plates supported in said housing spaced from one another in the direction of fluid flow, the plates being effective to accelerate the fluid as it passes through each plate, and a sample-holder immediately downstream of each perforated plate, the fluid flowing through each said plate onto its associated sample-holder and thence around the sample-holder to the next downstream plate, the inner wall of the housing being spaced from the path of fluid flow at least sufficient to substantially avoid contact with fluid flowing along the path.