Abstract: An indicator reagent, assay method and test kit for determining the presence or amount of an analyte in a test sample, in which the indicator reagent is formed by attaching an organic polymer latex particle, preferably a colored particle, to a specific binding member. The specific binding member can be adsorbed onto or covalently bound to the organic polymer latex particles. The organic polymer latex particles are readily detected by direct visual observation or can be detected and/or measured by appropriate instrumentation.

Abstract: A liposome reagent encapsulating a molecule to be targeted to a body site or used as an assay reporter has a ligand and a sulfonate-containing group on the liposome surface. Preferred ligands are antibodies or antibody fragments and preferred encapsulants are enzymes or dyes. In the most preferred reagents, the antibody and sulfonate-containing group are covalently bonded to the liposome surface through a connecting group which includes a succinimidyl group resulting from addition of the ligand or sulfonate-containing group to a maleimidyl group. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing an assay using the reagent of the invention as the tracer.

Abstract: An analytical device for fluid samples includes a fluid sample well means connected to a sample initiation area in such a fashion that the assay will not commence unless sufficient sample is introduced into the sample well means to conduct the assay. Once sufficient sample has been deposited into the sample well means, the sample flows into an initiation area and the assay commences.

Abstract: A quantitative, sensitive, One-Step In Situ hybridization assay is provided which will detect as few as 1-5 copies of target biopolymer per cell and may be accomplished in 5 minutes to 4 hours. There is provided a simultaneous assay for detecting multiple biopolymers within the same cell.

Abstract: A combination of reagents including (i) a first liquid containing (a) first microcapsules having an analyte immobilized on surfaces thereof and containing a marker therein and (b) microcapsules encapsulating an antibody and having different capsule walls from said first analyte immobilized microcapsules with respect to susceptibility to a capsule wall lysin, and (ii) a second liquid containing complement is suitable for immunoassay based on complement-dependent immune lysis of microcapsules.

Abstract: A method of binding aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes comprising contacting them with serum amyloid P component ("SAP"). The invention also comprises methods of using SAP to detect or quantitate immune complexes and to deplete fluids of aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Also provided is a test kit comprising SAP for detecting or quantitating immune complexes and a device for removing aggregated immunoglobulin or immune complexes from fluids.

Abstract: Methods of immobilizing nucleic acid on a solid surface for us in nucleic acid hybridization assays is disclosed. The methods of the invention comprise reacting a modified nucleic acid strand comprising a variable portion and an anchor portion wherein the variable portion comprises a nucleotide sequence having a selected base sequence and the anchor portion comprises at least one nucleotide base modified with a primary amine function or nucleotide base equivalent having a primary amine function and reacting the modified nucleic acid strand with a free aldehyde group of the solid surface in the presence of a reducing agent to form complexes of the modified nucleic acid strand and at least a portion of the free aldehyde groups on the solid surface.

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 rapid immunoassay device comprising a single porous membrane that serves as both a reagent support and a spent reagent reservoir is disclosed. The immunoassay device directs the flow of sample and reagents within the device in a manner that eliminates both lateral diffusion and backflow of reagents without the necessity of additional external means.

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: An analyzer system for automatic column chromatography, and method for its use, includes an array of chromatograph columns and multi-cell cuvettes associated with each column. Chromatographic separation takes place under a constant, low fluid pressure. A pressure system distributes air to each column during chromatographic separation but prevents leakage of air if the column array is partially empty. The multi-cell cuvette collects and separates the eluates associated with a single column. The system provides for automatic removal of caps from the bottoms of the chromatograph columns and provides for automatic optical density reading.

Abstract: A microassay card for a includes an upper layer containing wells for receiving a liquid sample. A second layer of the card, beneath the first layer, includes a supporting surface bound to a reactive species. A third layer includes a superabsorbent support impregnated with an indicator. Typically, the indicator is a substrate for an enzyme, such as a reduced dye precursor and a source of hydrogen peroxide necessary for the action of the enzyme upon the substrate to cause a spectral change in the absorbent layer. By selecting the structure of the first and second layers, the card can be formatted for a displacement assay or a competitive assay. The microassay card of the present invention is particularly useful for drug testing.

Abstract: A nucleic acid hybridization assay employing an immobilized or immobilizable polynucleotide probe selected to form DNA.RNA or RNA.RNA hybrids with the particular polynucleotide sequence to be determined. Resulting hybrids are detected by binding of an antibody reagent, preferably labeled with a detectable chemical group, selective for binding the hybrids in the presence of the single stranded sample and probe nucleic acids. No immobilization or labeling of sample nucleic acids is necessary and hybridization can be performed entirely in solution.

Abstract: A monoclonal antibody specific to a human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor is disclosed. The antibody is produced by culturing a hybridoma which secretes it. A human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor can be purified by using the monoclonal antibody as an immunoadsorbent. The human placenta-derived coagulation inhibitor can be immunologically assayed by using the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: A test kit useful for the determination of an immunological ligand includes a labeled receptor for that ligand, a specific wash solution and a test device. The wash solution is buffered to a pH of from about 5 to about 9 and contains at least 0.01 weight percent of a compound having a dodecyl sulfate anion and an alkali metal or ammonium cation. One such compound is sodium dodecyl sulfate. The test device has several test wells, and in each well there is a microporous membrane. A receptor for the ligand of interest is immobilized in one test well. The kit is particularly useful for measuring human chorionic gonadotropin as an early indicator of pregnancy.

Abstract: A method and composition for reducing and/or controlling elevated intraocular pressure, especially the elevated intraocular pressure associated with glaucoma, are disclosed in which an angiotensin II antagonist is administered to the eye.

Abstract: The invention provides a disposable device for collecting, transporting and storing semi-solid or liquid specimens prior to analysis. A sample of the collected specimen is removed from the device for analysis by means of a detachable transferring stick, one area of which is the sample collecting portion of the device and another area of which is an integral handle. The device also provides for the collection of a liquid sample drained from a defined volume of a semi-solid specimen through porous screen and collected on the detachable transferring stick. A sample of the specimen or liquid from it may be flushed from the stick for a qualitative or quantitative determination of analyte. The device is useful in collecting fecal specimens and detecting occult blood therein by a determination of hemoglobin in the specimen itself or in a liquid sample drained therefrom.

Abstract: A dipping element for immunoassay or quantitative analysis of an immunoreactive analyte is disclosed having a first matrix having a carrier therein containing an immobilized antibody capable of an immunochemical reaction with a sample antigen. The immobilized antibody is not released into the aqueous liquid sample upon contact. The element further comprises a second matrix which contains labelled antigen which does dissolve in the aqueous liquid sample upon contact. On dipping, the marker-labelled antigen reacts with the immobilized antibody in competition with the antigen-antibody reaction between the analyte antigen and the immobilized antibody. if the analyte is an antibody, then the second matrix contains a marker labelled antibody and the first matrix contains an immobilized antigen. Methods for the quantitative analysis of an analyte antigen or antibody are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical analysis test device for detection of a selected chemical in a biological fluid is disclosed wherein the test is preformed on a rigid base containing a detection well for holding a reagent and a specimen well for holding a sample of the biological fluid to be tested. The detection well is positioned above a concentration chamber wherein the cross-sectional area of the chamber increases as the distance from the bottom of the detection well increases. A passage connects the concentration chamber to the detection well. The specimen well has a generally hemispherical interior surface and has an opening in the bottom thereof. A strip of wicking material is secured to the base interconnecting the opening in the specimen well and the concentration chamber. A specimen of the biological fluid to be tested is deposited in the specimen well and contacts the wicking material through the opening in the bottom of the well.

Abstract: In order to measure the concentration of an analyte in a liquid sample the sample is contacted with a receptor molecule having binding sites for the analyte and labelled with a first marker, whereby a fraction of the binding sites on the receptor molecule become occupied by the analyte, the sample being contacted with such a small amount of the receptor, having regard to its affinity constant with the analyte, that only an insignificant fraction of the analyte becomes bound to the receptor. The receptor having fractionally occupied binding sites is then back-titrated by means of a back-titration technique involving a system including a second marker different from the first, and the relative strengths of the two signals produced by the two markers are measured to provide a value representative of the fractional occupancy of the binding sites on the receptor molecule by the analyte.

Abstract: An optical immunosensing device for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample is fabricated by coating iron phosphate onto a silicon substrate and then etching the iron phosphate layer to obtain steps of varying thickness. Then, a first mip, capable of immunological reaction with the analyte, is immobilized on the iron phosphate steps. In the preferred embodiment, the first mip is chemically bound to the iron phosphate step surface. The presence of the analyte in the liquid sample is detected by visually observing color changes in the steps after contact of the detection zone with the liquid sample. A change in step color is related to increased thickness which can only result from the binding of the analyte to the first mip immobilized on the iron phosphate step. Aluminum phosphate can also be added to the iron phosphate.

Abstract: Surfactants bound to a ligand and dissolved in a single phase aqueous solution form a precipitate when a multivalent antiligand is added to the solution. This invention can be used in an affinity precipitation test procedure (and kit) for detecting the presence or absence of a multivalent antiligand in a sample suspected of containing the multivalent antiligand, in an affinity precipitation inhibition test procedure (and kit) for detecting the presence or absence of a target ligand in a sample suspected of containing the target ligand, and in a process for separating a multivalent antiligand from a crude material containing the multivalent antiligand.

Abstract: Analytical reaction cassette and method for performing sequential analytical assay procedures to determine the amount of an analyte in a liquid test mixture. The reaction cassette can be in the form of a substantially square container having a substantially horizontal axis of rotation and incorporated with one or more analytical reagents such that they are contacted with a liquid test mixture in a desired ordered sequence to perform a particular assay procedure. Corners provided by the substantially square configuration of the reaction cassette disrupt the flow of liquids disposed in the reaction cassette upon contact therewith to thereby agitate and mix such liquids. A liquid disposed in the reaction cassette is capable of being manipulated and mixed therein by rotating the reaction cassette about the horizontal axis at sufficiently low velocities wherein the transport of such liquid is noncentrifugal and due substantially only to gravitational force.

Abstract: An improved rectal mucus screening test method and kit for cancerous and precancerous conditions which is rapid, employs reagents which can be provided in kit form and which does not give false negatives due to sampling error, immobilizes the mucus sample in a membrane filter, tests for marker carbohydrates which have vicinal galactose moieties and which are oxidized with galactose oxidase to vicinal aldehydic moieties which are visualized with Schiff's reagent and oxidizes those samples which test negative for the marker carbohydrates with periodic acid, renders the sample visualizable with Schiff's reagent, applies the galactose oxidase directly to the membrane filter, thereby speeding up color developed and employs the Schiff's Reagent which was refrigerated after preparation until the color faded to a straw shade before being treated with activated charcoal, which renders the solution storage stable ability for many months and enhances its color development ability.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a chemical reaction provides control of the temperature and volume of the reagents to improve the accuracy and precision in quantitative measurements of specific proteins and other immunochemistries in body fluids. The reaction occurs in a cuvette within a nephelometric optics module. A sensor senses the temperatures of reaction buffer liquids as they flow into the cuvette, and a heat exchanging device increases or decreases the temperatures of the buffer liquids. A control circuit responsive to the temperature sensor controls the heat exchanging device to maintain the temperature of the buffer liquids and the cuvette within a selected temperature range. The system may also include a sample pickup station, a sample probe for withdrawing a selected sample from the sample pickup station, a sample preparation station, and a sample transport for carrying said sample from the sample preparation station to the reaction cuvette.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of imaging a colorectal carcinoma lesion in a human patient which comprises administering to the patient a monoclonal antibody capable of binding to a cell surface antigen associated with the coloretal carcinoma lesion and which is labeled with an imaging agent under conditions so as to form a complex between the monoclonal antibody and the cell surface antigen, imaging any complex so formed, and thereby imaging the colorectal carcinoma lesion.This invention also provides a monoclonal antibody designated AS 33 (ATCC Accession No. HB 8779) and the hybridoma which produces it.

Abstract: Diagnosis of Lyme disease by immunoassay for anti-Borrelia burgdorferi antibodies in the serum of a patient includes adsorption of crossreactive antibodies in the serum with antigen of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus or Treponema phagedensis prior to binding of anti-Borrelia antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi antigen absorbed onto a solid support. The preferred assay is a flow-through assay using a porous membrane as the support and a dye-loaded liposome conjugated to a goat antihuman antibody for detection. The invention includes a kit of materials for performing the assay.

Abstract: There are described a cuvette and a method for sealing off flow such as flow in a passageway from an access port in the cuvette with a closure, that ensures a complete seal merely by applying the closure. The cuvette is improved in that it has the closure in a closure portion that is joined to the rest of the cuvette along a hinge line that passes through the passageway to be closed off, so that application of the closure by bending the closure portion about the hinge line pinches off the passageway.

Abstract: An electrochemical specific binding assay of a ligand (e.g., antigen, hapten or antibody) wherein at least one of the components is enzyme-labelled, and which includes the step of determining the extent to which the transfer of electrons between the enzyme substrate and an electrode, associated with the substrate reaction, is perturbed by complex formation or by displacement of any ligand complex relative to unbound enzyme-labelled component.The electron transfer is aided by electron-transfer mediators which can accept electrons from the enzyme and donate them to the electrode or vice versa (e.g. ferrocene) or by electron-transfer promoters which retain the enzyme in close proximity with the electrode without themselves taking up a formal charge.The electrochemical apparatus will typically comprise two or three electrodes, including one working electrode onto which components may advantageously be immobilized.

Abstract: An instrument (50) automatically determines the concentrations of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides for a sample (80) of whole, anticoagulated blood placed in a doughnut shaped container (10). The sample (80) is first separated into its blood cell and plasma (84) constituents using high speed centrifugation (54) and a thixotropic gel (82). Part of the plasma (84) is then deposited in an HDL separation chamber (14) where LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol are precipitated by a reagent and the precipitant is sedimented by high speed centrifugation (54) against V-shaped grooves (40) in the outermost wall (38) of the HDL separation chamber (14). Part of the plasma (84) is diluted ten-fold. The supernatant in the HDL separation chamber is then placed in a cuvette reaction chamber (b 18) where it reacts with a cholesterol reagent. The diluted plasma is placed in two other cuvette reaction chambers (18) where it reacts with chloesterol and triglycerides reagents, respectively.

Abstract: A diagnostic testing device is disclosed. The testing device includes a base member and a cover member which defines an opening for the reception of a liquid specimen. A distribution wheel delivers portions of the specimen to antibiotic units which are circumferentially spaced. Indicator units are in communication with the cover member. A delivery cylinder extends upwardly from each of the antibiotic units toward a respective one of the indicator units. Relative vertical movement between the delivery cylinder and the indicator unit places the cylinder and the indicator unit into an engaging relationship. A change in coloration at an indicator unit indicates a positive reaction.

Abstract: This invention features vectors and a method for sequencing DNA. The method includes the steps of:a) ligating the DNA into a vector comprising a tag sequence, the tag sequence includes at least 15 bases, wherein the tag sequence will not hybridize to the DNA under stringent hybridization conditions and is unique in the vector, to form a hybrid vector,b) treating the hybrid vector in a plurality of vessels to produce fragments comprising the tag sequence, wherein the fragments differ in length and terminate at a fixed known base or bases, wherein the fixed known base or bases differs in each vessel,c) separating the fragments from each vessel according to their size,d) hybridizing the fragments with an oligonucleotide able to hybridize specifically with the tag sequence, ande) detecting the pattern of hybridization of the tag sequence, wherein the pattern reflects the nucleotide sequence of the DNA.

Abstract: There is described an assay element suitable for use in an automated analytical test instrument for assaying a fluid sample. The element includes a thin porous member possessing a high degree of capillarity such as a fibrous mesh pad supported within a guide defined by surfaces contiguous the porous member. The dimensions of the porous member and its degree of capillarity are such as to provide for capillary transport of fluid through the member. A fluid dispenser and a fluid collecting chamber are disposed contiguous to opposed ends of the porous member. The fluid dispenser is formed as a well with a port at the bottom of the well, the port being contiguous the porous member and having a ridge extending along a perimeter of the port. The ridge protrudes into the porous member a distance sufficient for entraining fluid present in the well to propagate within the member rather than along an interface between a surface of the member and guide surfaces which hold it in place.

Abstract: A diagnostic device detects blood analytes with a sample volume as low as 2 microliters in the hematocrit range of 0% to 60%, or higher. This is accomplished by employing a housing with various chambers and compartments for processing the blood. A sample application port in the housing is used to introduce blood into a metering chamber. From the metering chamber, the blood flows to a reaction chamber for analyzing blood analytes. Blood entering the metering chamber flows into a fluid capillary which indicates that an adequate amount of blood has been received in the metering chamber. The reaction compartment includes a reagent and a filter, the latter of which is disposed between the metering chamber and the reagent so that the reagent reacts with the filtered blood.

Abstract: A reaction vessel for microassay is provided. The reaction vessel has a body structure having provided therein at least one reaction unit having a channel having at least one fluid inlet and at least one reagent-immobilized area in the downstream of the fluid inlet. The channel is provided with a vent mechanism, and the reagent-immobilized area has a reagent fixedly immobilized thereto. The results of the assay are indicated in the reagent-immobilized area. The channel may be provided with a reagent-attached area wherein a reagent is tentatively attached so that the reagent may dissolve into the fluid flowing over the area. The channel may be also provided with a fluid sump for retaining the fluid within the reaction vessel. A rocking base allows the vessel to become inclined as the downstream sump moves downward when the fluid moves into the sump. By using the present reaction vessel, an assay at high precision may be carried out by a simple operation.

Abstract: Structure-independent amplification of DNA by the polymerase chain reaction can be achieved by incorporation of 7-deaza-2'-deoxyguanosine-5'-triphosphate into the amplified DNA.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of IgA nephropathy using a specific binding reaction comprising the steps:a) preparing a substrate capable of binding fibronectin or IgAb) contacting the substrate resulting from step a) with a sample of body fluid drawn from a patient subject to diagnosis to bind any fibronectin-IgA-complex present in said sample to the substrate, andc) determining the presence of complex bound to the substrate using the reaction between the exposed part of such bound complex and a corresponding antibody thereto; anda diagnostic kit for use in such diagnosis.

Abstract: Red-shifted, water-soluble, fluorescent, monomerically-tetherable derivatives having the formula: ##STR1## wherein, M represents either H.sub.2 or is selected from among the following metals: aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, gallium, germanium, cadmium, scandium, magnesium, tin, and zinc. Each R.sub.1 is independently selected from --XYW, --YW, and --W. X represents either a carbon, or heteroatom selected from among oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, silicon, and selenium; Y represents a linking group; and W represents a water solubilizing group. The substituent R.sub.2 is selected from among --A, --Y'A, --XA, and --XY'A, where A denotes a biological entity such as an antibody, antibody fragment, nucleotide, nucleic acid probe, antigen, oligonucleotide, deoxynucleotide, dideoxynucleotide, avidin, streptavidin or membrane probe, or R.sub.2 is a reactive or activatable group suitable for conjugating to a biological entity.

Abstract: A precipitation reagent for use in analytical systems for the determination of hydrophobic analytes in a biological test sample, particularly analytical systems employing specific binding proteins for such analytes. The precipitation reagent precipitates interfering proteins, hemoglobin, and other interfering substances from a biological test sample while, at the same, maintaining hydrophobic analytes in solution and minimizing the denaturation of specific binding proteins, such as, for example, antibodies, which may be present in an immunoassay system. The precipitation reagent comprises a zinc salt, a glycol, and a straight or branced alcohol from about 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and may optionally contain an acid. A preferred precipitation reagent comprises zinc sulfate, methanol and ethylene glycol, and is particularly useful in a fluorescent polarization immunoassay for the determination of hydrophobic analytes, especially cyclosporine.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively analyzing an analyte contained in a whole blood sample, wherein a dry multi-layered analysis element is used. The method provides particular merits when the used multi-layered analysis element has no light-shielding layer which is interposed, in the conventional analysis element, between a coloring reagent layer and a blood cell separating layer, so that red coloring matters of blood cells are detected from the support side during the step of measuring the optical density of the reflected light.

Abstract: A screening assay for recognizing the presence of dioxins (and other related toxins) in a sample is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, Ah receptor from mice and a radioactively labelled halogenated dioxin are used in a competitive binding assay to test for the presence of toxins. The label is .sup.125 I substituted directly on the main dioxin structure. The relative binding of the toxin in the samples (in competition with labelled dioxin) for Ah receptor can be compared against standard curves. A kit is provided for running such an assay and a preferred .sup.125 I ligand is provided.

Abstract: A solid phase immuno-assay system for assaying at least one analyte, in the form of a solid support having a plurality of receptors bound thereto. At least two of the receptors conjugate with the same analyte.A reaction container comprising a plurality of longitudinally arranged individual compartments, and a longitudinally extending single compartment.A card for assaying a plurality of samples for the same analyte, having a plurality of receptors for the analyte at different locations on the card.A method of performing an assay for the same analyte in more than one sample, by providing a receptor for the analyte at more than a single location on a solid substrate; exposing each of the receptors to different samples; and developing each of the receptor locations to indicate the presence of the analyte in each of the samples.

Abstract: Hybridomas and their secreted paratopic molecules that immunoreact with apolipoprotein A-I are disclosed, as are assay methods for determining the presence and amount of apo A-I, and diagnostic systems useful in performing those determinations. Monoclonal paratopic molecules secreted by hybridomas having ATCC accession numbers HB 9200, HB 9201, HB 9202, HB 9203 and HB 9204 are utilized.

Abstract: There is disclosed micro-processor controlled bio-fluid assay apparatus wherein microtitre plates are on carriers having machine readable labels and wherein the samples of bio-fluid and reagent dispensers also preferably carry machine readable labels whereby the micro-processors which controls movement of the plates through the apparatus can verify correct operation thereof. Movement of the plates is effected by a plate carrier transfer mechanism which has the ability to move the plate carriers in any order and in either direction along each of the x,y and z axes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of screening mammals for antibodies to viral agents by collecting a urine sample from a mammal to be tested and assaying the sample for antibodies directed against the specific viral agent.

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 present invention relates to improved specific binding assay methods, kits and devices utilizing chromatographically mobile specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles. Specific binding reagents labelled with colloidal particles such as gold and selenium may be subjected to rapid chromatographic solvent transport on chromatographic media by means of selected solvents and chromatographic transport facilitating agents. Further, impregnation of solid substrate materials with labile protein materials including colloidal particle and enzyme labelled reagents in the presence of meta-soluble proteins provides for the rapid resolubilization of such materials which have been dried onto such substrate materials.

Abstract: An immunoassay which is capable of simultaneously detecting any desired number of antigens of one infectious agent, or combinations of antigens of several infectious agents, or any desired number of immunoglobulins of one infectious agent, or combinations of immunoglobulins of several infectious agents on a single solid support. A test sample is contacted with a solid support on which one or more antigens are immobilized as discrete test sites. Antigen-antibody complexes are formed and detected on the solid support.

Abstract: An immunoassay for trichothecenes that have at least three hydroxyl groups at specified positions is disclosed. It relies on developing antibodies to close trichothecene variants that are missing at least one of the hydroxyl groups, and then using these antibodies to test specimens in which the trichothecene has been converted to the variant (usually to the OAC variant). For example, DON and T-2 tetraol can be assayed for using this invention.

Abstract: Histamine derivatives, immunogen conjugates comprising histamine or said histamine derivatives coupled to immunogenic carrier materials and antibodies prepared against such immunogen conjugates are disclosed. Such antibodies are useful in immunoassays for determining histamine release in biological fluids.