Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of measuring oxidative response of cells without recourse to preparation of cell culture. The process involves: 1) preparing suspensions of cells from a living host in isotonic solutions, 2) preparing samples of test materials in isotonic solution containing tagged choline, 3) adding the cells suspension prepared in step 1 to the samples prepared in step 2, 4) incubating the product of step 3 with shaking for 2-90 minutes, 5) extracting and drying the lipid phase from the product of step 4, and 6) subjecting the product of step 5 to a scintillation counter to measure choline which has been incorporated into phosphatidylcholine (PC). An increase in incorporation of choline into PC in the short term indicates oxidative stress or free radical induced damage. Because the method of the invention using the cell isolates does not require the expense of cell culture with concomitant expense and possibility of cell change, it is particularly useful for clinical evaluation.

Abstract: A test strip assembly for detecting the presence of a substance in liquid sample comprises a contact detection pad in communication with a reagent-free absorbent strip. The absorbent strip receives the liquid sample and communicates it to the contact detection pad via lateral flow. The absorbent strip and contact detection pad are adhered to a support. A liquid impermeable pad is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the contact detection pad to prevent any further travel of the sample. Further add-on assemblies may be coupled to the base test strip assembly. The test strip assembly may be disposed in a housing along with a drug test strip to form a device that performs multiple types of tests. Methods for assaying and manufacturing are also provided.

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: An apparatus for monitoring specific substances in a fluid is provided. The apparatus of the present invention includes a housing, a tray, transmission means, a cylindrical transparent reservoir, a cylindrical holder having a plurality of hollow frames around the surrounding thereof each of which holding a test paper, and an optical scanning assembly. The tray is disposed in the housing and rotated by the transmission means. The cylindrical transparent reservoir contains a fluid sample to be analyzed and is held on the tray so as to synchronously rotate with the tray. The cylindrical holder is disposed in the cylindrical transparent reservoir. The optical scanning assembly is fastened beside the cylindrical transparent reservoir for capturing an image of a pattern displayed on each test paper in response to at least one specific substance in the fluid sample upon rotating the cylindrical transparent reservoir and converting the image into electronic signals.

Abstract: A method for the isolation of delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) from, Cannabis plant material, wherein delta-9-THC Acid and THC are separately obtained including the steps of extracting the Cannabis plant material, chelating delta-9-THC acid on alumina solid support from cannabis extracts rich in the acid washing of non-acid components of the extract with organic solvents and eluting of the delta-9-THC acid with strong polar solvents.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of flunitrazepam in a sample. Flunitrazepam contained within the sample is reduced and hydrolyzed by the addition of a hydrolyzing agent and a reducing agent. A visualizing agent is provided to combine with the reduced and hydrolyzed species corresponding to the flunitrazepam to yield a colored species providing a qualitative colorimetric indication of the presence of flunitrazepam within the sample. The invention is a rugged and dependable method suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: A self-contained disposable device to be used in testing a body fluid, particularly urine. The device is in the form of a 3-ply composite comprising an intermediate ply and outer plies on opposite sides thereof. The intermediate ply has a cavity for retaining a test wick and one of the outer plies has a small body fluid inlet opening for body fluid to enter and wet the wick. Preferably an absorbent pad is located opposite the inlet opening. Different segments of the length of the wick are impregnated with a control and selection of test reagents. The device may be circular and serve as a liner for the transparent closure cap of a specimen container or in the form of a paddle to be swished in a specimen of a stream of a specimen. One of the outer plies is transparent at least over the impregnated portion of the test wick.

Abstract: A system and method for on-site drug testing rapidly and objectively performs a drug screen on a urine sample at a collection center. The system includes a plurality of collection centers, wherein each collection center includes a test station for performing the drug testing. The test station includes collection cups for holding urine samples, test kits which couple to the collection cups in a fixed position, and an automatic reader which holds the collection cups and test kits in a fixed position under a predetermined level of illumination and produces an electronic image of the test kit. The test station also includes a computer workstation and a bar-code reader. The computer workstation generates electronic test order forms and receives image data from the automatic imaging system to evaluate the test results as indicated on the test kits. The bar-code reader is used to enter bar-code information which associate the collection cups and the test kits with the respective people being tested.

Abstract: A method for predicting nicotine replacement dosage to achieve a target nicotine serum concentration relies on measuring blood nicotine concentration prior to smoking cessation. At least two values corresponding to other patient characteristics, such as body mass, cumulative smoking, psychological dependence, age, and menopausal status, are also determined and used to predict expected blood nicotine concentrations based on nicotine replacement dosages. Such methods are useful in achieving target blood nicotine concentrations for smoking cessation and therapy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a reagent for use in determining the presence of oxidizing adulterants in urine being screened for drugs of abuse. This invention is useful in automated spectrophotometric analyzers used in screening urine for drugs of abuse.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for detecting and analyzing controlled substances and the like are discussed including highly reactive sensor molecules which are coated on a spectroscopic sample surface (4) and which may chemically react with a given analyte to form a covalently bonded adduct with spectral characteristics unique to the new adduct. The techniques provide the basis of a detection system with high sensitivity and high specificity in which the surface can even be washed to remove interfering or nonreactive compounds. The sensor molecules which comprise the coating (8) may have three major components: a central molecular scaffold (“CMS”), a “tether” terminated by a surface attachment group “SAG,” and a reactive functional group “RFG” which may be highly reactive towards certain classes of molecules.

Abstract: A package for holding and disguising a chromatographic test of food and drink is formed in the shape of a drinking straw or stirrer. The package encloses test strips which are sensitive to particular drugs and produce a color change upon contact with the drug. The package has a view port or slit to observe the condition of the test strip upon contact with food and drink.

Abstract: The caffeine detector uses a paper chromatographic technique to measure the concentration of caffeine in a beverage. The device includes a well or other receptacle for containing a predetermined test volume of the beverage. A paper strip is suspended so that one end of the strip dips into the well. The strip is divided into two zones, the first zone being coated with at least one molecular imprint polymer (MIP) which absorbs substances which may interfere with quantification of caffeine. The second zone is coated with an MIP which selectively absorbs caffeine and chromogenic reagents which provide calorimetric visualization of the migration of caffeine through the second zone. The second zone bears indicia calibrating the paper strip so that the concentration of caffeine in the beverage may be determined by the height or distance which the caffeine migrates up the paper strip.

Abstract: A drug of abuse test kit for testing low volumes of a fluid sample having a transparent flat bag container for retaining a fluid sample to be tested and the open end of the container has a recloseable closure. The container is maintained in a substantially vertical position and has an open end which receives a multiple drug test card having a plurality of immunoassay test strips thereon with visual endpoints to indicate presence or absence of a particular drug. A process and a modification thereof for testing of low volumes of a fluid sample and a process for quality control of a test card are also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic test kit has a cup-like container for retaining a fluid sample to be tested and the open top end of the container is closed by a closure cap on the open end. There is a slit in the closure cap to receive a multiple test card having a plurality of immunoassay test strips thereon with visual endpoints to indicate presence or absence of a selected antigen or antibody. The height of the container is such that the visual indication of the presence or absence of a selected antigen or antibody is visible above the closure cap when the bottom end of the test card is in contact with the fluid sample within the container.

Abstract: A device for measuring, concurrently from the same sample solution, the pH and presence or quantity of an analyte in the solution. The pH and analyte measuring sections of the invention are contained within the same holding structure.

Abstract: A method of preparing THC using extraction of plant material with a non-polar solvent followed by vacuum distillation and chromatography.

Abstract: A carrier for contraband substances to be used as a reference for testing trace detection systems. The carrier, which has the consistency of hand cream and can be dispensed from a tube or a syringe, is inert with respect to the contraband substances and does not dissolve or degrade the plastics normally used for making luggage or computer disc cases. After the carrier (with added contraband substance) has been placed on a hard surface such as a plastic luggage handle and dried, the contraband substance can be sampled by wiping with a paper or cloth, which is then tested in a device that uses ion mobility spectrometry, gas chromatography, chemiluminescence, or a combination of these methods.

Abstract: An assay device and method are provided which allow the determination of the presence or absence of at least one analyte in a test sample, while providing specific identification of the test subject. The assay device includes a reaction medium having at least one reaction zone and at least one control zone, which is capable of providing a pattern suitable for identifying the test subject. The pattern suitable for identifying the test subject is preferably a fingerprint. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the reaction zone and the control zone include at least one member of a ligand/receptor pair.

Abstract: Using a carrier such as a test strip, toothpick, cotton swab, etc, to detect the presence of Narcotics or impurities in a beverage. Using this method of on the spot detection was conceived while trying to think of a way to prevent Date Rapes and assaults do to a “mickey” being slipped into an unattended beverage. Trying to prevent ingestion of the drug became the most logical solution to fight this type of crime.

Abstract: Calibrating an immunoassay by generating two reaction rate measuring curves, from samples having higher and lower relative levels of antigen, extrapolating a combination of the curves to cover sample concentrations known to contain an excess of antigen relative to an amount of capture reagent and combining the low end linear potion of the higher reaction rate measuring curve with the higher end portion of the extrapolated reaction rate measuring curve, thereby eliminating measuring inaccuracies otherwise arising from the hook effect. For antigen concentrations higher than the assay range, a high antigen signal utilizing the two rates avoids reporting false results.

Abstract: A hybridoma cell line has been produced for secreting a monoclonal antibody that binds ractopamine and is effective to detect ractopamine levels of about 1 ng/mL or lower. This monoclonal antibody may be used for the detection and quantitative determination of trace amounts of ractopamine in samples, especially in animal tissue, body fluids and feed material.

Abstract: A test strip for the immunochemical detection of substances after sampling from surfaces, with a conjugate zone (2) located between an eluent application zone (1) at one end of the test strip and a reaction zone (3) at the opposite end, the zones being in liquid connection with one another. A section of the test strip in the area including the eluent application zone and the reaction zone is used to wipe off the surface and as a sampling zone (4). The eluent application zone may be used as a sampling zone. The test strip is connected to a preferably flexurally rigid test strip holder (6), which does not cover the sampling zone (4).

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a rapid, field-portable, modular, versatile and highly reliable assay device for substances, particularly drugs of abuse, which provides a positive signal in the presence of a specific substance for which the device has been specifically adapted to test. The subject invention also concerns methods for making and using the assay device. The device is easily and reliably manufactured by laminating a series of manufactured layers to each other to form an upper card assembly and a lower card assembly. The upper card assembly is bonded to the upper side of a layer which has an immobilized reagent specific for a test substance bound thereto, and the lower card assembly is bonded to the lower side of the layer having the immobilized reagent. The device can be manufactured and distributed in a unitary, ready-to-use form.

Abstract: Diagnostic products having multiple test strips within a unitary diagnostic test device, or test icon, are described herein. In the preferred embodiments of the diagnostic test device of this invention, a fluid sample distribution system is provided wherein a sample collection and distribution port is provided in the housing for receipt of a biologic fluid sample and the channeling of such sample onto a sample receiving web. The sample receiving web, which is located within the test device, is in fluid communication with an array of test strips, and is configured to deliver an aliquot of biologic fluid sample to the test site of each such test strip at essentially the same rate. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the sample receiving web comprises at least one base segment and at least one branched segment. Each of the base and branched segments can be formed or cut from a common sheet of material or from separate sheet material and thereafter placed in contiguous relationship one another.

Abstract: A method of determining the concentration of a sample antigen in the presence of an interferant by (1) running two immunoassays on the sample: one assay where the interferant influences the binding of both the sample antigen and a labeled antigen and a second assay where the interferant influences the binding of the sample antigen but not the labeled antigen; (2) obtaining a plot of the possible sample antigen concentrations versus the possible interferant concentrations corresponding to the readout for the sample for each of the two immunoassays; and (3) determining the sample antigen concentration and the interferant concentration which correspond to the point that appears on both of the immunoassay plots.

Abstract: Urine samples are made free of potentially interfering substances, such as alkaloids or pharmaceuticals, by contacting the urine sample with an amount of a chemical oxidizing agent, while retaining the physical indicia characteristic of urine to allow the sample to be further tested.

Abstract: The device includes a housing having a main body including an analysis chamber with at least one chemical reagent composition contained therein and a vessel portion for receiving and capturing a fluid specimen taken from a beverage. The device is structured to transfer the captured fluid specimen from the vessel portion to the analysis chamber wherein the chemical reagent composition, when exposed to the fluid specimen, performs a visible presumptive color assay to determine whether undesirable substances, such as fulnitrazepam, sodium gamma hydroxybutyric acid or caffeine, are contained in the beverage. One or more windows are provided on the housing for viewing the results of the visible presumptive color assay. The fluid specimen and one or more chemical reagent compositions remain contained within the analysis chamber to prevent contamination of the beverage as well as tampering with the captured fluid specimen.

Abstract: Quantitative compliance markers and associated methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication prescriptions associated with compliance markers have been found to eliminate the need for specific quantitative relationships for each new drug tested. Such compliance markers and methods for monitoring patient compliance utilize pharmacologically inert substances, namely the weak acids benzodiazepines, or non-metabolizable substances in association with an underlying drug at a measurable dosage, so as to correlate compliance marker concentration with underlying medication concentration to determine amount of actual medication ingested.

Abstract: Test kit and method for discriminating cocaine and its salts from substances that falsely give a positive color reaction with Scott's thiocyanate reagent. As all Scott false positive substances have lower pKa values than cocaine, or in their basic from higher pKa values than the cocaine base, they can be discriminated from cocaine by a suitable pH test of the solution. The pH indicator is preferably organic or lipophilic so that it can be dissolved in a solvent immiscible with water. The partitioning of the organic cocaine base or its salt between an organic and water phase of specific pH is used to further distinguish the test substance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring compliance of a patient that has been placed on a methadone maintenance program by determining plasma methadone concentration from urine methadone concentration. An unadulterated urine sample is obtained from the patient. The urine methadone concentration, pH, and specific gravity are measured. The plasma methadone concentration is calculated as a function of urine methadone concentration, specific gravity, and pH. The calculated plasma methadone concentration is compared with an expected value for the maintenance program prescribed.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a controlled amount of gas into a sealed container to allow efficient analysis of the contents of the container. The apparatus includes an inlet opening that allows for a known gas to be placed within the container and a device for removing of the gas once circulated through the container. The expelled gas is directed through a gas detection device for testing of explosive and/or drug paraphernalia vapors. The apparatus includes a positive gas displacement device for insuring that equal volumes of gas flow simultaneously through the inlet and outlet. The apparatus permits the fumigation of the closed container for elimination of odors, infestation, and allows rectifying of odors through the introduction of agreeable scents.

Abstract: A high purity styrene-divinyl benzene resin is used for rapid solid phase extraction of drugs of abuse from body fluid samples. Simple extraction procedures are described which provide high recovery and selectivity for a wide variety of drugs. A convenient method of increasing flow rate in such solid phase extractions is also described.

Abstract: A device and related method for performing one or more immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual readout, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: A drug abuse test kit has a transparent cup-like container for retaining a fluid sample to be tested and the open top end of the container is closed by an inner closure insert seated within the open end. There is a slit in the inner closure insert to receive a multiple drug test card having a plurality of immunoassay test strips thereon with visual endpoints to indicate presence or absence of a particular drug. The container is provided with an outer cover to close and seal the container when a sample therein is to be transported.

Abstract: A test method for determining adulteration by diuresis or the addition of a diuretic, which uses creatinine and specific gravity measurements to determine a normalized creatinine value for comparison with expected normalized creatinine values for the substantially diuretic-free population.

Abstract: A method of monitoring compliance of a patient that has been placed on a medication maintenance program with a prescribed medication dosage by determining a normalized urine methadone concentration. An unadulterated urine sample is obtained from the patient. The urine methadone concentration and urine specific gravity are measured. The normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine and the urine specific gravity. The calculated normalized urine medication concentration is compared with an expected medication concentration value for the patient for the maintenance program prescribed to determine any significant differences therebetween as an indication of noncompliance. Alternatively, a urinary-parameter normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine, the urine specific gravity and at least one selected pharmacokinetic parameter of the medication.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring the accumulation of advanced glycosylation endproducts (AGEs), which are predicated on the discovery that such AGEs are present in tobacco and its byproducts. More particularly, the methods focus on the observation that individuals who smoke or otherwise use tobacco have increased levels of AGEs over non-smoking individuals. The present methods relate to the measurement of AGE levels in both individuals and in tobacco and its byproduct, smoke. Methods are also disclosed for the evaluation of the tobacco products to determine their storage status and organoleptic capacity and potential, as well as for the treatment of the ambient to lower AGE levels. For example, air or other samples may be taken and evaluated by a dosimeter or like device, to determine whether AGE levels exceed normal, after which measures could be implemented to remediate the ambient condition. All such methods and corresponding materials are contemplated and included.

Abstract: In an automated analyzer containing a spectrophotometer for determining color changes in a urine sample the urine is admixed with a litmus, methyl red or azolitmin indicator effecting the color change, a surfactant and water. The spectrophotometer determines and prints whether a color change has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a controlled amount of gas into a sealed container to allow efficient analysis of the contents of the container. The apparatus includes an inlet opening that allows for a known gas to be placed within the container and a means for removing of the gas once circulated through the container. The expelled gas is directed through a gas detection device for testing of explosive and/or drug paraphernalia vapors. The apparatus includes a means for verifying the integrity of the inlet and outlet to determine if device tampering has occurred. The apparatus permits the fumigation of the closed container for elimination of odors, infestation, and allows rectifying of odors through the introduction of agreeable scents.

Abstract: Quantitative compliance markers and associated methods for monitoring patient compliance with medication prescriptions associated with compliance markers have been found to eliminate the need for specific quantitative relationships for each new drug tested. Such compliance markers and methods for monitoring patient compliance utilize pharmacologically inert substances, namely the weak acids benzodiazepines, or non-metabolizable substances in association with an underlying drug at a measurable dosage, so as to correlate compliance marker concentration with underlying medication concentration to determine amount of actual medication ingested.

Abstract: A method and system for effecting withdrawal from caffeine dependency is disclosed wherein the system comprises a regiment of dosage units having varying proportions of caffeine and an analgesic. One embodiment utilizes a first dosage unit which has a caffeine content equivalent to the daily caffeine intake of the individual. This level of caffeine is reduced while the level of analgesia is increased. The relevant proportion of caffeine is gradually decreased until the individual is no longer ingesting caffeine. In some embodiments, a placebo is administered during the final stages of method and system.

Abstract: The invention provides a reagent for the presumptive identification of cocaine, cocaine salts and phencyclidene comprising cobalt thiocyanate, at least one poly-hydroxy alcohol and a third component selected from the group consisting of a polyether, a silicon derivative of a polyether and mixtures thereof, with the proviso that the poly-hydroxy alcohol is not glycerol.

Abstract: Methods for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample in which an analyte gradient is established and brought into contact with one or more zones that contain binding members that interact with the analyte and thereby produce a detectable signal. Devices that may be used to practice the disclosed methods are also provided.

Abstract: A device and related method for simultaneously performing a plurality of immunoassays to detect the presence of respective analytes in a sample. The device involves the use of a unitary bibulous material providing one or more flow paths having a common origin site and a plurality of respective reagent zones providing the reagents necessary for performing a visual read-out, competitive immunoassay for the presence of the respective analyte.

Abstract: A method for making measurements of the O.sub.2 and CO.sub.2 dissolved in a urine sample to determine the identity and the age of the specimen.

Abstract: A method for the rapid detection of drug residues in livestock to allow quality certification, involves: taking a bile sample from livestock; cleaning the bile sample by passing the sample under vacuum through a porous silica immunoaffinity column having an immobilized antibody capable of binding the drug to be detected, washing the column free of impurities, and eluting any drug being bound to the column with a suitable solvent; and reacting the cleaned bile sample in a competitive immunometric assay utilizing a labelled antibody.

Abstract: A method of monitoring compliance of a patient that has been placed on a medication maintenance program with a prescribed medication dosage by determining a normalized urine medication concentration. An unadulterated urine sample is obtained from the patient. The urine medication concentration and urine specific gravity are measured. The normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine and the urine specific gravity. The calculated normalized urine medication concentration is compared with an expected medication concentration value for the patient for the maintenance program prescribed to determine any significant differences therebetween as an indication of noncompliance. Alternatively, a urinary-parameter normalized urine medication concentration is calculated as a function of the measured medication concentration in the urine, the urine specific gravity and at least one selected pharmacokinetic parameter of the medication.

Abstract: A hand-held device for rapid colorimertic detection of explosives, narcotics, and other chemicals which can be accurately operated by non-skilled personnel and perform numerous tests in a quick sequential manner without exposing a user to hazardous reagents and without exposing sensitive reagents to deteriorating environmental conditions, the device comprising (a) a housing for handling and using the device, the housing including a sampling area an a testing area; (b) a roll of substrate for sampling materials suspected as including the chemical; (b) a feeding reel being rotatably connected to the housing, the feeding reel being for accommodating the roll of substrate; (c) at least one container for accommodating at least one detecting reagent, the at least one detecting reagent is for the colorimetric detection of the chemical; and (d) at least one dispensing mechanism for dispensing a predetermined volume of the at least one reagent onto the substrate at the testing area.