Abstract: A dry test strip for the detection of an analyte in a test fluid is disclosed. The test strip comprises a porous detection zone containing a reactant system that can generate a signal in the presence of an analyte. The detection zone further comprises dextran as a barrier to prevent penetration of RBC's into the detection zone.

Abstract: A reagent coating material has been developed to modify the surface of articles used in assay procedures. Polymers of chitosan solubilized with an organic acid form into thin films when contacted to glass, plastic, metal or cellulose articles. The coated article may be used directly for immobilizing agents for assay, or may be further modified to increase the range of usefulness. The reagent coating solution itself may also be reacted to produce an activated reagent with surface coating properties. The invention embodies a kit of use in immunoassay procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of binding biologically active organic ligands to hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers. The method involves bringing 4-fluorobenzenesulfonyl Chloride into reactive contact with the hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers in such a manner to form sulfonate groups in place of the hydroxyl groups. The ligand is then brought into reactive contact with the hydroxyl groups of polymeric carriers to replace the sulfonate groups reacted with the organic ligand. The polymeric carrier containing the bound ligand can be used to isolate a biologically active material from a heterogeneous solution.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target moiety comprising the steps of (a) providing an antibody specific to the target, (b) saturating the binding sites of the antibody with a labelled form of the target, (c) flowing a liquid containing the target past the saturated antibody, thereby (d) allowing the target to displace the labelled antigen, and (e) detecting the displaced labelled antigen with a detector for the label.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods useful in the diagnosis and monitoring of Gram-negative infection, especially chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection associated with cystic fibrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain PAC 605 core lipopolysaccharide determinants are employed as a solid phase antigen in enzyme linked immunosorbant assays and Western blot immunoassay to measure human IgG response to P. aeruginosa infection. The novel compositions are provided in kit form for use in assay methods according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of immobilizing proteins on a polymeric matrix by means of plasma activation and an apparatus and process for the use of such material. The protein mixture is applied to the surface of the polymeric matrix with or without the addition of a crosslinking agent. It is then placed into a plasma generator, wherein the functional groups on both the protein and the matrix molecules are activated to form free radicals. Upon returning from their high energy state, the free radicals form covalent bonds between the proteins and between the protein and the polymeric matrix. Using this method, the proteins are nonspecifically immobilized on the surface of the polymeric matrix. The method can be utilized to immobilize proteins on the surfaces of polymeric membranes, polymeric beads, polymeric tubes and polymeric plates. The immobilized protein has high biological activity and stability.

Abstract: A method for the quantification or qualification of antigens with an immunological solid phase method, for example of the ELISA type, during which the invention seeks to overcome the difficulties with falsely high or falsely positive measurement results.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the purification of interleukin-2 (IL-2) from a wide variety of sources, including synthetic mixtures, culture medium conditioned by natural IL-2 producing cells, and mammalian and bacterial recombinant IL-2 expression systems. The methods of the invention employ IL-2 receptor-affinity adsorbents in which soluble IL-2 receptors have been immobilized on solid supports. Through the use of these affinity adsorbents, highly purified IL-2 can be produced in a single step from bacterial extracts or conditioned medium. The IL-2 thus purified is largely free of aggregated forms, which are often present when other purification methods are used.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the purification of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety from a wide variety of sources, including synthetic mixtures, cell culture conditioned medium and mammalian and bacterial recombinant expression systems. The methods of the invention employ IL-2 receptor-affinity adsorbents in which soluble IL-2 receptors have been immobilized on solid supports. Through the use of these affinity adsorbents, highly purified IL-2 and chimeric proteins containing an IL-2 moiety can be produced in a single step from bacterial extracts or conditioned medium. The proteins thus purified are largely free of aggregated forms, which are often present when other purification methods are used.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay for one or more analytes which comprises contacting a sample suspected of containing one or more analytes with a solid phase containing one or more different antigen specific antibodies separately immobilized to defined areas on the solid phase, followed by indirectly detecting the presence of bound antigen by titrating the unbound immobilized antibodies with a titrating antibody which is specific for the first antibody. This assay allows the simultaneous detection of a multiplicity of antigens in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention provides cleavable conjugates whose linkers contain a labile bond that is cleavable under a variety of mild conditions, including weakly acidic. Since the agent may be bonded directly to the linker, cleavage can result in release of native agent. The invention also provides methods for producing cleavable conjugates. Preferred agents include drugs, toxins, biological response modifiers, radiodiagnostic compounds, radiotherapeutic compounds, and derivatives thereof. The targeting molecule employed in the invention may be an intact molecule, a fragment thereof, or a functional equivalent thereof. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the targeting molecule is a monoclonal antibody directed towards a tumor-associated antigen in man. The invention further provides methods for delivering to the cytoplasm of a target cell an agent free of its targeting molecule carrier.

Abstract: A method for enzyme immunoassay of a ligand includes urease as a label. A bound fraction of ligand and antiligand conjugated to urease is formed on a solid support. The urease component of the bound fraction is contacted with a substrate composition for urease which includes a compound converted to ammonia by the urease, a tetrazolium salt and a pH dependent reducing agent which reduces the tetrazolium salt when the pH of the assay medium has been raised by the ammonia. The tetrazolium salt is reduced to a colored insoluble formazan which precipitates as a detectable spot on the support. The invention includes the substrate composition and a kit of materials for performing the assay.

Abstract: A biochemical reagent comprises an oligosaccharide, preferably one which has been liberated from an immunogenic glycoprotein or proteoglycan, which is immobilized on a carrier via an intermediate spacer molecule such as a lipid. The lipid molecule should preferably have at least two long lipid tails so that the oligosaccharide is held in spaced relationship to the carrier where is exhibits antibody-binding ability which is almost indistinguishable from that of the original glycoprotein or proteoglycan. The reagent has its application in biochemical testing of oligosaccharides and systems which bind to them.

Abstract: The separation material for separating and recovering a blood coagulation factor comprises a porous matrix having linked thereon one or more ligands each consisting of a radical exhibiting an affinity for the blood coagulation factor to be recovered, said matrix having a specific surface area of at least 1.5 m.sup.2 per milliliter of the separation material with respect to pores having diameters of at least 0.1 .mu.m and being derived from a porous particulate material having an exclusion limit molecular weight of at least 1.5.times.1.sup.6 as determined with polyethylene glycol. The separation material is prepared by the process steps of subjecting a porous particulate material having an exclusion limit molecular weight of at least 1.5.times.10.sup.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a ligand-receptor assay for determining the presence or amount of at least one target ligand, capable of competing with a ligand analogue conjugate for binding sites available on a ligand receptor, said ligand analogue conjugate comprising at least one ligand analogue coupled to a signal development element capable of emitting a detectable signal, in a fluid sample suspected of containing said target ligand, comprising the steps of:a. contacting said fluid sample with ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor to form a reaction mixture, the relative amounts of ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor being such that in the absence of target ligand, and subsequent to substantially equilibrium binding, substantially all of the ligand analogue conjugate is bound to ligand receptor;b. detecting the unbound ligand analogue conjugate;c. relating the detectable signal to the presence or amount of target ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Assay methods and compositions are provided for determining an analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The composition comprises in a novel single liquid reagent at least one specific binding pair (sbp) member and its complementary member wherein at least one sbp member is reversibly confined in a material that temporarily renders the confined sbp member incapable of binding with its complementary sbp member. At least one of the sbp members is bound to a member of a signal producing system capable of producing a detectable signal in relation to the amount of analyte in the sample. The confinement is reversed, any remaining members of the signal producing system are added, and the signal produced in relation to the amount of analyte is measured. Examples of the confining material are lipid bilayers, cells and gels.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorometer, having a light tight enclosure, for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. Within the light tight enclosure are a pulsed dye laser that produces a pulsed light beam for sample excitation, a light tight sample excitation station through which samples, treated with a reagent composition, are passed into the path of the pulsed light excitation beam to produce a delayed fluorescence emission, a fused silica lens system through which the delayed fluorescence emission passes and an assembly which selectively amplifies, counts and characterizes the resulting emissions. The operation and coordination of the time resolved fluorometer are under computerized control as are the readings reported. Significant improvements relate to the fused silica lens systems and interference filters, cooling of the emission measurement apparatus and particularly the improved performance resulting from the combination of these aspects.

Abstract: Homogeneous cyclophilin, a soluble binding protein, having a specific binding activity of above 50 ug cyclosporin A per mg protein and a molecular weight of about 17,600 daltons, reversibly binds immunosuppressants or antibodies thereto such as cyclosporin or anti-cyclophilin. It is isolated from the cytosol of several different mammalian tissues and can be used in various diagnostic and purifications procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a polysaccharide matrix to which haptens are covalently bound, wherein polysaccharide-containing material is rendered alkaline, dried to a water content of less than 5% and then reacted in an anhydrous medium with a hapten containing at least one activated functional group.The present invention also provides a device for carrying out this process, which comprises a winding core (3) in a container (1) for a reaction solution which has a tube (11), provided on its wall with a plurality of openings (7) and closed on one end (9), for the reception of a winding (13) of the material to be treated and two axial end walls (15, 17) for sealing off the axial ends of the winding (13) and feeds the reaction solution from the container (1) into the other end (21) of the tube (11) by means of a circulating pump cycle (19).

Abstract: This invention provides particle compositions possessing ferromagnetic, paramagnetic or diamagnetic properties. The particles are especially useful when used in the disease diagnostic and treatment regimens as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,106,448, 4,136,683 and 4,303,636.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the determination of an analyte in a body fluid, in which there are used two binding components capable of specifically binding with one another, one of the binding components being enzyme-labelled and not carrier-fixed and the other binding component being carrier-fixed. The process contains a step in which the binding components are incubated with one another so that binding reaction takes place. The amount of enzyme-labelled binding component not bound to the carrier-fixed binding component is a measure of the concentration of the analyte which is determined by allowing the labelling enzyme to act upon a substrate producing a detection signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of immobilizing proteins on a polymeric matrix by means of plasma activation and an apparatus and process for the use of such material. The protein mixture is applied to the surface of the polymeric matrix with or without the addition of a crosslinking agent. If is then placed into a plasma generator, wherein the functional groups on both the protein and the matrix molecules are activated to form free radicals. Upon returning from their high energy state, the free radicals form covalent bonds between the proteins and between the protein and the polymeric matrix. Using this method, the proteins are nonspecifically immobilized on the surface of the polymeric matrix. The method can be utilized to immobilize proteins on the surface of polymeric membranes, polymeric beads, polymeric tubes and polymeric plates. The immobilized protein has high biological activity and stability.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a ligand-receptor assay for determining the presence or amount of at least one target ligand, capable of competing with a ligand analogue conjugate for binding sites available on a ligand receptor, said ligand analogue conjugate comprising at least one ligand analogue coupled to a signal development element capable of emitting a detectable signal, in a fluid sample suspected of containing said target ligand, comprising the steps of:a. contacting said fluid sample with ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor to form a reaction mixture, the relative amounts of ligand analogue conjugate and ligand receptor being such that in the absence of target ligand, and subsequent to substantially equilibrium binding, substantially all of the ligand analogue conjugate is bound to ligand receptor;b. detecting the unbound ligand analogue conjugate;c. relating the detectable signal to the presence or amount of target ligand in the fluid sample.

Abstract: Binding assay reagents for use in optical assay systems are disclosed. Assays, such as immunoassays, employing the reagent are also disclosed. The reagent is comprised of paired, associated polypeptides one of which has multiple optically active dye labels. The binding assay reagents exhibit enhanced binding activity over that of the dye labelled polypeptides alone and also enhance the sensitivity of the binding assay by providing increased amounts of optical label.

Abstract: A high molecular hyaluronic acid which is an important factor in the diagnosis of inflammations such as rheumatism or diseases such as cancer is assayed as a complex of sandwich structure in which a hyaluronic acid binding protein is coupled to the hyaluronic acid of interest at two or more sites of binding without the need to employ a competitive reaction as in the prior art techniques of assay. The assay method of the present invention does not require a purified form of hyaluronic acid as a reagent and permits as small as 10 ng of a high molecular hyaluronic acid to be detected or quantified by a very simple operation.

Abstract: A solid phase binding member for the detection of an analyte in a test sample is described. The binding member comprises: (1) a solid support having micropores; (2) a polymer reversibly water-soluble before its application to the solid support; and (3) a ligand covalently attached to the polymer, the ligand interacting specifically with the analyte. The solid support can have micropores throughout or on its surface, and can be rayon, paper, fabric, plastic, agarose or polyacrylamide beads, glass, microcrystalline cellulose, or acid-treated plastic. The polymer can be carrageenan or sodium alginate. The ligand can be an antibody, a univalent antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, an antigen, a hapten, an enzyme, a hormone, or a single-stranded nucleic acid. Methods of use of the binding member are also described involving incorporation into a test device. The test device can be a dip stick, a hollow vessel, a slide, or a porous bead.

Abstract: The method described coats the interior of a tube-like support with the binding partner of the analyte. Analyte and anti-analyte-label conjugate are added. When the tube-like support is rotated end-over-end, the thin layer of analyte and conjugate readily react with the binding partners to form an immobilized label complex. When rotation stops, the reaction quenches to provide precise timing. The label complex is released and measured.

Abstract: A novel class of compounds, methods for the preparation thereof and the use thereof in chromatographic methods for binding various biologically active materials non-covalently are disclosed. The class of compounds comprises the reaction product of a polymeric gel with a pyridine base, such as 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and a halogen-substituted pyridine, such as 3,5-dichloro-2,4,6-trifluoropyridine (DCTFP), which reaction product may in turn be optionally reacted with hydroxyl ions or specified low-molecular-weight compounds. These compounds are capable of selectively and efficiently binding proteins and other organic materials of interest non-covalently to a degree comparable or superior to the heretofore preferred natural affinity ligands, such as Protein A gels. The novel compounds find particular utility in purification and recovery of proteins such as serum albumin and immunoglobulins of various classes from crude sources, such as diluted serum samples from various species.

Abstract: An immunoenzimatic method is disclosed for the detection and the measurement of anti-P. falciparum sporzoite antibodies in human blood and/or in its derivatives, which operates with a synthetic antigen-enzyme conjugate capable of forming with the antisporozoite antibodies a stable antibody-synthetic antigen-enzyme complex, and one or more proteins absorbed and/or covalently linked to a solid support, which eagerly bind the antisporozoite antibody of said complex.The method, thanks to its simpleness, specificity and rapidity, is particularly useful in epidemiologic investigations into malaria and into the efficacy of an antimalarial vaccine.

Abstract: A method to convert the hydroxyl groups of solubilized dextran to the tresylate forms which can be displaced by a nucleophile is disclosed. The method of the invention requires the reaction of dextran with the tresylating reagent in the presence of dry DMSO. The resulting tresylate can be converted to labeled dextrans which have direct linkages of a nucleophilic label to the carbons of the dextran backbone.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel homogeneous immunoassay systems involving complement-mediated lysis of marker-encapsulating lipid vesicles (liposomes) for detection of analyte in a fluid sample. These systems do not require the separation of unbound antigens and/or antibody conjugates yet provide highly sensitive procedures for analyte detection. Liposomes containing a marker, are coupled to antibody fragments in a way which confers the liposomes with immunological specificity yet avoids sensitizing the liposomes to complement mediated lysis in the absence of analyte. Antibody sensitized liposomes (the first reagent) are sequentially incubated with an analyte-containing sample, and optionally "dummy" liposomes, which do not contain encapsulated marker, a second antibody (the second reagent), and finally with a complement source such as plasma. Complement is activated by the liposome-antibody-antigen-second antibody complex causing liposome lysis and a concomitant release of marker.

Abstract: A solution of an active protein substance and an inactive protein substance is reacted with a cross-linking agent, optionally in the presence of an inert carrier, under cross-linking conditions to produce articles comprising both active and inactive protein substances. The active protein substance comprises up to about 20 percent, e.g. from 1 to 20 percent by weight, based on the final weight of the total protein substance, whereas the cross-linking agent comprises from 0.5 to 8 percent by weight, based on the weight of the total treated mixture. The obtained articles are in the form of a solution or a suspension in aqueous medium, in the form of a film, in the form of a membrane, in the form of a fabric, in the form of a porous material, or in the form of a mass, such as granules, pills or tablets.

Abstract: An immunoassay method for one-step detection of specific antibodies which includes incubation of a solid phase support or matrix having a spot of the antigen bound thereto with a sample of the clinical fluid to be tested in the presence of a signal developing reagent, including a detector substance, which is preferably a colloidal metal sol, and a ligand, such as protein A or other antibody binding ligand. A diagnostic field kit containing the test antigens and signal developing reagent is also described.

Abstract: A substantially pure antigen found on normal and benign breast epithelial cell membranes and in breast cancer cells, fused cell hybrids which produce antibodies specific for such antigen, the monoclonal antibodies produced by such fused cell hybrids, a method for detecting the presence of breast cancer in a patient which is based on measuring the concentrations of one or more determinants of such antigen in a patient sample, and a method for either identifying those breast cancer patients whose tumors would respond to estrogen manipulation or determining prognosis based on the degree of differentiation, which method is based on measuring the concentration of an estrogen-modulated determinant of such antigen.

Abstract: Antibody is provided which is capable of neutralizing the in vitro anti-neoplastic cellular activity of lymphotoxin. This antibody, which preferably is produced of monoclonal fusions, can be used in assays for lymphotoxin or for immunoaffinity purification of lymphotoxin.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies specific for Mycoplasma pneumoniae determinants and their use in the diagnosis of mycoplasma pneumoniae and purification of a protein determinant of M. pneumoniae.

Abstract: Immunoglobulins are purified by adsorption upon and adsorbent therefor using a buffer having a pH value of about pH 6 to pH 10 and containing at least one polycarboxylic acid in a concentration of about 0.5 M to about 0.9 M.

Abstract: A monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody specific to a human IgG.sub.1 type monoclonal antibody possessing specificity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor; a method for the production of the aforementioned monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody by the steps of immunizing an animal with a human IgG.sub.1 type monoclonal antibody specific to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, collecting antibody-producing cells from the animal, fusing the collected cells with neoplastic cells, selecting from the product of fusion a hybridoma capable of producing a monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody specific to the human IgG.sub.1 type monoclonal antibody possessing specificity to nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, propagating the selected hybridoma thereby giving rise to said monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody, and collecting the produced monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody; and use of the monoclonal anti-idiotypic antibody as a reagent and as an adsorbent.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody is disclosed which is specific for human colon fibroblast-derived tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA), and which is useful for immunoaffinity chromatography purification of t-PA and determination of t-PA in a biological sample.

Abstract: Conjugates of transferrin or ceruloplasmin with anti-tumor agents. Such conjugates are useful in the treatment of tumors. Suitable anti-tumor agents include adriamycin, daunomycin, methotrexate, vincristin, 6-mercaptopurine, cytosine arabinoside and cyclophosphamide. Transferrin or ceruloplasmin is preferably coupled to the anti-tumor agent by means of glutaraldehyde.

Abstract: Thiol gels are prepared from hydroxyl containing polymers by forming a 2-fluoro-1-methylpyridoxy derivative of the polymer followed by reacting the derivative with sodium dimethyldithiocarbamate and reducing to produce a sulfhydryl substituted polymer. Alternatively, the derivative is reacted with dithiothreitol to produce a sulfhydryl substituted polymer having free sulfhydryl groups spaced from the polymer. The thiol gel can be activated by means of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide and reacted with a free sulfhydryl containing biologically active ligand in order to provide an insolubilized ligand which can be used for various purposes including use as an immobilized biologically active material or use as a matrix in covalent chromatography.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods for the preparation of immunoadsorption matrices having IgG molecules adsorbed thereto in a preferred configuration, i.e., adsorbed to the matrix by their (Fc) rather than F(ab) portions. IgG molecules, are selected such that the F(ab) portion of the IgG fraction adsorbed has a more acidic or basic net isoelectric point or pI range than the F(c) end of the molecule, depending on the characteristics of the adsorption surface. For negatively charged surfaces, IgG molecules having relatively alkaline F(c) portions are selected. For positively charged surfaces, IgG with relatively acidic F(c) portions are selected. Additional selection criteria include pI fractionation to provide fractions having well defined pI characteristics as defined by "non-overlap" or "pI range" of F(c) and F(ab) portions pI's. Methods disclosed are particularly well suited to the preparation of colloidal gold immunostains.

Abstract: Disclosed are an analytical element for determining a specific component A in a test sample, based on the specific reaction between said specific component A and a substance B capable of binding specifically to said specific component A, by the use of a labelled material L comprising a label capable of providing a signal and said specific component A or comprising a label capable of providing a signal and a substance C capable of binding specifically to said specific component A, characterized in that said element has a porous reaction layer formed by the use of a mixture containing (a) a carrier having said substance B immobilized thereon and (b) a carrier having an absorbing substance D capable of binding specifically to said labelled material L which has not bound to said substance B or to said specific compound A, to thereby modulate said signal, and an analytical method employing the same.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus in patients, the sera of which contain antibodies reactive against ribosomal proteins P0, P1 and P2. A peptide containing an amino acid sequence corresponding to the carboxyl termini of the ribosomal proteins, which peptide is bound to a solid carrier, is also provided for use in such methods.

Abstract: Macromolecular monoclonal antibody compositions are provided which are capable of selectively forming stable bonds to cells having a predetermined concentration of at least one surface antigen, such concentration being greater in such cells than in other cells in the cell population, wherein the composition comprises a substrate and a plurality of monoclonal antibodies specific to said surface antigen or antigens, which antibodies are covalently bonded to the substrate.

Abstract: A method for determining the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the total hemoglobin of a blood sample includes binding of both glycosylated and nonglycosylated hemoglobin competitively to a nonspecific binder for hemoglobin affixed to a dipstick and reacting the glycosylated hemoglobin with a dihydroxyboryl reagent conjugated to a fluorescent dye. When the binding and reacting steps are complete, the dipstick is washed and its color is measured by absorption of incident light having a wavelength within the absorption range of hemoglobin as an indication of total hemoglobin in the sample. Incident light having a wavelength within the absorption range of the dye is then applied to the dipstick and fluorescence from the dipstick is measured as an indication of glycosylated hemoglobin. The measurements may be made with a reflectometer capable of computing the percentage of glycosylated hemoglobin in the sample from the color and fluorescence measurements.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for determining the concentration of any of a wide range of antibody or antigen molecules with a high degree of specificity, accuracy and sensitivity. Antigen or antibody concentration is determined by effecting an agglutination reaction in a liquid medium and determining the cluster size distribution of agglutinated particles by optical pulse particle size analysis. The measured cluster size distribution then is compared with a standard quantitative relationship between the cluster size distribution and concentration of the antigen or antibody being tested. By this means one may specifically ascertain the absolute concentration of the antigen or antibody in question in the sample being analyzed. In addition to detecting antigen or antibody molecules, the process of this invention can be used to determine the concentration of any substance capable of specifically promoting or inhibiting an agglutination reaction such as viruses, white blood cells or the like.

Abstract: An immunoassay for detecting and measuring hCG in a sample includes an antibody directed to the carboxy terminal portion of the .beta. subunit of hCG and a monoclonal antibody directed to a determinant on hCG at a locus sufficiently remote from the carboxy terminal portion of the .beta. subunit of hCG that both antibodies can simultaneously bind to hCG, wherein at least one of the antibodies is delectable when both are bound to hCG.In a presently preferred embodiment, an immunoassay for hCG or hCB.beta. in urine includes a purified, labeled or detectable serum-derived antibody directed to the carboxy-terminal portion of the .beta. subunit of hCG and a matrix-bound monoclonal antibody directed to a locus on the .beta. subunit sufficiently remote from the carboxy-terminal portion that both antibodies can simultaneously bind to hCG or hCG.beta..

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence in a human of an integral membrane calcium-binding protein associated with essential hypertension which comprises isolating tissue from a human, treating the tissue to obtain integral membrane proteins, contacting the proteins thus obtained with a first antibody molecule which binds to the integral membrane calcium binding protein to form an detectable protein-antibody complex, and detecting the complex so formed.Further, methods for quantitatively determining the amount of an integral membrane calcium-binding protein and the messenger RNA encoding said protein, diagnostic methods for identifying individuals predisposed to essential hypertension, and protein and messenger RNA associated with said hypertension.

Abstract: A membrane structure useful in filtration and diagnostic tests includes a microporous membrane formed from a biologically inert material, such as a polyamide, and has a coating comprising one or more water-soluble proteins or carbohydrates. None of the proteins and carbohydrates in the coating has a pI greater than about 5. The membrane structure is prepared by contacting the microporous membrane with the appropriate protein or carbohydrate in an amount sufficient to provide a coating over the entire membrane surface without substantially diminishing the porosity of the membrane. The membrane structure is useful in various diagnostic test procedures, such as agglutination assays.