Abstract: Methods for reducing time to result in blood bank diagnostic testing with an agitation device and a low ionic strength solution are disclosed. Specifically provided are methods for reducing incubation time for antigen-antibody reactions in an immunohematologic assay by subjecting the assay reactants to incubation with agitation and optionally additionally a low ionic strength diluent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for amplifying and detecting a target nucleic acid. The method comprising contacting a sample suspected of containing the target nucleic acid with a thermostable DNA polymerase and two primers that are substantially complementary to the target nucleic acid, under conditions such that the target nucleic acid is amplified. The amplified target nucleic acids are then denatured to form single stranded nucleic acids. Following amplification, the sample is subject to a pre-detection incubation step. The sample is incubated for between 1 second and 30 minutes at between 95° C. and 120° C. to inactivate said polymerization agent. Finally, the presence or absence of the amplified target nucleic acids is determined. Preferably, amplification, incubation and detection are carried out in a closed reaction vessel.

Abstract: A vessel for conducting blood cell agglutination assays is disclosed. A barrier retains reactants in an upper chamber during incubation, then, in response to a force, permits reagents to enter a lower chamber containing a matrix for separating agglutination.

Abstract: A vessel for conducting blood cell agglutination assays is disclosed. A barrier retains reactants in an upper chamber during incubation, then, in response to a force, permits reagents to enter a lower chamber containing a matrix for separating agglutination.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for liquid or gel forms of a lipid excipient to be used in pharmaceutical or cosmetic preparations. The lipid excipient comprises a phospholipid such as a lysophospholipid, for example, mono-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine ("MOPE"). Relatively low concentrations of the lipid can be employed in forming the gel, e.g., about 1-2%. The invention discloses the use of a lipid delivery system at a relatively low lipid concentration as a non-toxic, non-irritating carrier or excipient alone or in combination with other agents, for both drugs and cosmetics. For example, the lipid excipient in sprayable or droppable form has special utility in the non-irritating delivery of peptides (e.g., calcitonin and insulin) to the nasal mucosa, due to the ability of the excipient to enhance absorption across nasal membranes. As a cosmetic, it can be used alone or in combination with biologically active agents.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition consisting of liposomes covalently or non-covalently coupled to the glycoprotein streptavidin. The streptavidin may additionally be coupled to biotinated proteins such as Immunoglobulin G or monoclonal antibodies.The liposomes of the invention may have a transmembrane potential across their membranes, and may be dehydrated. In addition, the composition may contain ionizable bioactive agents such as antineoplastic agents, and may be used in diagnostic assays.