Abstract: A method for the detection of an analyte in a fluid sample using liposomes encapsulating acridinium esters (lumisomes). Hydrophilic polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are useful as chemiluminescent markers and can be encapsulated within liposome vesicles without significant leakage of the esters from the vesicles. The lumisomes can be coupled to molecules with biological activity, such as antigens, antibodies, and nucleic acids, and used in luminescent assays.

Abstract: An evanescent wave sensor for use in analyzing a medium, the sensor including a shell having a radiation port at a first end and a base at a second end. The base has a dimension greater than that of the radiation port, and inner and outer wall surfaces of the shell extend between the radiation port and the base. The shell is formed of a material having an index of refraction greater than that of the medium. An apparatus and method for analyzing the medium using the sensor may include a receptacle which defines a chamber about a portion of the shell for contacting the medium to the shell for analysis, optical elements for guiding radiation from a radiation source to the radiation port, and optical elements for guiding fluorescent radiation from the shell to a detector of fluorescent radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel acridinium esters which are useful as luminescent labels in specific binding assays such as immunoassays or nucleic acid hybridization assays. More particularly, polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are highly stable labels for use in a chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming stable, uniform unilamellar or oligolamellar liposomes which encapsulate a macromolecule. However, unlike prior processes, the present method maintains a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the lipid used to make the liposome both during the hydration of the lipid and, if used, during an extrusion step. In addition, the liposome is formed and the macromolecule encapsulated in a low ionic strength solution, then they are dialyzed against a high ionic strength solution.

Abstract: A method for releasing encapsulated marker molecules from within liposomes comprises contracting the liposomes with an effective amount of a water-miscible alcohol. The chemiluminescence of acridinium esters is enhanced by oxidizing the acridinium ester in the presence of an effective amount of a water-miscible alcohol.

Abstract: A unitary multiple electrode sensor for detecting analytes in test samples and devices for using them. The unitary multiple electrode sensor includes a sensor support member and at least one electrode array being deposited on the sensor support member, the electrode array having sensor-activating chemical(s) attached to an embodient thereof. A test sample is applied to the electrode array to begin the test; and a sensor apparatus measures the test reaction which is occurring on the electrode array.

Abstract: A unitary multiple electrode sensor for detecting analytes in blood or blood component samples and devices for using them. The unitary multiple electrode sensor includes a sensor support member and at least one electrode array being deposited on the sensor support member, the electrode array having sensor-activating chemical(s) attached to an embodiment thereof. A test sample is applied to the electrode array to begin the test; and a sensor apparatus measures the test reaction which is occurring on the electrode array.

Abstract: A substantially pure antigen found on normal and benign breast epithelial cell membranes and in breast cancer cells, fused cell hybrids which produce antibodies specific for such antigen, the monoclonal antibodies produced by such fused cell hybrids, a method for detecting the presence of breast cancer in a patient which is based on measuring the concentrations of one or more determinants of such antigen in a patient sample, and a method for either identifying those breast cancer patients whose tumors would respond to estrogen manipulation or determining prognosis based on the degree of differentiation, which method is based on measuring the concentration of an estrogen-modulated determinant of such antigen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method for stabilizing aqueous solutions of serum complement for extended periods of time and the resultant stabilized complement solutions. More particularly, morphilino buffering compounds and tris-hydroxymethyl buffering compounds have been used to make aqueous buffers with a pH between about 6.5 and 8.5 and a concentration of greater than 0.01M. These buffers have been found to extend the normal life of complement solutions to unexpectedly longer periods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for forming stable, uniform unilamellar or oligolamellar liposomes which encapsulate a macromolecule. However, unlike prior processes, the present method maintains a temperature below the phase transition temperature of the lipid used to make the liposome both during the hydration of the lipid and, if used, during an extrusion step. In addition, the liposome is formed and the macromolecule encapsulated in a low ionic strength solution, then they are dialyzed against a high ionic strength solution.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the chemiluminescent signal of an acridinium ester in a chemiluminescent reaction which comprises oxidizing the acridinium ester in the presence of an enhancer selected from the group consisting of: (a) a cationic surfactant; (b) a nonionic surfactant; and (c) a sulfated primary alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel acridinium esters which are useful as luminescent labels in specific binding assays such as immunoassays or nucleic acid hybridization assays. More particularly, polysubstituted aryl acridinium esters are highly stable labels for use in a chemiluminescent immunoassay.

Abstract: A method for forming lipid films having a substantially uniform thickness and a ratio of the surface area of deposited film to lipid concentration of less than 600 cm.sup.2 per mmole. Using a substantially flat stationary surface for lipid depositation and evaporation results in the formation of lipid films suitable for commercial production of liposomes.

Abstract: Isoenzyme control reagents and methods for making same stabilized by means of plexiform stabilizing means. The preferred plexiform stabilizing means is selected from the group consisting of monosaccharide and disaccharide reducing sugars. The most preferred isoenzyme control reagent comprises the isoenzyme of interest obtained from selected tissue, preclarified human sera, stabilizing cofactor, a chelating agent means, a weak nonphospate buffer and lactose as the most preferred plexiform stabilizing means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel dielectric waveguide (i.e., fiber optic) sensors for use in spectrophotometric assays of analytes in fluids. More particularly, the use of these sensors in immunoassays is disclosed.

Abstract: A resealable liquid delivery system for dispensing liquid from a container, such as a bottle, consists of a seal assembly positioned below the level of the liquid in the container, and a dispensing probe. The seal assembly consists of an upper elastomeric member and a seating member disposed within the upper elastomeric member. The seal assembly is capable of accepting and retaining insertion of the dispensing probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel evanescent wave sensor which can have a high numerical aperture and is capable of being used in various forms of optically-based assays. Unlike previous fiber optical devices, the present sensors do not use any cladding at the contact points.

Abstract: A method for determining thyroxine uptake of a sample serum comprising: (a) incubating the sample serum with solid phase thyroxine and labeled anti-TBG antibody; (b) separating the solid phase from the unbound labeled antibody; (c) measuring the amount of label associated with the solid phase; and (d) calculating the thyroxide uptake ratio of the sample serum by relating the measurement of step (c) to a measurement of a reference serum.

Abstract: A specimen receptacle assembly for clinical analyzer apparatus, such as an apparatus utilized in the testing of biological samples, as for instance, serum or other body fluid samples, to aid in the determination of, for instance, infectious diseases, metabolic state, or the like. The receptacle assembly comprises a cap formed as an arcuate segment having a plurality of generally vertically extending openings spaced lengthwise therealong, and a plurality of separate specimen cups, which are adapted to receive the specimen samples therein, together with means on the cap and on the cups for releasably attaching the cups to the cap as an assembly, whereby each of the openings in the cap provides access to the interior of a respective one of the cups from exteriorly of the cap.