Abstract: An automated analyzer includes a reagent dispensing probe that dispenses a reagent to a reaction vessel, a sample dispensing probe that dispenses a sample to the reaction vessel, a stirring rod that stirs a sample and a reagent in the reaction vessel, and a storage unit that stores special washing information including information about a condition for performing special washing to prevent sample carryover and a washing method. The automated analyzer further includes: a determination unit that determines whether the special washing is required based on information about the sample dispensed by the sample dispensing probe and the special washing information; and a controller that causes the reagent dispensing probe to dispense a wash liquid to the reaction vessel and causes the stirring rod to stir the wash liquid in the reaction vessel based on the special washing information, when the special washing is performed.

Abstract: A novel association between certain tumor necrosis factor microsatellite alleles and Crohn's disease has been discovered. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided methods for screening for Crohn's disease comprising detecting the presence or absence of nucleic acid of a subject encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease, wherein the presence of nucleic acid encoding three or more of the alleles is indicative of Crohn's disease. Kits useful for screening for Crohn's disease are also provided which comprise nucleic acid encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: A novel association between certain tumor necrosis factor microsatellite alleles and Crohn's disease has been discovered. In accordance with the present invention, there is provided methods for screening for Crohn's disease comprising detecting the presence or absence of nucleic acid of a subject encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease, wherein the presence of nucleic acid encoding three or more of the alleles is indicative of Crohn's disease. Kits useful for screening for Crohn's disease are also provided which comprise nucleic acid encoding TNF microsatellite alleles associated with Crohn's disease.

Abstract: The present invention provides polynucleic acid sequences that are functionally associated with autoimmune diseases, such as, for example, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Significantly, quantities of transcriptional and translational product encoded by the invention polynucleic acid sequences are elevated in mammals having a predisposition to autoimmune disease, as compared to their quantities in normal mammals. In accordance with the present invention, there also are provided polypeptides encoded by the invention polynucleic acid sequences, antibodies that are capable of binding to the invention polypeptides, as well as methods and kits for screening for autoimmune diseases.