Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for determining cholesterol in low density lipoprotein comprising the steps of (a) measuring total cholesterol level in a sample containing at least high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron, and (b) measuring cholesterol levels in the high density lipoprotein, very low density lipoprotein and chylomicron in the sample, wherein the cholesterol level in the low density lipoprotein is determined by subtracting a value obtained in step (b) from a value obtained in step (a). The present invention enables concurrent determination of cholesterol level in low density lipoprotein and total cholesterol level, facilitating acquisition of two types of biological information at a time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of evaluating the immunological status of a subject comprising the steps of 1) determining the content of an antibody in a liquid sample from the subject using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the presence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 1, 2) determining the content of an antibody in the liquid sample using an immunoassay, wherein the reaction between the antibody of the sample and a ligand in the form of an antigen, an antibody or a hapten, the ligand being directed to the Fab region of the sample antibody, is carried out in the absence of other constituents of the sample to obtain a measurement 2, and 3) interrelating measurements 1 and 2 to express the interference and using the interference as a parameter for evaluating the immunological status of the subje

Abstract: An analytical method of qualitative and optionally quantitative determination of the occurrence of polymerization/coagulation in a fluid containing polymerizable/coagulable components is described. The method comprises the steps of directing incident beams of electromagnetic radiation through a transparent support on which a film of electrically conducting material is placed, to the back of the film, at angles equal to or greater than the critical angle for total reflection, and measuring changes in the reflected beams due to changes in the surface plasmon resonance angle. Repeated measurements are correlated to the occurrence and magnitude of changes with qualitative and optionally quantitative occurrence of polymerization/coagulation in the fluid. The analytical method is not volume dependent since only one (small) surface of the measuring instrument needs to be in contact with the fluid. Further, the method can also be applied to poorly transparent fluids such as blood.

Abstract: A method for measuring the end point and for monitoring the real time kinetics of a bioaffinity reaction in biological fluids and suspensions, employing microparticles as bioaffinity binding solid phase, biospecific reagent labelled with a fluorescent label and a fluorescence detection system which is based on two-photon fluorescence excitation, contacting the analyte, the labelled reagent and the solid phase simultaneously, focusing a two-photon exciting laser beam into the reaction suspension and measuring the fluorescence signal emitted by the microparticles from one particle at a time when they randomly float through the focal volume of the laser beam. In this method the signal is monitored kinetically to obtain information about the analyte concentration before the reaction approaches the highest point of the response. Since the growth rate of the signal intensity is directly proportional to the analyte concentration, the analyte concentration can be predicted in the initial phase of the reaction.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a micro-carrier, which includes patterning pluralities of bar code on a mask; exposing the bar code to a substrate coated with photoresist; etching and removing residual photoresist and electroforming to a nickel plate; placing a bead coated with biotin or poly-L-lysine between two-nickel plates, and compressing the bar code on the surface of the bead to form a microcake-like particle with bar code; and combining the particle with the corresponding bio-molecule thereof to produce a micro-carrier with a label. The invention also provides a test method for identifying a bio-molecule, which includes mixing several micro-carriers with the labeled unknown bio-molecules; and identifying the bar code on the micro-carrier via image recognition system, wherein the numbers and types of the known micro-carrier can be flexibly adjusted.

Abstract: A homogeneous biospecific assay method for an analyte in solution or in a biological suspension, in which a biospecific reagent competitively binding an analyte and a ligand labeled with a fluorescent molecule, is reacted with and bound to a solid phase, and in which the free labeled ligand is extracted is excited with two-photon excitation by focusing a laser beam suitable for two-photon excitation into the sample volume; and the concentration of the analyte is calculated based on the photon emission contributed by the free labeled ligand.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: A method to produce arrays of compounds for concurrent testing is described. Two formats are described using porous rods or porous sheet materials. In one format, the compounds of the array are immobilized onto porous rod elements. In the second format, the compounds are immobilized as lines on a sheet of porous material. In both cases, a bundle is formed by radial compression of the rods or spiral wrapping of the sheet. A sheath is applied to the bundle, and arrays are cut as slabs. Each synthesis or application step to create an array element is used to fabricate multiple arrays. Relatively high-density arrays can be produced with current printing technologies. The method is particularly suited to mass production of arrays.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided articles for use in non-invasive measurements of nitric oxide levels in a variety of fluid media, e.g., in mammalian body fluids. Articles according to the present invention comprise a nitric oxide trapping agent contained within a vessel, wherein the vessel comprises a semi-permeable membrane. Nitric oxide diffuses through the semi-permeable membrane and is trapped therein for subsequent quantitative analysis. Articles of the present invention are particularly useful in selectively detecting nitric oxide in the presence of other NOx species.

Abstract: A diagnostic card device for use in detecting or quantitating an analyte present in a liquid sample, comprising a card substrate having a sample introduction region, a biosensor, and a sample-flow pathway communicating between the sample-introduction region and the biosensor, circuitry for generating an analyte-dependent electrical signal from the biosensor; and a signal-responsive element for recording such signal. In one embodiment, the biosensor includes a detection surface with surface-bound molecules of a first charged, coil-forming peptide capable of interacting with a second, oppositely charged coil-forming peptide to form a stable &agr;-helical coiled-coil heterodimer, where the binding of the second peptide to the first peptide, to form such heterodimer, is effective to measurably alter a signal generated by the biosensor. The sample-flow pathway contains diffusibly bound conjugate of the second coil-forming peptide and the analyte (or an analyte analog) and immobilized analyte-binding agent.

Abstract: A apparatus for assaying glycated proteins and other analytes in biological samples such as blood, in which a sample is presented to the apparatus, includes an inlet port between moveable between first and second inlets, such that the inlet can be brought into liquid communication with each inlet in turn. The inlet port accommodates a filter or binder. The apparatus also includes a microprocessor operable via a key pad, at least one light emitter and at least one light detector, a display and driver, and an A to D converter, and is operatively connected to a power source.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: Various types of templates are stored in a template storage section in accordance with various types of array chips varying in disposition of spot positions. In making an analysis in an analysis section, a template, on which ROIs are disposed at positions corresponding to the spot positions on the array chip used, is read out from the template storage section. This template is set onto images represented by labeled data, and a signal value at a position corresponding to the ROI on the template is detected and evaluated.

Abstract: The invention relates to surfaces coated with streptavidin and avidin for use in immunoassays, wherein the surfaces comprise a layer of streptavidin and avidin which are bonded on a surface of a solid supporting material through a biotinylated adhering agent.

Abstract: Histamine may be quantitatively measured by performing the following steps. First, an oocyte that expresses histamine receptors is held in a recess formed at the bottom of a vessel. Then, first and second electrodes are inserted into the oocyte. Subsequently, the membrane potential of the oocyte is measured by using the first electrode to stabilize this membrane potential at a predetermined level by driving a current through the second electrode using circuitry for clamping the membrane potential of the oocyte. A sample is then infused into a fine reacting tube having an antigen immobilized on its inner surface together with some buffer solution to promote a histamine releasing reaction. The solution containing histamines that is released in the fine reacting tube is transferred to the vessel to make contact with the oocyte in the vessel.

Abstract: The invention provides an ex-vivo test kit for testing the effectiveness of reversers of multidrug resistance in the blood, serum or plasma of a patient containing the reversers, the kit comprising, a plurality of cell membranes from highly drug-resistant cells, the cell membranes containing proteins which pump drugs and the membranes being respectively attached to a plurality of support surfaces, and a dye which provides a light signal, which dye is pumped by the proteins contained in the membranes.

Abstract: The use of calcium salts, magnesium salts or combination thereof in immunochemical methods for the determination of an analyte in a sample. These salts increase the specificity of such determinations, in particular, the background signal being reduced by addition of these salts in solid phase immunochemical methods.