Abstract: A method for determining the activation level of platelets and other types of blood cells that undergo activation by ELISA and other immunoassay techniques includes the step of reacting a sample containing the blood cells in a liquid phase with an excess quantity of an activation-specific primary antibody prior to allowing the cells in the sample to bind to a solid surface. This differs from typical ELISA procedures, wherein the cells are bound to the surface of a plastic test tube or microtiter plate prior to addition of the primary antibody. It has been discovered according to the invention that binding the cells to a surface prior to reaction with the primary antibody changes the activation level of the cells, making the assay less accurate.

Abstract: A cyclic action, electromechanically operated artificial heart having a pusher plate assembly disposed between a pair of bladders for alternately compressing one bladder containing blood directed to the pulmonary system and another bladder containing blood directed to the systemic circulatory system includes a mechanical linkage for translating unidirectional rotary motion of a motor located opposite of both bladders into reciprocating movement of the pusher plate assembly.