Abstract: A class of fluorescent rare earth chelates and the ligands upon which they are based whose molecular structure incorporates a plurality of substituted arylpyridine diacid units attached to a central template structure is disclosed. These ligands function as efficient energy transfer groups in fluorescent tagging reagents and tracers.

Abstract: A class of fluorescent rare earth chelates and the ligands upon which they are based whose molecular structure incorporates a plurality of substituted arylpyridine diacid units attached to a central template structure is disclosed. These ligands function as efficient energy transfer groups in fluorescent tagging reagents and tracers.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions containing buffers and electrolytes are adjusted to levels required for calibration of both blood gas analyzers and ion selective electrolyte analyzers. A control material, composed of similar matrix, is adjusted to three levels of blood gas and electrolyte conditions. These quality control materials are used to monitor blood gas/electrolyte laboratory instrumentation.

Abstract: A testing module is provided having units which can be arranged seriatim to provide narrow through passageways linked to each other for quantitative determination of analytes passing through the units as by electrical testing with electrodes. Auxiliary passageways are preferably used in one unit to allow flushing of a first sample chamber without contamination from a second sample chamber. An electrode holder carries a membrane backed by a gel to aid in electrically linking the membrane to an electrode and to support the membrane in a substantially planar condition in use.

Abstract: A stable human serum based control for the assay of Total LD and CK and their isoenzymes. This control may be lyophilized and reconstituted and still provide the same enzyme activity prior to lyophilization, for seven (7) days after reconstitution, if stored in the dark at or about 2.degree.0 to 8.degree. C. No thiol compounds other than the amount normally used to purify CK isoenzymes are found in this highly stable control.

Abstract: A unique method and apparatus for dispensing tablets having particular application in the clinical analysis of biological samples. A series of containers are advanced past a plurality of processing stations, one of which is a table dispenser in turn. The processing stations are selectively activated by a controller. A sensor is associated with the tablet dispenser and is arranged to detect whether a tablet has actually entered a container. The sensor is activated only when the tablet dispenser is activated. The controller is responsive to the sensor in dependence upon the condition sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: An improved system (10) is provided for providing access to a sealed container (14) which temporarily provides an opening in the closures of the containers, and either removes contents, senses properties of the contents, or dispenses material into the container. In one embodiment, this system includes a carousel assembly (12) which receives sample containers and moves them to a first location. There, a lift assembly (31) moves each sample container upward against a puncture tube (55) of a penetrating assembly (32). This puncture tube provides an opening in the closure of the container. The system takes a sample through this opening or inserts a probe (65) through the opening to measure the properties of the sample. After the system has performed the sampling, sensing, or dispensing function, a stripper assembly (67) strips the container from the puncture tube, allowing the opening to close.

Abstract: A method and composition of regenerating tissue. More specifically, a method for regenerating pancreatic islet tissue having the histological and insulin-containing properties of islets typically found in neonatal or adult animals is described. The regenerated islet tissue is produced by fetal mesenchyme acting upon an epithelium such that an inductive message causes the epithelium to differentiate into islet tissue.

Abstract: An air knife is positioned to direct a stream or blast of air across the tip of a sample probe as it is withdrawn from a cuvette containing a reagent, diluent, and patient sample solution. After the probe is flushed with diluent, the air knife drives any droplets of diluent fluid off the probe tip into the cuvette and thereby prevents contamination or dilution of the sample material in the sample containers.

Abstract: Cuvette belts are manufactured from strips of plastic material formed with transverse pockets. Lengths of the formed strip material are spliced together to form continuous formed strips from which the cuvette belts are made. A particular feature is the separation of the strip forming process from the slitting and sealing of the continuous formed strips to produce the complete cuvette belts. Specific splicing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Hemoglobin solutions are purified by heating in the presence of a reducing agent or other deoxygenating conditions such that nonhemoglobin proteins are selectively precipitated and/or virus is inactivated while minimizing hemoglobin loss. For example the hemoglobin is heated in the form of deoxyhemoglobin.

Abstract: An improved and unique mixing technique particularly useful as part of the process for the clinical analysis of liquid biological samples is described. The sample is placed in a cuvette along with a reagent and a diluent. The top (opening) of the cuvette is squeezed (reduced in size) and an air jet is directed against the liquid surface formed in the cuvette adjacent the junction of the liquid surface with the wall of the cuvette to create a vortex to produce thorough mixing of the contents of the cuvette and substantially prevent any splashing of the liquid contents.

Abstract: An improved and unique liquid light tube (guide) end cap assembly particularly useful in a system for the clinical analysis of liquid biological samples for directing wavelengths of light is described. The assembly comprises a light guide having projecting at one end portion thereof a quartz member and a housing for containing the end portion of the light guide and the quartz member, thereby forming an aperture between the quartz member and the housing, the aperture having a depth of between about 0.002 and 0.007 inches.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for administering drugs. In particular a lipophilic drug is solubilized by a food, such as chocolate, and admixed with an oil-based carrier. The lipid soluble drug is thus conveyed to the gastrointestinal tract. Because this type of food is digested readily, the drug is absorbed as intended, and the dose is not subject to day-to-day variations.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of activated prothrombin complex concentrate are disclosed which have a F-VIII correctional activity of from about one to 35 units per ml. and an NAPT time of from about 27 to 70 seconds per ml. The compositions are used to treat blood clotting factor inhibitors.

Abstract: Viruses, particularly hepatitis viruses, in blood clotting enzyme compositions are inactivated with little enzyme activity loss by heating the compositions in the dry state. The novel products which result are therapeutically and diagnostically useful.

Abstract: Carcinoembryonic antigen contains immune determinates in common with .alpha.-acid glycoprotein. Carcinoembryonic antigen-containing compositions are purified by adsorption onto antibody to .alpha.-acid glycoprotein. The purified compositions may be employed as standards in carcinoembryonic antigen assays or in the labelled form as tracers. Intact carcinoembryonic antigen is assayed by a modified sandwich-type immunoassay. Other cancer-associated substances may be identified by searching for high molecular weight analogues of normal proteins.

Abstract: Biological indicators are used to evaluate the effectiveness of virus inactivation conducted on virus-contaminated, protein-containing compositions. The indicators comprise dry protein and a predetermined titer of infectious virus.