Abstract: Combinatorial chemical libraries of Formula I ##STR1## and methods for their preparation are disclosed. The libraries allow one to screen large numbers of compounds for a desired biological activity with relative ease. The libraries may be tagged or untagged. In preferred libraries, Y is the residue of an N-acylated amino acid, a substituted 4-aminoproline or a substituted piperazinealkanoic acid. The use of the libraries to discover biologically active compounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for measuring endogenous cytokines in blood. The method accurately measures the cytokines in the blood in the presence of substances that bind the cytokines thereby causing the measurement of the cytokines by conventional methods to give inaccurate results. The present invention also includes the non-invasive measurement of cytokines in biological fluids such as saliva and nasal secretions. Finally, the present invention allows one to monitor the level of cytokines in the blood during treatment of a human or animal with cytokines.

Abstract: A method of using a reaction plenum in the presence or absence of paramagnetic beads to perform chemical syntheses resulting in separation and recovery of a final desired reaction product is provided. The reaction plenum comprises a reaction plate, a reaction vessel for mounting in the reaction plate, a reaction plate holder, a screw-like rod, a mounting block attached to the reaction plate holder for operably receiving the screw-like rod, a motor, a sonication region in a temperature controllable water bath and a magnetic separation region in the water bath. Paramagnetic beads having reaction sites are introduced into the reaction vessels along with the appropriate solvent and one or more reactants. The contents of the reaction vessel are sonicated, then moved to the magnetic separation region where the paramagnetic beads are tightly held against the reaction vessel while the solvent is aspirated off. Once the desired reaction product is attained, the reaction product is cleaved off the paramagnetic bead.

Abstract: A method for detecting macromolecular species present on or in particles wherein particles are collected onto a surface, and the macromolecular species are allowed to diffuse from the particles. The diffused macromolecular species in close proximity to the particles are immobilized nonspecifically, wherein an immobilized macromolecular species is sufficiently close to a particle so as to be indicative of being diffused from the particle. The presence of the macromolecular species is detected while maintaining the close proximity of the immobilized macromolecular species to the particles from which the macromolecular species diffused.

Abstract: Methods of preparing a boronate-antigen complex for immunization of animals, a monoclonal antibody specific for the same, an immunoassay method for detection of the complex and a method of calculating the amount of a target glycated protein within the sample useful in the diagnostic monitoring of diabetes are disclosed. An immunoassay kit based on this reagent is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for detection of panel reactive antibodies in serum of a subject against HLA class I antigens, which comprises the steps of adding serum from a subject to an array of microbeads, each microbead presenting HLA antigens from a cell population presenting the same HLA antigens; incubating the serum and microbeads for sufficient time for anti-HLA antibodies in the serum to bind to the HLA antigens presented on the microbeads; removing the serum components which do not specifically bind with the HLA antigens presented on the microbeads; incubating the microbeads with a labeled ligand capable of specifically binding with anti-HLA antibodies bound to said HLA antigens; removing the labeled ligand which is not bound to said HLA antigens; and detecting the presence of labeled ligand bound to said HLA antigens by flow cytometry.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to cyclosporin analogs, and more paritcularly to methods for the solid-phase synthesis and on-resin cyclization of cyclosporin analogs. Methods are described for the on-resin cyclization of sterically hindered compounds synthesized through solid phase synthesis techniques. The methods utilize solvent, temperature, and washing conditions that allow the efficient on-resin cyclization of compounds like analogs of cyclosporin A.

Abstract: A stable colloidal particle comprises a colloidal-sized core substrate having amine-reactive functional groups thereon with an aminodextran coating over its peripheral surface and a layer of colloidal-sized metallic solid overlaying the aminodextran coating. A linker comprising aminotrithiolate attached to the metallic solid has a free amino group to which a protein is attached by covalent bonding to the free amino group. Such novel particles are useful in flow cytometry, particularly useful in the simultaneous analyses of subpopulations of leukocytes. Methods of preparation of such particles, as well as methods of use are provided. These conjugates enable the simultaneous analyses of at least two different mutually exclusive subsets of white blood cells, based on the binding affinity of the conjugated protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample processing method for rendering cellular components such as nucleic acids in a sample accessible. The method involves subjecting a sample of disrupted cells to sufficient agitation in the presence of particles to separate nucleic acids from other cellular components. A heat lysis process without other lysogenic agents or conditions is the preferred method of disrupting cells for the sample. Once accessed, the nucleic acids may be used in various molecular biology procedures.

Abstract: Assay methods for performing non-competitive ligand-receptor assays, where said assays provide a sensible result when the target ligand identified by the assay is present at a concentration greater than a defined threshold concentration. The threshold concentration can be selected to be the upper limit of a normal range of values for a target ligand in a sample, so that an assay in accordance with the invention provides a sensible result only when the target ligand is present at elevated levels.

Abstract: A device for analyzing a whole blood sample is provided. The device comprises a conventionl hematology analyzer integrated with a fluorescence cyometry analyzer. A controller is provided for controlling the analyzers, obtaining and utilizing data from both and reporting a quantitative result. Methods are also provided for analyzing a whole blood sample. One such method comprises the steps of performing on a single instrument an analysis of impedance associated with the blood sample, an analysis of light scatter associated with the blood sample, and an analysis of fluorescence associated with the blood sample. Data is collected and utilized. A result is reported.

Abstract: A method and kit for measurement of a steroid by means of a competitive immunoassay, preferably a competitive enzyme immunoassay. The method and kit involve the use of a steroid analogue conjugated to a label. The steroids that are amenable to detection by the method and kit of the present invention include estradiol and progesterone. The method comprises the steps of:a. incubating a mixture of a test sample suspected of containing a given steroid, a solid phase coupled to an antibody specific for that steroid, and a conjugate of an analogue of that steroid to form steroid/antibody complexes and conjugate/antibody complexes on said solid phase;b. separating said solid phase from said mixture;c. measuring the amount of label present in said mixture or in said solid phase; andd. determining the amount of steroid in said sample from the amount of label. The kit comprises a solid phase coupled to an antibody specific for a steroid and a conjugate of an analogue of that steroid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are employed for determining interactions between different components, of the same or different type of composition. The apparatus provides for arrays of samples in tracks, where light emitting labels are excited and emitted light detected. Headers are provided for defining sites, so that particular interactions can be rapidly detected. Particularly, disks having circular tracks with headers defining sites on the tracks, so that positive signals can be interpreted in relation to the information provided by the header. Various modifications can be made, such as preprepared segments which may then be attached to the disk for assaying.

Abstract: An agglutination immunoassay method and apparatus therefor in which there are conducted the steps of contacting, in a container, a test sample suspected of containing a desired analyte and a reagent comprising sensitized magnetic-material containing particles capable of reacting with and binding to a desired analyte; precipitating the particles on the bottom of the container by the application of magnetic force; allowing the container to stand at an inclination so as to cause the particles to flow along the bottom of the container to form a developed pattern of the particles; obtaining a representative length of the developed pattern of the particles by an imaging device; and detecting the presence or absence of an immune reaction from the representative length of the pattern of the particles which has flowed from the bottom of the container, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the desired analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: Methodology which avoids the problems associated with interference from whole blood is provided for instrumented determination of platelet binding function. Particularly, small particles to which fibrinogen is bound, and which contain an infrared light absorbing dye, are used to determine the binding of platelets in a whole blood sample to the fibrinogen. Agglutination of the platelets with the coated particles is determined by a change in infrared light absorption characteristics.

Abstract: A method combining the techniques of immunoaffinity separation and continuous flow centrifugal separation is provided for selective separation of a nucleated heterogeneous cell population from a heterogeneous cell mixture. The heterogeneous cell mixture is intimately contacted to promote binding thereto by particles having attached a substance that actively binds to a specific desired type of cell out of the cell mixture. The particles are selected so that the sedimentation velocity of the particle/cell conjugate differs sufficiently from those of other cells in the cell mixture to allow its separation by means of a continuous flow cell separator.

Abstract: Specific binding ligands can be detected with an assay which utilizes an immobilized receptor for the ligand, an immobilized reporter enzyme, an inhibitor antibody and a a water-soluble conjugate of the ligand and an anti-inhibitor antibody. Both antibodies are specific for the reporter enzyme, but the antibodies affect enzymatic activity differently. The inhibitor antibody effectively shuts down the activity of the reporter enzyme when it is complexed thereto. The anti-inhibitor antibody binds to the reporter enzyme, does not affect the enzymatic activity, but prevents the binding of the inhibitor enzyme. This assay provides a direct correlation of the generated signal to the target specific binding ligand.

Abstract: The present invention is a method useful for the detection of bloodgroup antigens and antibodies. The method of the present invention is envisioned for two types of assays: a direct assay and an indirect assay. The direct assay comprises adding a sample of erythrocytes to a reaction tube charged with two layers of immunoreactive particles, a first layer, preferably Sepharose, having Protein G coupled to the surface of those particles and a second layer, preferably Sephacryl S-200, having Protein A coupled to those particles in a buffer solution. Antibodies specific for the bloodgroup antigens tested for are coupled to the Protein G. The reaction tube is then centrifuged for a time sufficient to force to the bottom of the reaction tube erythrocytes that do not attach to the antibodies.

Abstract: Provided are automated methods for distinguishing and differentiating cells in a whole blood sample. In one of the methods, a whole blood sample is provided. One or more tests to be performed on the whole blood sample is selected. The tests to be performed on the whole blood sample are correlated. A volume of the whole blood sample is aspirated into an automated instrument system which automatically performs conventional hematology analysis and fluorescent cytometry analysis on the whole blood sample. A first aliquot of the whole blood sample is dispensed into at least one sample receiving vessel. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample is mixed with a fluorescent reagent. The first aliquot of the whole blood sample mixed with fluorescent reagent is diluted and transported through a flow transducer system.

Abstract: The object of this invention is an improved method for biospecific multiparameter assay method based on the use of different categories of microparticles as solid support for different bioaffinity reagents. This invention allows the use of microparticles of small size and with very moderate monodispersity and conventional short decay time fluorescent labels for labelling the biospecific reactants. The high sensitivity of this method is based on the use of confocal excitation and detection, or alternatively, two-photon excitation for measurement of the biospecific reaction. The identification of the category of the microparticle is based on the use of fluorescent or Raman scattering indicators associated with the microparticles representing different analytes.

Abstract: A first monoclonal antibody which specifically reacts with a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor complex (PIC) and a human plasminogen; a second monoclonal antibody which reacts with PIC and also with a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor; a third monoclonal antibody which reacts with PIC, but does not react with a human plasminogen and a human .alpha..sub.2 -plasmin inhibitor; hybridomas which secrete the first to third monoclonal antibodies, and an immunoassay using the first to third monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: An analysis element for analyzing both amounts of glycated hemoglobin and total hemoglobin in an aqueous liquid sample to determine glycated hemoglobin content ratio in the sample. The element comprises a substrate layer for receiving a reaction mixture after the completion of an immunological reaction between the glycated hemoglobin in the sample and an enzyme-labelled antibody against the glycated hemoglobin, and a reagent layer. The substrate layer contains a non-diffusible substrate which forms a diffusible material in the presence of the enzyme of the enzyme-labelled antibody, the activity of the enzyme being effected relative to the steric hindrance due to the immunological reaction. The reagent layer contains a reagent composition for reacting with the diffusible material to form a dye detectable colorimetrically in a wavelength range which is not effected by an absorption spectrum of the hemoglobin.

Abstract: A solid phase system for use in ligand-receptor assays, particularly immunoassays using monoclonal antibodies, is disclosed. The solid phase system comprises a porous matrix in which microspheres, bound with a receptor capable of capturing a target ligand, are entrapped. Preferably, the microspheres are entrapped within a discrete zone or zones of the porous matrix.

Abstract: This invention comprises a scintillation proximity assay designed to assay for the presence of N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, also known as GalNAc-transferase. The assay is most conveniently carried out on 96-well microtiterplates. The assay is especially suitable for large volume screens for compounds affecting GalNAc-transferase activity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay for determining the presence of at least one analyte in a sample, which involves the steps of: (a) mixing the sample and predetermined amounts of first test microparticles having disposed thereon a binding molecule which binds a first analyte, and inert reference microparticles to form a reaction mixture, and to allow for the first binding molecule to bind the first analyte; b) counting the numbers of the non-reacted first test microparticles and the reference microparticles; and (c) comparing the number of non-reacted first test microparticles to the reference microparticles to thereby establish a first test value so that the presence of the first analyte in the sample may be determined. In a preferred embodiment, the first test value is compared to a control value for a non-reactive sample, and a change value is calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A method for immunologically determining antistreptolysin O antibody comprises contacting a test sample solution containing antistreptolysin O antibody with a binding agent to selectively bind the antistreptolysin O antibody to the binding agent, and determining an amount of the bound antistreptolysin O antibody, wherein the binding agent comprises a streptolysin O-immobilized carrier obtained by contacting a solution containing streptolysin O with a carrier having immobilized thereon at least one steroid represented by formula (1): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a side chain moiety of cholesterol or a side chain moiety of cholic acid, wherein each of the side chain moieties is independently unsubstituted or substituted and independently saturated or unsaturated; R.sup.2 is hydrogen or hydroxyl; and each dashed line independently represents a single bond or no bond.

Abstract: A method is provided for enhancing the stability and increasing the activity of polymer particle reagents by incubating a polymer particle which has been covalently bound to a compound of biological interest, such as a drug, with a modifying agent that will place a negative charge on the surface of the polymer particle and reduce residual functional groups. The modifying agent is preferably an anionic nucleophile selected from the group consisting of .beta.- mercaptoacetic acid and the thiosulfates.

Abstract: A system for assaying a fluid sample for one or more types of analytes, which employs at least one class of finely divided polystyrene spheroidal particles, each class being limited to a predetermined specific narrow range of particle diameters, the particles of each such class being coated with a specific reactant unique for that class. After the coated particles are mixed with the sample to specifically react to form conjugates of the particles and any of the analyte present, the mixture is irradiated with bursts of ultrasound swept over a range of frequencies resonant to the expected conjugate sizes. The presence of the conjugates and therefore the analyte is detected directly by measuring any selective absorption or scattering of waves of frequencies to which the conjugates are resonant.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel carbamazepine hydrazide compound suitable for covalent attachment to a polymer particle reagent, having the general formula ##STR1## The present invention also provides a novel carbamazepine acid compound suitable for attachment to proteins for the production of carbamazepine immunogens. The carbamazepine antigen of the present invention has the following general structure: ##STR2## where X is C=O, CH.sub.2 or SO.sub.2 ; Y is C=O, CH.sub.2, SO.sub.2 ; R is an alkyl and P is a protein or a hapten.

Abstract: Microparticles formed by mixing a macromolecule with a polymer at a pH near the isoelectric point of the macromolecule and incubating the mixture in the presence of an energy source for a predetermined length of time. The microparticles are composed of homogeneously distributed, intertwined macromolecule and polymer. Each microparticle allows aqueous fluids to enter and allows solubilized macromolecule and polymer to exit the microparticle and may be formulated to provide a sustained release of macromolecule and polymer from the interior of the microparticle when placed in an appropriate aqueous medium, such as under physiological conditions. Methods of production and methods of use for research, diagnostics and therapeutics are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides phospholipid coated particles capable of specifically binding antiphospholipid antibodies and a method for preparing such particles. Methods are also provided for determining antiphospholipid antibodies in a serum or plasma. Also provided are methods for isolating antiphospholipid antibodies from a fluid and for raising specific antiphospholipid antibodies.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel protein and peptide compositions comprising soluble and bound forms of immunologically-active blood group antigens including mammalian Rh antigens. In preferred embodiments methods for the isolation and purification of serologically-active human Rh antigens such as D, c, C, E, and e are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the adsorption of immunologically-active Rh antigens to solid supports. Diagnostic kits, methods, and devices for the detection of Rh antibodies in clinical and non-clinical samples are also disclosed. Devices, compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and quantitation of anti-Rh antibodies from solution are also provided.

Abstract: A patient's health may be diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more bodies or groups of bodies such as floats, inserts, liposomes, or plastic beads of different densities. Each density-defined body carries analyte-capture binding materials such as antigens or antibodies, which are specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on a target analyte which target analyte may be in the blood or other sample being tested; and the level of which analyte is indicative of the patient's health. At least one labeled binding material which is also specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on the target analyte is added to the sample so as to form labeled binding material/analyte/body complexes in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions of morphogenic proteins constituting soluble forms of these proteins, antibodies that distinguish between soluble and mature forms, and method for producing these morphogenic proteins and antibodies.

Abstract: Methods for determining the presence of a ligand in a sample suspected to contain the ligand are provided, along with apparatus suitable for performing the methods. The methods depend upon a color visualization indicating the ligand's presence or absence in the sample. Preferred methods comprise contacting the sample with colored particles which bear on their surface a receptor specific for the ligand, passing the sample/particle mixture through a filter, and then analyzing the color of the filtrate. The presence of ligand in the sample is established where the color of the filtrate is substantially different from the color of the receptor-bearing particles.

Abstract: Combinatorial libraries are disclosed which are represented by Formula I:(T'--L).sub.q --S--C(O)--L'--II' Iwherein:S is a solid support; T'--L-- is an identifier residue; and --L'--II' is a ligand/linker residue. These libraries contain dihydrobenzopyrans of the formula: ##STR1## which interact (i.e., as agonists or antagonists) with .alpha. adrenergic receptors, dopamine receptors, .sigma.-opiate receptors, and K.sup.+ channels and are inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase isozymes. They are useful in the treatment of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.

Abstract: This invention is related to a process for the enhanced immobilization of a ligand to solid supports to be used for a biochemical detection method. The enhanced immobilization of the ligand was obtained by coating the surface of the solid support with the adhesive polyphenolic protein isolated from mussels. The bound ligand is reacted with a solution containing an antiligand whereby the antiligand becomes bound to the immobilized ligand. After removing the excess or unbound antiligand, the antiligand bound to the immobilized ligand is detected by using an enzyme-linked immunoassay.

Abstract: The present invention features stable bulking agents and blocking agents for solid phase materials containing proteins. The proteins have thiol groups which are blocked or chemically inert, preventing the formation of aggregates. Chemical solutions wherein thiol groups, if present, are blocked or chemically inert, are particularly useful in analytical applications and in diagnostic reagents utilizing solid phase materials or particles.

Abstract: An agglutination immunoassay method and apparatus therefor in which there are conducted the steps of contacting, in a container, a test sample suspected of containing a desired analyte and a reagent comprising sensitized magnetic-material containing particles capable of reacting with and binding to a desired analyte; precipitating the particles on the bottom of the container by the application of magnetic force; allowing the container to stand at an inclination so as to cause the particles to flow along the bottom of the container to form a developed pattern of the particles; obtaining a representative length of the developed pattern of the particles by an imaging device; and detecting the presence or absence of an immune reaction from the representative length of the pattern of the particles which has flowed from the bottom of the container, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the desired analyte in the test sample.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining an analyte in a medium suspected of containing the analyte. One method comprises treating a medium suspected of containing an analyte under conditions such that the analyte, if present, causes a photosensitizer and a photoactive indicator precursor molecule to come into close proximity. The photosensitizer generates singlet oxygen which activates the photoactive indicator precursor to generate a photoactive indicator molecule. Upon irradiation with light the photoactive indicator molecule produces light, which is measured. The amount of light produced by the photoactive indicator is related to the amount of analyte in the medium. Compositions, kits, and compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and device is described for direct removal of heparin from whole blood during extracorporeal therapy. In clinical situations where the blood is heparinized to prevent clotting in the extracorporeal circuit containing e.g., a hemodialysis cartridge or a heart-lung machine, it would be desirable to eliminate the systemic heparinization of the patients. The extracorporeal circuit contains a device having antithrombin III immobilized and inserted between the outlet port of the primary extracorporeal device, such as the hemodialysis cartridge or heart-lung machine and the patient. When the heparinized blood comes in contact with the immobilized antithrombin III, heparin is removed and the reperfused blood is substantially free of heparin. The advantage of the system lies in the fact that heparin is removed from the blood rather than neutralized. This helps overcome the adverse reactions and side effects associated with the use of heparin anticoagulation.

Abstract: Non-invasive methods and kits are provided for obtaining biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components by administering oxytocin or an oxytocin analogue to a mammalian patient to stimulate expression of mammary fluid. The oxytocin is preferably administered intranasally and causes myoepithelial contraction of target alveolar-ductal tissues of the breast. During or after mammary fluid expression, a biological sample is collected in the form of whole mammary fluid, whole cells or cellular components, other selected liquid or solid fractions of the mammary fluid, purified or bulk proteins, glycoproteins, peptides, nucleotides or other desired constituents of mammary fluid. Methods and kits are also provided for determining the presence or amount of a breast disease marker in biological samples of mammary fluid or mammary fluid components.

Abstract: Assays and antibodies are disclosed for the detection and quantitation of cardiac specific troponin I and troponin T in body fluids as an indicator of myocardial infarction. Since troponin I and T exist in various conformations in the blood, the ratios of the monomeric troponin I and T and the binary and ternary complexes may be related to the metabolic state of the heart. More specifically, immunoassays for determining the presence or amount of free, binary and ternary complexes of troponin I and T are claimed.

Abstract: Solid supports for solid phase immunoassays comprise polyethyleneimine-coated negatively charged polymeric materials. The combination of negatively-charged polymer support and polyethyleneimine coating serves to eliminate nonspecific adsorption of biological molecules such as high molecular weight kininogen, which have affinity for solid surfaces and which interfere with immunoassays. The negatively charged polymeric support to which the polyethyleneimine coating is applied may advantageously comprise, for example, a carboxylate-modified styrene microparticle. Antigens or antibodies are coupled by covalent coupling agents to the polyethyleneimine coating to form solid phase immunoreagents. Immunoassays for biological molecules such as high and low molecular weight kininogen are provided.

Abstract: A method of assaying for CAT in a fluid involves the use of a complex of chloramphenicol with a member of a specific binding pair such as a hapten or biotin. Biotinylated chloramphenicol is claimed as new. A scintillation proximity assay involves use of this reagent with tritiated acetyl coenzyme A and streptavidin coated SPA beads.

Abstract: The invention describes novel fluorescently labeled microspheres, where the microspheres possess at least one internal fluorescent spherical zone. The invention also describes the method of preparing the novel microspheres, the method of calibrating microscopy instrumentation using the novel microspheres, the method of using the novel microspheres as distinct labels for combinatorial analysis and the use of the labeled microspheres as tagging agents and tracers.

Abstract: A method for the separation of at least one specific binding entity from a mixture of binding entities by the steps of contacting a mixture of binding entities with immobilized peptides in which the peptides specifically bind to the specific binding entities and the peptides contain an amino acid which facilitates removal of the binding entities from the peptides, and separating the immobilized peptide/specific binding entity complexes from the mixture of binding entities. A change in incubation conditions facilitates removal of the binding entities from the immobilized peptides.

Abstract: The assay described herein is predicated on an observation that when acridinium ester labeled tracers are bound to their corresponding binding conjugate immobilized on a metal oxide solid phase, the measurable chemiluminescent light emission of the labeled tracer bound to the solid phase is quenched as compared to the free fraction tracer that is unattached to the solid phase. According to the invention, a non-separation specific binding assay to detect or quantify the presence of an analyte is provided where the entire reaction mixture is flashed (including unreacted tracer) and modulated signal (because of the quench effect) is associated with a reference, thus determining the amount or presence of said analyte in said sample. Disadvantages inherent in heterogeneous assays employing multiple separations may be avoided using this non-separation method.

Abstract: Liposome reagents used in assays to detect the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample, particularly where the analyte is antiphospholipid antibodies are described. The liposome reagents comprise a liposome, a ligand chosen to bind specifically with the analyte and associated with the liposome membrane, and a haptenated component associated with the membrane of the liposome where the hapten is chosen to bind specifically to a receptor bound to a solid phase or to a label compound that is an element of a signal detection system and where the liposome reagent is prepared so that during the assay the linkage between the solid phase and ligand of the liposome reagent is maintained.

Abstract: A patient's health may be diagnosed by centrifuging blood samples in a transparent tube, which tube contains one or more bodies or groups of bodies such as floats, inserts, liposomes, or plastic beads of different densities. Each density-defined body carries analyte-capture binding materials such as antigens or antibodies, which are specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on a target analyte which target analyte may be in the blood or other sample being tested; and the level of which analyte is indicative of the patient's health. At least one labeled binding material which is also specific to an epitope, or other specific high affinity binding site on the target analyte is added to the sample so as to form labeled binding material/analyte/body complexes in the sample.