Abstract: Water soluble polymers are useful in combination with cobalt(III) redox reagents. When incorporated with the polymers, the cobalt(III) reagents exhibit improved sensitivity compared to fresh solutions of the reagents. In preferred embodiments, the cobalt(III) reagents are coated on a support using the water soluble polymer as a binder. Small areas of the coated support are then cut out and placed in a buffer solution to provide a working reagent solution. The solution is particularly useful in the testing of urine for significant bacteriuria.

Abstract: A buffered composition includes whole chlamydial or gonococcal organisms or an antigen thereof, and a nonionic fluorinated surfactant in an amount of at least about 0.05 weigh percent. This composition is useful in a positive control test used in diagnostic assays for chlamydial or gonococcal organisms. It is particularly useful when coated in an article used in such assays, such as disposable test devices having nonionic polyamide filtration membranes in the bottom of test wells.

Abstract: A composition including a sulfhydryl-containing reducing agent is stabilized for long term storage with a hydrophilic polymer. This composition can be combined with one or more reagents useful for extracting antigens from chlamydial or gonococcal organisms. The extracted antigen can be determined using immunological reactions and appropriate labeled reactants.

Abstract: Certain methanol soluble ortho-benzo or -naphthoquinones are useful electron transfer agents. They are particularly useful in the detection of cells in urine.