Abstract: A growth medium for mycobacteria is provided which has enhanced growth properties. The growth medium contains an effective amount of polyoxyethylene stearate and an albumin.

Abstract: The invention comprises a method for detecting cell proteins of microorganisms, such as the principal outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis having a mean molecular weight of 39,500 daltons. The method includes the steps of adding a buffer salt solution to a specimen suspected of containing bacterial antigens, raising the pH of the buffered solution so produced, incubating the solution, adding a neutralizing buffer to the solution to lower the pH, and assaying the sample by conventional immunoassay techniques. Optionally the sample solution is heated prior to incubation and then cooled afterwards before adding the neutralizing buffer.

Abstract: A self-contained specimen collecting and transporting unit is provided which has all of the advantages of the known specimen collecting and transporting units and which is characterized by the ability to preserve microorganisms during the transporting thereof in the transporting unit. The improved specimen collecting and transporting unit has a pledget composed of carbon fiber. The use of a carbon fiber pledget has been found to have a synergistic effect in preserving the viability of microorganisms which are obtained by use of the swab of the specimen collecting and transporting unit.

Abstract: A method of specimen treatment preparatory to conducting an immunoassay is disclosed whereby a microbial protein is solubilized by a detergent at elevated temperatures and in the presence of an alkali or alkaline earth metal ion. At elevated temperatures, the detergent is soluble. However, at lower temperatures, the presence of the metal ion renders the detergent insoluble so that it is prevented from interacting in the immunoassay procedure. A specific application is in the solubilization of the principal outer membrane protein of Chlamydia trachomatis.

Abstract: A method for identification of a microorganism includes combining in a suitable fluid the microorganism and a latex containing a particle coated with about 1 to 150 .mu.g per ml of latex of a lectin specific for the microorganism. Binding of the microorganism and lectin causes agglutination which is detected. The microorganism is identified by the agglutination as that organism which is specific for the lectin. The invention includes a reagent which may be included with other materials in a kit of materials useful for performing the method of the invention.

Abstract: A lysing agent and a method for utilizing the lysing agent in the identification and enumeration of cells of a select subclass of leucocytes is provided. The lysing agent includes formaldehyde, an alkali or alkaline earth salt of a weak acid and a polyhydric alcohol.

Abstract: A method of detections biological activity is disclosed. A nutrient growth medium which isolates antibiotics and other microbial growth inhibitors during culturing of a microorganism. The growth medium includes an aqueous dispersion of nutrient materials and an effective amount of an isolating substance or substances capable of isolating antimicrobial materials during culturing of a microorganism. The isolating substances are selected from ion exchange resins and non-functional adsorbent resins.

Abstract: The presence of Group A Streptococcus in a biological specimen is determined from the presence of Streptococcus A antigen. A biological specimen is collected with an applicator having a plastic stick with a rayon swab. The swab is placed in an extraction reagent containing enzymes produced by the bacterium Streptomyces albus, wherein the enzymes release the antigen from the fiber. An aliquot of the extraction medium is mixed with an indicator reagent containing an antibody reactive with the antigen. The occurrence or non-occurrence of an antibody-antigen reaction is noted which indicates the presence or absence of Group A Streptococcus in the biological specimen.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing multiple subpopulations of a cell sample whereby human natural killer cells subpopulations can be monitored. The method utilizes two monoclonal antibodies identified as anti-Leu-7 and anti-Leu-11.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing multiple subpopulations of a cell sample whereby resting and activated human natural killer cells subpopulations can be monitored. This method utilizes two monoclonal antibodies identified as anti-Leu 11 and anti-DR (or anti-Leu 10 or anti-transferrin receptor).

Abstract: A method for identifying subpopulations of cells of interest without interference from other cells. In the method, a sample of at least three (3) types of cells, including a first and second type of cell which form a subpopulation of cells of interest and a third type of cell which interferes with the identification of said subpopulation, is divided into at least two (2) aliquots. A first antibody which is specific for the third type of interfering cells but not for the subpopulation, is labeled with two (2) fluorochromes, each of the fluorochromes having distinct emission spectra. The labeled first antibody is then added to a first one of the sample aliquots so as to label the third type of cells with the first antibody. A first analysis is performed by analyzing each cell to determine the fluorescence emitted and to count the third type of cells so as to distinguish the third type of cells from the subpopulation. The information obtained from the first analysis is retained for subsequent use.

Abstract: A package is provided for removal of all or part of the oxygen in a gaseous atmosphere within the package. The package includes a gas impermeable, sealable container having a sachet disposed therein. The sachet contains an oxygen reactive material, preferably powdered iron. A compartment is provided within the container which is in fluid communication with the sachet location. The compartment is adapted to receive a predetermined level of water.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an anaerobic or microaerophilic atmosphere. A package consisting of a foil envelope has internal compartments for a hydrogen generating material, for a catalyst and for receiving water. The catalyst compartment is provided with a flash arrestor. Water, on being added to the envelope, reacts with the hydrogen generating material. The liberated hydrogen then reacts catalytically with oxygen in the atmosphere external to the package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for locating a vial in a predetermined location with respect to a needle which is used to penetrate a septum in the vial. The system includes a vial carrier having a well for receiving a vial. A penetrable septum is disposed in an opening in the vial. At least one needle penetrates the septum at periodic intervals. Locating means are provided within the vial carrier for establishing a predetermined location of the vial in relation to the needle. The locating means includes a plurality of contact points and urging means for establishing contact between the contact points and the locating surface. The urging means presses substantially on one side of the vial, which side is substantially opposite the locating means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obtaining a uniform gaseous molecular field under high vacuum conditions encountered in a dry etching process. In the method a source of a gas is provided and introduced into a manifold. The manifold feeds at least one nozzle and the gas is passed through the manifold and through the nozzle into a chamber maintained under vacuum conditions. The pressure of the gas and the configuration of the manifold and nozzle are such that the gas is caused to exit from the nozzle into the chamber under vacuum at sonic velocity.

Abstract: Radiation sensitive layers are x-ray exposed by providing a metal mask pattern on the layer through which the layer is exposed. The metal mask pattern is formed by applying a blanket metal layer to the radiation sensitive layer followed by an electron beam sensitive resist layer which is patterned by an electron beam exposure process. The exposed portions of the metal layer are then etched away to form the metal mask pattern.

Abstract: Compound semiconductor bodies are formed by bonding a layer of supporting material to the two opposite faces of a semiconductor wafer and then cutting the semiconductor wafer into two parts in a plane parallel to said faces. The cut surface of each part is then polished.