Abstract: An article for performing solid-phase immunological assays and methods for performing assays utilizing such article. A solid-phase support suitable for immunological assays is stained with an organic dye that has a net-positive charge and a hydrophobic aromatic ring structure. An immunologically reactive component having a net-negative charge, such as a whole cell, is securely immobolized by the dye to the support through noncovalent interactions. A sample of biological fluid may be added to the article to which the immunologically reactive component has been immobilized to effect binding of antigens or antibodies in the sample which are specific to the immobilized component. The presence of the antigen-antibody complex may then be determined by any known means.

Abstract: A method for drying mammalian cells, such as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes and platelets onto a solid-phase support for use in solid-phase immunoassays through use of a drying solution and an article for use in immunoassays prepared by such method. The method comprises immobilizing a monolayer of cells onto the solid-phase support by non-covalent binding. This is accomplished by staining the solid-phase support with an organic dye having a net positive charge which permits non-covalent binding of the cells which carry a net negative charge to the solid-phase support. These cells are dried or fixed to the solid-phase support by addition of a drying solution which comprises an aqueous solution of a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or cyclitol and a salt. The preferred monosaccharide is D-(-)glucose and the preferred salt is sodium chloride. The preferred drying solution comprises a 1.0 M solution of dextrose and a 154 mM solution of sodium chloride.

Abstract: A method for drying mammalian cells, such as erythrocytes, lymphocytes, leukocytes and platelets onto a solid-phase support for use in solid-phase immunoassays through use of a drying solution and an article for use in immunoassays prepared by such method. The method comprises immobilizing a monolayer of cells onto the solid-phase support by non-covalent binding. This is accomplished by staining the solid-phase support with an organic dye having a net positive charge which permits non-covalent binding of the cells which carry a net negative charge to the solid-phase support. These cells are dried or fixed to the solid-phase support by addition of a drying solution which comprises an aqueous solution of a monosaccharide, disaccharide, trisaccharide or cyclitol and a salt. The preferred monosaccharide is D-(31 )glucose and the preferred salt is sodium chloride. The preferred drying solution comprises a 1.0M solution of dextrose and a 154 mM solution of sodium chloride.

Abstract: An article for performing solid-phase immunological assays and method for performing assays utilizing the article of the invention. A solid-phase support suitable for immunological assays is stained with an organic dye that has a net-positive charge and a hydrophobic aromatic ring structure. An immunologically reactive component having a net-negative charge is immobilized by the dye to the support through non-covalent interactions. The immunologically reactive component is tightly bound by the organic dye. This is advantageous when performing immunological assays utilizing automated washing instruments. A sample of a biological fluid is added to the article having the immunologically reactive component bound thereto to detect the presence of antigens or antibodies in the biological fluid specific for the bound immunological component. The presence of the antigen-antibody complex may be determined by any known method.

Abstract: A method and composition for use in preparing red blood cells for use as indicator cells to detect the presence of antigens and antibodies in biological fluids is the subject of the present invention. Freshly collected human or animal erythrocytes are washed six times with isotonic saline, and suspended to a hematocrit of four percent (volume/volume) with isotonic saline. An incomplete antibody, specific for the antigen or antibody to be detected, in a quantity less than that which would cause irreversible agglutination, is added to the erythrocyte solution. The mixture is incubated, washed, and suspended to a hematocrit of 3-5 (v/v) with isotonic saline. A second antibody, immuno specific for the first antibody and in an amount sufficiently great to immunologically bind substantially all of the antibody carrying red blood cells but not so great as to cause irreversible agglutination, is attached to the erythrocytes. This mixture is incubated, washed, and suspended to a hematocrit of 0.

Abstract: A method of forward blood grouping is presented wherein known antibodies are attached to a solid surface and the red blood cells presented for immunological reaction are activated with a proteolytic enzyme. A reverse blood grouping procedure utilizes synthetic or purified antigens which are attached directly to a solid surface. The surface is then contacted with an unknown blood component to permit antibodies to undergo immunological reaction with the previously attached antigens. A solution of red blood cells is used as the indicator. A method of performing a major crossmatch utilizes anti-human immunoglobulin that is attached to a solid surface which is then contacted by the two blood components to permit an antigen-antibody interaction of red blood cells and antibodies. The antibody sensitized cells will immunologically adhere to the solid phase.