Abstract: A neutralizing absorbent for acids and bases comprising a superabsorbent powder, a neutralizing chemical, and, optionally, a pH indicator. The absorbent comes in solid form for ease of application. A method for treating acid and base spills is also provided.

Abstract: A precipitating reagent and method is provided for isolating high density lipoproteins from low density lipoproteins in human serum together with a quantitative determination of high density lipoprotein cholesterol. Precipitation of low density lipoproteins is accomplished by the precipitating reagent without the addition of metal ions into the sample. The precipitating reagent lowers the pH of the human serum approximately to the isoelectric point of the low density lipoproteins through the use of an organic buffer. The precipitating reagent also contains a polyanion and neutral polymer. The preferred composition of the precipitating reagent contains about 0.4% phosphotungstic acid by weight thereof, about 2.5% of polyethylene glycol by weight thereof and 2-(N-morpholino) ethane sulfonic acid as the buffer present in a concentration of from about 0.2 molar to about 0.5 molar.