Abstract: The improvement of specimen quality for microbial analysis is addressed by the present invention which discloses a chemical composition for use in a method and apparatus for transporting a specimen suspected to contain microorganisms of interest to a laboratory for analysis and improved methods of analysis.A device and method for taking, storing, and preserving fluid samples is disclosed comprising a container and a composition designed to maintain the level of microorganisms present in a specimen during transportation of the specimen to a testing facility.The method and apparatus can be utilized on all types of aqueous specimens and specimens which may be extracted in aqueous solution for analysis of microorganisms therein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the rapid identification of fungal pathogens. In a preferred method, a sample of human body fluid is obtained and subjected to analysis comprising inoculating a nutritive medium, incubating said inoculum for such time and temperature as is necessary for visible fungal colony formation, thereafter plating a sample of said visible fungi on miniature culture plates for example having the dimensions of about 33.times.75.times.5 millimeters, said plates containing differential fungal media, and thereafter identifying funal pathogens in a manner consistent with said medium selected.

Abstract: The improvement of specimen quality for microbial analysis is addressed by the present invention which discloses a chemical composition for use in a method and apparatus for transporting a specimen suspected to contain microorganisms of interest to a laboratory for analysis and improved methods of analysis.An improved method and apparatus for detecting microbial pathogens in a sample body fluid is disclosed which comprises by mixing the sample body fluid with an antimicrobial factor deactivating agent and improver of microbial quantitative integrity within the sample body fluid after it has been collected and before the microbial pathogens are analyzed. An article useful in the concentration of microbial pathogens from a sample fluid and useful in practicing the method of the subject invention is further disclosed.The method and apparatus can be utilized on all types of aqueous specimens and specimens which may be extracted in aqueous solution for analysis of microorganisms therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a specimen collection and sampling device, particularly useful for urine samples, for collecting a liquid sample and segregating an aliquot of the sample away from contact with the remaining portion of the sample. This segregation is accomplished as the lid is closed on the container. In one embodiment, the aliquot sample is transferred to an evacuated tube held within the container. In another embodiment, the aliquot is held within a sample chamber that is built into the container. In a preferred embodiment, the aliquot is mixed with a treating agent to maintain the microbiological integrity of the aliquot, or to provide an appropriate reagent or buffer for drug analysis.

Abstract: A hybridoma continuous cell line, capable of producing monoclonal antibodies specific for all species of human interferon-alpha, is disclosed. A method for producing hybridomas and monoclonal antibodies with the required specificity is also disclosed. Methods of use of the disclosed compositions for purifying human interferon-alpha, screening blood in blood banks, and for producing specific polyclonal antibodies are claimed and detailed.

Abstract: A new cell line has been made which is capable of producing an antibody that reacts with melanoma associated tumors cells. Antigens capable of reacting with the new antibody have been isolated and characterized. Methods are disclosed for the utilizing the antibody and antigen of the present invention and diagnostic procedures for determining the identity and extent of melanoma associated disease. The compositions of the present invention are disclosed to be useful in other immunological procedures.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are disclosed for the rapid identification of fungal pathogens. In a preferred method, a sample of human body fluid is obtained and subjected to analysis comprising inoculating a nutritive medium, incubating said inoculum for such time and temperature as is necessary for visible fungal colony formation, thereafter plating a sample of said visible fungi on miniature culture plates for example having the dimensions of about 33.times.75.times.5 millimeters, said plates containing differential fungal media, and thereafter identifying fungal pathogens in a manner consistent with said medium selected.