Abstract: Apparatus and a method for orienting a reagent container in a rack so that the label on the container always points towards the user is provided. The container has an external surface at least a portion of which has an asymmetric perimeter which has mirror symmetry about at most one axis, said perimeter lying in a plane substantially parallel to the base of the container. The rack has an aperture having essentially the same asymmetric perimeter as the container and a size which permits the container to be received in the aperture in only one orientation. In certain preferred embodiments, the asymmetric perimeter is D-shaped, the container has a cavity with inwardly sloping sides and the container includes an integral sight glass by which its contents can be viewed.

Abstract: Improved heterogeneous fluorescence assays are provided which employ solid supports comprising controlled pore glass particles which are substantially transparent at both the wavelength used to excite the fluorescent probe used in the assay and at the emission wavelength of the probe. The assays achieve sensitivities comparable to those achieved with radioimmunoassays without the need to concentrate the particles prior to the fluorescent measurement as in prior art heterogeneous fluorescence assays employing other types of solid supports.

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 test module or reagent handling device for use with a clinical analyzer for conducting body serum assays and/or immunoassays; the test module coacting with the analyzer to selectively provide a plurality of liquid dilution and reagent materials to a serum sample, the test module having programmable valve means coacting with a dispense probe to serially: select a serum sample and to deposit said sample and liquid dilution material into a dilution cup or vessel; subsequentially withdraw a portion of the diluted serum from the dilution cup and to dispense said diluted serum portion along with at least one liquid reagent material into a reaction cup or vessel.

Abstract: A derivative of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine having the following general formula: ##STR1## in which m is an integer from 2 to 4, n is an integer from 1 to 4, and R is a monovalent, unsubstituted, fully unsaturated five- or six-membered monocyclic heterocyclic group containing either one or two nitrogen atoms as the only hetero atoms.

Abstract: Cells are identified electrophoretically through isoenzyme analysis. The use of standard and control cells allows semi-skilled workers to achieve reproducible results. A coding sequence is assigned to the cels to be identified using a grid to interpret the electrophoretic separations observed on a series of electrophoretic films, each film being developed for a particular isoenzyme. Comparison of the coding sequence with a compendium of coding sequences for known cells identifies the cells to be identified.

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 nonphosphate buffer and lactose as the most preferred plexiform stabilizing means.

Abstract: The thermogelation temperature of protein in a solution having a pH above the isoelectric point of the protein can be lowered within the range of the thermogelation temperature of egg albumen and an increase of stability of the protein in a solution having a pH below the isoelectric point of the protein by a process comprising cooling an ungelled heated protein-containing alkaline solution having a total protein content of less than about 20% wherein the pH of the solution is within the range of from about 7.5 to about 10 and the temperature is within the range of from about 50.degree. C. up to the gelation temperature of the protein to a temperature sufficiently low and within a sufficient time after the solution reaches its maximum temperature level to prevent any substantial further change in the protein structure or gelation.

Abstract: An assay apparatus employing total internal reflection of excitation radiation at the interface between an optically conductive rod or fiber and a surrounding liquid phase of lower index of refraction. Immobilized on the surface of the fiber is a component of a complex formed in an immunochemical-type reaction; a fluorophore that can be excited into fluorescence by the excitation radiation is attached to another component of the complex. The fiber is coaxially disposed in cantilevered manner within a length of tubing, so that the excitation radiation can be launched into the unsupported end of the fiber and the fluorescent radiation tunneling back into the fiber may be observed at the same fiber end, thereby preventing that portion of the fiber surface between the unsupported fiber end and the mounted end being in contact with other than the surrounding liquid phase.

Abstract: Reagents useful for steroid receptor assays containing both progesterone and estrogen receptors and methods. The reagents of the instant invention contain both estrogen and progesterone receptors in a stabilized format. A preferred embodiment includes target tissue material obtained from calf uteri having the required receptors, HEPES suspending buffer, a binding site activation inhibitor, dithiothreotol, plexiform stabilizing matrix means and an amount of inactive protein added as necessary to meet predetermined total protein levels.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of clinical controls useful for calibrating clinical chemistry analyzers and in manual testing methods, as well as clinical standards and reagents. In addition, it relates to methods for producing stabilized liquid clinical control, standards, and reagents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel immobilized enzyme composite. Suitable carriers such as controlled pore glasses or paper are coupled to various enzymes by derivatizing the carrier with an organotitanate. These composites are particularly suited for enzymatic reactions which prefer a non-aqueous, hydrophobic environment.