Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides an analyte detection device comprising a plurality of composite metallic nanostructures conjugated to analyte binding partners and a surface containing a metallic nanolayer on which a plurality of capture molecules is immobilized. Methods of preparing composite nanostructures are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions and mixtures comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and mixtures useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic and/or granulocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analyte detection devices and methods of using such devices to detect minute quantities of a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a method of detecting a target analyte in a sample comprising mixing the sample with a first detection conjugate and a second detection conjugate in solution, wherein the first and second detection conjugates comprise metallic nanostructures coupled to binding partners that are capable of specifically binding to the target analyte if present in the sample to form a complex between the first detection conjugate, the analyte, and the second detection conjugate, wherein a change in an optical signal upon complex formation indicates the presence of the target analyte in the sample. Methods of preparing nanostructures and nanoalloys, as well as nanostructures and nanoalloys conjugated to binding partners, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting target analytes in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system in a rotor or disc format that utilizes a centrifugal force to move the sample through the detection system. Methods of using the rotor detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the rotor detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention discloses analyte detection devices for detecting one or more analytes present in test samples, especially biological samples. In particular, the devices of the invention are lateral flow assay devices comprising immobilized metal nanoparticle conjugates as the detection means. Methods of using the devices and kits comprising the devices are also described.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for detecting the presence of a complex between a first reagent and a second reagent in solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for qualitative or quantitative detection of an analyte or its specific binding partner in complex biological samples. The invention further discloses algorithms using summary rate changes at selected wavelengths in the absorbance spectra of colloidal metal-labeled analytes or specific binding partners to identify intermolecular interactions between the analyte and its binding partner.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences comprising variants in the IR6 domain of the Borrelia VlsE protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Borrelia antigens and the diagnosis of Lyme disease.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of reducing non-specific interactions of interfering species present in a sample in metallic nanoparticle-based assays, thereby increasing the sensitivity of these assays. In particular, the methods entail neutralizing the chemical reactivity of functional groups present in interfering species by addition of a neutralizing agent, such as an alkylating agent or heavy metal ion. The methods are especially useful in assays for the detection of analytes in biological samples. Reagent kits and assay mixtures for the practice of the described methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system capable of one-step amplification of the detection signal by incorporating a secondary flow path that can deliver reagents to a reaction zone. Methods of using the detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for detecting the presence of a complex between a first reagent and a second reagent in solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for qualitative or quantitative detection of an analyte or its specific binding partner in complex biological samples. The invention further discloses algorithms using summary rate changes at selected wavelengths in the absorbance spectra of colloidal metal-labeled analytes or specific binding partners to identify intermolecular interactions between the analyte and its binding partner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for detecting the presence of a complex between a first reagent and a second reagent in solution. In particular, the invention provides methods for qualitative or quantitative detection of an analyte or its specific binding partner in complex biological samples. The invention further discloses algorithms using summary rate changes at selected wavelengths in the absorbance spectra of colloidal metal-labeled analytes or specific binding partners to identify intermolecular interactions between the analyte and its binding partner.

Abstract: Methods for determining the validity or accuracy of a clinical test result are provided. The methods entail obtaining patient analyte concentration data for two or more analytes with a concentration relationship; calculating a likelihood distribution for the concentration relationship between the two or more analytes; obtaining a clinical test result comprising measured concentration values for the two or more analytes; and determining the validity or accuracy of the clinical test result based on whether the clinical test result falls within the boundaries of the likelihood distribution. Analyte pairs that can be analyzed by the methods of the invention include albumin/calcium, sodium/chloride, BUN/creatinine, AST/ALT, total protein/albumin, potassium/total CO2, calcium/phosphorus, calcium/magnesium, potassium/creatinine, magnesium/potassium, Anion gap/potassium, sodium/potassium, chloride/potassium, magnesium/phosphate, ALT/GGT, ALT/ALP, CK/LDH and chloride/total CO2.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting analytes using particles having different physico-chemical properties, such as buoyancy, size, density, spectral characteristics, and/or binding properties, in solution-based sandwich assays and solution-based competition assays. The methods can be performed using rotors and bench-top centrifuges and provide for rapid, qualitative and quantitative detection of analytes. The present invention also provides kits that can be used to perform the methods, and mixtures containing particles suitable for the methods.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions (e.g., peptide compositions) useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens. The peptide compositions comprise polypeptide sequences based on an immunogenic fragment of the Ehrlichia Outer Membrane Protein 1 (OMP-1) protein. The invention also provides devices, methods, and kits comprising such peptide compositions and useful for the detection of antibodies that bind to Ehrlichia antigens and the diagnosis of monocytic ehrlichiosis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an analyte detection system for detecting a target analyte in a sample. In particular, the invention provides a detection system capable of one-step amplification of the detection signal by incorporating a secondary flow path that can deliver reagents to a reaction zone. Methods of using the detection system to detect analytes in samples, particularly biological samples, and kits comprising the detection system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting the accidental use of short and long samples in the clinical analysis of a sample, specimen, or assay. The systems can include a clinical analyzer for determining one or more values for one or more measurable characteristics of a sample. These values are used in combination with reference data stored in a data module to generate a probability that the sample tested is a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample. This probability and/or the status of the sample as a short sample, a long sample, or an acceptable sample are output to a user.