Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: A kit comprising a carrier and vessels arranged on the carrier, wherein different reagents are contained in different vessels, the vessels are arranged with an openable closing device on top of the carrier, the carrier has a footprint on the bottom side for being placed on a base, and the carrier has bottom positioning means for being positioned on at least one workplace of an automated laboratory system for microtiter plates according to the SBS standard.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic in vitro methods as well as kits and devices to be used in the methods of the present invention for diagnosis or prognosis of a pathologic condition characterized by the presence/absence of an endogenous hormone and/or hormone analog(s) thereof involved in diabetes or metabolic syndrome. The methods comprise a quantitative separation of at least those analytes of interest whose common presence interferes with measuring the presence/absence or concentration of one of the analytes of interest by a subsequent analytical method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a container, made of an inorganic additive containing plastic material, for reducing physical/chemical interaction between the container and an oil, fat and/or wax containing formulation contained therein.

Abstract: A micro vial assembly for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions on small reaction mixture volumes is disclosed, wherein a reaction vessel (10) is sealed through a diaphragm (30) that is capped over an open end of the reaction vessel. The reaction vessel mouths in an end plane of a sleeve (20) surrounding the reaction vessel, the diaphragm being clamped for sealing the open end of the vessel by means of a cap (40) which is secured to the sleeve. The sleeve provides a radial extension of the reaction vessel in order to bridge the radial distance between a wall of the reaction vessel and other components in a system for performing microwave-assisted chemical reactions.

Abstract: A specimen analyzing method and a specimen analyzing apparatus capable of measuring interference substances before analyzing a specimen. The method comprises a step for sucking the specimen stored in a specimen container (150) and sampling it in a first container (153), a step for optically measuring the specimen in the first container, a step for sampling the specimen in a second container (154) and preparing a specimen for measurement by mixing the specimen with a reagent in the second container, and a step for analyzing the specimen for measurement according to the results of the optical measurement of the specimen.

Abstract: The present invention includes but is not limited to a specimen collection device that includes a chamber capable of collecting a specimen, a specimen passage slot, a reservoir, a reservoir seal, and a test device. A sample or specimen added to the chamber flows through the specimen passage slot into the reservoir. Flow into the reservoir may be limited by the reservoir seal. The test device positioned within the reservoir detects the presence or concentration of an analyte within the sample or specimen.

Abstract: Method for specific detection of one or more analytes in a sample. The method includes specifically associating any one or more analytes in the sample with a scattered-light detectable particle, illuminating any particle associated with the analytes with light under conditions which produce scattered light from the particle and in which light scattered from one or more particles can be detected by a human eye with less than 500 times magnification and without electronic amplification. The method also includes detecting the light scattered by any such particles under those conditions as a measure of the presence of the analytes.

Abstract: This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of different sex hormones in a serum sample, which can be used to evaluate different clinical situations. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies used for the detection of representative sex hormones in a serum sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cardiac hormones, particularly natriuretic peptides, for diagnosing the cardiovascular risk of a patient who is a candidate for administration of a cox-2-inhibiting compound, in particular an NSAID, selective cox-2 inhibitor, or steroid. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of cardiac hormones, particularly natriuretic peptides, for diagnosing the cardiovascular risk of a patient who is a candidate for administration of a selective cox-2 inhibitor and further provides methods for diagnosing the risk of a patient to suffer from a cardiovascular complication as a consequence of administration of a cox-2 inhibiting compound.

Abstract: Methods for measuring an endocrine substance, such as feline insulin, in a biological sample taken from an animal with high accuracy, rapidity and brevity. The methods involve pre-treating a biological sample by removing an autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance present in a sample and measuring the endocrine substance after the pre-treatment. The methods can be used to measure autoantibody bound to an endocrine substance in the sample. Methods for diagnosis and treatment of diseases associated with endocrine substances are disclosed involving measuring an autoantibody value for an endocrine substance in a biological sample.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing detection by mass spectroscopy (MS) and/or chromatographic separability of carbonyl-containing compounds such as steroids are disclosed. Reaction of a carbonyl compound with a sulfonhydrazide compound provides a sulfonhydrazone with enhanced ionization efficiency during the electrospray ionization process. In a particularly disclosed embodiment, derivatization of catechol estrogens with p-toluenesulfonhydrazide enhances both detection by atmospheric pressure ionization-MS (API-MS), such as electron spray ionization-MS (ESI-MS) and separation by liquid chromatography (such as HPLC) under reverse phase conditions. In yet other embodiments, the sulfonhydrazone is further reacted with a sulfonyl halide under alkaline conditions to derivatize hydroxyl groups in the compound. Prior formation of the sulfonhydrazide derivative protects the carbonyl bond of the compound during subsequent alkaline reaction with the sulfonyl halide.

Abstract: Disclosed are an immunoassay device which comprises a labeled substance dotting portion and a specimen dotting portion provided thereon, and an immunoassay method using the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a diagnostic method for the detection of small quantities of amniotic fluid in the vagina. More specifically, the invention relates to the detection of PAMG-1 in the vagina using anti-PAMG-1 antibodies.

Abstract: A template (a molecule preferably of molecular size >500 Da, or a larger entity such as a cell, virus or tissue sample) is dissolved or suspended in a fluid. The fluid is frozen, and the template is removed (e.g. by dissolution or electrophoresis, or mechanically) to leave an “imprinted” frozen fluid. This is capable of selectively adsorbing the template substance. It is usable as a separation medium, a recognition element in sensors and assays, and as a catalyst.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of unlabeled target analyte in a biological sample, the method comprising labeling a target analyte for a biological sample suspected of containing unlabeled target analyte with an acridinium compound to form a labeled target analyte and providing the labeled target analyte to the biological sample, or providing the labeled target analyte to the biological sample, wherein the acridinium compound comprises an acridinium nucleus having an electron-donating substituent directly attached to the acridinium nucleus, with the electron-donating substituent attached at the C2 position. Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds useful in the method have emission maxima close to or in the near infrared (NIR) region (>590 nm).

Abstract: The invention provides improved assays for detection of pregnancy. In the assays, pregnancy associated glycoproteins are analyzed in conjunction with progesterone analysis. The techniques of the invention overcome limitations in the prior art by reducing the rate of false positive results. The assays provided by the invention can be implemented to increase the efficiency of commercial animal breeding programs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for electronically addressing and interrogating microarrays are disclosed. The described microarrays include a plurality of features disposed on a substrate. Each of the features has a first electrode disposed on the substrate, a second electrode disposed on the substrate, and a probe disposed between the first electrode and second electrode. The substrate also includes addressing circuitry in operable relation to the features. Method of using the microarrays are also described.

Abstract: We disclose methods for measuring vitamin D metabolite in plasma or serum samples. The methods comprise a step of adding to the plasma or serum samples a non-competitive displacement agent comprising 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid ammonium salt, 3-(acetonylbenzyl)-4-hydroxycoumarin and a water miscible solvent. The non-competitive displacement agent separates vitamin D metabolite from binding proteins in the sample, such that the displaced vitamin D metabolite is available for capture and detection in subsequent binding assays. Thus, our invention finds use in methods of separating and detecting vitamin D metabolites otherwise tightly bound to plasma or serum binding proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of cardiac hormones, particularly natriuretic peptides, for diagnosing the cardiovascular risk of a patient who is a candidate for adminitstration of a cox-2-inhibiting compound, in particular an NSAID, selective cox-2 inhibitior, or steroid. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of cardiac hormones, particularly natriuretic peptides, for diagnosing the cardiovascular risk of a patient who is a candidate for administration of a selective cox-2 inhibitor, comprising the steps of (a) measuring, preferably in vitro, the level of a cardiac hormone, (b) diagnosing the risk of the patient by comparing the measured level to known levels associated with different grades of risk in a patient. The most preferred cardiac hormone in the context of the present invention is NT-proBNP.

Abstract: A method and test device for differentiating between states of an analyte that can exist in different forms, such as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The method or test device uses a pair of specific binding agents, especially monoclonal antibodies, in two assays for the same analyte. The assays, applied to contemporaneous samples, differ from one another in format, one being a two step assay and the other being one step. A novel pair of anti-FSH monoclonal antibodies that can be used together in two such assays to differentiate pre-menopausal and post-menopausal FSH samples is disclosed.

Abstract: A sample analyzing method capable of high-precision analysis without being affected by vibration and optical design is provided. In the sample analyzing method, a sample containing a ligand is caused to bind to a receptor that can bind specifically to the ligand, and a change caused by binding of the receptor and the ligand is analyzed by measuring frequency characteristics of a surface plasmon resonance angle while applying external vibration to the receptor. The sample analyzing method is useful in the fields of, for example, biology, medicine, pharmacology, agriculture, and the like.

Abstract: A test strip and method for detecting an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: A test strip adapted to receive a sample and detect an analyte therein is provided. The test strip comprises a sample addition zone to which a sample may be added; an absorbent zone proximal to the sample addition zone; one or more test zones distal to the sample addition zone, at least one of the test zones including a first analyte binding agent immobilized therein which is capable of binding to the analyte to be detected; and a terminal sample flow zone distal to the one or more test zones, the absorbent zone being positioned relative to the sample addition zone and having an absorption capacity relative to the other zones of the test strip such that a distal diffusion front of a sample added to the sample addition zone diffuses from the sample addition zone to a distal diffusion point within the terminal sample flow zone and then reverses direction and diffuses proximal relative to the one or more test zones.

Abstract: An assay system has a chamber that receives a test strip onto which a sample comprising an analyte has been placed. The chamber is in gaseous communication with a piezoelectric material that generates an electrical signal in response to a pressure change in the chamber that is caused by a reaction between the analyte and a reagent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the determination of substances using the evanescence field method. A cuvette, a microtiter well, a solution and a kit for application in a method according to the invention are disclosed. This method can in particular be used in the field of diagnostics and in analytical procedures.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive assay for the detection of a SLOS affected individual by determining the ratio of at least one of the specific SLOS steroid analytes, dehydro-estriol (8-DHE3) and a dehydro-pregnanetriol (7-DHPT) to their normal steroid counterparts estriol (E3) and pregnanetriol (PT), respectively. 8-DHE3 and 7-DHPT represent metabolites which accumulate in the blood and urine of an individual with SLOS or an individual carrying a SLOS affected fetus. The invention provides for a reliable and reproducible method of screening women for SLOS affected fetuses early on in pregnancy.

Abstract: Disclosed are sensors for use in testing biological, biochemical, chemical or environmental samples, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zones being arranged such that liquid sample applied to the porous carrier can permeate via the first zone into the second zone, and the device incorporating mea

Abstract: An enhanced diffraction based biosensor system and method are provided for detecting an analyte of interest in a test medium. The system incorporates at least one additional detection tag substance with the analyte of interest, the tag emitting a measurable parameter that is different from optical diffraction characteristics of the analyte. The biosensor may be a “fluoroptical” system wherein the detection tag is a fluorescence emitting substance, including fluorescent-labeled diffraction enhancing elements. The enhanced diffraction biosensor system may determine the presence of analytes in biological fluids both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Abstract: A method for the detection or quantitation of an analyte in a biological sample is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of selecting a biological sample suspected of containing a target analyte and binding the target analyte in the sample to a binding partner conjugated to an acridinium compound, wherein the acridinium compound comprises an acridinium nucleus having an electron-donating substituent directly attached to the acridinium nucleus at the C2 position. Chemiluminescent acridinium compounds useful in the method have emission maxima close to or in the near infrared (NIR) region (>590 nm). These chemiluminescent acridinium compounds when used in conjunction with short wavelength-emitting acridinium esters (with emission maxima below 450 nm) can be highly useful labels for the simultaneous detection of multiple target analytes in a single assay.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides the design, synthesis and characterization of compositions comprising asymmetric bolaamphiphilic lipids that form extended polymeric ribbons and wide sheets. These compositions may be doped, or interspersed, with various compounds to fine-tune the fluidity and rigidity of the bolaamphiphilic lipid composition, and promote other morphologies of the composition, including fluid vesicles and truncated flat sheets. Upon an increase in pH these compositions undergo a calorimetric and morphological transformation.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample suspected of containing any one of a plurality of the analytes. A combination is provided comprising in a medium (i) the sample, (ii) a binding partner for each of the analytes, (iii) for each of the analytes, a first reagent comprising a member of a signal producing system, a ligand and an analyte analog, and (iv) a second reagent comprising a binding partner for the ligand. The binding of the binding partner for the ligand is affected by the presence of an analyte and alters the amount of signal produced by the member of the signal producing system. The signal thus is modulated if one or more of the analytes are present in the sample. The amount of the signal is determined and is related to the presence of one or more of the analytes in the sample. The method may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Abstract: This invention relates to preservative solutions for peptides, for example, parathyroid hormone, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and mixtures thereof. Preferably, the peptides preserved by the solutions are non-reconstituted. In one embodiment, the preservative solutions comprise a polyvinyl alcohol, EDTA component and molybdic component.

Abstract: An analytical test device useful for example in pregnancy testing, comprises a hollow casing (500) constructed of moisture-impervious solid material, such as; plastics materials, containing a dry porous carrier (510) which communicates indirectly with the exterior of the casing via a bibulous sample receiving member (506) which protrudes from the casing such that a liquid test sample can be applied to the receiving member and permeate therefrom to the porous carrier, the carrier containing in a first zone a labelled specific binding reagent is freely mobile within the porous carrier when in the moist state, and in a second zone spatially distinct from the first zone unlabelled specific binding reagent for the same analyte which unlabelled reagent is permanently immobilised on the carrier material and is therefore not mobile in the moist state, the two zones being arranged such that liquid sample applied to the porous carrier can permeate via the first zone into the second zone, and the device incorporating me

Abstract: The invention provides a non-invasive assay for the detection of a SLOS affected individual by determining the ratio of at least one of the specific SLOS steroid analytes, dehydro-estriol (8-DHE3) and a dehydro-pregnanetriol (7-DHPT) to their normal steroid counterparts estriol (E3) and pregnanetriol (PT), respectively. 8-DHE3 and 7-DHPT represent metabolites which accumulate in the blood and urine of an individual with SLOS or an individual carrying a SLOS affected fetus. The invention provides for a reliable and reproducible method of screening women for SLOS affected fetuses early on in pregnancy.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed. The methods are directed to determining the presence of one or more analytes in a sample suspected of containing any one of a plurality of the analytes. A combination is provided comprising in a medium (i) the sample, (ii) a binding partner for each of the analytes, (iii) for each of the analytes, a first reagent comprising a member of a signal producing system, a ligand and an analyte analog, and (iv) a second reagent comprising a binding partner for the ligand. The binding of the binding partner for the ligand is affected by the presence of an analyte and alters the amount of signal produced by the member of the signal producing system. The signal thus is modulated if one or more of the analytes are present in the sample. The amount of the signal is determined and is related to the presence of one or more of the analytes in the sample. The method may be homogeneous or heterogeneous.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor, which can be found in body fluids of animals including but not limited to the cow, cat, dog, horse, human, sheep, and pig. The invention provides methods for detecting conception or the absence of conception in an animal, the latter being recognized by the absence of early conception factor in a suitable body fluid collected from the animal. Apparati for detecting early conception factor in a body fluid from an animal comprising the antibodies which specifically bind early conception factor are also provided.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of steroid compounds which have biological activity and have a tendency to oxidative degradation at temperatures between 2 and 8° C. on storage in excess of several months are stabilized by the addition of chelators. Aqueous solutions of particular interest are protein containing solutions which mimic the behavior of human bodily fluids such as serum and are therefore suitable as standards for immunoassays for steroids in such bodily fluids. Chelators of particular interest are transition metal chelators especially those which efficiently sequester iron.

Abstract: A method for measuring free ligands in biological fluids in the presence of bound ligand and endogenous binding proteins, without disturbing the equilibrium between the free ligand and the protein-bound ligand, comprised of the following steps: (a) incubating a sample of biological fluid with (i) a ligand analog tracer which, due to its chemical structure, does not bind to some of the endogenous binding proteins, (ii) a specific ligand binder and (iii) specific chemical inhibitor reagents that alone or in combination inhibit the binding of the ligand analog tracer to other endogenous binding proteins; (b) separating the ligand analog tracer bound to the specific binder from unbound tracer; and (c) comparing the bound fraction in said sample to the bound fraction of a given set of known free ligand calibrators to determine the concentration of free ligand in said biological fluid.

Abstract: A method for assaying an analyte in a sample. The method comprising the steps of a) contacting the sample with material comprising a receptor which is present in a liposome and which liposome comprises a detectable functionality, said contact occurring under conditions resulting in binding of the receptor to analyte if present before or concomitant with step b, wherein step b) consists of contacting the sample with an immobilised ligand for the receptor said contact occurring under conditions resulting in binding of the receptor to the ligand, with steps a and b being followed by c) separating the resulting immobilised ligand-receptor fraction and the receptor fraction present in solution and d) assaying the detectable functionality of the receptor in a fraction from step c) in a manner known per se for its detection.

Abstract: Approaches are described for separating plasma from whole blood samples and include the use of magnetically attractable particles associated with an agglutinating agent. The magnetically attractable particles bind the cellular components in a whole blood sample. Application of a magnetic field gradient to a container with the blood sample and the magnetically attractable particles draws the particles to the surface of the container near the source of the magnetic field gradient. The plasma can be removed and stored or used for monitoring or detecting analytes in the plasma.

Abstract: An increased risk of a fetal chromosomal abnormality, for example, fetal Down syndrome can be detected by separating or discriminating &agr;-fetoproteins present in the body fluid of a pregnant woman, and measuring the proportion of one or more of the &agr;-fetoproteins which have a specific sugar chain structure, relative to the total &agr;-fetoproteins.

Abstract: Electrochemiluminescent label compounds containing multimetallic centers separated by bridging ligands are described. An example of a multimetallic electrochemiluminescent label suitable for use in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) methods, [(bpy)2Ru]2(bphb)4+, demonstrates ECL efficiencies 2 to 3 times greater than those for Ru(bpy)32+ in acetonitrile and aqueous media. Such multimetallic ECL compounds may be especially useful in the design of new labels for bioanalytical applications, such as immunoassays and DNA probes.

Abstract: A method for predicting animal growth performance, which includes administering a suitable amount of growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) to an animal, observing levels of growth hormone (GH) subsequent to GHRH administration and; predicting growth and fat development in an the animal from observed levels of GH.

Abstract: The full amino acid and DNA sequences of placental protein 13 (PP13) are disclosed. Also described are various PP13 derived peptide fragments, and a recombinant method for the production of PP13. PP13 may be used in a screening and a diagnostic method for pregnancy-related complications.

Abstract: There are provided methods for assaying biological specimens for one or more of leptin, prorenin or renin in order to provide predictive information about the likelihood of a woman carrying a Downs Syndrome affected fetus.

Abstract: A test strip adapted to receive a sample and detect an analyte therein is provided. The test strip comprises a sample addition zone to which a sample may be added; an absorbent zone proximal to the sample addition zone; one or more test zones distal to the sample addition zone, at least one of the test zones including a first analyte binding agent immobilized therein which is capable of binding to the analyte to be detected; and a terminal sample flow zone distal to the one or more test zones, the absorbent zone being positioned relative to the sample addition zone and having an absorption capacity relative to the other zones of the test strip such that a distal diffusion front of a sample added to the sample addition zone diffuses from the sample addition zone to a distal diffusion point within the terminal sample flow zone and then reverses direction and diffuses proximal relative to the one or more test zones.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly sensitive immunoassay system for estrogens, which utilizes as a labeled compound a biotinylated estradiol derivative of the formula (1) wherein one of R1 and R2 is hydrogen and the other is a group represented by wherein R3s are the same or different and represent an arginine residue or a lysine residue, x is 0 or 1, y is an integer from 1 to 5, and z is an integer from 1 to 3.

Abstract: There are provided methods for assaying biological specimens for one or more of leptin, prorenin or renin in order to provide predictive information about the likelihood of a woman carrying a Downs Syndrome affected fetus.