Abstract: A device for determining the presence and identity of a specific microorganism in a biological sample based on biochemical tests is disclosed comprising a set of containers, each of which contains a reagent for performing an individual biochemical test useful for the identification of microorganisms, the set of containers being assembled on a single supporting member which is imprinted with a series of marks adjacent the containers, which marks are indicative of the expected result of a specific microorganism's performance in each biochemical test using the reagent of each individual container, the series of biochemical test containers, reagents and corresponding marks being sufficient to identify a specific microorganism. Series of marks corresponding to the expected biochemical test results for several specific microorganisms are preferably imprinted on the supporting member, making possible the identification of a single microorganism species from among several possibly present.

Abstract: A method for determining the iron-binding capability of transferrin, consisting in adding to the sample being tested a reagent composed of a solution of a ferric salt adsorbed onto a suspension of magnesium carbonate, centrifuging the mixture so obtained and measuring the iron blocked by transferrin in the supernatant. The method is preferably carried out by utilizing a particular composition consisting of a single reagent composed of a suspension of a solution of a ferric salt absorbed on magnesium carbonate, possibly a medium capable of maintaining the pH between 8 and 9, if desired, a colorimetric reagent for the determination of iron.

Abstract: An improved colorimetric reagent is disclosed, which is adapted to the determination of the iron content in blood serum. The formulation comprises only two aqueous solutions: one of these comprises a buffer, a soluble salt of an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal, Chromazurol B, a cationic or nonionic surfactant, whereas the other solution comprises a complexing agent and possibly the same ingredients of the chromogenic reagent for hindering the formation of the disturbing complex between chromazurol B, the surfactant and the iron: the complexing agent is a polycarboxylic acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: A method and an implementation are disclosed for measuring the contents of a certain component (e.g. a hormone) in a biological fluid. The basic principle of the method is that a complex is formed starting from the antagonist of the component sought for with the product of conjugation of the latter with a tracer (e.g. a radioisotope), said complex is introduced in the biological fluid to be tested and the quantity of the tracer which has been set free is measured with a measuring or dosing technique which is appropriate for the tracer which has been selected.

Abstract: For taking measurements on fluids, such as biological fluids (e.g. blood and the like), a device is disclosed which is a cylindrical body insertable in a syringe or a similar sampling container and has on the exposed face a set of electrodes or probes which are connected via appropriate electric leads to processing and displaying devices which permit the taking of immediate readings of important parameters such as pH, temperature, partial pressures of gases and so on.

Abstract: A novel composition is disclosed for determining the activity of the alkaline phosphatase, which comprises a salt of p-nitrophenylphosphoric acid, a magnesium salt, sodium borate and 2-amino-2-hydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol. The composition affords advantages over the known composition especially as regards sensitivity.

Abstract: A composition for the determination of glucose in the kinetic mode comprising the enzymes glucose-oxidase and peroxidase, a buffer system, a component containing an aromatic ring with a phenolic hydroxyl attached to said ring, a component containing a reactive group containing a structure derived from 1-phenyl-5-pyrazolinone and a substance which inhibits glucose-oxidase but not peroxidase.

Abstract: A method and a combination of reagents are disclosed for determining the creatine kinase activity by inhibiting the action of creatine kinase, the improvement consisting in that adenosine - 5'- monophosphate is used in combination with an inorganic, preferably an alkali metal, fluoride. By so doing the masking effect of adenylate kinase are efficiently offset.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for extracting human chorionic somatomammotropin (HCS) which comprises the steps of separating from placental extract a proteinic fraction which contains such hormone, enriching the fraction so as to increase its HCS percentage contents, ultrafiltering and chromatographically analyzing until the liquor volume is gradually reduced and the components of the extract other than the expected hormone are removed.

Abstract: A method for measuring the antistreptolysin concentration in a human blood sample by adding a solution of oxidized 0-streptolysin to the blood sample (diluted), incubating, reacting with a reducing solution, incubating and relating the resulting hemolysis to the antistreptolysin concentration.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out double or radial immunodiffusion analysis comprises a circular plate with an upstanding rim therearound. One face of the plate and the rim together form a trough within which a diffusion medium layer can be formed. A plurality of cylindrical walls project from the opposite face of the plate and define sample wells which open via respective apertures in the plate into the trough. Samples to be analysed are placed in the wells from where they diffuse into a said diffusion medium layer formed in the trough. External contamination is prevented by a cover which engages the rim to enclose the trough, and by a sealing film placed over the ends of the cylindrical walls remote from the plate to close off the wells.

Abstract: Process for enzymatic determination of glucose with a glucose-oxidase-peroxidase enzyme system involving the use of a reduced acceptor which is oxidized. As reduced acceptor in the enzymatic reaction catalyzed by peroxidase, a ferrocyanide salt is oxidized to ferricyanide; then a further reducing system is introduced, which system is oxidized by the ferricyanide, with the formation of a colored quinone compound, the reaction between ferricyanide and the reducing system taking place spontaneously.

Abstract: A method for measuring the antistreptolysin concentration in a human blood sample by adding a solution of oxidized O-streptolysin to the blood sample (diluted), incubating, reacting with a reducing solution, incubating and relating the resulting hemolysis to the antistreptolysin concentration.